MTL - The Ugly Prince - ~ ☆ 、 16

The world’s largest VRMMO, Conviction, was almost like a second world for humanity. It had integrated itself into the real world’s economy, with both corporations and individuals seeking their fortunes through the game.

In this game, Nie Yan prided himself in his Level 180 Thief. He could barely be considered among the top experts in the game. Though, that was the only thing he could take pride in. He was penniless and unable to advance in life; a situation he was forced into by the enemy of his father. If it weren’t for the little money he made by selling off items in Conviction, he would’ve barely been able to eat. In the end, he chose to settle his matters once and for all. He assassinated his father’s enemy. He lay dying shortly after being shot in the pursuit.

However, that wasn’t the end of his story. Instead, he awoke moments later to find that he had reincarnated into his past self. Armed with his experience and knowledge of future events, he sets out to live his life anew.

“Breaking News! A 28-year-old IT worker beats three university kids to death with a spiked bat over a dog!”***Following the revenge, John took his own life in stubborn resistance, but that wasn't the end. He and his dog, Alfred, found new life after making a deal with an Eldritch God, Chuthulos.The duo reincarnates in another cosmos where Humans live an intricately connected life with Monsters as Tamers.However, in this perilous journey where his exposure to higher powers can lead to not only his death, but of the entire Eldritch Cosmos, John is not without help, for he receives the Rune of New Beginning, a power shaped into a system made from Eldritch Ancestor, to aid him.“So I can inspect all Monsters, eh? Awesome.”“Evolution Pathways? Cool!”“A private world where I can create biomes and habitats for monsters? A Monster Paradise?! Holy Land!”“Hey, what new function are you going to add in the next level up of the Rune, Chuthulos?”With all stacks on himself, John is determined to make the most of his new life with Alfred and his Pet Monster companions and keep his end of the bargain.

Can't a man maintain his dignity while preparing for the end of the world? Is that too much to ask?

The Tower was all I knew... all any of us knew, and just like that, it was gone. Monsters the likes of which I'd never seen ravaged the land of my ancestors. They burst through the outer walls and stormed the city. No one could have been ready for that. But now... Now I have a second chance.

After the collapse of the known world, I woke up to find myself on the First Floor of the Tower. I was young and healthy, 18 again, and sitting in the same classroom that marked the worst days of my life. Confused and excited, I accepted this gift, deciding to use my vast knowledge of the future to climb the Tower in preparation for the end of the world.

Maybe I'll help some folks along the way? Who knows. Survival comes first.

The clock is ticking, and I'm left with only a century to build a Deck powerful enough to survive the end. Things to do... What's first? I need Essence, and I need power. I'll have to climb the Tower to acquire both of these. Some of the zealots will try to stop me, need to look out for those. What if-

“Hey, kid! Hand over the pouch or-”

Stab

Sorry, where was I? Ah... there's a spot of blood on my suit. What a lousy morning.

In this world of blood and fantasy, century-old Rowan Wilder has to not only survive, but thrive as he powers his way to the top of the Tower. The Demonic Plague that has twisted the creatures on the upper Floors is the least of his worries. Cane in hand and Summons by his side, he'll have to tear his way through the monsters, as well as the humans who want to stop his ascent. Of course, he can maintain a sense of decorum while he faces these trials, right?