Rising Phoenix - Chapter 177

Elias “Grim” Kingsley, a nine-year-old orphan with a hardened heart and sharp tongue, dies alone from pneumonia in an overcrowded orphanage. Known for his perpetual scowl and biting remarks, he's labeled a “problem child” by caretakers and “damaged goods” by potential adopters. Years of rejection have built thick armor around his young heart.In death, he encounters the God of Balance who offers him a second chance at life in a different world—this time as Grim Van Ambrose, son of a noble house. Balance explains that every soul deserves to know love and connection, something Elias was cruelly denied in his first life.Promised the family and belonging he never experienced, Grim begins his new life only to suffer an immediate tragedy: his mother dies moments after his birth. This cruel twist of fate reinforces his belief that loss is inevitable, leaving him with a distant father and the mysterious voice of a “Guidance Assistant” in his head.As Grim grows into his new identity, he struggles with his dual nature—the emotional scars of his past life bleeding into his present one. His difficult personality and sharp tongue remain, now paired with noble privilege and expectations. Despite his outward brashness, he carries the deep wounds of his first life and the fresh loss that welcomed him into his second.What begins as one orphan's second chance evolves into an epic journey through a world of ancient beasts, elemental magic, and deadly political intrigue. As Grim uncovers the truth about the Ambrose Clan's fall from grace and the conspiracy that framed them for treason, he faces increasingly dangerous adversaries—both human and monstrous. His quest for revenge against those who destroyed his family's legacy will challenge him to master forbidden techniques, forge unexpected alliances, and ultimately decide whether to rebuild the Ambrose Clan as it was, or transform it into something entirely new.In a realm where power determines survival and ancient secrets lurk beneath noble facades, Grim must learn that sometimes the greatest battles aren't fought with swords, but with the choices that define who we truly are.

After a mishap, he accidentally became the protagonist. Unexpectedly, he and the villain cultivated together and they actually became dao companions.

“If you want to be with me forever, there is only the supreme road of achievement. Are you willing to travel with me?”

“Of course I’m willing.”

……

In Li JinZhi’s view, the protagonist and villain’s coexistence should be like swords and spears facing each other, a feud.

But when he crossed into the novel and became the protagonist; when he placed all his trust in the man who was supposed to be the villain; when the other side revealed some unusual feelings to him; when he held Ye Yu’s hand to the altar, he discovered that the relationship between the protagonist and villain isn’t as dull as he imagined.

When the monotonous pattern is broken, the feelings of resentment turns into sharing a common destiny.

- Description from Novelupdates

Max Winchester suddenly found himself in the world he hated the most, Xiao Bai novels.Not only was he not the protagonist, but he became a villain, and the worst thing is, unlike other Villains, he was not transmigrated at the beginning of the novel but rather at the end point of his arc.His death was already decided; the Protagonist had already firmed his foothold in the city.The most important thing for the villain is their family already pretty much disowned him; the sisters who used to dote on him were ignoring him.His business was in a crisis as he was just days away from declaring bankruptcy as his capital chain was broken.He found himself standing in front of his childhood sweetheart, who came to him to break off their engagement.When he was in the desperate situation, the compulsory golden finger of every traveler popped in.[Ding! The Counter-Attack System is being bounded][Ding! Protagonist attack on host detected...Counter-Attack is being triggered....][Ding! Congratulations to the host for gaining {Absolute Dodge}...][Ding! The protagonist gaining strength is detected...Counter-Attack is being triggered....][Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving the SS+ Calamity rank power base....][Ding! Protagonist attacking your company detected....Counter-attack is being triggered....][Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving 1 Trillion UC market value company....Congratulations to the host that Protagonist's most loyal brother who helped him in attacking your company stepped on shit and died....][Ding! A protagonist's childhood sweetheart hatred towards you is detected...Counter-Attack is being triggered....][Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving +100 (Only one) Favorability of Protagonists childhood sweetheart....][Ding! Protagonist trying to blackmail your sisters detected....Counter-Attack is being triggered....][Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving +1000 (Not even death do us apart) favorability of his mother....Congratulations to the host for receiving {Harem protection halo}....Congratulations to the host that the Protagonist lost his PP right....Congratulations to the host for the Protagonist lost half of his mind....]And so he goes on his relaxing journey of the Counter-Attack.

The Third World War has been ended by the efforts of Kamijou Touma. With that, he vanished. With the Magic Side regrouping, the Sabbath for their followers has arrived.

In the headquarters of the Science Side, Academy City’s strongest Level 5 Esper Accelerator has washed his hands off the “Darkness.” Along with Last Order and Misaka Worst, his days pass by peacefully with no sign of GROUP.

Hamazura Shiage has formed a new ITEM with Kinuhata, Takitsubo and Mugino. Peace has come to the hands of the alumni who have “graduated” from Academy’s Dark Side at last… at least until a new evil “first year student” appears before them.

— This is a follow up to the popular Toaru Majutsu no Index light novel series, where Kamachi-Sensei has promised to deliver new premises and give a totally new flavor to the fights and plot developments