Ultimate Level 1 - Chapter 435: Gnomes... Gnomes... Gnomes...

In the bustling city of Eldoria, nestled between ancient forests and towering mountains, lies the renowned Celestial Arcane Academy—a hub of magical learning and the central setting of the revered fantasy novel, “Aetheric Chronicles.”Unbeknownst to the residents of Eldoria, a young Earthling named Alex awakens in the academy, a place he recognizes all too well from the pages of his favorite novel.Gifted with an OP ability yet unable to use it properly, Alex quickly realizes that he is not merely a student but a living embodiment of a character from “Aetheric Chronicles”, an extra or a side character to be more precise.As he navigates the grand halls of the academy, he's met with a surprising twist—characters deviating from the expected plotline, unforeseen events altering the carefully crafted narrative.Eager to maintain the balance between the known world of “Aetheric Chronicles” and the unpredictable reality he finds himself in.However, the unpredictable nature of his presence in the novel's universe sparks whispers of prophecy and conspiracy among the world's inhabitants.Guided by his knowledge of the novel's lore, Alex faces dilemmas that challenge the very essence of his character. Will he follow the prescribed destiny laid out in the novel, or will he forge a new path and risk unraveling the delicate threads of the fantasy world?Will he find answers to the questions he seeks for?Will he reach the ending of the story? If there is one...

Qing Qin dressed as the cannon fodder character with the same name in the book, is an unlucky man who was imprisoned for a major accident after inheriting the richest man’s family business.

Now, he is about to start the first round of investment competition.

The winner of the competition will inherit the richest man’s 100 billion family business and embark on the road of cannon fodder, while the loser gets 10 million, which was enough for him to enjoy himself.

Qing Qin: “Okay, 1 million loses 1 million, and 10 million loses 10 million. If I don’t lose the game, I will be a dog!”

Seven years later.

Qing Qin is worth 100 billion yuan and is listed on the Forbes Rich List.

The former richest man burst into tears: “I now understand why you refused to compete to be heir in the first place. Even without the protection of your parents, you can create a business empire alone!”

The protagonist confessed to the media: “With all the properties under Lou’s family as a gift. I hope you can agree to my pursuit.”

Qing Qin looked up at the sky and sighed. He could only write sadly in his autobiography: “Really, I didn’t think about making money at first…”

This book became a bestseller. Netizens are happy to play along–

“Actually, I don’t plan to make money.”

“It’s not that I make money, but that money put itself into my arms.”

“Damn money, go away!”

- Description from Novelupdates

“The masterminds are cooler than heroes,” I mutter as I stare at the chess pieces before me. It is easier to be the one who sits in the shadows and moves the pieces, likewise deciding the flow of the game.Heroes will foolishly sacrifice their lives for the good cause and villains will sacrifice the world for their own gain, but masterminds will use both the heroes and villains to their own benefit.Why, you ask? Well, that's because I've lost my life once while trying to be a hero so, I don't want that anymore. I'd rather be a mastermind who molds the world as per my convenience and live peacefully. Because, why not?***[Defender of Divine Glory says you are the hope of this world.]What?[Goddess of Wisdom believes that you will be the one to save the world.]Wait, what?![Propose the Grand Duke the idea of a fake marriage.]And, why would I do that?![Stop the assassination of Prince Eric.]Why would I save him?![The candidates for the throne are:... Who will you choose?]Ah! I give up...It seems like a curse that anyone who wishes for a slacker life in Isekai will have to go through the most troublesome things.In my past life, I died because of one rookie mistake but after being transmigrated in the world of fantasy I've gotten an opportunity to start afresh, but unlike the protagonists who look for their love and glory, I'd rather make money and live a life of a slacker.I have magic, I have power and I have money, what else do I need?Well, that was the plan but this damn system is getting on my nerves. I mean who in their sane mind would want to mess with the complicated royal family and political affairs? But that's not all though.I've also become the saviour of this world. Things just can't be anymore worse!Besides, the penalty of failing this quest is...[Failure: Destruction of the World.]It seems like if I screw up in selecting the right person then the destruction that is going to befall the world won't be stopped.If I speak of my reward then it's this vague thing.[Reward: Fulfillment of any wish.]“If that's the case then, I'd rather choose the person who would be the best fit for the throne.”And that's how I decided that I would become the Kingmaker.