In Love With My Bully - Chapter 20: Shifting Alliances

The first thing my childhood sweetheart's did after becoming a wealthy woman was to ask me to marry her, in my poor and destitute state, went to her family to become the son-in-law.“Marry me, and you can live in luxury cars and mansions as you please.No need for work or household choresPlenty of pocket money every day, amounting to a five-figure sumAnd if you want kids, I'll bear as many as you wish.”But when I became this toy boy, I gradually discovered the sickly yandere and perverted control side of my childhood sweetheart...An accident brought me back to the past, live my life again.This time, facing the temptation of childhood sweethearts, I decisively refused!In this new life, my slogan is, drum up the wallet, and stay away from the rich woman!Me: “Sorry, I am the man you can never get in this life no matter how much money you spend!”

“You mean that Prince Yu wants to marry me?”

“Exactly, young master, Prince Yu wants to marry you!”

“Hell no! Is he out of his mind? Even if woman is a rare species nowadays, as the prince, he could have a chance to marry one. Is it because he got excluded, or maybe he has sexual impotence, so he could only marry a man?”

“No, Prince Yu is charming, majestic, endowed with civil and martial virtues, and also in perfect health.”

“Then why would he marry me?”

“Maybe because of your reputation out there.”

“Reputation? Am I quite famous?”

“Of course. Young master, you’re far-famed.”

“Really? What did they say about me?”

“They said you are ugly, good-for-nothing, short-lived, a freak, with no morals, and shameless…”

…

- Description from Novelupdates

In a world where mana nodes inherently decode spells, acting as the pre-built magical processors of all mages, Zephyr awakens with just a single node, putting him at a disadvantage.Unconcerned with fame or glory, he initially shrugs off this profound limitation, even dismissing his father's final and seemingly useless gift. But when a relentless spiral of uncontrollable events threatens his very existence, Zephyr has to figure out a way to utilize his inherited legacy.His survival now depends on understanding the fundamental nature of mana nodes and how they tick in a world that takes the process for granted. His method of conscious processing pushes the boundaries of conventional magic and draws the attention of formidable world powers and ancient noble houses. As Zephyr delves deeper, he begins to uncover disturbing truths about their world and the very origins of magic itself. How would he navigate this treacherous landscape where every discovery could be his last?What to expect:- Unique power system that draws inspiration from modern processors.- Extensive character development and world building.- MC starts out weak and capped... until he figures out how to process better. Power is earned.- Mana cores, mana nodes, spell processing, noble houses, knowledge gatekeeping, great world powers, hidden factions, a touch of sci-fi, multiple worlds, soft kingdom building...