I WAS The Rank–1 Hero - Chapter 9: Hidden Intentions

An era where the desperate, miserable, and tragic tale of the six heroes who sealed the Dark Mage, who sought to destroy Maple World, became the favorite legend of children.

“The Cygnus Knights have fallen, the Resistance has collapsed, the Cross Hunters have been destroyed, and the adventurers have been annihilated. And the six heroes are dead.”

An era where no one dared to resist the reappearance of the Dark Mage and his followers.

“You are the only one left, El Paume. You’re the last adventurer.”

In that era, there was an adventurer who continued to fight until the end.

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.

'Death' It was meant to be the end, but it brought a new start.After a destructive nether storm consumes his world, Jack finds himself face-to-face with a powerful being who tasks him with a mission he can’t refuse.Reincarnated as Asriel—the most tragic, doomed character from a novel he once read—Jack’s frustration grows: “Damn it, why this fool?”Now, he must navigate Asriel's cursed life, facing relentless supernatural beings that threats him with a single hope:[Necromancy System Activated!][Ascend as the Ruler of the Undead!]But can Jack rise above Asriel's fate, or will he, too, fall prey to the shadows lurking in his new world?

In the post-apocalyptic era, amidst the wasteland and chaos, the great path reaches the heavens.Mad Outer Gods, uncontrollable cursed cultivation methods, extraordinary martial artists facing ominous old age... Above the starry sky, deities circle, and below, ghosts roam at night!In this doomsday scenario, Xu Shu carries the “Primordial Scroll” and transmigrates. Through a simulation game, he achieves one exclusive accomplishment after another, seeking a sliver of hope for survival.The ten-day apocalypse, the Dragon King returns, resurrects his lover, and saves the world;With a passionate and generous heart, he fights and conquers while carrying the burden of a grieving father whose child was stillborn...As more and more accomplishments are achieved, he gradually lets himself go within the simulation game.Until...A true disciple of the Female Void Palace is pregnant overnight, announcing an emergency lockdown;The long-extinct master of the White Jade Capital rises from the grave, destroys enemies with a wave and proves his Dao as a Great Emperor;A shepherd boy arrives at the gates of the Holy Temple, claiming to be Ye Su;Moreover, a young man riding a cow attains enlightenment, leaving Hangu Pass and preaching with a scroll:- The human race must strengthen itself. You may admire me, but there's no need to worship me;- Together, we punish those who claim to be gods!...Dreams reflect reality, and more and more people begin to spread his name and words across the land. Only then does Xu Shu realize that the life he simulated has far-reaching effects, like a butterfly flapping its wings!And those rampant Outer Gods finally recall the fear that once dominated them...He dies thousands of times on the path to ascension, and another night passes in the Primordial Scroll.Suddenly looking back, he has shattered both heaven and earth.“I, Xu Shu, am a crude person. My apologies, fairy!”---