Still, Wait For Me - Chapter 680: Sudden betrayal

Some crowns are forged in blood. Others are drowned beneath it.In a city strangled by smoke and silence, where children are shackled to machines and shadows rule behind gilded masks, Keiran is just another forgotten soul—until the mark appears.Buried beneath the factory’s foundations lies a world long erased from history. Ancient oaths whisper through stone and water, and something older than memory begins to stir. As Keiran is drawn deeper into the abyss, he uncovers a legacy not meant for mortal hands—a crown shattered in defiance, a flood sealed by sacrifice, and a power that demands a price.Hunted by tyrants, haunted by echoes, and bound to secrets he never asked for, Keiran must choose: drown in the tide of what came before, or rise against the current and reclaim what the world was forced to forget.But the deeper he goes, the more the truth unravels…And beneath it all, something still breathes.

The story follows Matt, a young man planning to delve the rifts responsible for the monsters that destroyed his city and killed his parents. His dreams are crushed when his Tier 1 Talent is rated as detrimental, and no guild or group will take him.Working at a nearby inn, he meets a mysterious and powerful couple. They give him a chance to join The Path of Ascension, an empire wide race to ascend the Tiers and become living legends.With their recommendation and a stolen skill, Matt begins his journey to the peak of power.

[The Absolute Dweller]

Absolute Dweller’s Declaration (Passive) Level 1

No one can invade the dwelling space without the Absolute Dweller’s permission.

Surviving thanks to awakened skills, there was, however, one problem: “Ah, damn.”

[The Absolute Dweller cannot leave the dwelling space.]

That’s right, the inability to step outside the home.

It was a normal world.At least for those ‘normal’ folks.A life of normalcy wasn’t for Zaen, a 19-year-old dropout whose life wasn’t as messed up as the others.It was all because of the inheritance his parents had left him. Riches, women, and a loving little brother. It was a perfect life that many envied.What could possibly go wrong?[Congratulations, mortal! You have been selected to participate in the Hunter Games!][Slay anomalies and gain treasures. Anything you get inside the game is yours for the taking!]“What the hell is this all about?“[Mission 1: Survival!][Introduction: A mischievous anomaly wants to play with you. How long will you survive in the game of hide-and-seek?][Time Limit: 24 hours.]“What the hell? I’m not going anywhere!“[Failure to comply would result in the death of all the participants’ families.]Before Zaen could do anything, a blood red mist swallowed him, leaving nothing behind.The Hunter Games had found a new participant.***Novel inspired by SCP, JJK and all that jazz.***For artworks and webtoon-panels join: https://discord.gg/bjetmPER5p