MTL - Tome of Blood - Chapter 247 -97- Forbidden lock

“When the old gods are forgotten, they do not die—they wait.”In the year 1025, the Viking Age wanes.Iceland bows to Christ. The Althing governs by law. And the gods of old fade to whispers.But in the far Westfjords, something stirs.Vetrulfr, a former Varangian captain and exile, returns from the East with foreign gold, forgotten warcraft, and a hunger no man can name.He comes not in peace, but to raise Ullrsfjörðr from ash and ice; building walls, carving runes, and waging war on behalf of a dying faith.From Reykjavík to Aachen, rumors spread: a ghost walks the North once more. Some call him the son of Ullr. Others, a wolf-cloaked demon.But all will know his name.and when the Valkyries call, he will answer.

Augustus Cross was a man close to his 30s with nothing to his name. People rolled their eyes at the seemingly useless man and he remained helpless even as his daughter was at the brink of death.When all hope seemed lost, the hidden dragon within him was unleashed when the seal broke accidentally as his birthmark was stained with his own blood. Knowledge of ancient arts filled his subconscious, granting him powers to cure his daughter and other incurable illnesses.A man who was once looked down by everyone is unstoppable now. What lies beyond this man with the power he now possesses?

On the first day of their divorce, he said, “She'll be back before midnight.”The second day, “She'll be back in three days. It's just one of her stunt to make me mad”.The third day, “She cannot do without me so she'll be back in seven days.”On the seventh day, “She'll definitely come back within two weeks.”After a whole month... “Boss she's really doing it, she's kissed a stranger at the gala.”“Catch her and bring her home.”In her past life she was the good and enduring wife, in this life she became his little devious sin. A pain in the ass and his little ass kicker.“No one dared treat Mr Hamilton the way she did, do you think he would forgive her?”Harlow Blackwood was accused and wrongfully killed in her past life by her family and husbands family. But fate had other plans for her.When she returned, Harlow swore to take revenge on the people who killed her children and ended her life. But there was something else in this life. The husband who joined her enemies to attack her in her previous life turned out to dot on her more than ever before.In her past life Harlow was a mighty cook and would prepare food for the entire family, she turned into their slave to please them, yet no one liked her.But in this life...“I am useless hubby, I can't cook, clean, have kids or take care of you...Her hubby smiled. “None of those matters. I can cook, clean, take good care of you, and most importantly, give you children. How many are you willing to have?”In her current life, her husband has a huge secret too, what could that be?

“The masterminds are cooler than heroes,” I mutter as I stare at the chess pieces before me. It is easier to be the one who sits in the shadows and moves the pieces, likewise deciding the flow of the game.Heroes will foolishly sacrifice their lives for the good cause and villains will sacrifice the world for their own gain, but masterminds will use both the heroes and villains to their own benefit.Why, you ask? Well, that's because I've lost my life once while trying to be a hero so, I don't want that anymore. I'd rather be a mastermind who molds the world as per my convenience and live peacefully. Because, why not?***[Defender of Divine Glory says you are the hope of this world.]What?[Goddess of Wisdom believes that you will be the one to save the world.]Wait, what?![Propose the Grand Duke the idea of a fake marriage.]And, why would I do that?![Stop the assassination of Prince Eric.]Why would I save him?![The candidates for the throne are:... Who will you choose?]Ah! I give up...It seems like a curse that anyone who wishes for a slacker life in Isekai will have to go through the most troublesome things.In my past life, I died because of one rookie mistake but after being transmigrated in the world of fantasy I've gotten an opportunity to start afresh, but unlike the protagonists who look for their love and glory, I'd rather make money and live a life of a slacker.I have magic, I have power and I have money, what else do I need?Well, that was the plan but this damn system is getting on my nerves. I mean who in their sane mind would want to mess with the complicated royal family and political affairs? But that's not all though.I've also become the saviour of this world. Things just can't be anymore worse!Besides, the penalty of failing this quest is...[Failure: Destruction of the World.]It seems like if I screw up in selecting the right person then the destruction that is going to befall the world won't be stopped.If I speak of my reward then it's this vague thing.[Reward: Fulfillment of any wish.]“If that's the case then, I'd rather choose the person who would be the best fit for the throne.”And that's how I decided that I would become the Kingmaker.