Heavenly Castle - Chapter 76 – Taiki’s judgement

A conversation with a handsome stranger leaves Ariane chained in a cellar with a strange affliction. She soon discovers that the darkness of the nineteenth century’s Deep South hides many dangers. Mages, wolf shifters and the humans who hunt them play a risky game where to stumble is to die, all under the amused gaze of the apex predators of the supernatural world: vampires.

It is never healthy to attract the gaze of the aristocracy of the night. It takes much to survive in this merciless world, but Ariane will not let that deter her. The southern belle has a bite, and she is willing to learn and to grow in this hostile new world. She will use whatever means necessary to reclaim her freedom, be it guile, charm, or those intriguing new instincts that make blood so delectable.

This is a story of vampires as I believe they should be, with their strengths and weaknesses, with their remnants of humanity and the beast inside. Updates every Friday. Mind the tags.

Cover by Antti Hakosaari: https://www.artstation.com/haco

Special thanks to Svensonsen for getting me started, as well as Omi Nya, Hesketh, Rhaegar, Yaksher, Selkie and Raven for proofreading my stuff. Thanks to my patrons and you dear readers, for the support. I could not do it without you.

Journey is on Amazon, both in ebooks and audio. here is a link to the first one:

https://www.royalroad.com/amazon/B08DK6G8Y8

The story probably exists in your local marketplace as well of I can tempt you.

In Eylille, a bustling metropolis renowned for its strategic position at the sea’s estuary and vibrant trade, the ambition to thrive attracts many from surrounding counties. However, Limond stands out as a place for those lacking ambition. Amidst this backdrop, Yu Huazang, a high school senior from a challenging background, faces a critical mock exam in Liberty School.Despite the school’s low expectations for his class, Yu’s life is more complicated than his teachers realize. Raised in an orphanage and later by a kind old man, Yu now supports his family by working night shifts, which affects his academic performance. During the exam, he makes a desperate guess on a question, inadvertently activating a mysterious “”God Level Choice System.”” This system presents him with choices that could alter his fate, starting with a simple decision on the exam that promises a novice gift bag as a reward. As Yu contemplates this unexpected turn, readers are left wondering: What is this system, and how will it change Yu’s life?

“Chief, it’s bad; our people are injured! Hurry, take them to the Divine Tree!”“Chief, it’s bad; our people are on the brink of death, about to perish! Quick, to the Divine Tree!”“Chief, it’s bad; our people have just passed away! Quickly, to the Divine Tree, and do not let the body grow cold on the way!”Reincarnated as a frail locust tree, Ji Yang merely wished to bask in the sun each day, gaze upon the moon, and live a leisurely life.Yet, years later, as Ji Yang looked down upon all beings, he suddenly realized that this world lay upon his roots and within his shade.And that initial small clan, unbeknownst to him, had its name resound through the heavens!

From [Running], to the physics-defying [Godspeed].From [Aiming], to the causality-transcending [Bullseye].From [Health Cultivation], to the everlasting [Immortality] among men.From [Fitness], to the flesh-ascending [Turning into a Dragon].Having been reborn, Xue Jing, after gaining a panel that infinitely enhances skills, set a minor goal for himself.In this dangerous world filled with martial artists, Blessed Ones, and Transformed People, he aimed to rise above all merely with his mortal flesh and blood—to become the supreme deity among men.