Barbarian Quest - Chapter 204: Mandate of Heaven

In “Horrific Shorts: Zombie Edition,” Sir Faraz masterfully crafts a collection of spine-chilling tales that plunge readers into the heart of a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the undead. Each story in this anthology is a finely-tuned exploration of fear, survival, and the human condition when faced with relentless horror. Sir Faraz’s vivid and compelling storytelling brings to life a series of unforgettable characters, each struggling to navigate a landscape where danger lurks around every corner and the line between life and death is perilously thin. With a unique blend of suspense, terror, and poignant moments, “Horrific Shorts: Zombie Edition” is a must-read for fans of the zombie genre and horror enthusiasts alike. Sir Faraz’s debut in the world of short horror fiction is nothing short of spectacular, promising readers a thrilling and terrifying journey through his imaginative and nightmarish creations.

Alessia Bianchi has survived ten years in silence, bound to the Morano crime family to repay her late father’s mysterious debt. But when her service nears its end, a new chain is fastened around her neck, marriage to Luca Morano, the family’s feared and volatile heir.Luca is every bit the monster they warned her about: powerful, merciless, and dangerously captivating. He’s known for breaking rules and women. But when his obsession with Alessia ignites, so does something unexpected… desire, protection, and a hunger to possess her completely.Torn between her loyalty to a lost love and the storm Luca awakens inside her, Alessia discovers her fate was never hers to escape. Buried deep in her memory lies a secret her father died to protect an encrypted weapon that could eliminate the Atlan Syndicate and crown the Moranos kings of the underworld.But claiming that power means choosing a side, losing herself in the process and even loosing Luca's soul.As war erupts, loyalties fracture, and blood stains white silk, Alessia must decide:Will she give herself to a man born of darkness…Will Luca ever truly love her without possessing her?What if the very secrets hold were the reason her father died?Will Lorenzo rise again not as her saviour but as her enemy?Or rise from the ashes of her past and take control of a world that tried to silence her?

In her past life, Jessie Sterling moved abroad for Julian Grant, only to have him break his promise and stand her up late at night for another woman on her birthday.Reborn into this life, Jessie Sterling personally severed her past adoration and affection, and instead entered a marriage of convenience with Victor Morgan, the heir to a century-old prestigious family in Aethelburg, a match approved by her family.She had originally thought it would just be a marriage for mutual benefit, and that they would treat each other with polite respect after the wedding.People in their social circle were not very optimistic about this newlywed couple with vastly different personalities.Until one day, some friends paid a late-night visit.By the huge floor-to-ceiling windows of the Four Joys Courtyard, a group of people saw the man who dominated the business world by day having his knee stepped on. He held a bottle of cat-eye nail polish and was currently bowing his head, diligently painting the toenails of the foot resting on his knee.“Is this okay?”With a coquettish air, Jessie Sterling glanced down, her chin slightly raised like a spirited little peacock, “Well, it's passable, I suppose. But I think it could use another coat?”Victor Morgan was almost driven to laugh in exasperation by her words. After setting down Jessie Sterling's leg, he moved forward, planting his hands on either side of her, his eyes deep and dark as he said in a low voice, “Mrs. Morgan, that's enough!”Before Jessie Sterling could react, in the next moment, the man had already leaned in and captured the red lips before him that had been tempting him for so long.“Mrs. Morgan, don't you think this... is what really needs another coat of color?”The group of people who had just walked through the courtyard entrance froze on the spot. How the hell could this be called... treating each other with polite respect?

Ethan Yagami, the lazy, gentle, and carefree young master of a powerful noble family, only wants to enjoy life and relax.But on the day of his awakening ceremony, the most cliché thing imaginable happens to him…[Ding! The System is bonding to you.][Bonding successful! Congratulations, Host! You have awakened: The Divine Benevolence System.][Please, Host, give more and be more benevolent.][Because the more you give, the more you shall receive.]Ethan blinks.“…So I’m basically a Saint now?”With a smile as lazy as ever, Ethan realizes his path to power isn’t through grinding or killing monsters—it’s through giving things away.Money? Skills? Weapons? Even trash? As long as he gives selflessly, the rewards return a thousandfold.And so, while the world expects a humble philanthropist, Ethan casually breaks the balance of power, amassing wealth, strength, and influence—all while doing as little work as possible.Because, after all…Why struggle when generosity makes you overpowered?