Shadow's Hand - Chapter 8: Foul Stench

The world is in ruins. Extreme sub-zero temperatures suffocate the surface, making even simple survival an ordeal. Frozen derelicts of bygone eras span across massive ice wastes. And the survivors closely guard any technology rediscovered within.The only escape from the deadly climate is beneath the surface. But it’s another disaster underground. Monstrous machines lurk in the depths. Unhinged demigods war against them, dying over and over, treating it all like a game. The land itself shifts over time, more contraption than rock. And an ominous prophecy states that the key to everything waits on four heroes - but nobody knows who or where they are.When an expedition into the far uncharted north goes terribly wrong, Keith Winterscar and his father get trapped together in a desperate fight for survival. Stumbling upon an ancient war of titanic scale; the two will need to set their differences aside while they struggle against Gods, legends, and the grand secrets of the realm that lies below.

Takahiro Nao, a 25-year-old drowning in debt and despair, lives only for his struggling family. Every sacrifice he makes is for them—until a selfless act costs him his life. Instead of the end, Nao encounters a Goddess of Benevolence who offers him a miraculous deal: “Live in a new world, and your efforts there will support your family back on Earth.”Reborn into the dead body of Naoki von Blackmore, the so-called “Failed Hero,” he finds himself burdened with the daunting task of saving the world by defeating the Demon King—all while supporting the family he cherishes. Armed with formidable powers yet haunted by his past failures, Nao steps into a dangerous realm of swords, magic, and ferocious monsters. Facing relentless enemies, harrowing trials of life and death, and an unyielding fate, he’s forced to confront the ultimate question: how far is he willing to go to protect the people he loves?Filled with emotional struggles, determination, unexpected humor, and a touch of romance, this story asks a powerful question to the readers: What would you sacrifice for the people you love?

Wen Ying became the “Unlucky One” chosen by Lord God.No matter which world she appears in, she is not loved.————“I heard that you became a sugar baby?”“Stepped on three boats. Ah, the boats probably capsized.”“You are a minister’s wife, but you’re seducing his majesty, why are you such a slag?”Actress-born Wen Ying, displayed the exclusive smile of a white lotus——So what? In the end, won’t all of you become my ministers.

This text has been published under the name “Amidst the Falling Stars”.“President, I've found a little Baozi who looks a lot like you.”“President, Baozi says he doesn't have a real dad; he's a test-tube baby!”“……”He'd only been gone for two days, only to be told by his secretary that he'd been high-grade counterfeited, and it was a mini version of him!Test-tube baby?Thud!One phone call, city-wide search for Baozi, and also Baozi's... mom...Half an hour later...“President, we've found Baozi's mom... it's just... the young assistant you just fired.”“……”Before meeting Ou Mucen, Ye Ning was both the inconspicuous adopted daughter of the Ou Family and the true hidden master of the Antique Circle. She was exceptionally talented and intelligent, content with living a simple life.But after meeting Ou Mucen, her persona collapsed...