The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride - Chapter 171: Danger lurking (1)

Volume 1 (Set between volumes 13 and 14)

A series of short stories set before the events of volume fourteen including how Team GROUP was formed.

Volume 2 (Set between volumes 16 and 17)

A series of short stories including two separate meetings between Touma’s and Mikoto’s parents, two tales involving two of the Level 5s of Academy City, and other funny stories involving some of the characters.

Ling Chen, the number one prodigy in the Martial World, lost all his cultivation and martial arts when his sect encountered a major disaster.On the brink of death, Ling Chen accidentally obtained the divine martial arts text, ‘’Ling Tian Sword Scripture‘’, and was able to repair his meridians.From then on, he began to understand the Sword Way, condense the Sword Heart, comprehend the Sword Intent, and ultimately became a Sword God of his generation!

In a world torn apart by rifts that release dangerous monsters, Espers—humans imbued with powerful abilities—serve as humanity's last line of defense. But the power of an Esper comes with a price. Overuse of their abilities leads to dangerous corruption, a force that can destroy them from the inside out. This is where Guides come in: individuals with the unique ability to calm the corruption within Espers and restore their balance.Rowan Mercer, an S-class Guide, is one of the best in his field, capable of stabilizing even the most dangerous Espers. He has worked quietly behind the scenes, helping those in need, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he is called to work with Lucian Vaughn, an S-class Esper whose immense power and unstable corruption levels make him a dangerous threat to himself and others.Lucian, a tall, stoic, and enigmatic figure, has long fought against the growing corruption within him. At first, his relationship with Rowan is purely professional—Rowan as his Guide, helping him to stay in control. However, as their interactions grow more frequent, their bond deepens in ways neither expected. What started as a simple duty soon turns into a complex relationship where power, trust, and vulnerability collide.As the world around them faces escalating threats from rifts, Rowan and Lucian must navigate not only their personal challenges but also the dangerous world of Espers and Guides. Their bond will be tested as they fight together against the corrupting forces that threaten them both.In Corrupted Bonds, survival isn’t just about battling monsters from the rifts—it's about fighting the darkness within themselves and finding a way to stay connected in a world that’s constantly pulling them apart.

What would you say is the most valuable thing in this world?