MTL - Apocalyptic Rebirth: Earth’s Vast Changes - Chapter 65

Qiao Zhao married a first-class noble son from the capital, but unfortunately for her, she wasn’t given a bridal chamber as a sign of her newly married life.

After their marriage, her husband went on an expedition, leaving her alone to take care of herself. After a long time apart, they finally saw each other again, but suddenly, she was shot dead by her husband on the city wall with an arrow.

When she opened her eyes after a while, she saw herself in the body of a kidnapped young girl riding a donkey, racking her brains to figure out how to get back to the capital.

- Description from Novelupdates

Amid the steam of the industrial revolution, mysteries surge beneath the surface. Cults and secret societies seek the extraordinary in the shadows, while hidden gods gaze upon humanity from the heavens.Forbidden knowledge, sacrificial rituals, and forgotten histories—mystery is everywhere.Dorothy, unexpectedly transported to this increasingly bizarre world, discovers that to survive and move forward, she must adhere to one principle:Knowledge is power.And forbidden knowledge?That’s an even greater power!

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.

Why, seems like I’ve become a haunted portrait.