The Sword and The Shadow - Chapter 6 – Becoming a Mercenary

The year was 2026, and the world wasn't what it used to be. Ever since the Abyss Gates cracked open three years ago, spilling monsters and dungeons across the planet, life had turned into a chaotic mess. Cities were half-ruined, half-rebuilt, and people clung to whatever normalcy they could find. Hunters—those brave or crazy enough to fight the monsters—became the new heroes. Everyone else? Well, they just tried to survive.Fin wasn't a Hunter. He wasn't a hero either.He was just… Fin. A lanky 19-year-old with messy brown hair, a chipped front tooth from a dumb skateboard accident, and a power that everyone called useless. Absorption. Sounds cool, right? Like he could suck up energy or steal someone's strength. Nope. All it did was let him “feel” things he touched a little more than normal. He could tell you the exact texture of a brick wall or how warm a coffee mug was—big whoop. No fireballs, no super strength, no flashy moves. Just a glorified touchy-feely trick.“Fin, you gonna eat that sandwich or just stare at it like it's gonna confess its life story?” Meg's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.He blinked and looked across the rickety table at his best friend. Meg was short, loud, and had a wild mop of dyed purple hair that she swore made her look “intimidating.” It didn't.

A young farmer's son, Oscar, is content with living a peaceful life, but by fate's whim, he is found to have the potential to become something greater, an Exalt. A special class of humans who perform miraculous feats and lord over others. Despite his shortcoming and slow progress compared to the geniuses around him, Oscar holds determination as his shield and persistence as his blade. Who says that a person needs to be a genius?Who says that a person has to be a prodigy?With each heavy step, Oscar walks the path of an Exalt.

Chen Luo’s transmigration story starts at a mourning hall.

This is a world where reading can help you obtain enormous powers.

Reading Confucian classics trains you to the path of righteousness

Studying Taoist doctrines will help you grasp the source of everything and the ultimate principle underlying reality.

Understanding Buddhist Scriptures will make you comprehend the essence of rebirth and karma.

But contrary to what is expected, why does Chen Luo’s cheat only give him books for leisure reading!

….

What? 《Strange Tales from A Chinese Studio》is now being treated as the bible of the Monster Country?

What? 《The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils》opened the world of martial arts?

What? 《The Plum in the Golden Vase》….

Don’t panic, don’t panic, these are all small details!

This scholar, have you ever heard of the book 《Tales of the Three Kingdom》 where gallant generals and cunning strategists are a dime a dozen?

That Taoist priest over there, ever read 《Investiture of the Gods》? You people from the Taoist sect are outdated!

Hey, please halt high priest, I have a copy of 《Journey to the West》 here, are you interested?

- Description from Novelupdates

Sports + time travel + system + blood

Traveling back to 2018, Su Bei of the Dragon Kingdom became a player of the Lakers. He got the McGrady template at the beginning, the finals, the World Cup in 19 years, the Olympic Games will not be a pity, and the boss (Kobe)…

At this moment, because of the arrival of Subei, the NBA’s small ball era has changed! ! !

James: “Sue, he is the best player.”

Durant: “What is the best offense, Su is the best textbook!!!!”

Adorable God Curry: “Su, is the ceiling of this era!!”

(This is a parallel world, don’t over-introduce some characters and plots, there are some small changes, in short, it’s very cool and beautiful.)

- Description from novelbuddy