MTL - Silent Reading - Chapter 110 Verkhovinsky (20)

Cloud raising is an emerging form of entertainment.It generally refers to people who are unable due to certain restrictions to raise cats, dogs, or other pets; instead, they engage in taking care of these pets remotely through the internet, thereby deriving psychological pleasure.During this nurturing process, they also feed or tip the pets, participating as though they truly owned the pet.However, professional player Chen Yan unwittingly played a game called 'Cloud Girlfriend Raising'.By feeding the cloud girlfriend or splurging on purchases, one could receive a 'tenfold cashback'.By raising affection levels, one could obtain various 'magical items' and even 'meet in reality'?It was supposed to be a lovely 'romance game', but... the unconventional Chen Yan turned it into a money-making game to fuel his business ventures.Chen Yan says, 'What's so good about having a girlfriend? Do they smell nice or are they soft to hug? How could that be more interesting than making money!'Meanwhile, the cloud girlfriend thinks...'He put so much thought and so much money into surprising me; he must love me a lot...'

Even after knowing what came next....I still accepted.A deal with the devil herself.A devil, in the form of a goddess.I accepted a life that I knew wouldn't end well, a life that was worse off than the very curel one I already lived.But I still choose to do it.I chose to become the villain.

The Empire's forces retreated in desperation—trampled by faceless horrors bringing darkness and death to these once beautiful lands.Only the most courageous stood in defiance, forming a last defence to buy the people time to flee—fighting until the final embers of hope burned out.A man stands with a silver sword, like a beacon of hope to those around him. He roared with all his might drawing his blade against the overwhelming enemy!“You face Lancelot, Sword of the Empire! ”These horrors tested the Lord's grit and loyalty in the final moments.“Should my blade break, I will use my body!”The knights had fallen, broken swords for their tombstones, and lords fled, betraying the Empire to survive.“If my body breaks, I'll use my Soul!”Lancelot, the sword of the Empire, fought alone.All hope seemed lost.“And if my Soul fails...”What could a single man and his army do?He fights against the dark tide, blade in hand, heart on sleeve.“I will sell myself to the devil for revenge!”But he was too weak, too fragile.The last Lord of humanity stood against the enemy.Lancelot was a master of the sword, a mortal, neither a God nor a Saint.Miracles were beyond his reach.Now only a broken man impaled on his own destroyed throne.His blade shattered—now, like rose petals, it was scattered across the charred ground.Lancelot's soul was fated for the abyss as the light faded from his eyes.His last ounce of resistance used staring at the man who betrayed the Empire.Now with only the desire to kill, crush and seek revenge smouldering inside him.Now unwilling to die and desperate to fight once again.He desired to fight for the people who supported him.Lancelot refused to surrender, to fall like this.As quietly in the abyss, a voice whispered to him.It tried to entice the Lord, ignite his desire to win and fight again.“If given a second chance, to relive your life with a different choice... Would you Accept?”Blood gathered in his throat, forcing him to reply in his mind.A frail and broken voice'There is no reason to ask, of course!'“No matter the cost?”'Even if I were to lose everything...''If my people can live on. I would sacrifice everything I have!'“You will no longer be the same, a monster, twisted and vicious.”“Will you still accept?”The Lord's heart ached, taking great pride in his humanity.To lose that caused his mind to falter.Finally, out of power, unable to speak or reply with a trembling arm.Lancelot reached out.Towards the raspy voice.Towards the abyss.Towards a new future.[So you would accept after all...]'I must accept.''I must stand tall.''I must not break.''Because...''I am the Lord of humanity![Nay, you are the king of demons]

Volume 1 (Set between volumes 13 and 14)

A series of short stories set before the events of volume fourteen including how Team GROUP was formed.

Volume 2 (Set between volumes 16 and 17)

A series of short stories including two separate meetings between Touma’s and Mikoto’s parents, two tales involving two of the Level 5s of Academy City, and other funny stories involving some of the characters.