A Step into the Past - Volume 23 Chapter 8

Betrayed and forgotten by those he trusted most.Edmond Dantès had everything, a bright future, the love of his life, and the loyalty of his friends, or so he thought. Until the day it was all ripped away. Branded a criminal for a crime he never committed, he’s locked away in prison where the world forgets him. Years pass, but his fire doesn’t die.Then fate delivers him an impossible key: knowledge, power, and the means to carve his way back into the world. Edmond is reborn, not as the broken man who once begged for justice, but as a phantom cloaked in wealth, influence, and secrets.With every whispered deal, every calculated strike, he tears apart the empire of those who destroyed him.But vengeance is never clean. As the line blurs between justice and obsession, the questions remain: is he reclaiming his stolen life… or becoming something darker than the men he hunts?A saga of betrayal, rebirth, and ruthless revenge. Perfect for fans of psychological drama, sharp intrigue, and slow-burn retribution.

A festive day, a week have the kingdom of Polestin celebrated for their victory with the crimson general leading their army.The soldiers who served have been guaranteed a spot inside a local bar of the capital city.Clank!“The Crimson General despite being a woman is a talented warrior! Three cheers for the general!”“That woman saved me when I needed it! All hail the general!”“She's like a sister to all the soldier! All hail our general!”Every warrior kept on drinking as the news reached them that the war with their neighboring kingdom was over, the ruler raised their white flag as they asked for mercy- being beneath the crimson general.“General! Come drink with us!”“...”The Crimson General, for how she got her name is because of her crimson hair that became the trademark of her legendary name already spreading across the many kingdoms.“I don't drink.” she denies the invitation her comrades and just sat down on the table watching the others enjoy themselves.“Enjoy, general! You might even find a man here that suits to your liking! You know... your type I think...! The general would love a soft-spoken man!”“...No.”“Hah! That's a shame! In any case I heard that you'll be receiving a reward for helping win the war!”“A reward... I wonder what could it be.”...The reward:“You can choose any of my children to marry you. I have the finest royal princes for you to choose. That is my reward.” The King motions to his left side showing his sons who smiles, sitting in their throne meeting her gaze..“Eh?”“My liege, forgive me but this is...”“Are my children not good enough for you? General, I applaud your accomplishment. Isn't marrying into the royal family a good enough reward for the general?” The King asked the general who swallowed the lump in her throat looking at the princes in display.“I choose-!”Everyone stopped and waiting for the girl to continue.“I choose the princess instead!”

It was the Great Age of Pirates, surging forward with their thousand sails unfurled.

One young man from earth ate the Goro Goro no Mi and joined the Marine.

Justice vs Evil, Freedom vs Tyranny, the colliding waves between them would never cease.

But all of this…..”I couldn’t care less about!!”

At the summit of the war, surrounded by ten thousand people, Ron held a thunder halberd in hand and walked forward with strong steps.

Rivals meet face to face, but only one could become the King.

- Description from Novelupdates

Do people chase greatness, or does greatness chase us?