Hollow Ascension - Chapter 11: Brewing Unrest

I watch him, his green eyes brimming with concern as he gently massages my scarred leg. The sensation is both soothing and a stark reminder of my own inadequacy. The once-feared Crimson General, a symbol of power and invincibility, is now nothing but a frail shadow of his former self. I’ve been abandoned, left to decay in this forsaken place, my family and comrades long forgotten. Darkness had become my only solace, and I had resigned myself to it.Then he arrived, a beacon of light in my endless night. His presence, his care—it’s more than I ever deserved. Yet, I find myself clinging to him with an intensity that borders on madness. I hate that I need him so desperately, that his every action and word have become my lifeline. It consumes me, a torment I can't escape.“You don't have to do this. Please, don’t do this. I’m nothing. You deserve better. Leave. Please,” I beg, my voice trembling with raw anguish, the very words tearing me apart.He continues his work, seemingly unaffected by my pleas.“Why are you here? Look at me! I’m nothing.”Desperation and anger swell within me, mixing into a maelstrom of anxiety. I can’t comprehend the emotions coursing through me.“You're my alpha, where else would I be?” he responds softly, his gaze unwavering, as if my pleas were mere background noise.My heart races, torn between overwhelming relief and paralyzing dread. In that moment, I realize the truth: you would have to tear him from my cold, lifeless arms. I’m never letting go.General Thorne, betrayed and broken, finds new life and love with Omega Noelle, who nurses him back to health. Their deepening bond reveals Thorne’s softer side, offering a chance at happiness. Unfortunately, Thorne’s past soon catches up with them, threatening their newfound peace.

Reborn as Javier De Armand, the youngest son of a lower rank noble household, former salaryman Nakamura Junichi faces a world of privilege, chaos, and responsibility.From his earliest days as a baby to his rise as a formidable adult, Javier’s life is anything but simple., Javier must navigate the expectations of noble society while pursuing his own freedom and dreams.As he grows, he learns that nobility comes with its burdens—managing territories, forging alliances, defending against enemies, and earning the respect of both his peers and the commoners he vows to protect. But life as a noble is no fairy tale. Rival families scheme for power, enemy threaten the borders, and kingdoms teeter on the brink of war.Being the youngest son places Javier in a unique position. Neither the heir nor the spare, he must carve out his own role within his family and society. With his sharp mind, decisive personality, and memories of his past life, Javier takes on challenges that many would shy away from.Recruit allies and build his own influence, carefully balancing his desire for independence with the duties expected of him as a noble. Along the way, he must navigate family dynamics, political challenges, and his ambition to leave a lasting mark on this fantastical world.In a realm where strength, wit, and cunning reign supreme, Javier's journey blends humor, slice-of-life moments, and lighthearted chaos as he crafts his own destiny while keeping those closest to him by his side.

The summer I was 17. A painting I created was sold. For 1.4 billion won.