A Background Character's Path to Power - Chapter 21: Taking Charge

In a world where dungeons are worshipped as divine trials and the System is hailed as a blessing, Beno Mark knows only one truth—everything is a lie.Haunted by the sin of killing his own parents, burdened by guilt, and shattered by the disappearance of his younger brother Renzo Mark in a mysterious Violet Gate, Beno spirals into madness, questioning reality itself. The System, which promises power and salvation, is nothing but a trap, binding the souls of countless hunters. The world itself is not as it seems—vast beyond imagination, hiding secrets that even the gods fear.Yet, Beno refuses to crumble. Driven by obsession and guilt, he awakens the cursed King System, the most forbidden and dominating force ever sealed. As fragments of truth and ancient conspiracies emerge, Beno, alongside Luna, Charles, Raul, and Isabella, begins to unravel the world's true history—a truth that has been hidden for centuries.What is the Violet Gate? Who controls the System? And why was Beno chosen as the vessel of the King of All Beings?The path is clear.Kneel... or Bleed.

【Time Travel + Workplace Competition + No Lazing Around + Ambitious Female Lead】Overachiever Shen Wei traveled through time and found herself as the lowest-ranking maid in the grand residence of the Yan Prince.The Yan Prince held a prestigious position, but his consorts were all content to live dull lives. The noble-born princess consort was as tranquil as a chrysanthemum; the concubine sought a life of monogamy; the reincarnated woman was utterly disillusioned with the Yan Prince and had given up on striving for anything; and the other timid concubines dared not make a move…The queen of workplace competition, Shen Wei, declared: Don’t stop me! I’m going to outwork these unambitious slackers!…The Yan Prince had grown accustomed to the stagnant atmosphere in his harem, until a particularly skilled courtesan appeared.This concubine was stunningly beautiful, adept at both literature and dance, hardworking, and always brought him fresh excitement. The Prince couldn’t help but take a second, then a lifetime-long, look at her.Years later, Shen Wei became the all-powerful Imperial Noble Consort, with children and the emperor’s exclusive favor.Meanwhile, the princess consort remained as tranquil as ever; the concubine was aging and had yet to experience a monogamous life; and the reincarnated woman was still eating simple meals in her modest abode…After half a lifetime of striving, Shen Wei finally reached retirement and revealed her true nature, fully embracing a life of leisure. The retired emperor interjected: “You competed for favor just to retire?”Shen Wei snacked on melon seeds: “What else?”Living is all about retirement!The retired emperor was even more surprised to find, in midlife, that other men were vying for his wife’s affections!

She has been drawn into the life of the phoenix, such fate – “The Emperor Swallow”, but few days later she married the Prime Minister; she possesses beauty that overthrows cities and ruins states but also has a talented and virtuous mind, yet her husband is deeply in love with the Emperor’s doted consort. On their wedding night, his face filled with guilt, says to her: Apart from love, I can give you anything……

Though deep in nobility, her life is not monotonous, to pick up the new number one scholar from within the imperial palace, to rescue the Nu clan’s prince in the back alleys, and with the young general falling off the cliff, with the Emperor engaging in a battle of wits over the inner palace…….

Many men were unable to conquer her beauty and wisdom, yet when trying to win the beauty, they cannot let go of their plundering desires in lust for power. Within the imperial court, there is an underlying turbulence of disputing fronts. On the battlefield, there is the slaughtering of armoured cavalry……the tender grace of a beauty, hearts fuelled with lust for power, which is it that is the burial of such heroes?

Troubled times since the war, they survive in this strife, fighting to dominate this world, seizing the beauty that overthrows cities and ruin states……

The world, because of this beauty, is in chaos; but who is it that this beauty charmingly smiles at?

- Description from Novelupdates

#Nominated in Webnovel Spirity Awards 2020.

(Completed)

Trigger Warning: Novel contains mature content and explicit scenes only intended for adults.

{R-18+, No rape and No misunderstanding}

*Nothing can come between my husband and I,not even death.*

~She was sad, hurt, and depressed. She was a mess, a monster who was slowly fading in her dark, lonely world until he came along. Like a twinkle little star, he brightened her horrid world. He was no one but her happy pill~

(Couple 1)

“Tell me Wifey, has any man ever made you feel the way I do?” Lei Zhao asked.

“Will it hurt if I tell you someone has?” Yan Mei inquired.

A cheeky grin appeared on Lei Zhao's lips.

“It wouldn't because I am sure no one has done it, especially the way you scream with pleasure under me.”

--------

Yan Mei, an aloof CEO known as the devil strongly believes love is a scam because she has experienced the joy and sadness of it. Now her heart has turned into a piece of stone encased by steel.

Lei Zhao only has time for one thing in his life: work, after the death of his brother, which made him devastated and broken.

After a chance encounter with a woman in a red suit at a club, he finds himself drawn to her.

Something about the mysterious woman has him determined to make her his and unlock the mystery of the pain that flickers in her eyes.

~But will the devil give him a chance? Even though at times, the devil needs love too.~

*****

(Couple 2)

~She became the monster, parents told their kids to run away from, but she was far from a monster. She was just a lonely girl who wanted a friend who would always be there for her, who would check up on her and ask her how she was~

“This isn't a fairytale or a teen fiction where the bad girl falls for the good boy and tries to change for him, and then they live happily ever after. This is real life, and well, life is fucked up.”

Ying Sheng said, and she gulped the beer she was holding, loneliness flickering in her eyes.

“But I-I won't ask you.. to change or want you to change. I just want you to be my bad girl. You --can tie me up in bed- and fu…ck me until I forget my name.” Liam stammered as he turned crimson red.

Ying Sheng heaved a sigh, “Cutie, you're supposed to look for a trophy wife who can cook and do chores. Not a monster like me who will destroy your perfect life. Also, we can't be together.”

Liam's heart nearly stopped in his chest when he heard her. His shoulders hunched, and he took a deep breath.

“Why?” He queried.

“Because I love someone else.”

~At times you have to choose between the one you love and the one who loves you. Ying Sheng learned this in a hard way.~

Two broken-hearted women, each broken in their own way.....with two determined men, ready to fix their broken pieces at all costs.

This is a story of betrayal, love and second chances. Ready to enjoy the journey and learn along?

*No evil mother-in-law, step-sister or cheating bestfriend

*Not your usual cliche flash marriages novel

*Bad girl X Good boy

Tags: Flash Marriage #doting husband, #smut, #bad girl, #good boy, #betrayal #second chances #Strong female lead #Spirity-awards 2020 #Supernatural

Note: Some chapters may be triggering for others but there is always a warning before reading.