The Only Player in 'Child of Stardust' - Chapter 10 - 9: Very Good at Dealing with People

“God, please. If you are real, make my one last wish come true. Let me live.”When Callisto got diagnosed with an incurable genetic disorder at age 5, she was expected to live for only ten more years.With her life on its last leg, Callisto underwent an operation that has a one in a million chance of success called the Mutated DNA Fusion, granting her wish to live. However, the operation gave her more than what she wished for.With her black hair turned silver, cat ears overhead, and a tail from her behind, Callisto now has to live her life as a half-human and half-animal, a catgirl.

Ryuk’s life in the forsaken Grade E city was bleak, but it truly shattered when a Knull raid took his last family and left him for dead. On the brink of despair: [System Activation Complete.] [Congratulations, Host has awakened the Draconic Pets Evolution System!] [Welcome host, to the path of domination.] Thrust into Endearth, a shattered mirror of Earth teeming with mythical creatures—vampires, werewolves, cosmic gods—and the unstoppable Knulls, Ryuk sets out on a journey of relentless growth, vengeance, and discovery. But power comes with a price, and the dual nature of his gift could either save humanity or destroy everything. This is a story of evolution, redemption, and defiance. Join Ryuk as he rises from nothing, building unshakable bonds with allies and carving his path in a world where strength is the only currency.

After the college entrance exam, Su Mu, who comes from an ordinary family and works as a waiter in a hotel, accidentally breaks a priceless antique.The exorbitant compensation fee immediately sends Su Mu into a panic.With no other option, he reluctantly calls his father, Su Ruizhi, for help.Su Ruizhi said, “Son, don't panic. Let me tell you the truth. In fact, our family has assets worth billions, and even the luxury hotel where you work belongs to our family!”Ding! [Thirty million has been deposited into your bank account.]Looking at the bank notification on his phone, Su Mu is utterly dumbfounded.'Damn, I had no idea our family is so wealthy!'

In 2173, the world’s first Full-World Virtual MMORPG game ‘Astral Online’ went on sale globally, forever changing the blue planet Asteria!

With its revolutionary Digital Capture System, astonishing graphics and ability to scan yourself into the game with up to 20% beautification, countless defenders rallied to play the game.

Fifty million players logged in on launch. There were no queues or lag on launch, leaving countless critics impressed and willing to try the game. Because the game used a 6-hour play limit a day, it allowed even working adults to keep up with young students and the unemployed.

A resounding success, as more people poured onto the game servers, families and friends alike. Astra Online became a household name overnight.

One month later, the game opened its first RMT system, which made earning a living from the game easier... Thus began the Astral rush!

Professional players formed guilds and factions to increase their profits, but nobody could know this prosperity was a mere joke.

One year later, players fused with their avatars, gaining powerful abilities in the real world, which tipped the power and caused chaos.

Two years later, demons and monsters from inside the game invaded the real world.

Three years later, over 90% of humanity perished, leaving the rest to hide like rats, unable to fight back in fear.

Four years later, this world is no longer ours. The demons march on our last bastions, one by one. They exterminated us.

Zell was an average player who liked to collect beasts in the game and evolve them into humanoids, as they were primarily females.

He spent most of his life working two jobs to make ends meet.

Thanks to the excellent healthcare of his country, there were no crippling debts. There was only emptiness.

When the end came, he was powerless and alone. His only companions were his cute pets and Rika, his cherished Flame Rabbit.

She was the only beast he evolved to a humanoid form after his late start to the game.

He died saving the life of a strange girl with white wings and his pet Rika, the sad eyes of Rika and the girl’s sorrow floating through the air as he slowly passed away.

However, instead of dying, he awoke inside an empty white room with a single computer and a strange, game-like screen that allowed him to edit his IRL avatar and persona.

Who offered him this second chance?

For what reason did they help him?

Can he meet Rika again?

Zell could never know; he only knew his second life’s goal.

Survive!