MTL - City Exchange Life Club - Chapter 409 : What a terrible word?

I reincarnated as the wife of the cursed archduke in my own twisted novel.

As the author, I have a responsibility to fix this novel.

I have lifted the curse, which is the main problem of this story.

I thought my job was done. But when I was trying to go back, the archduke asked me, “Did you really think I wouldn’t know that you’re planning on returning to your fiance?”

‘My fiance?’

What I’m gonna do? He completely misunderstood the situation!

All I want is for him to please let me go home!

[Post-apocalyptic + System Space + Stockpiling + Base Building + Strong Female Lead + Reverse Harem + Not a Mary Sue]Who says a five-year-old can only be a burden?Cloud Xiaoxiao, a formidable survivor in the post-apocalyptic world, is reborn six days before the apocalypse hits. Unloved by both parents and unwanted after their divorce, she decides to take matters into her own hands.At just five years old, she goes on a rampage. She empties out her father’s supermarkets and 4S car dealerships, landing him in the hospital.Armed with a super system in a world ravaged by zombies, extreme temperatures, and acid rain, she hoards enough supplies to last several lifetimes. She becomes a base-building maniac, constructing the strongest fortress in the post-apocalyptic world.Sunny Boy Next Door: “Little one, want big brother to sing you a lullaby?”Unlucky Bandit: “Kid, what do you want? I’ll get it for you.”Cool Big Brother: “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”Yandere Hottie: “Little one, call me big brother and I’ll kill them all for you. How about that?”Hot-Tempered Brawler: “Shorty, who’s bullying you? I’ll beat them to death!”…Cloud Xiaoxiao hastily raises her hand, “Stop, stop! I can take on ten at once!”“Whoever dares to bully me, I’ll finish them off myself!”(This story has no romantic pairings. Readers who mind this, please be cautious.)(The female lead appears innocent on the outside but is actually a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Her personality was shaped by the post-apocalyptic world, growing beyond the bounds of normal rules. So she’s a bit ruthless, a bit wild, a bit wicked…)

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.

Since the opening of the Dungeon Rifts-- also called D.Rifts or Drift Dimensions, the world has changed. It's become more militaristic and violent-- unpredictable, even. Monsters raze cities and bring diseases that birth new races. Magic exists in a constant state of hyperflux, birthing new powers and changing the functions of old ones.But none of that mattered for Rex. He wasn't a Drift Soldier-- as much as he wanted to be. He didn't have powers-- even if he wished he did, so when he graduated primary school, he expected to get his Drift Armament and find a bit of consistency for once in his life.But you know what they say about expectations......DING![Congratulations! You have awakened the Beast-Totem and unlocked your Werepanther System.][5 Totems Remaining....]*********Extra tags: kingdom building, military, martial arts, overpowered, scifi-fantasy, post-apocalyptic, factions,