Valkyrie's Shadow - Chapter 16Birthright: Act 3,

[MATURE CONTENT]He wanted to ruin her by every means but what happens when he is the one who becomes her protector in an enemy kingdom? Can she survive in a kingdom where nothing but hostility awaits her?Synopsis: In the year 299 of the Lunar System, a mysterious red streak fell to Earth, landing in unclaimed territory between the kingdoms of Eldoria and Selvarys. The discovery of magical red stones sparked a decade-long war between the two nations.To end the bloodshed, the kings of Eldoria and Selvarys arranged a marriage between Princess Cynthia, whose reputation in high society was marred by scandal, and Prince Lucian, the illegitimate son of Selvarys’s king.Princess Cynthia, known as a villainess and troublemaker, had recently faced a broken engagement. Despite her notoriety, she agreed to the marriage to stop the war and save her people.Prince Lucian, recently returned from the battlefield, despised the thought of marrying an enemy princess. However, as an illegitimate prince, obeying the king’s command was his only way to survive the palace conspiracies.In a marriage marked by mutual disdain and distrust, can they put aside their hatred and learn to live together? Or will the hostility surrounding them in the enemy kingdom be too great to overcome?Excerpt:“Your Highness, why do you always avoid looking at me when you speak?” Cynthia asked, her tone firm as she tilted her head curiously.“Is it because you can’t keep eye contact with me?” she added her words carrying a subtle edge.To Lucian, her remarks felt like thinly veiled criticism he heard countless times. He clenched his jaw, then raised his eyes, meeting Cynthia's gaze with his striking green-emerald eyes.“Are you mocking me, Your Highness?” Lucian asked quietly and lifted Cynthia's chin, leaning in closer, his eyes reflected his irritation at the princess’s harsh remarks, their faces nearly touching. “Well, it doesn't matter to me. As long as you perform your duty as my wife properly, I will have nothing against you. But the moment you fail in your obligations,” his hand slipped on her shoulders as he stared deeply into her eyes. “It’s the moment you will regret this marriage. You will regret marrying into an enemy kingdom where you have no one to protect you from harm. Where not even your husband is by your side.” A soft chuckle escaped Cynthia, confusing the man before her.“I will not regret any of it. You will regret it when you fall in love with someone you don't even wish to see,” she mumbled.Disclaimer: This is enemies to lovers. Read only if this is your cup of tea!

Deceived into marriage, exploited for a lifetime as a nanny without pay, and finally beaten to death by her adoptive mother in front of her adoptive father's sickbed, Shen Mianmian's miserable life came to an end.When she opened her eyes again, she found herself back at fifteen. Shen Mianmian vowed to escape her past fate, punish her malicious cousin and adoptive mother, but accidentally shone too brightly in the process.The third-to-last student in school suddenly rose to the top, becoming the candidate fought over by prestigious universities, causing a sensation among all the teachers and students...While others were busy studying, Shen Mianmian was busy starting small businesses to make money...While others were preparing for the college entrance exams, Shen Mianmian purchased the two most notorious haunted houses in Beijing in one go... becoming an oddity in everyone's eyes, they mocked her that even if she had the fortune to buy them, she might not have the life to live in them.While others graduated and were busy looking for jobs, the haunted properties purchased by Shen Mianmian were requisitioned by the government, earning her a considerable amount of demolition compensation.Those who had mocked her couldn't help but slap themselves twice... inquiring everywhere where there might be haunted houses for sale.Shen Mianmian, originally needing to borrow money for tuition fees, used the demolition funds and leveraged her rebirth advantage to buy a suitable plot of land and built a rental building, transforming into a Beijing's wealthiest and most prosperous landlady...One day, Shen Mianmian, carrying a bag of keys and having just collected the rent, was dragged to the Civil Affairs Bureau.“Shen Mianmian, it's time for you to pay back what you owe me.”

“Congratulations to the host on binding the magnate check-in system.”

This meant there were rewards for checking in.

“Check in successfully. Get one billion assets.”

“Check in successfully. Get the incomparably handsome face of an immortal.”

“Check in successfully at the East Mountain Villa. Get ownership of the East Mountain Villa.

…

Since he bound the check-in system, Chen Yun had been checking in or on his way to check-in.

From then on, a brilliant magnate was on the rise as he traveled through the world and commanded respect. He became the most honorable man in the world!

At level 2, most people unlocked their first talent; those who didn’t were considered fortunate, as they had the potential to unlock rarer talents requiring higher levels. The world’s most rare and powerful talents were revealed at level 5. But what if someone didn’t obtain a talent? Luck quickly turned to misfortune as they were labeled talentless, with no hope of gaining a talent. Sol was one such person who was unable to unlock his talent, but he refused to give up. He persistently fought and trained every day, slowly increasing his level despite the disadvantage in skills. He held onto the hope that, one day, he would be bestowed with a talent like everyone else. As years passed, his determination began to wane until one fateful day. You have leveled up! +5 Free stats. Talent Unlocked - [Siphoner]! This event marked the beginning of his story.