Underneath the Silhouette - Chapter 27: An Angel and the Devil

Losing his fathers to monsters at just seventeen, Axel had given up on life. But everything changes when he stumbles into a portal leading to Khaos Realm, and there he reawakens the powers of the Thirteenth Inferno Hero.Now wielding the flames of an Inferno Hero, Axel is chosen to prevent an impending catastrophe. Khaos Realm is teeming with monsters and villains, and if they break free, Earth will be next. With a mysterious guide, newfound allies, and enemies far stronger than him,Axel must rise as a superhero to save both worlds.His journey takes him to Superpolis—a sprawling city where everyone has powers. There, he makes friends with other superheroes, but not all friendships are built to last. Some will help him rise, others will try to break him.But Axel’s greatest battles won’t just be against lone enemies. He will face entire monster hordes, villainous empires, and warlords seeking to conquer both Khaos Realm and Earth.What's worse, a villain seeking world domination who has already destroyed countless realms and worlds — leaving nothing but ashes behind. And now, he’s set his sights on Khaos Realm... and Earth is next in line.To stop him, Axel will need all the help he can get.But this enemy is patient, calculated, and always a step ahead. Worse yet, Axel’s powers comes with a weakness—one he doesn't know exists… but the villain does.[A/N: This novel includes intense battles, strategic fights, and moments of gore(not extreme or too detailed), which is why I’ve used the R18 tag. Axel will be powerful as a superhero, but not overpowered—every victory will be earned. Expect detailed fight scenes and epic showdowns that will keep you on the edge of your seat or the road (considering what you're doing at the time of reading ^⁠_⁠^)The first villain Axel faces in Chapter 3? Let’s just say I have big plans for him. He’s not just an obstacle—he’s a key piece of the story.I’ll be releasing three chapters daily, and I promise, I won’t drop.]No Harem!

He is Xi Liang’s legendary emperor: a decisive and ruthless king; a man of supreme wisdom; a cunning strategist.

According to legend, he once conferred the love meant for the three thousand concubines in his harem onto one woman, while the world watched in envy.

According to legend, he once executed a hundred people for her, turning the palace into a purgatory overnight.

According to legend, he ultimately sentenced that same woman to death by execution…

A conspiracy that swept through the country resulted in her tragic end. This lifetime seems to be a repeat of her past life. Can she escape the clutches of fate to attain true love in this life? In both lives, she was the Emperor’s wife, but is that ruthless man really her true love mandated by Heaven?

Did she really die, just like that?

In the end, beyond the veil of lies and mysteries, who exactly was she? Was she a woman that he truly loved, or was she merely a chess piece to be used in his political machinations?

The stories passed onto later generations remain fraught with conflicting opinions.

- Description from Novelupdates

Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria, or The Empty Box and The Zeroth Maria, tells the sinister story of Kazuki Hoshino, who is almost madly attached to his everyday life, and his antagonist Aya Otonashi, who suddenly transfers into his class—for the 13,118th time. She majestically announces to “break” him, without paying heed to anyone else around them.