Shrouded Seascape - Chapter 53. The Human Aboard [Bonus Image]

Can't a man maintain his dignity while preparing for the end of the world? Is that too much to ask?

The Tower was all I knew... all any of us knew, and just like that, it was gone. Monsters the likes of which I'd never seen ravaged the land of my ancestors. They burst through the outer walls and stormed the city. No one could have been ready for that. But now... Now I have a second chance.

After the collapse of the known world, I woke up to find myself on the First Floor of the Tower. I was young and healthy, 18 again, and sitting in the same classroom that marked the worst days of my life. Confused and excited, I accepted this gift, deciding to use my vast knowledge of the future to climb the Tower in preparation for the end of the world.

Maybe I'll help some folks along the way? Who knows. Survival comes first.

The clock is ticking, and I'm left with only a century to build a Deck powerful enough to survive the end. Things to do... What's first? I need Essence, and I need power. I'll have to climb the Tower to acquire both of these. Some of the zealots will try to stop me, need to look out for those. What if-

“Hey, kid! Hand over the pouch or-”

Stab

Sorry, where was I? Ah... there's a spot of blood on my suit. What a lousy morning.

In this world of blood and fantasy, century-old Rowan Wilder has to not only survive, but thrive as he powers his way to the top of the Tower. The Demonic Plague that has twisted the creatures on the upper Floors is the least of his worries. Cane in hand and Summons by his side, he'll have to tear his way through the monsters, as well as the humans who want to stop his ascent. Of course, he can maintain a sense of decorum while he faces these trials, right?

Ethan Cole was, by all appearances, an ordinary young man navigating the familiar ups and downs of life—until the night everything changed. That was when he encountered the “Unlimited System.” This mysterious system didn’t merely make Ethan wealthy—it granted him unimaginable riches and set him on a path that was both exhilarating and perilous. The catch? Each mission the system assigns doesn’t just test his wit and resolve; it also unlocks incredible powers, elevating him to new heights of strength and influence. But this isn’t just a tale of lavish spending and indulgence—though those moments certainly add flavor! Ethan’s journey is laced with challenges, each step bringing him closer to reshaping his destiny. From building NovaTech Innovations into a technological marvel to buying a football club and even creating an app poised to revolutionize the food delivery industry, Ethan’s rise is nothing short of meteoric. And yet, the further he climbs, the more he discovers the shadows lurking behind his newfound success. Beneath the surface lies a hidden world—a world ruled by the Great Families, an elite group whose wealth is only part of their power. For these families, strength is the ultimate currency, and disputes are settled not in boardrooms but in combat arenas. Whether through sparring matches or life-and-death duels, they prove their dominance with skill, strategy, and sheer might. Drawn into this dangerous realm of secret societies, high-stakes confrontations, and unrelenting ambition, Ethan must use every ounce of his intelligence, strength, and ingenuity to navigate the intricate web of power that surrounds him. Expect a whirlwind of twists, heart-pounding action, and moments of sheer wonder. From outsmarting ruthless rivals to unraveling the enigmatic traditions of the elite families, Ethan’s journey is as unpredictable as it is thrilling. It’s a story where rules bend, reality tilts, and every turn brings something unexpected.

Cross is a laborer and helper working in multiple construction sites and stores to pay his bills and food. The pay isn’t much, but he is content with his life. He has a job, a crappy rented apartment, and a girlfriend.

But it all shatters when the world changes one day. A strange phenomenon teleports everyone into a world of fantasy, magic, dangerous beasts, and mystifying creatures.

Everyone is given abilities, skills, and spells and can level up like in a game.

And that’s not all. They are transported in a medieval timeline where technology is nonexistent, and living is harsher than one might expect!

When Cross swipes his hand, a screen appears, and the first thing he read.

‖ E V I L S Y S T E M

S I D E Q U E S T ‖

* Insult Someone

Reward:

+100 EXP

* Spank a girl’s butt

Reward:

+1,000 EXP

‖ E N D ‖

‖ E V I L S Y S T E M

M A I N Q U E S T ‖

* Brake up with your girlfriend

Rewards:

+10,000 EXP

Egg (?)

Xiang Shaoyun is the young master of an influential and powerful sect and is blessed with an extreme latent talent in martial cultivation. From talent comes confidence, and from confidence comes a declaration to give all the so-called geniuses a head start of ten years before catching up to them.