Ark (Published Novel) - Vol 23 Chapter 6

In a world torn apart by rifts that release dangerous monsters, Espers—humans imbued with powerful abilities—serve as humanity's last line of defense. But the power of an Esper comes with a price. Overuse of their abilities leads to dangerous corruption, a force that can destroy them from the inside out. This is where Guides come in: individuals with the unique ability to calm the corruption within Espers and restore their balance.Rowan Mercer, an S-class Guide, is one of the best in his field, capable of stabilizing even the most dangerous Espers. He has worked quietly behind the scenes, helping those in need, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he is called to work with Lucian Vaughn, an S-class Esper whose immense power and unstable corruption levels make him a dangerous threat to himself and others.Lucian, a tall, stoic, and enigmatic figure, has long fought against the growing corruption within him. At first, his relationship with Rowan is purely professional—Rowan as his Guide, helping him to stay in control. However, as their interactions grow more frequent, their bond deepens in ways neither expected. What started as a simple duty soon turns into a complex relationship where power, trust, and vulnerability collide.As the world around them faces escalating threats from rifts, Rowan and Lucian must navigate not only their personal challenges but also the dangerous world of Espers and Guides. Their bond will be tested as they fight together against the corrupting forces that threaten them both.In Corrupted Bonds, survival isn’t just about battling monsters from the rifts—it's about fighting the darkness within themselves and finding a way to stay connected in a world that’s constantly pulling them apart.

The most awesome thing that the timid and shy Wen Zhichu did in his life was to save two elementary school students who were crossing the road recklessly. For the first time in his life, he had successfully tried to show his bravery. In the process, he also successfully died.

When he woke up again, he found that he had transmigrated into the book as a cannon fodder villain who repeatedly kept making trouble for the protagonist, and finally because of offending the protagonist, he was forced to sleep on the streets.

Since he was a child, his mother had told him that his body was delicate.

Wen Zhichu, who couldn’t sleep on the street: !!!!!

Just when Wen Zhichu planned to not participate in the plot at all, he was accidentally bound to a villain system. If he didn’t make trouble for the protagonist according to the original plot, his money would be deducted, and he will have to go to sleep on the streets earlier than in the original novel.

Wen Zhichu: -smile-

Wen Zhichu was forced to follow the path of the villain, and every time he saw the protagonist’s strong body, his calf trembled. The protagonist’s single punch looked like it was enough to kill two Wen Zhichus.

Villain’s Mission: Destroy the protagonist’s lunch.

- Description from Novelupdates

I became a staff officer of an empire whose defeat was certain.The only way to escape from the empire with an 8-year mandatory service was through dishonorable discharge.But then…“You can be glad, Lieutenant. Thanks to your accurate instinct, our military could prevent damage in advance.”The more I struggled to be discharged, the higher my performance evaluation became.

“I am not an ordinary detective, but a NEET detective. Searching the whole world to locate the words of the dead.”

The NEET Detective leading the NEETs who gathered in the dark alley – Alice said that.

The perplexing incident that Ayaka and I were wound into during the winter of my first year at high school, and also the malicious drug ‘Angel Fix’ that corroded the city, the mystery was unraveled by the detective girl Alice who doesn’t take even one step out of her room.

“Knowing the truth might destroy the tranquil life of your past, do you wish to know even so?”

Because of my answer, the NEETs who usually do nothing were mobilized to solve the case!