Rising Phoenix - Chapter 217

Eighty years ago, an alien war broke out in Earth’s orbit. A powerful fugitive known as Tree was pursued by an extraterrestrial force. In the battle’s aftermath, the fugitive’s heart merged with Earth’s core, giving rise to a massive tree—marking the dawn of superpowers.Awakening. A phenomenon where humans gained extraordinary abilities. Seventeen years later, nearly everyone had awakened… except a few. Those who failed were called Rejecters, the lowest in society.Zane Carter was born into infamy. The son of a fallen superhero-turned-supervillain, he faced discrimination from birth. He dreamed of being a hero, but his father’s sins made him an outcast. Even after rigorous training, his Awakening failed. Rejected by the Hero Academy, ridiculed, and cast aside—his fate seemed sealed.Until one day…[SYSTEM ACTIVATED]Welcome, User. You have been selected as the recipient of the Borderline Supervillain-Slash-Hero System.Generate your first skill? Y/NWith his newfound system, Zane is given a choice: become the hero they never wanted him to be… or the villain they always feared.

When college student Heather returns to her childhood sanctuary—her aunt's house—she never expects to find herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Tasked with caring for her aunt's newborn, she's transported back to the summers of her youth, where laughter and secrets filled the halls. But what she didn't anticipate was the rekindling of an old flame: her childhood best friend, now a renowned singer.As Heather and her childhood confidant navigate the complexities of adulthood, their undeniable chemistry simmers beneath the surface. Yet, fate has other plans. A new suitor captures Heather's heart, leading her into a relationship that feels right but lacks the spark of true connection.When circumstances tear Heather and her childhood friend apart, misunderstandings and heartache follow. Years pass, and destiny reunites them at a wedding. But the joy of reunion turns to shock when Rhys discovers Heather harbors a secret: amnesia has stolen her memories, replacing them with a life he never imagined. Engaged to another, with children of her own, Heather seems lost to him forever.As they confront the painful truths of their past and the bittersweet reality of their present, Heather and Rhys must decide if love can transcend the boundaries of time, memory, and circumstance. Will they reclaim what was lost, or will they be forever bound by the threads of fate?

“If I don’t die… I swear I will act on all my evil thoughts..”

Not exactly everyone’s typical thought when they’re about to die. What will a cowardly young man do when reincarnated with the evil powers to redefine his destiny? Can the natural kindness of human nature triumph over evil? Will he become the cold-blooded demon king of legend, or will he forge his own path and rain down another kind of terror?

- Description from novelupdates

The summer I was 17. A painting I created was sold. For 1.4 billion won.