I WAS Humanity's HOPE - Chapter 18: Bucklers

Who was Quan Jingwu?He was the prominent figure at the heart of the city, nicknamed “Master Jing,” and he was also the pinnacle “Big Diamond” of the city's social pyramid.However, one day, the highly esteemed “Big Diamond” got labeled “exclusive” by a woman, someone they regarded as the lowest of the low.Everyone in the city was left dumbfounded.And who was Jian Qing?She was the family's black sheep, rejected as an illegitimate child, and the laughingstock of the aristocratic families.When she returned, she shone brilliantly; it was time for those who owed her to pay back.As her multiple identities were unveiled, those who once looked down on her felt like they had been slapped in their faces.The first time they met, she was as serene as a lotus. She had a composed demeanor, and she made a grand entrance.The second time they met, she was as fierce as a wild beast. There was a faint smile on her face, but her actions were ruthless and swift.The third time they met, she was as cunning as a fox. With a simple call of “Little Jing,” she completely captured his heart, leading him onto the path of a doting husband and never looking back.Scene of Lovey-Dovey Moments:Subordinate: “Boss, there's a rumor outside that Madam was born to restrain you, and your fortunes don't align.”Master Jing: “Nonsense.”“...”. The subordinates lowered their heads and shifted back slightly, afraid of their boss's wrath.Then, a deep voice with a hint of indulgent laughter rang out, “Clearly, she was born to pamper and love me.”Caught off guard by a sudden burst of affection, everyone instantly felt overwhelmed with love and let out a heartfelt cheer.'Madam, come quickly and take away the boss—boss is about to show off his affections again!'

This is a century glittering with the brilliance of human civilization, a world where steam engines, magic, and demi-humans coexist, a chapter of complaints committed due to exploration.'Red Dragon Queen rises first, annihilating all human affairs with her wrathful flames.''The mysterious child of the sea will raise great waves to erase the sins of humanity.''The god of the skies will leave no refuge for the remnants, nowhere to belong.''The immortal witch composes epitaphs for them with her magic.''And I, will write a new chapter for this world'... ...... ...Years later, Fisher, who has received the apocalyptic prophecy and the miraculous tool called the Demi-Human Girls' Completion Manual, wishes to be recognized as a pioneer in demi-human academia, a savior of human civilization, a dove of peace, and a messiah.Instead of being the person who is torn apart with the firewood knife, and the savior divided into pieces.

Book I: Lost ThingsTristan Abrascal is a thief, one of many making their living under the perpetual twilight of the greatest city in all of Vesper. Quick wit and a contract with a capricious goddess have always kept him one step ahead, until one night he crosses a line by accident that burns all the bridges he had left. But not all is lost, as his mentor offers a way out of peril that turns out to be more than a simple escape.It is also an opportunity to get even with the infanzones, the nobles he’s lived under all his life, and it so happens that Tristan has a full ledger’s worth of scores to settle with them.Lady Angharad Tredegar has fled halfway across the world, leaving behind a ruin of a life: her family butchered by a ruthless enemy, their estate torched and their nobility revoked. Yet no matter how far she flees the blades of assassins follow, and she finds herself growing desperate for any protection. She has one relative left to call on, her estranged uncle, but she finds that the safety he offers comes at a cost.Angharad has sworn revenge, however, and her honour will allow for no compromise. She will do what she must to survive so that one day bloody vengeance can be visited upon her enemies.The paths of the two take them to the doorstep of the Watch, but for desperate souls like them enrolment is a lost cause. They will have to do it the hard way instead, by surviving the trials on the isle known as the Dominion of Lost Things.Where every year many go, and few return.Book II: Good TreasonsThe trials of the Dominion are over.The four survivors have become students of Scholomance, enrolling together as a cabal, yet even on those infamous grounds they soon learn none are beyond the reach of their pasts.Angharad Tredegar is returned to a semblance of the world she left behind, but finds her honor sorely tested by bargains offered - every bit as tempting as in the stories and even deadlier.Tristan Abrascal needs answers. Mysterious enemies keep trying to abduct him, his classroom does not exist and he’s now had several conversations with dead people. Worst of all, his carrots keep dying.Maryam Khaimov is going mad, which would worry her less if it were happening on schedule. More frightening yet is the possibility that she is not, and there truly is someone else going around wearing her face.Song Ren must forge the others into a functional unit, all the while fending off enemies on all sides: rival cabals, vengeful countrymen and the deluge of implacable foes her companions simply cannot seem to stop attracting.Failure is not an option, for Song must bring back honor to her family’s name whatever the cost: it is the only way to keep their disgrace from literally eating them all alive.And as the four chase shadows in Scholomance, in the distance looms the greater test awaiting them in the Asphodel Rectorate. Asphodel is a faded power, the rotten carcass of what it once was, but under that rot looms darker things - of which monsters might just be the least dangerous.Besides, is treason really such an evil when you have the best of reasons for it?

Aric Valerian, the fourth prince of the Valerian Empire, bears many titles: The Forgotten Prince, The Whore’s Child, The King’s Bastard—names that have been spoken more than his own. Born with a crippling illness and devoid of mana or ki, Aric was a disgrace, scorned by his family and the court. But when the gods cured him and gifted him the strength to fight, Aric dared to hope. He sought glory in battle, only to be betrayed by his brother and sent to die in a hopeless war. In his final moments, as death closed in, a mysterious text appeared before him… [Would you like to change your fate?] After being given another chance, Aric embarks on a ruthless journey to claim absolute sovereignty. [Ki Circulation Mastered: Strength +10] [System Upgrade: Advanced tactical planning unlocked] [Hidden Fortress Established: Stronghold security +15%] The forgotten prince claws his way through the treacherous landscape of imperial politics, he is forced to make impossible choices, each decision pushing him further down a path soaked in blood. He learns that true power demands sacrifice, and the price of vengeance may be his soul.