MTL - Close Combat Mage - Chapter 388 Wound of Betrayal

“I’m just a normal person who also has personal storage power.”When the next-gen VR game, Second World, finally arrived, the MC took a bottle of water out of his personal storage and took a sip before he was stunned.“T-this is inside the game, right?”From that day onward, he could bring in-game items out into the real world and vice versa. His life was completely changed.

In a world of power struggles and betrayal, A hero was once a loyal warrior who dedicated his life to helping his childhood friend ascend to the throne. Through blood, sweat, and unwavering devotion, he paved the way for his friend's reign—only to be betrayed the moment his goal was achieved. His life was cruelly stolen, but fate had other plans.Instead of death, he awakens in his childhood once more, armed with the memories of his tragic fate. This time, he will not be the loyal shadow of a false friend. This time, he will seize the throne himself.Yet, this is not his story.Our true protagonist is an ordinary man who finds himself reincarnated into this world—not as a hero, but as an extra. A mere background character destined to meet a tragic end, a third prince whose death will serve only as fuel for the true villain's rise. Slated to become an undead knight under the fourth prince, the last and most terrifying villain of this dark tale, he must now defy fate itself.With knowledge of the future and a world filled with scheming nobles, ruthless warriors, and an impending catastrophe, can this forsaken prince change his fate? Or will he meet his destined end, only to rise as a pawn in the villain’s grand scheme?A tale of revenge, survival, and defying fate begins now.

Religious and cultural schisms wreak havoc on its internal politics, while revolutions are brewing in neighboring kingdoms. The aristocratic houses play endless power games amongst themselves, and the Emperor desperately abuses what little influence he has left to keep his rivals down.Amidst all of this, Arnold von Hohenfels, first son of the Margrave of Hohenfels, finds himself in the unfortunate position of having to attend the Imperial Academy, a notorious battleground of wits and brawn for ambitious young nobles.Armed with a magical gift that is as much a blessing as it is a curse, he must learn to navigate the treacherous waters of aristocratic entanglements. In the name of his family’s ambition, he must represent House Hohenfels' interests in this microcosm of Imperial politics, deal with his formidable enemies, form alliances of his own, and somehow keep his brash cousin Friedrich out of trouble.Frankly, he would much rather be anywhere else.

Lucas Carter, a stressed-out office worker, never expected to die, let alone be reincarnated into a brutal world where beasts are the key to power. Born as the heir to a lowly barony, surrounded by elves, beastkin, dragons, and demonic clans, he was supposed to be a mere pawn, nothing more than a stepping stone for the true power players.But fate had other plans. Armed with a modern strategist’s mind and a mysterious system that grants him the ability to tame legendary beasts, Lucas quickly rises above the limitations of his birth. With the power to summon beasts, fuse them into deadly weapons, and unlock hidden skills, Lucas is no longer just surviving—he’s thriving.By his side are his loyal companions:Umbra, a Black Nemean Lion with indestructible fur and devastating roars that disrupt magic.Zephyra, a playful yet fierce Baby Wind Dragon who wields the power of wind itself.With his growing army of legendary beasts and his tactical genius, Lucas begins to build an empire. Along the way, he forms bonds with powerful women from every race, all while navigating the dangers of political intrigue, betrayal, and the constant threat of rivals who want to take everything he’s earned.One beast at a time, Lucas will carve his name into history. But in a world where strength is everything, can his cunning and loyalty to his beasts truly make him the ultimate ruler?