Under the Oak Tree (Web Novel KR) - Chapter 234

Ryo Tanaka, a struggling college student, works tirelessly at multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet. In a bid to earn some extra cash, he volunteers for a paid drug research study, unaware that it will alter the course of his life forever.The experiment takes a disastrous turn, leaving Ryo bedridden with a high fever for several days. But when he finally awakens, he finds himself in a world plunged into chaos. A deadly virus has ravaged the city, turning its inhabitants into ravenous, flesh-eating zombies. Streets once bustling with life now lay desolate, the remnants of civilization crumbling under the weight of the apocalypse.

In a world of countless enemies, the right talent is all it takes to thrive. Freddy Stern, a twenty-one-year-old cashier, has lived a plain, albeit harsh life. Having been orphaned—twice—he’s spent the last ten years working and staying out of trouble. His only aspiration is to save enough money to become an archhuman. His dream gets the jump on him when he barely survives a near-death encounter and finds himself with 1% Lifesteal, a bizarre talent with numerous contradictions and just as many uses. With every dead enemy, he becomes a bit stronger, a little wiser, and a lot more ruthless. And no matter how much damage he takes, he can always put himself back together. Physically, at least. But on his path to power, after having to look at the rotting guts of archhuman society again and again, can his talent keep his mind and soul as pristine as his body? Or will that part of him simply remain broken?

On his 20th birthday, Tyson’s life took a drastic turn when a mysterious Meta-bot chooses him, granting him a powerful armor and thrusting him into a battle far bigger than himself.Now as a Ranger, he joins the fight against the Rogues while mentally prepares for the deadly tournament—the only way to earn years for Earth’s survival.The battles inside Tournaments always broadcasted live while warriors risked everything for Earths sake and for their families sake.Now, Tyson must navigate his fractured ties with his adopted brother while falling in love with the most beautiful girl from his academy, who turns out to be the former General's daughter.Will he take responsibility and prove that he is worthy of the Roger family name, or will he crumble beneath the weight of expectations before time runs out?------This novel is a blend of sci-fi and fantasy, featuring a 'weak to strong' progression. My focus is heavily on character development, so if you're looking for a any regular story then this novel might not be for you!Tags: Action, Adventure, War & Politics, Tournament, Fantasy, Romance, Gore, Death, Brotherhood, Alliances, Dungeons & Maps, Weak to Strong, Sci-Fi x Fantasy, Character Growth, Power Progression, Mecha Battles, Revenge & Redemption, High-Stakes Survival, Emotional Depth, Betrayal.

Content Warning:This novel contains mature themes, including explicit sexual content, strong language, and adult situations. It is intended for readers 18+ only. Reader discretion is advised.______________________________________________________________________Haruki thought marriage would bring him happiness. He had been in love with Satomi since high school, and after years of struggling together, they finally built a stable life. But stability came with a price.Satomi was always busy. Work became her priority, and Haruki… was left behind. The warmth of their relationship faded, and intimacy became a distant memory. Nights felt colder, the bed emptier—even when she was right beside him.Loneliness gnawed at him.Then everything changed when Satomi’s family invited him to stay at their luxurious home.That was the first time he truly saw her mother.Kyouko.Beautiful. Elegant. Younger-looking than her own daughter. And for the first time in years, Haruki felt something awaken inside him—something dangerous, something forbidden.Living under the same roof, two lonely souls cross paths. And as Haruki struggles with his emotions, one question lingers in his mind:What happens when the one who understands you most… is the one you should never desire?