12 Miles Below - Chapter 5: A knife to a dream

Michael Alastair never mattered. In a world where strength was everything, he was nothing—just another powerless kid, easy to break and easier to forget. When his tormentors finally took things too far, his story should have ended in that alley, bleeding and alone.But fate had other plans.In the void between life and death, a voice spoke. Cold. Sharp. Amused. [NEW TALENT UNLOCKED: WRITER’S LEGACY]. A system unlike any other—sarcastic, relentless, and strangely invested—offered Michael a power beyond reason and a purpose he never imagined. Now, armed with an SSS-rank ability and a mission to rise, he’s back. And this time, he won’t just survive—he’ll rewrite the rules.

【Time Travel + Workplace Competition + No Lazing Around + Ambitious Female Lead】Overachiever Shen Wei traveled through time and found herself as the lowest-ranking maid in the grand residence of the Yan Prince.The Yan Prince held a prestigious position, but his consorts were all content to live dull lives. The noble-born princess consort was as tranquil as a chrysanthemum; the concubine sought a life of monogamy; the reincarnated woman was utterly disillusioned with the Yan Prince and had given up on striving for anything; and the other timid concubines dared not make a move…The queen of workplace competition, Shen Wei, declared: Don’t stop me! I’m going to outwork these unambitious slackers!…The Yan Prince had grown accustomed to the stagnant atmosphere in his harem, until a particularly skilled courtesan appeared.This concubine was stunningly beautiful, adept at both literature and dance, hardworking, and always brought him fresh excitement. The Prince couldn’t help but take a second, then a lifetime-long, look at her.Years later, Shen Wei became the all-powerful Imperial Noble Consort, with children and the emperor’s exclusive favor.Meanwhile, the princess consort remained as tranquil as ever; the concubine was aging and had yet to experience a monogamous life; and the reincarnated woman was still eating simple meals in her modest abode…After half a lifetime of striving, Shen Wei finally reached retirement and revealed her true nature, fully embracing a life of leisure. The retired emperor interjected: “You competed for favor just to retire?”Shen Wei snacked on melon seeds: “What else?”Living is all about retirement!The retired emperor was even more surprised to find, in midlife, that other men were vying for his wife’s affections!

“I won't divorce you, Melissa. Until your last breath, you will live with me in this nameless marriage,” Radulf declared.Melissa Rosetta, the illegitimate daughter of the Alpha King and an omega servant, had no choice but to comply with her father's demand― marry Radulf De Lagrange, the fallen Alpha of the once-powerful Shadow Hunter Pack.Despite being the strongest dominant alpha, Radulf's influence and power crumbled when his father was accused of treason against the crown.As for Radulf's punishment? He was forced to marry a weak, wolf-less omega, who he had nothing but disdain for. To top it off, he was sent to the Western Frontier on his wedding day.Melissa eagerly awaited Radulf's return as she suffered through ridicule, believing that when he did, he would be happy to see how mighty his pack had become under her care.However, after four years, Radulf returned with a beautiful woman, shattering Melissa's heart.“You betrayed me while I stayed loyal to you. I don't want to live with you and watch your affair with another woman. Divorce me, Radulf, and free me from this marriage. If you don't wish to do that, then mark me,” Melissa demanded on the day of his return.“Divorce you, Feisty Princess? Never! If you want to get marked, then beg me or seduce me to do so,” Radulf challenged.On the day of his rut, he said, “Melissa, my mate, allow me to mark you.”

With a father as strong as the highest heavens themselves, Gravis wasn't required to step into the cold and ruthless world of cultivation. But when Heaven used him in a scheme to get back at his father, Gravis realized that he needed strength to gain true freedom.

As long as he remained his weak self, he would always remain beneath Heaven’s oppression. Only true power brings true freedom. To gain strength, Gravis ventured into the lower worlds to start his cultivation under true life and death tempering.

Only a strong will, which had been forged in striving for every resource available, would allow him to reach the peak. Heaven’s strongest weapon was Lightning of Divine Punishment, and only if he made this weapon his, would he have a chance.

So, to overthrow Heaven,

Lightning Is the Only Way!

Yet, the path to power is painful.

Not everyone reaches the peak.

But Gravis will!

No matter how much pain he feels along the way!