Ashes Of The First Tyrant - Chapter 28: The Maze and the Madman

Is a flower demon with three hundred years of cultivation.

Shao Zi’s biggest wish is to beat up that egghead Scholar (shu sheng) that always comes to water plants at noon.

But when she got close and rubs her hands in preparation for action, she realizes that she’s clearly playing along to someone’s rhythm ah!

- Description from Novelupdates

In a realm where power is determined by affinities—elemental forces that shape magic, combat, and survival—Ethan is an anomaly. While most people are born with a single affinity, Ethan stands apart, wielding a vast range of abilities granted by a mysterious Ancestral-line System. This unique system taps into the untapped potential of his vampire and dwarven bloodline, unlocking ancestral powers far beyond the norm.At just 18 years old, Ethan's journey begins when he accidentally awakens this system, discovering that he is the heir to a forgotten lineage that blends the strength, resilience, and mysticism of both vampire and dwarven ancestors, a perfect hybrid of both. Though he must awaken and evolve to harness their power. However, the more power he gains, the more he learns about the dark secrets of his lineage—secrets that others would kill to possess.Unlike everyone else, Ethan's affinities are not innate; they are granted by the system based on his bloodline’s ancient heritage. As he levels up, he acquires abilities that no one in the current era has ever seen: the Psychic powers of telekinesis and telepathy from ancient vampire lords, the earth-shaping skills of dwarf warriors, and a host of hidden abilities that challenge the world’s very understanding of magic.But power comes with a price. Ethan quickly finds himself targeted by powerful factions and hidden enemies who fear what his bloodline could mean for the balance of the world. Ancient forces tied to his ancestry awaken, each with their own agenda—some seeing him as a threat to be eliminated, others as a tool to be used.Accompanied by a diverse group of companions, each with their own affinities and secrets, Ethan embarks on a perilous journey. Together, they traverse beast-filled forests, ancient ruins, worlds and perilous dungeons, all while facing foes who seek to exploit or destroy Ethan’s unique powers. Along the way, bonds are forged, fates are entwined, and the line between friend and foe blurs as Ethan learns that his destiny is far greater than he ever imagined.But with every new ability comes a deeper question: What is the true purpose of the Ancestral-line System? As he battles monstrous creatures, rival affinity users, and ancient curses, Ethan must confront the reality that his bloodline holds the key to either the salvation or the destruction of their world or something else entirely.In a world governed by affinities, Ethan’s unmatched power sets him on a path that could change everything—or lead to his downfall.Will he master the secrets of his ancestry and forge his own fate, or will the weight of his heritage drag him into the depths of a history best left forgotten?

A man played an immersive game that he started playing thanks to his brother. With his brothers help, he got an overpowered build on his character. Unfortunately, his brother died and he stopped playing the game alltogether because it reminded him of his brother.One day he hears that the game is about to get shut down, and he goes there to say farewell to the thing he and his brother spent so much time on. But when the moment where he was supposed to be logged out, he finds himself still in his character. Strangely the NPCs start talking more freely and that the capital city where they were on was suddenly in a strange forest.What will he do in this new environment? What kind of people will he meet?(Note that the setting starts kind of like Overlord, the anime/novel. Don't take it to mean that it is anywhere near that level.)Surprisingly many parental figures appear in the series, mostly fatherly, though not exemplary.

In his past life, he climbed to the 69th floor, and reached the limit of his potential.

Now, reborn, he has returned to the past, when the almighty Tower first summoned him. He will work his way up again, step by careful step.

This time, he will climb to the top.

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