MTL - Deep Sea Embers - Chapter 26 starless night

“Master. Why do you never visit?”“Shh... Just take this needle and don't make a sound.”The act was getting old, Teriyaki had only spent a month in Orochimaru's Lair and he was already close to ending it all.Just a month ago he had been a normal human, flipping halfway through the naruto manga when he fell asleep on Chapter 45... The place where that darned Snake first appeared.One more Teriyaki is an NPC or worthless comment and I will find you.TW: torture simulator kinda at some points

In a world where fate is dictated by prophecy, heroes are chosen by the gods, and Dark Lords are doomed to fall… Lucian Draeven refuses to play along.Once feared as the greatest Dark Lord in history, Lucian had the world under his iron rule—until the so-called Chosen Hero struck him down in a blinding flash of divine justice. The kingdoms cheered. The world rejoiced.Too bad Lucian isn’t actually dead.Having faked his demise and gone into hiding, Lucian watches from the shadows as a new Dark Lord rises, more reckless and incompetent than ever. Worse, the gods have selected another overly enthusiastic, sword-swinging Chosen Hero to bring “peace” once again.The problem? Neither of them have a clue how to actually rule the world.As kingdoms crumble, wars break out, and the balance of power teeters on the edge of collapse, Lucian comes to a horrifying realization:If the world is going to survive, then it’s up to him—the so-called villain—to secretly fix everything from the shadows.But there's just one little catch…Lucian’s legendary Dominions are still sealed, and the only way to regain his strength is by playing the role of a villain once more—spreading fear, manipulating his enemies, and pulling the strings behind the scenes.Now, as the oblivious Hero and foolish new Dark Lord battle it out, neither realizes that the true mastermind is watching their every move.Because if the world wants a villain…Then Lucian will be the greatest villain it has ever seen.

What secrets are hidden within the noble descendant who has returned from exile? The chaotic and ever-changing continent of Vastness engulfs Komer, dragging him into a sea of treacherous currents. His weary soul, battered by countless setbacks, has grown tired of the turmoil of emotions. Will he pursue the coveted power and influence of the secular world, or will he explore the endless magical mysteries of the dark realm? Where will his path lead him?The rise of the weak, orcs, mages, undead, dragons, barbarians is coming—we all take turns on the stage. Let's see who will emerge as the ultimate victor!

“When the old gods are forgotten, they do not die—they wait.”In the year 1025, the Viking Age wanes.Iceland bows to Christ. The Althing governs by law. And the gods of old fade to whispers.But in the far Westfjords, something stirs.Vetrulfr, a former Varangian captain and exile, returns from the East with foreign gold, forgotten warcraft, and a hunger no man can name.He comes not in peace, but to raise Ullrsfjörðr from ash and ice; building walls, carving runes, and waging war on behalf of a dying faith.From Reykjavík to Aachen, rumors spread: a ghost walks the North once more. Some call him the son of Ullr. Others, a wolf-cloaked demon.But all will know his name.and when the Valkyries call, he will answer.