MTL - The Stepmother is Unkind - Chapter 25

The prosperity of Piltover is on the surface, the barrenness of Zaun is miserable.

The able men of the Twin Cities, join Noxus, and I will lead you to the light!

– Ryan Meredith

The League of Legends fanfiction, starting with Zaun and Piltover, tells a story about the Empire.

Demacia to the west, Ionia to the east, Freljord to the north, Shurima to the south…

The empire has risen!

Also known as: “Heroes’ Testimony and Victory”, “The Noxian Way of the Far-God”, “The Four Souls of Chancellor Trifali”

- Description from novelbuddy

When the enigmatic and overpowered Kieran Drayke awakens in a foreign magical world after a sudden transmigration, he brings along a system unlike any this realm has ever known. The “Sovereign Architect System” doesn’t just make him invincible—it gives him the tools to build something far greater.But Kieran isn’t interested in world domination. At least, not in the usual way.Disillusioned by the world's surface-level glimmer and the rot beneath it, Kieran sets his sights on the forsaken—those discarded by society, lost in the shadows of nobility and corruption. From slums, war zones, and forgotten ruins, he gathers orphan girls of various races—elves, beastkin, humans, and more—each with untapped potential and pain behind their eyes.He trains them in secret. Guides them. Empowers them. Not as soldiers, but as a family. A hidden organization that operates behind the curtains, shaping the world while appearing as ordinary students at the prestigious Aetherion Magic Academy.Kieran himself? Just a carefree, slightly lazy transfer student with a penchant for sweets, sarcasm, and sneaking naps between classes—on the surface, at least.With a slow-burning plot that weaves magical worldbuilding, deep friendships, training arcs, casual comedy, and a cast of unforgettable girls who grow into queens of the unseen, Chronicles of the Hidden Crown explores what happens when an OP MC doesn’t conquer the world with brute force…But builds a legacy from its forgotten pieces.No betrayal. No forced drama. Just the steady rise of a secret kingdom in the shadows of a crumbling empire.

In a world of brooding heroes and dark justice, one mercenary stands out—not for his skill, but for his relentless sarcasm and love for chaos. A self-proclaimed anti-hero, he finds himself working with the Titans, much to their frustration. While undeniably skilled in combat and nearly impossible to kill, his real talent lies in driving his teammates insane with endless jokes, fourth-wall breaks, and questionable decision-making. Whether it’s swapping Robin’s gadgets with toy versions, turning serious battles into slapstick comedy, or giving monologues mid-fight, he thrives on pushing everyone’s patience. But beneath the humor, there’s a sharp mind, a tragic past, and a surprising willingness to do what others can’t. While the Titans may roll their eyes at him, they also know that when things get truly dire, he’s the wildcard they need. Love him or hate him—he’s here to stay, and he’s having way too much fun.

For money, Jin Jumo “signed” herself to the business tycoon Rong Mochen, for a period of one year.Upon their first meeting, the man's voice was icy, “I like women who keep their place, understand?”“Yes.” Jin Jumo nodded lightly.So, Jin Jumo always adhered to her place, tightly locking her heart away, never crossing the line.If there was anything in her relationship with Rong Mochen that Jin Jumo hadn't anticipated, it would be...---“Mr. Rong, our contract expired a week ago.” Jin Jumo lightly curved her lips, giving a smile that didn't reach her eyes as she looked at the man in front of her.“So?”“So, Mr. Rong, are you playing rogue now?” Jin Jumo gritted her teeth.“Hmm...” Rong Mochen frowned, leisurely raising his head to look at Jin Jumo, “Is my daughter behaving well in your belly?”“It's not even two months, how do you know it's definitely a daughter...”Wait... Jin Jumo's eyes widened in terror, she hadn't told him she was pregnant...Rumor had it, a car accident targeting Z City tycoon Rong Mochen resulted in the death of a seven-month-pregnant woman.Rumor had it, after the accident, the Rong Family's president underwent a drastic change, becoming ruthless and fierce from being coldly indifferent.Rumor had it, the person killed in the accident was the person closest to Rong Mochen's heart.---Four years later.“Brother, do we really need to find a new boyfriend for Mommy?” The little bun bit his chubby fingers, looking at the little boy beside him who was slightly taller.“Yes.” The boy squinted, his gaze coldly fixed on the televised global sensation of the Rong Family's president's luxurious engagement ceremony.“But didn't Brother say that the old man named Rong is our real dad?”Jin Jumo, who had just stepped into the house, was nearly collapsing inside. How did the two little guys know Rong Mochen was...