Defensive Magic - Chapter 22: Baking for Beginners

Steven awakens to a nightmare. Transported to a brutal medieval kingdom on a faraway world, he wakes up as Kivamus, the exiled third son of a Duke. Now he’s the newly made Baron of a crumbling village called Tiranat, in a bandit-ridden frontier located within untamed forests. Here, survival is a daily battle, resources are scarce, and technology is a distant dream. Yet, he sees potential where the villagers only see struggle. He dreams of using his knowledge to forge a new future for Tiranat, a future fueled by industry. But the path to progress is not going to be easy. Managing a starving village in the coming winter and navigating the cut-throat world of medieval nobility is just the beginning. This is a slow-progression kingdom-builder story, with a lot of focus on worldbuilding and eventually, industrialization and tech-uplifting. The story is going to be very, very long. Settle in for a slow-burn slice of life, where the journey is just as important as the destination. Welcome aboard!

--WSA 2025 ENTRY--Neraxis saved the people and wiped out the monsters, but instead of cheers, he faced silence and a glowing blue text:[Task Failed Successfully!][Rating Generated: SSS-Rank]“The hell does that even mean?” he muttered, finding the situation a bit strange.Before he could process, the so-called heroes—who had hidden while he fought—emerged. He waited for gratitude, only to feel a dagger pierce his back.The only girl he loved stood behind him.She betrayed him.The crowd and heroes? They were staring at him with disdain and contempt.“You...” he groaned as a spear and sword headed for him, ending his life.But instead of dying, he was sent back to the past—specifically, to the first day of the academy, year 2367, 8 years before his death.However, many things had changed. One of the most significant was the sudden appearance of a Tower, a mysterious structure that had appeared across all the continents, granting power to those brave enough to contest its challenges.“Not again... With this chance I will end you all” Neraxis vowed to himself, embarking on his path of revenge, while also trying to give his life new meaning.

Damien Castro, the God of Lust in the Thousand Starry Domain, was known for his unparalleled mastery of pleasure.His deeds you asked?The Immortal Lotus of the Heavenly Peak Sect, known for her beauty and swordsmanship, fell for his charm.The Frozen Lotus of the Silver Moon Clan, who's cold as ice, was turned into a soft woman.The Empress of the Phoenix Clan submitted to him both in body and spirit.The leader of the Heavenly Shadow Sect, once untouchable to all men, was claimed in just one day.Lastly, the Princess of the Spirit Blossom Sect had her heart stolen while he was just casually traveling.After failing to ascend the Heaven Breaker Tribulation, he died. But when all hope seemed lost, he suddenly awoke in the body of a young man who looked exactly like him, though malnourished.In his return, however, he found himself with a 10 times boost in everything he does. Read as how Damien challenges the heavens once again.

After centuries of ruling the underworld with terrifying power, Lilith dies in an epic battle, only to be reborn in the human world. But instead of a grand rebirth as a queen of darkness, she's reincarnated as something far more mundane—a secretary. Rather than despair, Lilith finds this new life amusing. After all, who would suspect the devil herself to be working a 9-to-5?Settling into her new reality, Lilith embraces her role, living in a luxurious apartment and working diligently in her office. Though her devilish instincts are hard to suppress, she's determined to be the perfect secretary. But when people push her too far, the devil within still comes out to play.When a creep in the office dares to look at her the wrong way, she calmly fixes her gaze on him. “You keep staring like that, and I'll show you what a broken wrist feels like.” The man quickly scurries away, leaving Lilith with a satisfied smirk.Even the rich, entitled girl from accounting isn't safe from her wrath. “You think you can push me around just because you've got money? I've burned entire kingdoms for less. Don't test me.” She says this with a calm smile, her eyes glinting dangerously.The day continued like that—stopping creeps in their tracks, putting rude heiresses in their place, and being the flawless secretary she intended to be. But, of course, her boss—the CEO—had his eyes on her, more curious than ever. And while the entire office might fear her or wonder about her, she remained blissfully indifferent. This was fun. And she wasn't here to impress anyone but herself.Who knew being a secretary could be so... interesting?