Investment Return System, Start by taking Demon Empress as a Disciple - Chapter 158: Tribulation

Philip never expected his new life to be so… complicated. When a tragic accident in the modern metropolis of Bortinto abruptly ends his struggle for survival, he wakes up as the scandal-ridden heir of a ducal house in a world where magic and science coexist. Any fantasies of an easy, heroic life vanish the moment he realizes that the estate that he is tasked with managing is drowning in debt, and his reputation has been shredded by rumors involving his predecessor’s broken engagement to the socialite Lady Rosetta—the granddaughter of a prince.Even as he scrambles to rebuild his estate’s fortunes—grappling with contaminated land, mounting debts, and shrewed industrialists—he unearths troubling secrets about the original Philip’s heartbreak and suicide. A dark, hidden force seems intent on wiping him out for an unknown reason. As conspiracies emerge linking Lady Rosetta’s departure to these shadowy machinations, Philip struggles to separate ally from adversary, not knowing why this power in high places is so bent on destroying him.Meanwhile, the realm teeters on the brink of monumental change. Technological and social revolutions collide with century-old magical traditions, and war drums thunder on the distant borders. Armed with his modern knowledge of finance—now fused with the kingdom’s burgeoning industrial innovations—Philip attempts to ride the trends and transform his estate into a beacon of prosperity and secure his heirship to the ducal title. Yet each small triumph only attracts more enemies.Tasked by the System with cultivating a supernatural entity while uncovering the real reason behind Lady Rosetta’s canceled engagement and the original Philip’s tragic end, he must also shield those he grows to care about from the looming threats. Will he harness the synergy of magic, technology, and commerce to steer his estate toward greatness, or will malevolent forces quash his second chance at life? Will his second chance at life end the same tragic way as his first?

"In this world, morality is but a thin line away from depravity, and the most captivating tales are often shrouded behind the veil of insanity."
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I was just an ordinary guy, living a dull and unremarkable life as an editor.

But when a maniac author killed me for rejecting his novel in a writing competition, I reopened my eyes in a modern fantasy world.

"Hmm? Wait, this world…."

But fate, being a prude little bitch, played a twisted joke on me.

I reincarnated into the very same novel that I rejected for the competition award, written by the very same author who killed me for it.

Not only that, but I transmigrated into the body of a disowned noble named Lucas Morningstar.

Lucas was a minor antagonist in a novel who served as a stepping stone for the protagonist and their allies.

Arghh….

Of all the people, I just had to be reborn as someone who was despised by the main characters the most at this point in the story?

B-But hey, with my knowledge of the future and understanding of the main characters, I can at least live an easy life!

Right...?

"Yeah, I can work with this!"

Or so I thought until I remembered the ending arcs of the book.

This world is destined for doom!

And not so long after, I started to realize that the novel and the world I transmigrated into might not be as similar as I had originally thought….

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[Disclaimer: Caution while reading is advised. Tighten your seatbelts and brace yourself for a bumpy rollercoaster-like journey. Don't blame the Author if you fall from your seat while reading a plot twist. Thank you.]
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AN: MC is NOT a villain, so don't expect one.

*The MC will seem a little bit (ok let's be honest, more than a little bit) foolish in the first 30-35 chaps but don't be fooled. I ask you to read till first 50 chaps before deciding to trash-talk the MC because that's where his borderline psychopathic strategist personality starts to surface.

[IT'S NETORI, not the disgusting Netorare]COUGH Since our lazy author-nim is a bit... let's say, challenged in the synopsis-writing department, I'm stepping in. Sigh... now he's making me do his job too... X(Let's hope he can at least complete my story.Anyway, I'm Lucian, a 35-year-old guy with a rare disease that's cutting my time short. But here I am, working till my last breath sigh.*KNOCK*Oh, a guest! Gotta be quick—can't keep a lady waiting. So, after I kicked the bucket, I woke up in a body that kinda looked like mine but not really. Turns out, I'm on a flipped planet ruled by women. And guess what? I'm married to a cold and crazy ya#SPOILER#. My new mom? Total #SPOILER#. Then I *CENSORED* her right in *BEEP* of my new dad.To get stronger, I need to travel to #SPOILER#. Instead of a cool system, I got a useless b... *BANG* (gunshot).Due to health related issues, Lucian will be taking off, and the author will continue from here...“Kyaaa!! The patient died from a gunshot!”Don’t worry, Doc. He was on borrowed time anyway. So, let’s talk about what this story has.“B-But, he still had a few months to—”*BANG*So, here's what you can expect: Revenge, mystery, a bit of comedy, an overpowered MC (maybe), all the deredere, milfs a lot of them, wince... *COUGH*, hacking, a hero, a villain, manipulation, crime and a lot more.What you won’t find here: NTR, Yuri, a girlfriend, a job?, etc.Now, the serious stuff. This story aims to keep things light and happy but will have its fair share of sad and rage moments. Alright, that's it for now; I need to go, or we might actually lose our MC before the story even starts...For those who prefer to keep things PG, feel free to skip the R-18 chapters. We understand, really! And for those who pride themselves on being ‘Men of Culture,’ get ready to savor the spice. Bon appétit!

Ji Liao was particularly distressed lately. He had been “sexually harassed” for no reason. Moreover, the other party was a man! Never mind that it was a man but it was well-known class grass [T/N: Refers to the best-looking guy in the level] and school bully——He Cheng Ming!

– He Cheng Ming in front of others: “You wanna f*cking die?” “Better shut your mouth!” “Get lost! As far as you can!” He Cheng Ming in front of Ji Liao: “Baby, you smell so nice~” “My dear, you’re so sexy!” “I’ll always listen to you. Kiss me okay?”

– Experienced Overbearing Perverted Seme VS Novice Shy Cowardly Uke

- Description from Novelupdates