12 Miles Below - Book 6 - Interlude: Kres (I)

The world changed the day that cracks appeared in the sky– suddenly monsters named『Demonic Beasts』appeared and began to rampage, attacking people.

Meanwhile, girls called『Magical Girls』began to appear to counter the demonic beasts. As they defeated the demonic beasts, gradually people’s lives gained a semblance of composure.

–but when there is light, there is also darkness.

In the corner of an alleyway, a boy who had been attacked by a demonic beast was dying. His voice begging for help did not reach anyone and his body refused to move.

「Boy. Do you want to be saved?」

Looking into the boy’s face, a black cat began to speak to him.

The boy nodded firmly to the devilishly sweet invitation, in response the black cat mocked him.

「Is that so—then I’ll【Haunt (Save)】you」

—on that day, a『Magical Girl』was born in a place that no-one knew.

『She』never laments, no matter what the future may bring.

In the Year 350 of the Anping Dynasty, humans were faced with a huge crisis. Earth was invaded by monsters from another dimension. Fortunately, Su Yu awoke a power where he possessed a scripture that allowed him to contain everything in existence. With that power, he was able to face the coming apocalypse.

Food blogger, Qin Zhenzhen, transmigrated into a novel and became a young chubby girl who forcibly married a handsome guy. The handsome guy was truly attractive, but he was the villain in the novel. He was sinister and vicious, and everyone in his family was cannon fodder.She couldn't afford to mess with him. With that in mind, she hurriedly approached him and asked for a divorce.The handsome man narrowed his eyes. “Do you want a peaceful divorce? Fat chance!”Since a peaceful divorce was impossible, she'd have to change the storyline.At first, she thought this was going to be a difficult journey with many obstacles. However, it turned out to be a smooth ride, and she unexpectedly became pampered by everyone around her.People were born kind. The supposed villain, who didn't experience all those terrible things in the novel, could actually have a positive outlook in life.“I'm capable of getting rid of all feelings of jealousy and dissatisfaction. I can also lead a family to the path of wealth. Meanwhile, I also managed to conquer a man who only wanted to take revenge on me from the very beginning,” the female lead said.“I'm all about scheming and strategies. Anyone who messes with me will die, and anyone who bullies me will also die. As for the woman who both messed with me and bullied me, I'll punish her by making her stay with me for the rest of our lives,” the male lead said.

Ethan Blackwood wasn’t used to being defied. As the CEO of a global empire, he crushed obstacles with a single glance. But when Lily Anderson stood before him, her chin lifted in quiet defiance, and something in him snapped. “Sign the contract,” he said, his voice like ice. “30 days. You’ll obey every command. After that, you’re free.”She hesitated, her fingers trembling as she gripped the pen. “And if I refuse?”His smirk was cold, but his eyes burned. “Then you’ll spend the rest of your life paying off your father’s debts. Your choice.”Trapped, Lily signed. But she vowed one thing: she wouldn’t let him break her.From the first day, their clash was electric. He demanded perfection; she gave him rebellion. “You think you can control me?” she spat, after he criticized her for being late.Ethan stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “I don’t just control you. Lily, I own you.”But as the days passed, the lines between them blurred. Late nights in his penthouse turned into whispered conversations. His cold demeanor cracked, revealing glimpses of a man haunted by his past. One night, after a heated argument, he pinned her against the wall, his breath hot against her ear. “Why do you fight me so much?”Her voice trembled. “Because I’m afraid if I stop, I’ll lose myself to you.”Their connection deepened, but danger loomed. Secrets from Ethan’s past resurfaced, threatening to destroy everything. When Lily discovered the truth behind his obsession with her, she confronted him. “Was I just a pawn in your game? A way to settle an old score?”His eyes darkened with pain. “You were never just a game, Lily. You’re the only thing that’s ever felt real.”As the final days of their contract approached, their bond was tested like never before. Enemies closed in, and trust hung by a thread. Could they overcome the shadows of their pasts, or would their love crumble under the weight of secrets and pride?