Mage Tank - Chapter 234: Dreamscape Ritual

I see dead people.But hey, it’s the zombie apocalypse, everyone is seeing dead people, including a blind girl. It’s not like I am that special.For a while, I thought I was going to be Cinderella, complete with the cruel stepfamily and the little mice for helpers. But instead of mice, I got demons from hell with a taste for chaos.Then again, there is nothing wrong with a little chaos in the middle of the apocalypse. It’s what makes life worth living.Unfortunately for others, they don’t quite see it that way. You see, I have a gift. One that isn’t exactly mine, but I can use it however I see fit.My gift is granting wishes.I'm a genie without a bottle, but it would be nice if people appreciated me more. All the humans ask for is the same thing… more food here, shelter there, kill these people, torture those. And I do it all, for a small price.I don’t ask for money or food, I can get that on my own. No, I want favors, souls, something that means everything for the other person. And they give it to me. Their momentary desire worth their long term happiness.But by the time they discover that, I’m long gone, already moved on to my next… client.I know I look young, starvation and abuse will do that to a girl. Humans tell me that I shouldn’t be wandering out there alone. Some try to help me… most don’t. But whoever said I was by myself? Just because others couldn’t see them didn’t mean my demons ever left. I still hear their voices in my head, whispering words of encouragement and love. For them, I’d do anything. Kill anyone. Destroy anything.After all, life is just a game, right? Those still alive at the end of the day were the lucky ones. Those who died were not. Everything is just a game of chance, all a human has to do is roll the dice.My only word of advice is to be careful what you wish for… you just might get it.My name is Hattie, welcome to my world.Would you like a cup of tea?

I am but a traveler in a foreign land, with no desire to become an immortal.After cultivating Daoism in the deep mountains for twenty years, Master sent Song You down the mountain to witness the demons, ghosts, spirits, monsters and myriad aspects of life, to explore the famed mountains and rivers, and seek the legendary immortals. She said that was the true path of cultivation. Who would have thought, after traversing every corner of the land, the immortal I sought turned out to be myself.Original Blurb:In the remote wilderness, amidst the whispering winds and ancient trees, Song You, a wanderer from a foreign land, treads a path of solitude with no intention of becoming a celestial being.For two decades, Song has immersed himself in the rigorous discipline of mountain cultivation under the guidance of his master. Unexpectedly, his master instructs him to descend from the secluded mountains and explore the world of demons, monsters, and the myriad facets of human existence. Song embarks on a journey to witness the diverse landscapes and encounter the supernatural, seeking out renowned mountains and mighty rivers rumored to be the abodes of true immortals – the epitome of authentic spiritual cultivation.Little does Song realize that his quest will lead him far and wide, traversing the vast expanse of the land. In a surprising turn of events, he discovers that the celestial being he seeks is none other than himself.As Song journeys through the bustling regions of the north and the serene landscapes of the south, he unravels the mysteries of his own existence. The people he meets, the challenges he faces, and the secrets he uncovers become integral parts of his transformative journey. The pursuit of enlightenment becomes an odyssey of self-discovery, and the boundaries between mortal and immortal blur.

【Host, host! I might be late, but I, the Femme Fatale Conquer System, am here to accompany you!】

【Now, let’s first conquer Momoana, a legendary female emperor who boasts looks and wits.】

Shu Yichao: “Charge, my nomads! Show them our unrivaled archery!”

And so, Momoana died.

【My host, I’ll assume what happened earlier was an accident. We have to succeed for the next one. Our next conquer target is Purin, a lofty and cold sorceress.】

Shi Yichao: “Clear the mobs and stack skeletons! I shall bring the undead calamity upon the world!”

And so, Purin died.

【…Maybe you didn’t hear me clearly, my host. I said court her, not cull her. Our next target–】

Shu Yichao: “Build the hive and spam the worms. My hive mind shall devour the world! Who can compete with me?”

【…】

Shi Yichao: “Halleluyah! I have finally gotten rid of every single one of them! Speaking of which, System, it has been a long time since you last spoke to me?”

【I’m tired. Just go and destroy everything.】

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?