Rise of the Living Forge - Chapter 74: Surprises

“What does it feel like to be a shadow?”People say it's bondage — the absence of light, of freedom. But what is freedom, really?The ability to choose whatever you want?Or... just a beautiful illusion masking the void?Strange question, I know.But you'll understand soon enough.Because my lives?They've always been a little... enlightening.— Kaiser

In a world of countless enemies, the right talent is all it takes to thrive. Freddy Stern, a twenty-one-year-old cashier, has lived a plain, albeit harsh life. Having been orphaned—twice—he’s spent the last ten years working and staying out of trouble. His only aspiration is to save enough money to become an archhuman. His dream gets the jump on him when he barely survives a near-death encounter and finds himself with 1% Lifesteal, a bizarre talent with numerous contradictions and just as many uses. With every dead enemy, he becomes a bit stronger, a little wiser, and a lot more ruthless. And no matter how much damage he takes, he can always put himself back together. Physically, at least. But on his path to power, after having to look at the rotting guts of archhuman society again and again, can his talent keep his mind and soul as pristine as his body? Or will that part of him simply remain broken?

Su Heng had traversed to a world where demons were resurrecting, and the human realm was like hell.Water ghosts, fog demons, and drought monsters... powerful demons plagued the land. Major clans used fierce spirits for medicine, residing high above the clouds, while common folk struggled desperately amidst a divine, eerie apocalypse.In these chaotic times, Su Heng awoke with the talent of a Celestial Eater.His body grew limitlessly, gaining a property point for every pound he gained in weight.The bizarre and terrifying demons who slaughtered cities and eradicated nations were, to him, the most sweet and superior ingredients.He devoured their flesh and blood, feasted on their sinews and bones, plundered their Divine Skills, and seized their destinies.From the “Pure Yang Skill” to the “Heavenly Demon Transformation Technique,” from the “Golden Bell Guard” to the “Demon Buddha's Golden Body,” even the most ordinary martial arts in Su Heng's hands could burst forth incredible power.Years later...Su Heng's demonic body was colossal, his weight immeasurable.With a hundred hearts and a thousand arms, mortals were nothing more than ants to him — all gods and buddhas of the heavens, come to battle!

[sweet, pampering][strong FL, 1v1]He was an absolute noble, decisive and cold-hearted, yet he was persistently entwined with her, doting incessantly.The first time they met, he questioned, “Six years ago, was it you?”The second time they met, he was holding a paternity test, “You still dare to say your son isn't mine?”The nth time they met, she finally lost her patience, “Sir, will you ever give it a rest?”The man lifted the corners of his mouth, smiling with a deep and enchanting charm, “Not before our second child is born.”