Doomed to be Cannon Fodder (Web Novel) - Chapter 2: A Cactus? What’s That?

Zhou Xu, an interstellar military counselor, was selected by the “will not die in peace” system, and as a result, even though he had a great fear of pain, began his journey as villain, forced to die a terrible death over and over again. Zhou Xu, after going through a hundred worlds and dying a hundred times, finally changed. He wanted to retaliate!

Earth is dying. The sun is expanding at an uncontrollable rate, but Theo Spencer is alright with this. He's led a deplorable life. When the end comes, a mysterious entity grants him the gift of reincarnation. The gift of a quiet life as an alchemist.

Theo awakens in a small town in the southern reaches of a small kingdom in a non-human body. Broken Tusk doesn't seem like much, but his legendary alchemy skills will soon turn their fortune.

Join Theo on his journey to turn the swamp-town of Broken Tusk into a prosperous trade town.

“The lifespan of a butterfly is between three days and a month, and most butterflies only live for a week.”
“Like them, I have only a few months to live, maybe less.”

–

The first time Hu Die met Jing Yu, he thought she was a world-weary girl who committed suicide.
The second time they met, he told Hu Die indifferently: “If you jump down again today, I’m not saving you again.”
Later, she told him: “Jing Yu, don’t feel sorry for me.”

Later, Jing Yu returned to the arena and won the glory that belonged to him.
Under the flashing lights, he suddenly remembered the girl’s voice, and said a nonsensical remark in front of thousands of people.

——”I’m not sad, I just think that at such a moment, it would be better if you’re here.”

“He is a whale swimming in the ocean. One day, a butterfly inadvertently broke into his frequency. That was the most beautiful moment in his life.”

- Description from Novelupdates

A fickle, decadent, wilful person going through life like it’s a game.

An experienced, logical mind that’s above feelings.

This was a relationship that had started off with “Carpe Diem”, but slowly turned into a bloodless, psychological battle. They shared a mutual distrust, but also mutual attraction. As they suspected and tested each other, challenging each other’s limits, they both fell into the enemy’s hands with their eyes wide open. Sentiments growing amidst ignorance, they finally, were caught in their own traps.

Winner takes all,

Loser stands small.

- Description from Novelupdates