Industrial Strength Magic - Chapter 10: Debut of Paradox

Revere knowledge, pursue truth, control fire, command frost, manipulate lightning, ride storms, enslave the undead...Spreading ancient prophecies and curses, known as the wizard.“Immortal Phoenix Bloodline + Ancient [Eternal Life] Rune...”“After forty million sunsets, I shall finally attain immortality!”

Elias “Grim” Kingsley, a nine-year-old orphan with a hardened heart and sharp tongue, dies alone from pneumonia in an overcrowded orphanage. Known for his perpetual scowl and biting remarks, he's labeled a “problem child” by caretakers and “damaged goods” by potential adopters. Years of rejection have built thick armor around his young heart.In death, he encounters the God of Balance who offers him a second chance at life in a different world—this time as Grim Van Ambrose, son of a noble house. Balance explains that every soul deserves to know love and connection, something Elias was cruelly denied in his first life.Promised the family and belonging he never experienced, Grim begins his new life only to suffer an immediate tragedy: his mother dies moments after his birth. This cruel twist of fate reinforces his belief that loss is inevitable, leaving him with a distant father and the mysterious voice of a “Guidance Assistant” in his head.As Grim grows into his new identity, he struggles with his dual nature—the emotional scars of his past life bleeding into his present one. His difficult personality and sharp tongue remain, now paired with noble privilege and expectations. Despite his outward brashness, he carries the deep wounds of his first life and the fresh loss that welcomed him into his second.What begins as one orphan's second chance evolves into an epic journey through a world of ancient beasts, elemental magic, and deadly political intrigue. As Grim uncovers the truth about the Ambrose Clan's fall from grace and the conspiracy that framed them for treason, he faces increasingly dangerous adversaries—both human and monstrous. His quest for revenge against those who destroyed his family's legacy will challenge him to master forbidden techniques, forge unexpected alliances, and ultimately decide whether to rebuild the Ambrose Clan as it was, or transform it into something entirely new.In a realm where power determines survival and ancient secrets lurk beneath noble facades, Grim must learn that sometimes the greatest battles aren't fought with swords, but with the choices that define who we truly are.

Kurt was born to a poor Baronetcy of Arnold. He was a genius pastry chef in the previous world.

Subei was pulled into a horror game, awakening the hidden profession [Drinker] and anti-sky skills.

[Drinking table culture: Specter’s initial favorability +5, gain friendly reputation (upgradeable)]

[Toast, do not eat and eat penalty wine: Force a Specter below Grade A to fight with you, and after victory, you will force the same thing from Specter (upgradeable)]

[A thousand cups are not poured: your alcohol capacity is extremely large (upgradeable)]

“Ghost bride, you have a glass of wine with me on your wedding night, does your husband really mind?”

“Miss, it’s forbidden to drink underage, be careful madam spanks you.”

“Belly pocket? What kind of belly pocket, I have never seen the white embroidered gold trimmed belly pocket of the ghost princess.”

“Madam, you don’t want the lady to know about what happened last night.”

When other players shivered in the horror game, Subei picked up the drunk ghost bride and went straight to the bridal chamber.

“Fuck, beasts, not even ghosts.”

North Jiangsu said: “As long as you are brave, female ghosts will take maternity leave.”.

- Description from novelbuddy