The Masked Virtuoso - Chapter 27: Shadows of Deception

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.

Lady Mi Qing ran away from home to escape an arranged marriage. She is then confronted with the following wretched situation:

Card stopped. Money stolen. All she had left was ￥308.50.

In this strange city, her sole hopeful light was a small advertisement on a lamppost——

Elaborately Decorated, 100 Square Meters, 2 Room Apartment, Monthly Rent Only ￥299! If interested, quickly contact Mr. Xiao at 138XXXXXXXX!

Mi Qing immediately rushed over to the address listed.

Xiao Gu looked at the woman standing in front of him, brows slightly furrowed. When did he post an apartment rental advertisement?

- Description from Novelupdates

The person whom the world revolves around.

Su Luo woke up to a pair of twins gathering around her bed joyfully calling her “Mommy!”

She had been single for more than twenty years now, how did she end up with children? What was going on?

Gu Zhan’s eyes were red as he said furiously. “Su Luo! You’re too much! You can dislike me all you want, fine, but you’re disowning your own children?

Su Luo, who suddenly became a b*tch. “Hey mister, I have plenty of questions myself!”

The two little ones cautiously tugged Su Luo’s sleeve as they said. “Mommy, we will be good children, please don’t disown us?”

Gu Zhan looked aggrieved. “Luoluo~”

Su Luo eyed the two poor little things and thought. “Alright then, I can become a mother without any pain. Plus, I have a handsome husband to boot. No harm done.”

[Character setting] Suo Luo: A scheming, cute money lover. Good at cooking and fighting. Have an unfriendly character. Gu Zhan: devoted, outwardly domineering, but a softie inside.