Apotheosis of a Demon – A Monster Evolution Story - Chapter 36 – PATH TO THE WORLD TREE

One day, a Tower appeared, and with it a proclamation by God that Humanity is to be judged for becoming too corrupt.Regression…It’s an ability so fraudulent that it doesn’t require any detailed explanation.Yes, I also agree that it is a fraudulent ability, but…Isn’t it too much to regress due to just a slightest injury…?

Ye Fei is a poor, down on his luck kitchen hand and could not pay his rent on time. After desperately dodging the landlady with some rash promises, he ducked into his room where he was electrocuted while turning on the lights.

Miraculously, he did not die. Instead, a strange [System] appeared in his head ordering him to do strange things like registering with a broadcasting network and performing strange feats in front of a camera!

Oh, that new laptop? That high tech camera? And those ingredients that appeared in his room?

Somehow all these were provided by [System], and and just appeared in his shabby little room! Just what is going on?

*Gurgle*

Whatever, Ye Fei is too hungry to care, let’s just do whatever and hope for the best!

- Description from Novelupdates

Augustus Cross was a man close to his 30s with nothing to his name. People rolled their eyes at the seemingly useless man and he remained helpless even as his daughter was at the brink of death.When all hope seemed lost, the hidden dragon within him was unleashed when the seal broke accidentally as his birthmark was stained with his own blood. Knowledge of ancient arts filled his subconscious, granting him powers to cure his daughter and other incurable illnesses.A man who was once looked down by everyone is unstoppable now. What lies beyond this man with the power he now possesses?

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.