MTL - Tomb Raider: Storytelling and Writing, The Mystic Nine is Confused - Chapter 153

In the magical Yarran World, a group of extraordinary professionals ventured into dangerous places for knowledge, wealth, thrill, and honor, exploring secrets hidden in the depths of time. Coexisting with dangers, they were given a fitting name—adventurers.With so many adventurers around, there would be a few oddballs, of course. Take for instance, the swordsman who used to be a thirsty hedonist and now spent his days looking for ways to put his life in danger; the knight who saw gold coins as his ultimate pursuit; the schizophrenic and overly curious priest, and the genius mage who was prone to zoning out and could not care of himself. What kind of strange stories would these kooky individuals create when they came together?Alright, all the above are just nonsense. In truth, this is a casual story of an abnormal, unscrupulous middle-aged man and a few problematic girls undergoing self-therapy- I mean, seeking redemption.You have been solemnly warned that this story is purely fictional. If there is any glaring similarity, you probably need self-therapy too.

In humanity’s final war against the Demon Lord, the strongest heroes fell—not by the enemy’s hand, but by their own, twisted into madness by a cruel illusion. Betrayal. Bloodshed. Despair… and then, silence.Only one person remained: Riley—the weakest warrior of them all. Powerless. Ignored. Forgotten.But he saw through the Demon Lord’s deception. The tyrant was on the brink of death—so weak even a fly could’ve finished him off.And Riley did just that, drawing every last ounce of strength to bite off the demon’s head.Victory? Not quite. A final, desperate strike from the Demon Lord pierced him from behind, killing him instantly.But fate wasn’t done with him yet.Riley awoke ten years in the past—when the online game [Apocalypse] was launched. Before demons descended. Before monsters overran the world.And this time, he wasn’t starting from nothing. He had a decade of experience—and a second chance.Even more shocking, he didn’t awaken his old D-rank Strength Boost talent. This time, he received something far more terrifying: an SSS-Rank Gluttony talent!He could now devour anything—monsters, items, talents, even traits—and gain their power.Ding![You have devoured: Iron Fang Wolf][Acquired: +4 Strength, +2 Agility, Skill: Bite (F-rank)][You have devoured: Goblin ShamanAcquired: +8 Intelligence, Skill: Mana Bolt (E-rank), Talent: Minor Spellcasting Efficiency][You have devoured: Flaming Salamander Drake][Acquired: +22 Endurance, Trait: Dragon’s Resilience, Skill: Flame Breath (C-rank)]Now, there is no demon, no god, no monster who will stand in his way. He will devour everything—and save the world.But the power of Gluttony was a double edged sword. If he wasn’t careful… he could be the one getting consumed.

In her previous life, Gu Tong was blind to people's true natures, and died unjustly, becoming the number one venomous woman scorned by all.After her rebirth, Gu Tong tore apart her cousin with her bare hands, shattered the mistress on her chest, and stewed the scum in an iron pot, becoming the first Doctor who brought aid to the world; none who owed her could escape.Her happy and perfect new life officially began, and Gu Tong shouted her loud slogan, “Kiss, hug, lift high, husband, let's have a baby, oh yeah.”

Li Yao, a retired assassin, woke up one day to find herself transmigrated to ancient times and became a famous shrew far and wide.

With hands on her hips, she wailed loudly. Villagers called her the bane of ghosts, and even dogs would circle around when they saw her.

She had four children, her husband had passed away, and it was a disastrous year, leaving them poor as church mice.

Fortunately, River Bay Village was nestled against a big mountain, with wild chickens, wild boars, wolves, tigers, herbs, spices, corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes… it seemed to have everything.

Rely on the water to eat, and rely on the mountain.

With her skills that exceeded the times, Yao Li quickly became the wealthiest person in River Bay Village.

She was determined to stick to her original aspirations – retire and live out her remaining years in peace.

But as a widow, there were many things at her doorstep.

Her maiden family coveted her wealth; local ruffians lusted after her beauty; the magistrate admired her talents; the prefect wanted to rely on her to build up his political achievements; the scholar admired her literary talent; the chancellor respected her breadth of knowledge…

Wave after wave, wearing down her doorstep.

Even a Prince was amazed by her, finding all kinds of excuses to frequently visit and neglect his palaces.

Li Yao adapted to the circumstances, sparring back and forth, just wishing her retirement life would remain undisturbed.

But unknowingly, the world was changing because of her.