The Great Merchant in the Cataclysm - Chapter 136 - Soul Crystals

Lucas Arthur was nothing more than a weak and struggling C-rank hunter, barely getting by in a world where power dictated everything. Forced to participate in a risky raid in a Class B cell, he found himself abandoned by his comrades when a deadly ambush left one of them, Andre, mortally wounded.As Lucas stood beside his dying comrade, the impossible happened. A glowing blue screen appeared in front of him.[Congratulations! You have earned the unique skill: “System Maker (SSS Rank)”]Before he could realize the absurdity of it, another prompt followed.[You have met the requirements to grant Andre the System: Evolutionary System]Driven by instinct, Lucas agreed and watched in shock as Andre's wounds healed, his strength rose, and his eyes shone with new power.Then, with unwavering loyalty, he spoke:*“Your orders, sir?”*It was then that Lucas realized he had the power to create systems for the Hunters, growing stronger with each follower.Each follower and each hunter Lucas gave a system that could evolve and increase in level and powerBut as Lucas grants more systems, powerful enemies take notice—ones who would do anything to control or destroy a System MakerWith every hunter he empowers, Lucas steps closer to becoming an existence that defies the very rules of this world.

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.

Lucien was chosen by the God of Gamblers to participate in the Heaven’s Gate Project. Their goal was to help save a dying world from destruction, and ensure that it wouldn’t be destroyed a second time.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to the God's plan. Lucien’s soul was heavily injured during the soul transfer and on the verge of collapse. Having no other alternative, the God of Gamblers was forced to take yet another gamble to preserve his chosen candidate’s soul and help him find a new vessel.

As if arranged by Fate itself, Lucien’s soul wandered into the world of Solais until it merged with the dead body of a newborn baby that was left to float down a river. With his new identity as Lux, the boy realized that even with the blessings given to him by the Gods, saving a world was not an easy matter.

In a world of Swords and Magic, where adventures run wild and free… the Legendary Saga of an abandoned Prince is about to begin!

Can you get used to dying? Not really.

When a particular universe was born, its seven primordial Concepts acquired an ego. Omniscient and omnipotent, they seek since to enrich their home. To do so, they plunder other universes, capture young civilizations and plagiarize ideas. Many monsters, gods, civilizations, and races are competing for the eighth throne.

Eons later, it is Earth's turn to be torn away from its Sun.

Humanity begins its integration by participating in a Tutorial. Priam has the luck and the misfortune to finish the Tutorial first. Luck because his reward is a form of pseudo-immortality. Misfortune, because as the champion of his civilization, he is transported to Elysium, the most dangerous world created by the Concepts. Nine out of ten champions lose their lives there on their first day. Fortunately for Priam, he has many lives.