Corrupted Bonds - Chapter 55: A Version That Loves You Back

“Come not between the Dragon and his Wrath.” — William Shakespeare The year was 2140, and Earth was nothing but a distant memory. Humanity now drifted through the galaxies aboard colossal ARKs, massive skyships that served as the last bastions of civilization. Yet, these ARKs were more than just floating cities; they were humanity’s last containers, preserving what remained of their species. A century before Earth’s final collapse, humanity discovered a gateway to a realm known as Eternia — a fantastical world straight out of myth and legend. Reaching this realm required more than just advanced technology; it demanded a complete departure from the physical body and entry into a mysterious process known as the Dream Weave. In the present day, Cloud lived aboard ARK NO. 427, where he had been training from a young age to step into the Dream Weave. He was a standout among his peers, excelling in every tasks that came his way. Everything seemed to be on track for him — until the pivotal day of the Class Selection process.

After her rebirth, Rita vows not to repeat her past mistakes. This time, her first priority is to stop her brother, who is about to marry into the Lopez family, from participating in the initial game beta test. In her previous life, she was deceived by this scheming brother until her dying breath. It was only at the end that she realized she was merely a villain in a male-oriented novel about a live-in son-in-law, with all the malice and manipulation orchestrated by him behind the scenes. In this life, Rita decides to change the rules of the game. She will stay in the shadows and seize all the opportunities meant for the male and female leads. By participating in the beta test and re-selecting her abilities, she systematically dismantles the protagonists’ advantages, all while making them believe she’s on their side. Rita has no intention of harming innocent people, nor is she a selfless saint. In this game, she works with the authorities for mutual benefit, all to achieve her ultimate goal—becoming the true master of her fate.

I found myself possessing the body of a young master who everyone was eager to kill. I’m invincible, so let them try to kill me. It’s only for one second, though.

It has been 10000 years. The tide of spiritual energy has returned.

The prosperous Tokyo has returned to the Edo Period and had hordes of supernatural creatures roaming the streets.

In the desert, the Pharaoh was leading his army and awakening from his eternal slumber.

Vampires and werewolves were locked in a constant battle in the Eastern European plains.

Witches and evil spirits were traversing through the markets of Europa.

The feathered serpent was stretching its body on the American Continent, opening its eyes during the cycle of death.

Humans had fallen from the top of the food chain as they remembered the fear that the legends carried.

In this world where demons and monsters roamed, Lester looked at the shadow of the ferocious worm cast on his body and told his system.

“Please give me a set of Sunfire Cape, Randuin's Omen, Frozen Heart, Spirit Visage, Warmog's Armor, Thornmail, oh yes, and the Gargoyle's Stoneplate, Force of Nature, Adaptive Helm, as well as Righteous Glory...”

He then brought his hands together against the trembling monsters.

“I am not talented, but I am going to bust your heads open today!”

“Grasp of the Undying!” Life Value +5

“Dark Harvest!”Damage Growth +5

“Overgrowth!” Life Value +2%

“Gathering Storm!” Spell Strength +100

What? You want me to eat these mutated creatures? Let me tell you! I, Lester, will rather die of starvation or jump down from here than to...

System: “Life Value +40”

“Wow, it tastes great!”