Beneath the Surface: Secrets of an Obsessed Heart - Chapter 99 - 98

Three years ago Conquest was released, redefining virtual reality and gaming.

A story about a history teacher gaming-addict with familial trauma, and a peculiar woman seemingly stuck out of time and beyond out of touch.The two have been thrust into the weird and whimsical world of Altros, a planet with divides born of very real superhuman strength cursory of an odd ranking system, and, naturally, species differences.Not exactly the best of news for our resident Scottish history teacher whose ears have changed into fox ones alongside his nine new fluffy tails.First though, Darren, or Lone, or whatever else the weird system claims he's called, has to figure out how to live with his new companion Sofia, for seemingly forever while also just barely managing to survive being stranded on a monster-infested island with a self-proclaimed former-immortal who can see despite being blind, can freely teleport, and who also, of course, seems prone to experience bouts of extreme depression.Not an ideal situation when he himself hasn't been in a great headspace for over a decade now. But hey, at least there's an incredibly expansive litRPG system to keep the both of them entertained, right? That'll fight off the fear of death, surely.

Rumor had it that Qiao Xi had a weak constitution—a sickly beauty. Rumor had it that she spent a fortune every day on medications—eating them like candy. Rumor had it that ten servants waited on her by her bed every day—a burden to everyone. They were all waiting for the Qiao family to toss Qiao Xi back to the countryside and leave her to fend for herself.Qiao Xi: "They're all saying that I'm weak and can't take care of myself. Apparently, I spend money recklessly as well.”She looked down at her tattered shirt and was exasperated.Qiao Xi: “Are you saying that this wealthy family lets their daughter wear tattered clothes every day?”The Qiao family's rich daughter? She had enough! She would not be it anymore! Therefore…Scumbag guy: "Without the Qiao family, you're nothing."Qiao Xi: "If I'm kicked out of the Qiao family, I'll be done for."Scumbag girl: "Sis, don't be too disappointed. As long as you work hard, you'll be praised one day.”Qiao Xi: "Shut up, I don't know a traitor like you."The scumbag guy and girl: "???"Rumor had it that the Gu family's youngest son, Gu Zheng, rashly married a woman who had nothing but looks.Qiao Xi: "Is someone looking down on me?"One day, Qiao Xi saw one of Gu Zheng's employees racking his brains over a series of numbers on the computer screen. Since she was free, she lent a hand.Did she just crack the firewall created by the joint efforts of top elite hackers?!Gu Zheng inched closer with every step. "Qiao Xi, what else are you hiding from me? Hmm?"Qiao Xi: "Oh, no! I feel dizzy again! I'm so weak. This body of mine is just too weak!"

The world is up for sale, and Robin is making an offer.When Robin Waybright became the Merchant Hero, all of Pangeal turned into his marketplace; for the Merchant can buy and sell anything. Youth, skills, memories, hair color, joys and illnesses… in the trade of power, every deal can tip the scale.And Robin needs power. His homeland of Archfrost teeters on the brink of collapse, the sinister Demon Ancestors plot in the shadows, and twenty-one other Heroes, each with their own Class, have been chosen to save the world of Pangeal. Not all of them are friendly. There’s work to do… and profit to make.Cover by Dinovoila and Gharbi Zouhayer.