Valkyrie's Shadow - Chapter 21Before the Storm: Act 11,

In a world of brooding heroes and dark justice, one mercenary stands out—not for his skill, but for his relentless sarcasm and love for chaos. A self-proclaimed anti-hero, he finds himself working with the Titans, much to their frustration. While undeniably skilled in combat and nearly impossible to kill, his real talent lies in driving his teammates insane with endless jokes, fourth-wall breaks, and questionable decision-making. Whether it’s swapping Robin’s gadgets with toy versions, turning serious battles into slapstick comedy, or giving monologues mid-fight, he thrives on pushing everyone’s patience. But beneath the humor, there’s a sharp mind, a tragic past, and a surprising willingness to do what others can’t. While the Titans may roll their eyes at him, they also know that when things get truly dire, he’s the wildcard they need. Love him or hate him—he’s here to stay, and he’s having way too much fun.

Michael didn't want to die. He didn't deserve to die. After a lost battle with cancer that started only a year after he retired, he'd lived what many people would call a full life, but it wasn't enough. He wanted more time. Time with his wife. Time with his kids. Time with his grandkids. When he found himself drawn toward the light, he fought his way away from it. Unfortunately, that didn't take him back to the life he wanted to live. Reincarnated in another world, Michael is forced to be a Penitent, a soldier in the country he was reborn into in order to pay a debt to society he owes for taking the life of the child whose body he inhabits. It's not the life he wants, but it's the only one he has.An Isekai with light litrpg elementsMC will gain powers similar to those of a paladinBook 1 spends a lot of time in a military academy. MC does not stay a child for very long.Story will be a slower pace than my others.MC may not be to everyone's taste. He feels guilt for his actions that may seem unreasonable and is very human. He will grow, but it will take time.

#### WARNING ####THIS NOVEL CONTAINS GRAPHIC VIOLENCE AND SEX SCENES, EXTREME VIEWS, AND A VILLAIN MAIN CHARACTER.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The pacing is slower than typical and is heavy on the psychology and ideology. Reader discretion is advised############“St. Ignatius Academy is no safe haven for degenerate trash! This material proves that you are a danger to women and girls around you! Out of my sight! You are expelled! You shall never defile our hallowed halls with your disgusting presence again!”--SLAP--“You are no son of mine! I wish I had aborted you! How dare you write such horrible things!”With those words, Aaron Zakhrov was thrown out with nothing but his brains and a thirst for never being weak or trusting again.Bit by bit, he built his new kingdom, where his word was law, and where he controlled everything: his friends, his enemies, his lovers and most of all, his destiny.

Xiao Ran transmigrated to a fantasy world. As a dungeon guard in the Celestial Dungeon, with a special floor called the Purgatory meant for powerful demons and martial arts experts, he faced a huge challenge from the start. The Eldest Princess acquired a forbidden martial arts technique and was banished to the Purgatory. However, no one was powerful enough to restrain her. All the dungeon guards were defeated. Xiao Ran stepped up and declared, “Your Highness, it’s better for you to behave yourself on my territory” and effortlessly subdued the Eldest Princess.

He progressed from imprisoning the Eldest Princess to delivering the Great Xia Kingdom from the evil clutches of various demons and evil martial arts experts.

…

Xiao Ran was the mastermind behind the scenes.