Rise of the Living Forge - Chapter 518: Tubs

Shennugou is an old and infertile place. It’s hard to find a woman to marry here.

“Who the hell is that?” I whispered more to myself than my assistant Zeeb Elijah who stood next to me at the Golden Shifter Pack Annual dinner.“No,” Zeeb seethed Vehemently. “Don't even think about it, Lucian. That is the Rogue Alpha Conri Dolf. He was exiled from the pack and only shows himself during the annual dinner as demanded by the pack elders. It is said he killed his mate and went rogue. I am warning you, Lucian, that is one forbidden territory that you can venture into.”**********************************Billionaire CEO Lucian Freki is a name that generates all kinds of feelings amongst the Golden Shifter Pack of Alaska. Tall, handsome, wealthy bachelor, arrogant, and a bastard playboy who refused to settle down.Until his eyes land on Rogue Alpha Conri Dolf…Lucian is drawn in by Conri’s powerful demeanor and his deep ocean eyes. According to the pack, Conri was exiled after the death of his mate and he went rogue. He lives alone in the deep mountains of Alaska and rumor has it that he is volatile and kills anyone who dares approach him.Just one look made Lucian crave Conri. He begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate his desires and possess Conri. Lucian will stop at nothing to get Conri back in the golden pack, amidst the lurking enemies that want Conri dead and discover the secrets behind his exile.

In the year 2031, the earth has further advanced in its technological developments. Though there are democracies, republics, and several other systems of governance followed by various countries, there is still one country that adheres to the feudal system—the Arinphiam Empire.The empire is divided into three parts, where the royal family coexists with the central government to control the empire, keeping it as one of the strongest nations on planet Earth.The richest man on this planet belongs to this empire, where noble families still exist, governed by laws specifically made for them by the royal family instead of the central government.Marquess Avendial Croceaus has finally returned to the past, to the year 2031—a year before the tower's arrival—on the date where his downfall began.As he returns to the past, he discovers himself facing the initial setback of his life, where accusations of treason are soon to fall upon him.This world-building novel presents a completely fresh story with new ideas and plots, where the efforts of the main character lead him to become the one who changes his fate as a villain.Content warning: Adult R-18 Chapters without any warning, as they could be part of the story, a slow but well-paced story to provide the detailed idea about the world-building, a weak main character with the debuff of seven curses, making him even cut off from the chances of growth.

“The masterminds are cooler than heroes,” I mutter as I stare at the chess pieces before me. It is easier to be the one who sits in the shadows and moves the pieces, likewise deciding the flow of the game.Heroes will foolishly sacrifice their lives for the good cause and villains will sacrifice the world for their own gain, but masterminds will use both the heroes and villains to their own benefit.Why, you ask? Well, that's because I've lost my life once while trying to be a hero so, I don't want that anymore. I'd rather be a mastermind who molds the world as per my convenience and live peacefully. Because, why not?***[Defender of Divine Glory says you are the hope of this world.]What?[Goddess of Wisdom believes that you will be the one to save the world.]Wait, what?![Propose the Grand Duke the idea of a fake marriage.]And, why would I do that?![Stop the assassination of Prince Eric.]Why would I save him?![The candidates for the throne are:... Who will you choose?]Ah! I give up...It seems like a curse that anyone who wishes for a slacker life in Isekai will have to go through the most troublesome things.In my past life, I died because of one rookie mistake but after being transmigrated in the world of fantasy I've gotten an opportunity to start afresh, but unlike the protagonists who look for their love and glory, I'd rather make money and live a life of a slacker.I have magic, I have power and I have money, what else do I need?Well, that was the plan but this damn system is getting on my nerves. I mean who in their sane mind would want to mess with the complicated royal family and political affairs? But that's not all though.I've also become the saviour of this world. Things just can't be anymore worse!Besides, the penalty of failing this quest is...[Failure: Destruction of the World.]It seems like if I screw up in selecting the right person then the destruction that is going to befall the world won't be stopped.If I speak of my reward then it's this vague thing.[Reward: Fulfillment of any wish.]“If that's the case then, I'd rather choose the person who would be the best fit for the throne.”And that's how I decided that I would become the Kingmaker.