Steel and Mana - Chapter 385 – Winter in Markoth (1)

Ethan's head throbbed violently as he opened his eyes, his vision hazy and unfocused. A dull ringing filled his ears, drowning out his thoughts.“What’s happening…?” he thought, his mind sluggish, struggling to catch up with reality. One moment, he was asleep—or at least, he thought he was—and the next, searing pain forced him awake.His vision swam, shapes blurring together in a disorienting mess. But then, muffled noises filtered through the haze—frantic, panicked sounds. Someone was trying to scream, their voice smothered, choked by something.A cold shiver ran down his spine.As his sight gradually sharpened, Ethan's breath hitched.He was on all fours, looming over someone. A girl.Her body twisted and writhed beneath him, ropes biting into her wrists and ankles. Her mouth was gagged, muffling her cries. Her wide brown eyes, brimming with fear and fury, glared up at him.Ethan's body locked in place, his blood running cold.“What the…?” His mind reeled, thoughts slamming into each other in chaotic disarray. “What kind of bizarre dream is this?”Panic clawed at his chest. His breath came in ragged, uneven gasps as he scrambled backward, only to realize his limbs felt sluggish, uncooperative, like they didn’t belong to him.“Is this… is this some kind of twisted fantasy I never knew I had?” A sickening thought slithered through his mind, making his stomach churn.The girl's frantic squirming slowed for a moment, her gaze flickering with confusion as she took in his expression—his trembling hands, his wide, horrified eyes. But the fear returned just as quickly. She struggled harder, her body arching, her muffled screams rising in pitch.Ethan wanted to speak, to say something, anything, but before he could force out a word, a glowing blue window materialized before his eyes.His breath caught.A translucent, hovering screen?“What…?”Lines of glowing text scrolled across its surface.---[System Activated…][Host Confirmed.][Simulating Previous Data…]Ethan awakens in a mysterious world, shackled by a curse that clouds his judgment and drives him toward choices he never wished to make. Burdened by guilt and responsibility, he must navigate the fallout of his actions while unraveling the truth behind the curse—and his place in this enigmatic new reality.

Falling in love with my imposter sister's fiance wasn't the plan. After finding out that she was exchanged at birth and was the real daughter of the Moore family, Eliana was expecting a turn in her life, but nothing changed except that she lived in a big house and could now eat good food. Her parents still ignored her and everything good was first given to Amber, their imposter daughter.She was twelve when she met him, when he saved her from drowning, and when she found out that he already had a betrothed. It was already known that the eldest son of the Sanders family was betrothed to the eldest daughter of the Moore family since birth. She knew this, and it was only natural that she accepted this, but the more they crossed paths, the more she wanted him and the more she wanted more for herself. Eliana was ready to do anything to achieve all her dark desires, even if it made her a villain.After all, there is a saying that goes “Villians are not born, they are made.”

“Strongest Spirit Beasts Master Family” is a fantasy novel that combines elements of adventure, magic, and family bonds. The story is set in a world where spirit beasts play a central role in society, providing magical powers and abilities to those who can form bonds with them.The protagonist hails from a renowned family, known for their mastery over the spirit beasts. The protagonist, a young and promising beast master, embarks on a journey to discover their unique powers and forge bonds with the most formidable spirit beasts.The novel explores themes such as responsibility, courage, and the importance of understanding and respecting nature. As the protagonist grows and learns, they uncover secrets about their family’s legacy and the true nature of spirit beasts. Along the way, they face challenges from rival families, dark forces threatening the balance of the world, and internal conflicts about their destiny.The narrative is filled with thrilling battles, deep connections with mystical creatures, and a rich world-building that draws readers into the intricacies of the spirit realm. The protagonist's journey is not only about mastering the spirit beasts but also about understanding themselves and the power of unity and love within a family.