HALF: Dead nor Alive - Chapter 8

The Mafia Empire tells the story of Julian Kesma, the third son of a poor farmer’s family in a decaying empire. After gaining memories from his past life as a shrewd businessman from Earth, Julian sets out on a dangerous journey to climb from the bottom of society to its very top. Battling poverty and social discrimination, he forms a gang from his fellow oppressed Guarths and dives into the criminal underworld, quickly becoming entangled in deadly political conspiracies.Through cunning, ruthless tactics, and a cold, calculating nature, Julian transforms from a struggling nobody into a fearsome mafia lord. As he gains influence in both the underworld and legitimate businesses, he manipulates his way into the political arena, aiming to dominate every aspect of society. His ambition extends far beyond crime, as he strives to reshape the empire itself.

«Farming wives in the apocalypse.» Getting a wife is possible. Getting Wives is hard. And in the apocalypse, it’s impossible. But what if you have superpowers that allow you to do anything? I mean everything!

When the admissions office of Witch Academy called, I was stunned—I had been accepted into a school I never imagined I could touch.Yes, I am a boy and it is an all-girls’ academy, but they did not mind, so I saw no reason to object. I had applied secretly, without telling my family, just to take a chance.But as soon as those striking seniors greeted us newcomers—pressing every boy against the wall with a knowing smile—I realized things were about to spin out of control.“Oh, come now, you sweet little freshman,” one of them said smoothly, her voice full of mischief. “Don’t make this difficult for me, your big sis. Swallow this core and transform into a witch like me, alright?”She held the glowing orb before us, half-threatening, half-teasing, almost inviting the new boys to react. It was clear she enjoyed it—the blend of fear and resistance in their expressions. Our unease seemed to be her personal amusement.After all, they only had this opportunity once a year.

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.