The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 16: Derrick looked a bit astounded with her unexpectedly calm response. He then cleared his throat.

The Republic of San Magnolia.

The year was 2026, and the world wasn't what it used to be. Ever since the Abyss Gates cracked open three years ago, spilling monsters and dungeons across the planet, life had turned into a chaotic mess. Cities were half-ruined, half-rebuilt, and people clung to whatever normalcy they could find. Hunters—those brave or crazy enough to fight the monsters—became the new heroes. Everyone else? Well, they just tried to survive.Fin wasn't a Hunter. He wasn't a hero either.He was just… Fin. A lanky 19-year-old with messy brown hair, a chipped front tooth from a dumb skateboard accident, and a power that everyone called useless. Absorption. Sounds cool, right? Like he could suck up energy or steal someone's strength. Nope. All it did was let him “feel” things he touched a little more than normal. He could tell you the exact texture of a brick wall or how warm a coffee mug was—big whoop. No fireballs, no super strength, no flashy moves. Just a glorified touchy-feely trick.“Fin, you gonna eat that sandwich or just stare at it like it's gonna confess its life story?” Meg's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.He blinked and looked across the rickety table at his best friend. Meg was short, loud, and had a wild mop of dyed purple hair that she swore made her look “intimidating.” It didn't.

Neris Truide was born with the legendary purple jewel eyes of the ancient warrior Elandria. Despite this, her peers at the noble academy bully her mercilessly, destroying her self-esteem. Adopted by the wealthy and powerful duke Elandria because of her jewel eyes, Neris eventually marries Crown Prince Abelus―only to be pushed aside for his mistress Megara, who led the bullying at school. Neris's life ends at age thirty when she is poisoned by her adoptive sister Valentin. However, instead of dying, she wakes up back at age twelve with her memories of her previous life intact. Enrolled at the academy once more, she sets about exacting revenge on those who ostracized, assaulted, and ultimately murdered her. But she didn't expect that in this life, she'd cross paths with Cledwyn Maindulante, the cunning future ruler of the north. As a determined Neris sets out to make her enemies suffer―and prevent her murder―will Cledwyn turn out to be a dangerous foe, or her closest ally ever?************************************************Noticed*- The translation isn't accurate and the language used is considered informal or “messy”.- It's recommended to add this to your reading list to stay updated.- Readers are encouraged to support the original creators by purchasing the official version when it's available.- There are links provided to support the translator financially.- Readers are asked to enjoy the fan translation quietly and avoid causing any trouble or seeking attention.That's all, happy reading everyone!

In an era brimming with noise, where danger and opportunity coexist, the practice of martial arts, various folk customs, strange tales, taboos, imperial courts, and the world of martial artists abound. Among these are the grandmasters, magical duels, ghostly encounters, divinations, invoking the divine, ritual plays, esoteric Buddhism, and the pursuit of immortality.In this diverse and complex world, where the three teachings intermingle and all kinds of people abound, the sphere of mysticism is filled with folklores and bizarre stories.It's a tumultuous time, where danger and opportunity exist side by side.Striding with his saber, Li Yan is determined to dispel all evil and embrace a world free from any taboo!