Short, Light, Free - Chapter 149: Blemish of Time (Part 2) II

“There is no fairness in this godforsaken world”

- Leo

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With the appearance of the ferocious beasts and hideous monsters, humanity was on the verge of extinction.

As humanity lost its hope, a few otherworldly beings referred to themselves as ‘Gods’ appeared and helped humans in creating new cities from the rumbles.

Before leaving the world, they left a special gift that could help the humans awaken their talents hidden deeply in their bodies as there were still monsters and beasts outside these newly created cities.

With the help of their newly awakened talents, the humans started fighting the monsters and beasts on their own.

That’s the beginning of a new chapter in human history as humans started becoming heroes.

In such a world, a 12-year-old kid was framed for theft and the murder of his adoptive parents by some powerful heroes.

Furthermore, they even planned to kill him and make his body disappear to avoid future trouble.

However, after 10 years, he returned to the city with a different name to take revenge against those so-called powerful heroes while trying to find out the reason behind the death of his adoptive parents.

“I don’t know exactly who you are and why you did that, but I will find out even if I have to kill all the powerful heroes in the city.”

Standing in front of the gates of the Phirie city, Leo muttered to himself with a cold look on his face.

A world where awakened individuals with special powers emerge due to a system. At the New Spring Kindergarten infant class, Gru awakens as an S-rank Hunter at the age of 4. Along with this, there is a quest assigned to her… [Quest: A child needs a strong guardian!] Why is a guardian needed? That is because Gru has no mother or father. Gru, who had no family, is adopted by the greatest Hunter in South Korea after many twists and turns, and along with that, new skills are developed… [Let’s try registering a new guardian in the slot!] [Children can earn ‘filial piety points’ through various activities, which can be used in different areas.] Gathering guardians enables faster growth? ‘That’s amazing!’ Alright, I’ll gather all the S-rank guardians!

It's hard to win when your competition is small, cute, and calls your (future) wife their mommy.Lara spent six years doing odd jobs to sustain her five-year-old kids. She fled from her birth town after noticing some of her children's weird habits.They growl when they fight, and their teeth can cut the skin like it's nothing. They prefer meat when it's cooked raw. They howl at the moon when they don't want to sleep.However, they're her children.She's been on the run ever since to protect them. She knows nothing about the stranger she met that day and whom she spent the night with. Even the details are blurry in her mind, except for that weird, compelling attraction that brought them together.When she scores an interview at the most prestigious company in Norwich City, she thinks her life will turn for the better. Until she meets him again.Nathaniel Woods, Alpha Nate, is the CEO of LY Corp. A fated night of six years ago, he found his true mate. Unfortunately, that woman fled after their passionate night, leaving no traces for him to follow.A twist of fate makes them meet again, and he's settled on not letting her escape.But this time, she's not alone. There are two pups with her, growling and fighting, firmly set on not letting him get to their mommy.WARNINGS:Possessive male lead and even more possessive little buns.Slight misunderstandings, not too annoying (hopefully). The male lead is doting, but life is difficult with two jealous pups preventing him from wooing his (future) wife.The story follows other characters along with the leads.Smut content (signaled at the beginning with a warning).Werewolves are a little different from usual, so please bear with my version of the trope ;)If you can't stand too much cuteness, do not open this book.If you're allergic to dog fur, stay further away. Characters here are wolves, but some of them grow ears and tail when they're excited (or claws when they feel threatened).This book is dedicated to all the parents single-handedly raising their cubs

In a realm where power is determined by affinities—elemental forces that shape magic, combat, and survival—Ethan is an anomaly. While most people are born with a single affinity, Ethan stands apart, wielding a vast range of abilities granted by a mysterious Ancestral-line System. This unique system taps into the untapped potential of his vampire and dwarven bloodline, unlocking ancestral powers far beyond the norm.At just 18 years old, Ethan's journey begins when he accidentally awakens this system, discovering that he is the heir to a forgotten lineage that blends the strength, resilience, and mysticism of both vampire and dwarven ancestors, a perfect hybrid of both. Though he must awaken and evolve to harness their power. However, the more power he gains, the more he learns about the dark secrets of his lineage—secrets that others would kill to possess.Unlike everyone else, Ethan's affinities are not innate; they are granted by the system based on his bloodline’s ancient heritage. As he levels up, he acquires abilities that no one in the current era has ever seen: the Psychic powers of telekinesis and telepathy from ancient vampire lords, the earth-shaping skills of dwarf warriors, and a host of hidden abilities that challenge the world’s very understanding of magic.But power comes with a price. Ethan quickly finds himself targeted by powerful factions and hidden enemies who fear what his bloodline could mean for the balance of the world. Ancient forces tied to his ancestry awaken, each with their own agenda—some seeing him as a threat to be eliminated, others as a tool to be used.Accompanied by a diverse group of companions, each with their own affinities and secrets, Ethan embarks on a perilous journey. Together, they traverse beast-filled forests, ancient ruins, worlds and perilous dungeons, all while facing foes who seek to exploit or destroy Ethan’s unique powers. Along the way, bonds are forged, fates are entwined, and the line between friend and foe blurs as Ethan learns that his destiny is far greater than he ever imagined.But with every new ability comes a deeper question: What is the true purpose of the Ancestral-line System? As he battles monstrous creatures, rival affinity users, and ancient curses, Ethan must confront the reality that his bloodline holds the key to either the salvation or the destruction of their world or something else entirely.In a world governed by affinities, Ethan’s unmatched power sets him on a path that could change everything—or lead to his downfall.Will he master the secrets of his ancestry and forge his own fate, or will the weight of his heritage drag him into the depths of a history best left forgotten?