Desolate Era - Book 36, Chapter 27 - The Second Palace

Philip never expected his new life to be so… complicated. When a tragic accident in the modern metropolis of Bortinto abruptly ends his struggle for survival, he wakes up as the scandal-ridden heir of a ducal house in a world where magic and science coexist. Any fantasies of an easy, heroic life vanish the moment he realizes that the estate that he is tasked with managing is drowning in debt, and his reputation has been shredded by rumors involving his predecessor’s broken engagement to the socialite Lady Rosetta—the granddaughter of a prince.Even as he scrambles to rebuild his estate’s fortunes—grappling with contaminated land, mounting debts, and shrewed industrialists—he unearths troubling secrets about the original Philip’s heartbreak and suicide. A dark, hidden force seems intent on wiping him out for an unknown reason. As conspiracies emerge linking Lady Rosetta’s departure to these shadowy machinations, Philip struggles to separate ally from adversary, not knowing why this power in high places is so bent on destroying him.Meanwhile, the realm teeters on the brink of monumental change. Technological and social revolutions collide with century-old magical traditions, and war drums thunder on the distant borders. Armed with his modern knowledge of finance—now fused with the kingdom’s burgeoning industrial innovations—Philip attempts to ride the trends and transform his estate into a beacon of prosperity and secure his heirship to the ducal title. Yet each small triumph only attracts more enemies.Tasked by the System with cultivating a supernatural entity while uncovering the real reason behind Lady Rosetta’s canceled engagement and the original Philip’s tragic end, he must also shield those he grows to care about from the looming threats. Will he harness the synergy of magic, technology, and commerce to steer his estate toward greatness, or will malevolent forces quash his second chance at life? Will his second chance at life end the same tragic way as his first?

The most popular game worldwide is Ancient Arena Online, a high-octane PvP fantasy game where teams fight for supremacy in mythical arenas. Millions of fans watch livestreams, bet on matches, and follow their favorite players like celebrities. The game’s competitive scene is so fierce that professional teams are treated like esports royalty.At the heart of it all is Kai Ashford, one of the top players and captain of the pro team Phoenix Edge. With lightning-fast reflexes and strategic brilliance, Kai leads his team to countless victories. But success breeds jealousy. Sabotaged by a teammate he thought was loyal, Kai is not only kicked off his team, but also humiliated in front of millions of fans. With his reputation shattered and confidence at rock bottom, Kai retreats from the public eye.However, Kai's competitive spirit is not easily extinguished. He stumbles upon a group of amateur players—a ragtag bunch who show raw potential but lack the finesse needed to win at the highest levels. Their quirky personalities clash with his no-nonsense attitude, but something about their passion reminds him of why he started gaming in the first place. Deciding to put his past behind him, Kai agrees to train them into a professional team.Along the way, Kai builds unexpected connections with his new teammates, including romantic entanglements with a fiery mage, an eccentric hacker, and a mysterious assassin player, all while juggling his personal feelings and growing attraction for multiple women. As his new team rises through the ranks, they gain attention from fans and sponsors, putting them back on the radar of the professional scene.But Kai’s past doesn’t stay buried for long. His former teammates—now rivals—plot to sabotage him once again, while jealous contenders within the gaming world aim to tear him down. However, Kai's return to the spotlight will be on his terms this time. With a darker, more calculating approach, he plans to not only dominate the game but also to get sweet revenge on those who betrayed him.

Raised to be the perfect soldier for battle, Alexander had risen to be the youngest S rank Merc. After attaining the strength he so desired, his adoptive father had forcefully made him leave the battlefield. Alex unwilling to acknowledge his retirement was given a mission by his adoptive father. "The mission objective is to find a girl in the public High School you'll be attending and protect her."Triggered by the words mission objective, Alexander who had a 100% completion rate, accepted the conditions of the mission. Follow Alexander in his weird, almost comedic high school life.Alex's father: Hey Alex, did you get to school properly?Alex: Affirmative, I reached the designated place on time.Alex's father:So why did you call?Alex: The target I have picked is situated in classroom 1-B, while I'm in classroom 1-A. Asking permission to threaten the Principal into placing me in classroom 1-BAlex's father: DENIED!...

All her life, Eleanora did everything to make him love her but in the end, what she got from him was her execution for a sin that she never did.

Before dying, Eleanora coldly stared at his bloody red eyes as he lifted up the sword to execute her…

“I will never forgive you for killing me and my child.”

For the first time in her life, She saw his anxious gaze.

But it was too late as the sword in his hands had already landed on her neck, separating it from her body.

Eleanora finally thought everything was over but then she opened her eyes again, to find herself back in 12 years in the past when all the misfortune was yet to happen.

She was firm to change her tragic ending this time but it was not only her who changed…

“Even if you hate me, you can only be mine in your every life… My Empress.”.....