Mushroom Lord in the Underground City - Chapter 53: Trust Me, You’ll Be Fine

In a world torn apart by rifts that release dangerous monsters, Espers—humans imbued with powerful abilities—serve as humanity's last line of defense. But the power of an Esper comes with a price. Overuse of their abilities leads to dangerous corruption, a force that can destroy them from the inside out. This is where Guides come in: individuals with the unique ability to calm the corruption within Espers and restore their balance.Rowan Mercer, an S-class Guide, is one of the best in his field, capable of stabilizing even the most dangerous Espers. He has worked quietly behind the scenes, helping those in need, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he is called to work with Lucian Vaughn, an S-class Esper whose immense power and unstable corruption levels make him a dangerous threat to himself and others.Lucian, a tall, stoic, and enigmatic figure, has long fought against the growing corruption within him. At first, his relationship with Rowan is purely professional—Rowan as his Guide, helping him to stay in control. However, as their interactions grow more frequent, their bond deepens in ways neither expected. What started as a simple duty soon turns into a complex relationship where power, trust, and vulnerability collide.As the world around them faces escalating threats from rifts, Rowan and Lucian must navigate not only their personal challenges but also the dangerous world of Espers and Guides. Their bond will be tested as they fight together against the corrupting forces that threaten them both.In Corrupted Bonds, survival isn’t just about battling monsters from the rifts—it's about fighting the darkness within themselves and finding a way to stay connected in a world that’s constantly pulling them apart.

Thomas was an avid fan of the virtual reality game ‘Seeking the Immortal Path’. This game came out of nowhere and took the world by storm. Boasting a hyper-realistic setting where the players can explore infinite possibilities.On one stormy night, Thomas received a notification from the game.[Are you prepared to find out the truth?][Yes] [No]It was a question that ignited his interest. He thought that it was merely a hidden event so he unhesitatingly clicked [Yes]. What he didn’t know at that moment was that this decision would change his life forever.—Fredrinn Firecrown was the heir of a renowned family, but he was an untalented trash with low-grade spirit root. To make himself feel superior, he bullied the commoners and the people with lower status than him.This man was supposed to become the weakest villain according to Thomas’ memories of the game, but he suddenly found himself transmigrating into Fredrinn’s body.Armed with his knowledge as a former top player, follow Fredrinn’s story as he changed everyone’s perception of him all while battling the dangerous magical beasts and martial practitioners of the dangerous cultivation world.

From childhood, Sonny Crow had known he was different from everyone else. He also understood, in a quiet, unsettling way, the path his life was heading down. As a result, everything around him felt mediocre, empty, and without meaning.However, who could have guessed that a single, fateful ride on a bus would completely change the way he saw the world?

The Year 1766

Disowned by her own family for their own reasons, she was taken in by a maid at the age of seven to work at the Carmichael's household. The Carmichael's were one of the respectable pureblooded family in Bonelake and like any other household, there were rules. Rules that needed to be followed by the servants and maids.

Like everyone else, she was reminded not to disobey the rules. But before she learns to walk in the shadows like the rest without a whisper, the Duke's young son calls her 'Bambi' and everything breaks loose.

Book cover credit: complxmars