LEVEL 0 IMMORTAL - Chapter 172: You Are Something Else

After a near death experience thanks to his own mother, Jake Hollander has an adverse reaction to people, baseball, and family. His feeling of abandonment is slowly lost thanks to his foster family, The Atkins. They take him in and change his mind about everything. He becomes more open, better at baseball, and craves for family. Slowly all wishes are granted.

Instagram: @writerhalf_empty

https://www.patreon.com/half_empty ~~The Last Curve can be found there, a short story about Rhys


**Names, faces, and places aren’t real. A work of fiction. Nonetheless, it is my work of fiction so please don’t post it without permission. *I have used school names that do exist though, but I would like everyone to know that I have no affiliation with them. Nor do my views reflect their views.

When Kael died, he thought it was the end.Instead, he woke up in the body of Kaelion Drenlor—the disgraced heir to a powerful duchy in a kingdom on the verge of collapse.In this cruel and mystical world ruled by bloodlines, magic, and ancient deities, Kael isn't interested in playing the hero.Not when being a villain gets things done faster.Cunning, cold, and dangerously ambitious, Kael begins his rise from the shadows.He doesn't shy away from blood or betrayal—and he certainly doesn’t mind bending hearts to his will.As power gathers around him, so do those drawn by obsession, loyalty… and desire.But even as his influence grows, he keeps his true face hidden. Behind the mask of a second identity, he handles the dirty work the noble Kaelion could never touch.In the darkest corners of the realm, he plants the seeds of something greater: a secret organization—The Order of the Black Sigil.Built to manipulate, infiltrate, and control, it becomes a force whispered about in fear.But as Kael pulls strings from behind the scenes, the world begins to see him as more than just a shadowy lord. They begin to worship him.And gods, even fake ones, are dangerous.In a world of schemes, monsters, and ancient mysteries, Kael never asked to be a savior. But one step at a time, through love, lies, and war—he carves his throne from the bones of empires.In the end, only one will sit upon the world.###Before you dive in, here are some things you should know to better enjoy the story:1. The MC is not an all-knowing monster from Chapter 1Our main character is a teenager who transmigrated into a dangerous world. He’s not some ancient cultivator with 500 years of experience. At the start, he’s a bit unhinged (he kills someone in Chapter 1), but still grounded—more of an antihero than a villain.But this is a journey of corruption. As he faces the horrors of this world and gains power, his mindset begins to change—slowly, and then completely. By the time you're deep into the story, he’ll become the kind of villain others whisper about in fear.So no, he’s not your overpowered righteous MC. He’s dangerous, ambitious, and eventually terrifying.2. Yes, there’s romance—but NO, this is not a fast food haremLet’s be real:Day 1: Meet Girl ADay 2: Sleep with Girl ADay 3: Onto Girl BThat’s not happening here.This novel values slow burn, proper development, and emotional payoff. The MC does have multiple love interests, but every relationship is earned. Each girl has depth, motivations, and unique interactions with Kael. No one’s here just for fanservice. And yes—they each get proper screen time.If you’re here for emotional stakes, chemistry, and realistic progression: this one’s for you.3. The worldbuilding is deep and rich.High fantasy. Secret cults. Ancient orders. Political schemes. Forgotten islands. Brutal wars. It’s a lore-heavy universe built to explore.4. The power system is risky and unique.Getting stronger can literally drive you mad. But don’t worry—our MC finds ways to survive (and thrive).Also, each continent has its own power rules—some based on bloodlines, others on potions, rituals, spells or forbidden arts. So expect variety.5. Lots of action and crazy fights.From intense duels to massive battles, this story brings the chaos.6. Side characters matter.No “zombie” side characters here.They have their own stories, motives, and growth. They're not just props for the MC. Some might even surprise you.7. Yes, there are other transmigrators and regressors.But they appear later in the story—and when they do, things get wild.

【Exhilarating】【New Ultimate Path Plus Points】【Dry Humor】 The world plummets; who shall uphold the heavens? Demons spawn from earth and sky, the Taoist stands valiant and resolute. I am Yi Chen, ’Chen’ as in dust, styled Yi Chengzi, eighteen years old, fearful of violent evil spirits, fond of making money. With a cold heart and ruthless hands, he transmigrated to a bizarre world where goblins and malevolent spirits dwell, becoming the eldest senior brother of the Hidden Dragon Pavilion, and as his master lay dying, he entrusted Yi Chengzi with the duty to uphold the path of benevolence and righteousness, to take good care of his younger Taoist brothers; he promised he would. However, his understanding of the path of benevolence and righteousness differed slightly from that of his master. What is benevolence? Slicing evil men and ghosts in half is benevolence. What is righteousness? Smashing the heads of evil men and ghosts into their chests completes righteousness. After his master’s death, unable to awaken ’spiritual essence’ for cultivation, he set upon an unorthodox path of cultivation with the help of the Golden Finger. Facing the wolves eager for a fight after his master’s demise, he struck with heavy fists, understanding the true essence of righteousness. Confronting the malevolent spirits that stood in his way, he naturally reformed them with the iron fists of love. He slew demons, exorcised evil, and tested his sword against various spiritual cultivators, enjoying the landscapes of the world. When he reached the summit and looked around, he was shocked to find that demons were but minor afflictions and that this land and sky were falling... A millennium-long scheme, an eternal enigma, slowly unveiled itself. Strange, it has arrived, and it does not die or perish. Witnessing this scene, Yi Chen laughed. Even the malevolent dogs passing by his Taoist abode had to endure a couple of slaps; how dare someone be so disrespectful to him? Yi Taoist stomped one foot and soared into the heavens! The onlookers exclaimed in shock, “Taoist, stop fighting, the great ’Dao’ is nearly worn away!”

Player: I’m a worker whose monthly salary doesn’t even hit $5,000. My monthly rental already takes up half of my salary, I don’t have a girlfriend and is reprimanded by my superior every day. However, I feel very happy because there has been a new virtual game recently. In the game, I have a powerful bloodline. Not only do I have my own fleet, I even have a powerful overlord that granted me a colonized planet. Although I know this is fake, but inside there, I found the meaning of my life!

Actually…the overlord who gave him the planet really wanted to tell him that this game wasn’t fake. (You really have your own fleet and colonized planet…) but the overlord knew that he couldn’t say this. Because, once he said it, these subjects who thought of themselves as ‘players’, would definitely not be as terrifyingly hardworking as now!!