The Thorne of Destiny - Chapter 12: Retreat

Man summoned to another dimension- Check!Reincarnated as an elf- Check!A dwarf with a plan to go to the Mo- Wait, wut!?Simon Steelrun dreams of going to the Moon, to fulfill his mother's last wishes. Though he has the will and drive, he does not have the...necessary capabilities to go there. Though he tries his best to get there, he all but fails. Just as he was about to give up, a stranger came from a faraway land.A land called Earth...Joining him on this journey is a reincarnated elf, a warrior orc with a mysterious past, and a host of myriad other beings, as they tackle various challenges to create a rocket ship to take them to the Moon.Yet their journey is all but smooth...Hampered by a technologically backward world, a human-centric empire, monstrosities of inhuman proportions, and Goddesses with unknown agendas, they must navigate through these difficulties to reach their destination. Further wrenches are thrown in when the planet's dark history starts catching up to them, forcing them to take action on behalf of others.Secrets that should have been hidden...Join us in the adventures of a dwarf with a dream, as he navigates his way through his journey to reach his destination, all the while being dragged into adventures which changes the course of the world.“All I want to do is go to the Moooonnnnn!”

In a morgue filled with the bodies of Uchiha clan members, he opened his eyes...A mysterious voice echoed in his ears...With a bewildered expression, he muttered, “Save the Shinobi world? What does that have to do with me, a mere Uchiha survivor?”

In 2173, the world’s first Full-World Virtual MMORPG game ‘Astral Online’ went on sale globally, forever changing the blue planet Asteria!

With its revolutionary Digital Capture System, astonishing graphics and ability to scan yourself into the game with up to 20% beautification, countless defenders rallied to play the game.

Fifty million players logged in on launch. There were no queues or lag on launch, leaving countless critics impressed and willing to try the game. Because the game used a 6-hour play limit a day, it allowed even working adults to keep up with young students and the unemployed.

A resounding success, as more people poured onto the game servers, families and friends alike. Astra Online became a household name overnight.

One month later, the game opened its first RMT system, which made earning a living from the game easier... Thus began the Astral rush!

Professional players formed guilds and factions to increase their profits, but nobody could know this prosperity was a mere joke.

One year later, players fused with their avatars, gaining powerful abilities in the real world, which tipped the power and caused chaos.

Two years later, demons and monsters from inside the game invaded the real world.

Three years later, over 90% of humanity perished, leaving the rest to hide like rats, unable to fight back in fear.

Four years later, this world is no longer ours. The demons march on our last bastions, one by one. They exterminated us.

Zell was an average player who liked to collect beasts in the game and evolve them into humanoids, as they were primarily females.

He spent most of his life working two jobs to make ends meet.

Thanks to the excellent healthcare of his country, there were no crippling debts. There was only emptiness.

When the end came, he was powerless and alone. His only companions were his cute pets and Rika, his cherished Flame Rabbit.

She was the only beast he evolved to a humanoid form after his late start to the game.

He died saving the life of a strange girl with white wings and his pet Rika, the sad eyes of Rika and the girl’s sorrow floating through the air as he slowly passed away.

However, instead of dying, he awoke inside an empty white room with a single computer and a strange, game-like screen that allowed him to edit his IRL avatar and persona.

Who offered him this second chance?

For what reason did they help him?

Can he meet Rika again?

Zell could never know; he only knew his second life’s goal.

Survive!

Gao Yang was a military enthusiast, an ordinary one, who loved knives, guns, and adventure.In an accident, Gao Yang found himself in Africa, where he unfortunately experienced a plane crash. Although he miraculously survived, his life henceforth was one where he could only scrape by under the muzzle of guns, for he had become a mercenary.What heights could a military enthusiast reach in the international Mercenary World?Please, wait and see.