Duality of Shadows - Chapter 225: Next Steps

Fifty years ago, rifts appeared in the world. These rifts spewed spirit beasts, ancient artifacts, and fragments of lost civilizations. The human race brought forth Talent Sigils and built guilds and families for survival.These families include one of the oldest awakened bloodlines, known as “The Long Clan,” said to trace its lineage from the dragons of antiquity.However, rivalries also exist within great clans.His name is Long Hao, the son of a dwindling lineage family who is ridiculed for being the embarrassment of the clan. It is not impossible for people to believe that he has only mediocre talent because the clan already labels him as the failure who does not deserve the name dragon.But on the night before the awakening ceremony, there is a prohibited awakening within him.> [Eclipse System… Activating[Forbidden Talent Detected. Origin: Dragon-Eclipse BloodlineIt seems that *Heaven’s Law* itself has madeLong Hao wields forbidden talent, a skill feared not only by humans but also by the heavens.The day that follows, the Awakening Stone has no talent, and the world laughs at him.But Long Hao just smiled.When the first dungeon appears out of nowhere in his high school, chaos breaks out. “The trash of the Long Clan” emerges and displays power that shocks the city.He will overcome his destiny.Above the guilds.Above ancient clans. Beyond God's own command. A dragon ought to fly across the nine heavens, and he, named Long Hao, shall smash those who come to get in his way.A dragon should soar across the nine heavens—and Long Hao will shatter anyone who dares stand in his path.

They said the Aether was Paradise. But that was a lie.In 2098, earth was a waste land, which caused humanity to divide. The trillionaires uploaded their minds into a digital heaven, leaving their physical bodies behind in the frozen vaults of the Server Farms.Elias is a Caretaker. He doesn't ask questions. He just scrubs the glass, checks the tubes, and ensures the sleeping gods don't decay. It’s was a calm, dark life... until Pod 815 wakes up.She shouldn't be awake. She shouldn't be screaming. And she definitely shouldn't know his name.Suddenly thrown into a conspiracy that threatens to delete the human race, Elias is infected with a forbidden code. A “Glitch” that the System cannot control.While others play by the rules of the simulation, Elias breaks them.While others hack the firewall, Elias consumes it.He awakened something big.Now, the most powerful AI in existence wants him dead. The city wants him erased. But they are about to learn a terrifying lesson:You cannot kill a virus that...........Hop right in to chapter 1 and find out for yourself;)qd

Warning: This work contains elements of mature content featuring sex, violence, and gore.

Follow the journey of a wandering drunk swordsman who will punch immortals, kick demons, and cut down gods as he ascends the heavens in search of better women and wine.... hic...

Women, Wine, and Wager

The three most terrible vices a man could possess. Luckily, Duncan was only afflicted with two - women & wine. As an ordinary spirit stone miner, Duncan only cared about earning money to indulge in his two vices.

However, Duncan's fate had a twist in the form of a cantankerous old man who wanted to both reward and punish him in good measure. It leaves Duncan with a rather poor opinion of cultivators in general.

Pulled into the world of cultivation unwittingly, Duncan only cares for three things. His sword, his wine, and his women.

In the Heart’s Kingdom, a kingdom where vampires reign and humans were nothing but livestock, Lilou, a peasant, found herself being preyed upon by the worst maniacal vampire of his kind. However, as terrifying as what he addressed her as his ‘reserved meal’, this vampire also called her his bride!

Except:

My eyes brood with fear, gazing at the still-beating heart in his hand. “My Lord, pardon me but… is this the bloody proof you promised to show me?” I asked, my voice shook as I gulped down whilst struggling my trembling knees from giving away.

“Mhm… do you now believe I’m good at capturing hearts?” The silver-haired man, bearing those menacing pair of deep crimson eyes stared proudly at me after a nod. I gasped when he clenched his hand and squeezed the fresh heart to smithereen.

“Yes, milord. You’re good at it, literally.” I’m mortified, watching the pieces of the heart fall as he approached. His every step made me take a step back until my back reached a solid pillar.

“Huh,” Samael chuckled briefly, stopping in front of me. His long, pointy nails that were covered with blood traced my elbow down to my hand. Gently, he clipped my forefinger in between his, guiding it before his lips. “Did I pass your test, though?” He asked, the sharp tip of his nail played over the tip of my finger.

I stared at his penetrating gaze as I reluctantly answered, “Barely.”

He smirked, nodding in satisfaction before he pressed his nail on the tip of my forefinger that was quick to produce a drop of blood. “Such sweet aroma.” He whispered, placing my bleeding finger in his mouth and licked it with passion.

His menacing gaze never left mine as he consumed a bit of my blood. “Does that mean you’re accepting my invitation?” Keeping my finger in between his fangs, Samael inquired.

I bit my lower lip unconsciously, my heart within my chest drummed as my back broke into sweats. “But… I’m just…” I paused, hoping my answer would put an end to this. “… I’m just a human.”

Samael clicked his tongue, displeased at my response as he let my finger go. “No,” He whispered.

My entire body stiffened when he bent over, caressing my shoulder up to my neck by the apex of his nose, as his hot breaths prickled my skin.

“You're not just a mere human... you are my human.” He stressed before I sensed his lips part and the tip of his fangs against my skin.