Industrial Cthulhu: Starting as an Island Lord - Chapter 163: You Are Not the Machine Soul at All!

I had transmigrated into my favorite game, as an extra who died before the story even began.In a world where Sigils dictate power, I found myself in the body of a boy who had already died on the battlefield.Yet, as I drew breath in his place, his Sigil changed. A power never meant for him, never meant for me.Kidnapped by a shadow organization that didn't exist in the game, I spent three years in the dark, forced to learn under a so-called teacher.I move forward, not as the extra I was meant to be, but as one who chooses their own path. A path to supremacy.Yet the deeper I walk, the more I realize… this world holds secrets that game had never shown.-----------------Additional tags:[Sword Companion], [Hidden Identity], [Artifact Power], [Slow Reveal], [Secret Society], [Survival]

In 'The Elf Kingdom', the War of Gods 1000 years ago caused the fall of the World Tree. In a world where true gods rule, the fall of the elven civilization came soon after.A 1000 years has passed, the new World Tree is now reborn.Eve Yggdrasil, the Mother of Nature, the Goddess of Life, the Great Ruler of Elves, armed with the ability to connect to the Internet on the blue planet.He (yes, He) now must rely on players from the blue planet to help his goal of reviving the past glory of the elves and the World Tree.

The world froze.Literally froze. The chattering students, the falling cherry blossoms outside the window, even the dust motes in the air – all suspended in perfect stillness.“Oh wonderful hero,” a melodious voice echoed through the room. “Your world faces a terrible crisis, and you have been chosen to—”“No,” he said flatly.A pause. Then a shimmer of golden light coalesced into the form of a beautiful woman in flowing robes. She blinked at him. “I... what?”“I said no. I'm not interested in whatever quest or destiny you're selling. Pick someone else.”The goddess's perfect features creased in confusion. “But... but you've been chosen! The prophecy speaks of a warrior with a fierce spirit, one who—”“Lady, I don't care about your prophecy. I've got enough problems here without adding some fantasy world's issues to the mix. Now un-freeze time and leave me alone.”“You don't understand,” she pressed. “Our world is being ravaged by the Demon King's armies! Millions will die without—”

This story is about love, revenge, the quest for power, and the right to exist.After being betrayed by his childhood crush and losing his loved ones to a human raid, Erik, a werewolf, ends up on another planet for seven years before he returns to a vastly changed, post-apocalyptic Earth.Originally a timid, unadventurous man, Erik has become far more dominant and assertive upon his return.Together with him comes his beloved but ruthless soul-bound partner and fairy, Elora, who wants Erik to rule and conquer with her by his side.Elora's presence alone makes Erik more powerful than others at this level, but will he find out what else makes him special?Follow them as they use the knowledge and strength they gained on Söl to navigate an Earth filled with magic, vampires, shapeshifters, and more.Along the way, Erik and Elora will meet a diverse cast of characters, some of whom Erik might have known in the past, and some he did not, but all with their own story and desires.Will Erik be able to take revenge for the betrayals of the past?And what else will he discover along the way?