Reincarnated as a Genius Mage - Chapter 17: The Golden Swordsman

Alvin had planned his future: after leaving the city of Serinthia and obtaining his graduation certificate in technology, he would return to his hometown, stay close to the only girl in his life, and kill a few people from time to time for fun and entertainment.But fate had other plans. On an ordinary day in the Royce Empire—one of the three great empires that ruled this world—the sky split open and a barrage of meteors descended. From that moment, the world changed, and the lands of the empire turned into a battlefield, as monsters appeared and people became hunters.Now, Alvin found himself forced to abandon his former dreams and return to his city before the companion of his life dies.

In a world torn apart by rifts that release dangerous monsters, Espers—humans imbued with powerful abilities—serve as humanity's last line of defense. But the power of an Esper comes with a price. Overuse of their abilities leads to dangerous corruption, a force that can destroy them from the inside out. This is where Guides come in: individuals with the unique ability to calm the corruption within Espers and restore their balance.Rowan Mercer, an S-class Guide, is one of the best in his field, capable of stabilizing even the most dangerous Espers. He has worked quietly behind the scenes, helping those in need, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he is called to work with Lucian Vaughn, an S-class Esper whose immense power and unstable corruption levels make him a dangerous threat to himself and others.Lucian, a tall, stoic, and enigmatic figure, has long fought against the growing corruption within him. At first, his relationship with Rowan is purely professional—Rowan as his Guide, helping him to stay in control. However, as their interactions grow more frequent, their bond deepens in ways neither expected. What started as a simple duty soon turns into a complex relationship where power, trust, and vulnerability collide.As the world around them faces escalating threats from rifts, Rowan and Lucian must navigate not only their personal challenges but also the dangerous world of Espers and Guides. Their bond will be tested as they fight together against the corrupting forces that threaten them both.In Corrupted Bonds, survival isn’t just about battling monsters from the rifts—it's about fighting the darkness within themselves and finding a way to stay connected in a world that’s constantly pulling them apart.

To reward Meng Fan for his bravery before his heroic death, the cosmos rewarded him with a ‘system’, sending him back in time to three months ago, alive.

- Description from Novelupdates

My girlfriend is too beautiful.

And, she treats me so nicely.

I didn’t even confess, I was confessed to.

So…

Why me…?