I WAS The Rank–1 Hero - Chapter 119: What Am I Hiding? [2]

“Any who don the title of 'king' or anything of the sort in my presence is nothing more than an ignorant fool. This is my land and I shall be reclaiming it soon. I am Cacophony, the Vampire Empress!”As those words left her lips, every cell in my body reacted. It was unreal—no, it was otherworldly. Her beauty, her power, and her overwhelming arrogance. It might've been then that I realized that my normal life had ended.How did it come to this?Ah, it was curiosity. Yes, a deathly curiosity brought me to that graveyard that day.It was there that I stumbled upon her coffin. I had absolutely no clue what I was doing then, and even now I have no idea what possessed me to touch it—that single moment changed the course of history for the entire world. I found myself delving into a completely unknown world.Should I regret it? Maybe. But the truth is, I don't.Exploring the world’s hidden secrets, forging unexpected bonds, and living alongside the revived empress—it’s exciting.“Even if it's wrong, I think I'm going to enjoy every moment of it.”

Long ago a great calamity struck the earth, destroying much of it and merging what remained with pieces of other worlds.

With these worlds came Aether, a new form of energy that can allow one to transcend the bounds of normal mortality and human limitations.

In a world where humans absorb the essence of aether beasts to gain power, Aiden Hawke joins the class of humans known as arcanists, people who defeat aether beasts and absorb their essence into cores they forge within themselves, and who infuse themselves with the aether that permeates the world around them to increase the power of their body and mind.

However, unlike most, Aiden will find that he holds a unique gift and that his journey as an arcanist will not be so simple.

[Ding!][Your pickpocketing skill increased by 5. Reward: your PP increased by 50.]“System, use my Pop-star Points to increase my singing skill!”…[Ding!][You had won 1st place in the Californian Young Star contest. Reward: your CP increased by 400!]“System, put all these Criminal Points into my martial arts skill. Now I will crush anyone who stands in my way!” Tristan was born with everything he needed to become a star: rich parents and musical talent. However, after a car crash destroyed his handsome face and voice, everybody turned away from him.With his dreams burned, Tristan ran from home and became a small-time criminal to survive. Then, his own gang mates betrayed him, throwing him to the cops.But Tristan is saved by a sudden stroke of luck.[Congratulations, Tristan Hayes! You won the Heavenly Lottery. Your prise is ‘Second Identity System’.][Increase skills and status of one identity to obtain 10x rewards for the other one.]Mafia and showbiz may appear far removed from each other, but both are united by money and ruthlessness within.Now it’s Tristan’s time to navigate both realms to become the world’s first mafia superstar!

# 1V1 # MUTUALAFFECTION # BIZARRE

Nan Ge had been thinking about trading her Lamborghini for another car, but she seemed unable to pool more than a few grand together.

Nonetheless, as she cajoled and sweet-talked, her brother found her a great job that was brimming with a sense of responsibility: Galactic Guardians of the Stomach, otherwise known as food delivery service.

But on the first day of the job, as she drove on with much grit and resolve against the snow, she arrived at the luxury district, making a delivery to Shen Yanqing.

***

Shen Yanqing was a legendary magnate in Huai City, but he tended to keep a low profile.

Partners often described him as a cool deity with a kind appearance — affable on the outside, but utterly ruthless in reality.

Nonetheless, he met a girl he thought well of at their first meeting.

He thought there was no chance for them to meet again, but one day, he opened his door to find her familiar figure standing outside.

“Good evening, Mr. Shen! I am a delivery person from Irelyn’s Diner. Have a pleasant meal!”

Shen Yanqing presumed her to be a poor student working part-time to pay for her tuition fees, which was why he kept giving her business...

Until one day, he needed to leave the house but his car broke down.

After she found out that he had something important to do, she exclaimed, “I have a car!”

Shen Yanqing was wondering how he was going to turn down a ride on her electric scooter, only to see her whip out her car keys and press a button.

Nearby, the lights of a Lamborghini worth five hundred grand flashed. “Why are you spacing out? Get in!” “...”