God's Tree - Chapter 176: The Flame Within the Mirror

The world had changed when the System arrived, alongside the Cataclysm that filled the world with monsters. The technology was gone, replaced by classes and skills that allowed the people to fight back. When Devon ended up as a Blacksmith, a class that didn’t grant Intelligence, he had to face the reality, that his old career that he loved - mathematical sociologist - was over. Instead, he had ended up as yet another discarded member of the production class, overshadowed by the existence of the System Shops to the point of total marginalization. But, what if all he needed was to reapply his scientific thinking to the System...

I see dead people.But hey, it’s the zombie apocalypse, everyone is seeing dead people, including a blind girl. It’s not like I am that special.For a while, I thought I was going to be Cinderella, complete with the cruel stepfamily and the little mice for helpers. But instead of mice, I got demons from hell with a taste for chaos.Then again, there is nothing wrong with a little chaos in the middle of the apocalypse. It’s what makes life worth living.Unfortunately for others, they don’t quite see it that way. You see, I have a gift. One that isn’t exactly mine, but I can use it however I see fit.My gift is granting wishes.I'm a genie without a bottle, but it would be nice if people appreciated me more. All the humans ask for is the same thing… more food here, shelter there, kill these people, torture those. And I do it all, for a small price.I don’t ask for money or food, I can get that on my own. No, I want favors, souls, something that means everything for the other person. And they give it to me. Their momentary desire worth their long term happiness.But by the time they discover that, I’m long gone, already moved on to my next… client.I know I look young, starvation and abuse will do that to a girl. Humans tell me that I shouldn’t be wandering out there alone. Some try to help me… most don’t. But whoever said I was by myself? Just because others couldn’t see them didn’t mean my demons ever left. I still hear their voices in my head, whispering words of encouragement and love. For them, I’d do anything. Kill anyone. Destroy anything.After all, life is just a game, right? Those still alive at the end of the day were the lucky ones. Those who died were not. Everything is just a game of chance, all a human has to do is roll the dice.My only word of advice is to be careful what you wish for… you just might get it.My name is Hattie, welcome to my world.Would you like a cup of tea?

Go out with a bang. That's what my dad always used to say.If you're going to die in a world like this where people can add all these crazy modifications to their body, at least take a few out on the way.“Zero what the hell are you doing?” A kid with a wimpy voice asked.“Taking care of business, obviously.” I responded with a bit of an irritated tone.“Can you please get off of me...” A man asks, tears streaming down his face.People fear power and money. That's how it's always been, and this piece of garbage is one of those people.But none of this matters if no one knows how I even got to this point. Where Humanity truly began it's biggest stage of evolution.Humanity.exeThe City of Kairox is where everything runs through. Drugs, weapons, illegal cybernetics, you name it. One day I want to be the one who controls all of that.But I've been dealt enough of a shitty hand that I think it's about time I start dealing myself. Anyone can rise up in the streets with enough determination and strength.So, I'll rise up amongst this filth and make sure that I'm on top.

In a world where strength is measured by the beasts you command, only a few ever reach the peak — and even fewer survive the journey beyond it.Aether was just an orphan in a forgotten city, someone with no family, no background, and no future. During the Beast Contract Ceremony, everyone expected him to fail… or at best obtain a weak creature.Instead, he formed a contract with what appeared to be the most useless beast of all — a Fire Pup.But what no one knows is that Aether possesses a power that should not exist.His beasts can evolve without limit.While others struggle for years and risk their lives to gather rare materials, Aether’s beasts grow stronger simply by fighting beside him. As he rises through factions, battles powerful enemies, and unlocks ancient evolutions, the truth about his mysterious origin slowly begins to surface.Hidden bloodlines.A sister imprisoned by the rulers of evolution.And a secret tied to the legendary Ascension Gates that connect three universes.What begins as the journey of a forgotten orphan soon becomes something far greater.Because the Fire Pup that everyone mocked…Was destined to become a Hell Cerberus.And Aether was never meant to be ordinary.He was meant to become the Beast Monarch.---