L*ck Me If You Can - Chapter 9

Zephyr Ashbourne has been a mage for two months. Following one eventful night where he accidentally made a pact with a werewolf deity, he's left with the ability to use magic - much to the dismay of his vampire ex-girlfriend who'd been seeking magic for herself. Now Zephyr is attending a small and selective university for mages half way across the world, the Midnight Court. Though quickly, he learns this new power comes with new problems. His ex-girlfriend, for one, wasn't thrilled when he skipped town without a word. And too, his new dueling partner, Aries de la Fel, seems to find new ways to push his buttons on the daily.A novelization of a playthrough of Covens of Midnight - a slice-of-life, magic school, enemies-to-lovers RPG.

[Warning! Slice of Life at Core!]“Are you trying to tell me that the man who made the entire Northern continent tremble works in a flimsy bar? And he's a Water Mage???” The Emperor asked his knight.“Yes, sir. I saw him with my own eyes. He has two pet dragons and—”“Good gods! The legendary dragons that historically disdain humans as his pets?! We must have this man as our own at all cost!” The Emperor screamed in amusement, “Say, when you approached this man to speak with him, what was his reaction?”The knight gulped.“He... offered my men and I drinks, and told us to tell you, the Emperor, to visit his bar sometime.”The Emperor's eyes widened, and narrowed back as he smiled. “Well, I just might.”______Maxwell Duvon Belognia was once a reject, kicked out of his noble house for his lack of talent.His noble family was one that had produced reputable flame mages for ages, and Maxwell, who had an affinity to the water element, was a good-for-nothing.Disowned by his family, he ventured out into the world to build his own solid ground, and discovered that his talent in the path of water was much more than his family had ever imagined.Along his journey, he made friends that he loved more than his own blood, allies that could give their lives up just for his sake, and the best of all — he fell in love with a woman who gave him her heart and her soul.Until an unfortunate, world ending disaster struck on his world, ending everything dear to Maxwell in just a few seconds, including the love of his life.Luckily — or unluckily — Maxwell and his friend barely survived, thrust into a different, ruthless world where they had to grow stronger and struggle to survive.Years later, they became transcendent beings who ventured into the vast cosmos where they still fought to claim a place.They became gods.During all his years of constant struggling, fighting and ascending, Maxwell never the love he lost.Regret ate at him. If only he was strong as he was now that he steadily approached the end of his being.Just when he thought his soul would fade away without ever seeing his love again...“Why don't we break one of the ten absolute rules proffered by the Celestial King?” His friend suggested.Maxwell's eyes widened.“What rule?”“Regression.”And so, after fighting to go against the will of fate and the heavens themselves, Maxwell's soul finally regressed with eons worth of knowledge to the time when he was just a mortal, kicked out of his noble house.The best part?All his divine authorities as a god — although weakened — were still linked to his soul, including his pocket dimension which held his treasures.And because of this, to the eyes of everyone in his world, Maxwell was a ridiculously overpowered being.As news of this enigmatic, overpowered water mage spread amongst the four continents of the world Cryst, every monarch and every major power desired him for themselves.But the man in question?“I've lived a life full of suffering, battles and wars. Now, with this second chance, I just want to live a calm life. To do that, I'll have to stop the world-ending disaster coming in a few years. But for now...” He opened the door to his bar, smiling as he gazed at his customers which consisted of legendary mages, legendary mercenaries, divine healers, knights and the rest, all waiting to recruit him. Finally, his warm gaze rested on his wife, waiting for him behind the counter. “This is enough.”

Su Lin travels to a post-apocalyptic world governed by rules where he spends his days scavenging for supplies and his nights defending against monsters. The only way to survive is to build his own safe house and engage in tower defense survival.The original host's parents passed away, the defense of his residence reset to zero, and he faced despair and neglect. His fiancée was almost assigned away. Faced with this predicament, Su Lin gains the opportunity to enhance his abilities once a week through select traits.[King of the Garbage Can: Increases the probability of collecting low-level garbage items tenfold and enhances the power and effect of tools and buildings created using these items tenfold.][Glazed Cannon: The durability of your crafted weapon mechanisms is 80%, but receives a 40% damage increase.][White Take: Copy one item or building from a companion's hands every month.][One Hundred Push-Ups: Upon completing one hundred push-ups daily, you receive a 35% damage reduction for the day.][This is Hextech! Not cheating!: Consume any item, and for every ten items consumed, three are returned.]

At the Edge of the Void…A soft blue light hums, pulsing with energy, its robotic voice ringing with purpose.> “Do you accept me, System 0404, the Harem-Building System?”A young man in his twenties, eyes shining with excitement, eagerly responds:> “YES!”The blue light flares—The universe shifts—The binding process begins—DING!> [System Successfully Bound to…]…Daphne Han???????***System: “If you’re going to RUIN the harem-building mission, I’m not helping you!”Daphne: “Okay, I’ll just win without you.”System: “…Wait, what?”***World one:Male Lead: “Why are my offers disappearing?!”Daphne: “Oh? Maybe you just weren’t talented enough.”System: “YOU CAN’T JUST DELETE THE PROTAGONIST!”Actress #1: “Wait, I actually love acting, not this forced romance subplot?”Actress #2: “Oh wow, working under Daphne is way better than chasing ML’s validation.”Male Lead: “WHERE DID MY HAREM GO?!”System: “DON'T RUIN THE PLOT!”Villainess: “What do you want in return for everything?”Daphne: “You.”System: “NOOOO, SHE’S SUPPOSED TO BE HIS FINAL LOVE INTEREST!”World two:Emperor: “You were supposed to compete for my favor!”Daphne: “Nah. I’m the one with favor now.”Heroine: “Can I join your court instead?”System: “THAT'S NOT HOW HAREM DRAMAS WORK!”***CEO: “I was supposed to be her fate!”Demon Lord: “SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO REDEEM ME!”Imperial Prince: “What do you MEAN she’s not interested in me anymore?!”System: “THIS IS NOT HOW THESE STORIES WORK.”