The Mechanical Era - Chapter 178 Competition Rises

Jyera, a parallel Earth ruled by humans, was about to enter the interstellar era when the apocalypse arrived. Animals turned into monsters, humans became zombies, the weather went crazy, and all technology stopped working.Rick was a rookie firefighter on his first day of work when the apocalypse began. With the help of other survivors, they trusted each other and managed to survive the initial chaos.But due to the greed of his companions, Rick was betrayed by them and ended up dead. After regretting his choices and accepting his fate, Rick finds himself alive again 7 days before the apocalypse begins. Now armed with a powerful system and knowledge of the future, Rick plans to not only survive, but thrive in the harsh apocalypse…

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.

“Why does no one remember the true world?!”