Discordant Note | The Beginning After the End SI - Chapter 32: Blood Money

My GPA is lower than a slime’s mana.My name is Atheron il Ataraxia, and I’m the walking disgrace of the Royal Academy of Magic.I’ve been held back twice, my essays are used in class as examples of how not to cast spells, and professors sigh in relief when I don’t blow something up during morning lectures.Truth is? I don’t even like this world.I was summoned. A girl from this world pulled me in like a card from a cursed deck, and now I’m stuck living here. Attending classes, battling evil spirits, and dealing with stuck-up nobles whose names are longer than my backstory.But something’s off. My mana doesn’t behave like theirs. The world listens when I speak. And the whispers I hear at night? They’re getting louder.They say evil spirits wander through Ashgrad under the light of the moon. And I think they’re looking for me.They think I’m a failure.Maybe I am.But if this cursed academy wants to survive the next full moon, they might just have to rely on me — the last-ranked summon with a dangerous secret.

From Thief to ChampionJavier Restrepo thought the heist would change everything. 400 million in cash, rare boxing memorabilia, and finally enough money to escape the streets. Instead, his crew lies dead in a burning car while police sirens wail through Brooklyn.Then the impossible happens.The explosion that should have killed him sends Javier five years into the past—back to seventeen, back to the Marcus Garvey Group Home, back to every choice that led him down the wrong path. But this time, something else comes with him: the ghost of Vicente “El Martillo” Morales, heavyweight champion murdered thirty years ago.Vicente's spectral presence offers what no living trainer can: the knowledge to transform a street thief into a boxing legend. With supernatural guidance tracking his every improvement, Javier begins climbing from amateur tournaments toward professional glory.But the boxing world harbors its own dangers. Corrupt promoters control the sport's highest levels, and some secrets are worth killing for. As Javier rises through the ranks, he must navigate a system where talent alone isn't enough—and where his criminal past might be the key to surviving boxing's deadliest truths.Second chances don't come free. And champions are forged in blood and sacrifice.Content Disclaimer:This novel contains mature themes including violence, crime, death, and the brutal realities of professional boxing. The story features supernatural elements within a gritty urban setting and explores themes of redemption, corruption, and moral ambiguity. Reader discretion is advised for scenes depicting boxing violence, criminal activity, and intense emotional content.Fiction Notice:All characters, organizations, events, and locations in this work are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, actual events, or existing places is purely coincidental. This story is a work of imagination and should not be taken as factual representation of boxing, law enforcement, or any real-world institutions.

It’s been 11 years since I’ve lived for others and not for me.

The moment I cried out wanting to get away from my exhausting life, I opened my eyes in the body of some Count’s 20-year-old daughter.

Since this happened, I decided to live my life freely as a single woman.

But…

“I need a lady to act as my fake wife for a certain period of time.”

“A contract marriage?”

“The term is one year. When the time is up, I’ll give you divorce with no strings attached.”

The Duke of the Empire whom I had happened to meet at a ball was hitting on me.

Turns out he’s no other than the Emperor’s beloved brother, Duke Scade!

Hold on, it’s just going to end in a clean divorce with no strings attached?

“You should also give me alimony. Give me one of the best lands of the Ducal household with 10 years’ worth of profit.”

“…..What?”

“If you don’t want to do that, then we cannot get married.”

This time I’m going to live a life taking care of the things I need first!

***

“I’ll escort you since it’s late.”

Where to? My bedroom is just around the corner.

“Tonight, I’ll do my best.”

No, I don’t need you to do that.

“Did you just look at that man?”

Excuse me, Duke, you said it’s for a limited time only, so why do you keep obsessing over me?

Since I’m good-looking, I might as well become an actor.