Highschool DxD: Crawling x Chaos - Chapter 18: Smooth Operation

On his 20th birthday, Tyson’s life took a drastic turn when a mysterious Meta-bot chooses him, granting him a powerful armor and thrusting him into a battle far bigger than himself.Now as a Ranger, he joins the fight against the Rogues while mentally prepares for the deadly tournament—the only way to earn years for Earth’s survival.The battles inside Tournaments always broadcasted live while warriors risked everything for Earths sake and for their families sake.Now, Tyson must navigate his fractured ties with his adopted brother while falling in love with the most beautiful girl from his academy, who turns out to be the former General's daughter.Will he take responsibility and prove that he is worthy of the Roger family name, or will he crumble beneath the weight of expectations before time runs out?------This novel is a blend of sci-fi and fantasy, featuring a 'weak to strong' progression. My focus is heavily on character development, so if you're looking for a any regular story then this novel might not be for you!Tags: Action, Adventure, War & Politics, Tournament, Fantasy, Romance, Gore, Death, Brotherhood, Alliances, Dungeons & Maps, Weak to Strong, Sci-Fi x Fantasy, Character Growth, Power Progression, Mecha Battles, Revenge & Redemption, High-Stakes Survival, Emotional Depth, Betrayal.

I wanted to be the hero but I knew in my bones that I couldn’t.

Ten years after the end of the world I struggled desperately to survive but I fell to my knees in the face of a great destiny.

“If only I were given one more chance.”

And like a miracle, another chance came.

It’s not like before, when I gave up and let go of everything.

I’ve had enough of playing the supporting role, now it’s time to rise above everyone else.

I’ll be the main character and reach for the stars.

There exists eight hardships of human life- living, aging, being sick, dying, resenting, parting with loved ones, being unable to let go, and being unable obtain something.

In each life, each person will experience their own hardship. Once they obtain happiness, they are furthermore unable to let go. Whether it would be heartfelt love or resenting someone down to the bone, would it matter? As long as that person’s bone has my name, it would be good.

- Description from Novelupdates

Zhao Du'an, a government official leading a cautious life, finds himself transported to another world where he becomes the favored 'pretty face' of a female emperor and an oppressive, power-abusing villain. Before he can relish the moment, he faces mortal danger for releasing a national criminal. Cornered and desperate, he plans to soothe the female emperor to seek mercy, only to discover his 'leading gigolo' role is a sham.Worse still, his notorious reputation prompts officials and heroes alike to impeach and eliminate him; and martial artists and clerical magicians consider him a disgrace. Overwhelmed, Zhao Du'an decides it's better to stop being human to survive.Starting by betraying his allies, he becomes the Emperor's top lackey. Years later, amidst heavy snowfall in the capital, the female emperor Xu Zhen Guan sighs atop the city tower, 'It was supposed to be a pretend companionship, how did it turn real...'Also known as 'Deceiving and Flattering at the Court of Great Yu', 'The Record of a Villain Going White'.