Dark Matter Ascension - Chapter 72: Confronting the Archmage

I, Olga Rifald, have remembered the moment my engagement was canceled.

I had died in an accident and got reborn as the heroine in the Otome Game “Princess Road”.

The end of this engagement signifies the start of the game.

… And, if I’m careless, I will head towards the death route at full speed.

… Eh? Isn’t that dangerous? Ain’t dying dangerous?

I have already died in my past life, so at least here, I would like to live peacefully…!

… That being the case, I will do my best to aim towards the slowlife.

… Even though that was the plan!

Qi Condensation. Foundation Establishment. Core Formation. In the current world, only these three realms are known to be achievable. Nascent Soul is but a legend and the realms above it lost to the the long river of time. The modern era is known as Cultivation Civilization, a balance of power and civility, excess and moderation. While cultivation remains a secret practice, it has long since exposed itself to the mundane world, quietly intertwined with each facet of society. While the world appears to be at peace, what lies underneath is a conflict between human, cultivator, and demon, brewing for ages and waiting to implode. Yet in the wake of humanity’s rapid industrialization, qi—and consequently cultivation—is dying.

In a world torn apart by rifts that release dangerous monsters, Espers—humans imbued with powerful abilities—serve as humanity's last line of defense. But the power of an Esper comes with a price. Overuse of their abilities leads to dangerous corruption, a force that can destroy them from the inside out. This is where Guides come in: individuals with the unique ability to calm the corruption within Espers and restore their balance.Rowan Mercer, an S-class Guide, is one of the best in his field, capable of stabilizing even the most dangerous Espers. He has worked quietly behind the scenes, helping those in need, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he is called to work with Lucian Vaughn, an S-class Esper whose immense power and unstable corruption levels make him a dangerous threat to himself and others.Lucian, a tall, stoic, and enigmatic figure, has long fought against the growing corruption within him. At first, his relationship with Rowan is purely professional—Rowan as his Guide, helping him to stay in control. However, as their interactions grow more frequent, their bond deepens in ways neither expected. What started as a simple duty soon turns into a complex relationship where power, trust, and vulnerability collide.As the world around them faces escalating threats from rifts, Rowan and Lucian must navigate not only their personal challenges but also the dangerous world of Espers and Guides. Their bond will be tested as they fight together against the corrupting forces that threaten them both.In Corrupted Bonds, survival isn’t just about battling monsters from the rifts—it's about fighting the darkness within themselves and finding a way to stay connected in a world that’s constantly pulling them apart.

Inside the 3000m underwater station, an international group of scientists and engineers live and research for possible settlement of entire human race. Park Mu-hyun, a reserved dentist joins the station in hopes for a quaint life in the deep sea. However, things quickly go south when the station gets attacked by a mysterious group of people.As the water starts to fill in the living quarters, Park Mu-hyun grabs his backpack and immediately runs for his life, but where to? Now, the peaceful station becomes the ultimate survival stage of cult madness and chaos.