Earth's Alpha Prime - Chapter 9: "No Pain, No Gain"

[Will you accept the special quest “Idol – Cheon Ise”?] Lim Hyunsung, “Master of Taste”, who pioneered the myth of the restaurant industry. After being killed in some kind of incident, he possesses an idol according to the guidance of an unidentified system.

“This guy… he’s been a failed idol for 5 years?”

Will he be able to save this failed idol with his own hands?

In the wake of the first wave of shadow creatures, the world was plunged into ruin, a desolate yet enchanted wasteland. Humanity, driven underground, clung to survival while desperately plotting to reclaim their shattered world.But from the abyss of darkness, something miraculous stirred—a mysterious tree, shimmering with ancient power, appeared overnight. It chose only the strongest of heart, those with unbreakable will, gifting them extraordinary abilities. With these powers, humanity rose from the depths, waging war against the shadows.Yet beneath the surface of their heroic deeds lay a hidden rot. Corruption seeped into their ranks, and arrogance clouded their judgment. As their powers grew, so did the whispers of betrayal. The true battle may not be against the creatures lurking in the shadows—but against the darkness festering within their own hearts.A question lingers: When heroes fall, who will rise to take their place?

It’s been 11 years since I’ve lived for others and not for me.

The moment I cried out wanting to get away from my exhausting life, I opened my eyes in the body of some Count’s 20-year-old daughter.

Since this happened, I decided to live my life freely as a single woman.

But…

“I need a lady to act as my fake wife for a certain period of time.”

“A contract marriage?”

“The term is one year. When the time is up, I’ll give you divorce with no strings attached.”

The Duke of the Empire whom I had happened to meet at a ball was hitting on me.

Turns out he’s no other than the Emperor’s beloved brother, Duke Scade!

Hold on, it’s just going to end in a clean divorce with no strings attached?

“You should also give me alimony. Give me one of the best lands of the Ducal household with 10 years’ worth of profit.”

“…..What?”

“If you don’t want to do that, then we cannot get married.”

This time I’m going to live a life taking care of the things I need first!

***

“I’ll escort you since it’s late.”

Where to? My bedroom is just around the corner.

“Tonight, I’ll do my best.”

No, I don’t need you to do that.

“Did you just look at that man?”

Excuse me, Duke, you said it’s for a limited time only, so why do you keep obsessing over me?

Astrid dedicated her life to Leon, believing in their love, their pack, their future. But the devastating return of her sister, Clara, as Leon's destined mate, shatters Astrid's carefully constructed world. Betrayal cuts deep, leaving Astrid stripped bare and forced to confront a horrifying truth: her loyalty was misplaced, her sacrifices meaningless.Just as despair threatens to consume her, Kaeleen, a magnetic and rebellious Alpha from a rival pack, storms into her life, igniting a forbidden passion that challenges everything she thought she knew. He offers her a chance to escape the suffocating control of her past, to claim a life of her own, a life where she is the priority.But Leon won't relinquish his prize so easily. Obsessed and dangerously possessive, he unleashes a storm of violence and manipulation, determined to drag Astrid back into the darkness. Now, Astrid must make a desperate choice: succumb to the chains of her past, or embrace the dangerous allure of a love that could save her... or ignite a war that will consume them all.