Martial King's Retired Life - Volume 1 Chapter 21 The One-of-a-kind Ruffian and The World’s Number One Scumbag

I never thought I had meaning to my life, but I guess I have a talent too.

「Get ready. The duel will begin soon.」

Devastated by the death of her destined mate and her family, Reana refused to choose another mate for three years. But with the council breathing down her neck, she had no other choice but to consider her options: Beta Ryan, the one who was chosen by the pack to become her second chance mate.But to everyone's surprise, she chose a servant, Ryder. The pack members and the council were livid. How could they bow to a servant turned Alpha?It was already enough that their Black Moon Pack was magnanimous to strays – in the past, giving them a home and work to help their living conditions, but now, one of such people would become their Alpha? Impossible! No way! What if Ryder was a spy? An enemy in disguise?Meanwhile, Ryder, the servant, was more than that. He was the feared and revered Alpha Snow of the Southern Islands - the dared-devil who was at war with the moon goddess for three lifetimes, just for Reana. And this lifetime, he was going all out, laying all his cards down.Who cares what he has to become just to claim his woman? Since Reana would not marry an Alpha from other packs, yet, was destined to become a Luna, then joining her pack as a 'pitiful' servant was his best bet.***Reana's heart skipped a beat. There was something about the way Ryder said 'My Luna' that sent a shiver down her spine. The possessive undertone was unmistakable, and for a moment, Reana felt a flutter in her chest. She looked away, trying to compose herself. Perhaps, he didn't mean it that way, after all, he was the first to call her that. It was either 'Luna Reana' or plainly 'Luna.'With this conclusion, she turned back to him, her face cold and indifferent as usual, intending to respond. “You're my cho—” She stopped herself, her gaze drifting to the smudge of blood on his cheek. She didn't like the stain; it marred his handsome face like a drop of red ink on a white ceremonial dress.Without thinking, Reana reached out to clean the blood. As her hand made contact with his warm skin, a jolt of electricity coursed through her. Startled and about to withdraw her hand, Ryder suddenly leaned into her touch.Reana's heart skipped another beat. Ryder's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with intensity. “Does My Luna find me worthy to become her chosen mate?” he asked, his voice low and husky. “I think I have good qualities. I don't have a mate, nor have I ever touched any woman. I'm still a virgin…”***Please, check the review and character profile first, then prologue chapter before you dive into the story. It's very, very important.More tags~#Rebirth#Obsession

Go back to 2000.

Lin Feng didn’t want to disturb the situation, he just wanted to protect the things he cherished.

However, there is no need to explain the open life.

Since it’s all over again, there’s no turning back when you open the bow!

- Description from novelbuddy

Facing extinction, humanity seeks salvation in the Astral Verge, a dangerous dimension accessed via portals that threatened to wipe out the entire planet.Few years later, aspiring recruit Daniel Vance enters the Verge for his final assessment, hoping to Awaken a Talent and secure his future. While others gain common abilities, Daniel secretly Awakens the mythical SSS-Grade Talent: [Soul Assimilation]. This allows him to absorb essence, enhancing gear, gaining stats and EXP from slain creatures, and crucially, absorbing attributes and skills from fallen Awakened.Witnessing the swift death of the arrogant Jaxon Rex, Daniel makes a grim choice: he assimilates Jaxon, gaining his first skill, [Kinetic Pulse]. This sets his path: scavenging the aftermath of others’ battles. He enhances gear and, after achieving his first kill on an injured beast, waits patiently to assimilate two more fallen recruits, acquiring [Quick Step] and the invaluable passive [Aura Sense].Starting as average, Daniel rapidly gains power in secret, enhanced gear, multiple skills, and boosted stats , far exceeding his peers while remaining outwardly unremarkable. He navigates the lethal Verge alone, using its inherent dangers to fuel his growth, wrestling with the moral cost of his unique, overwhelming power.