Merchant Crab - Chapter 1: Stepping Stones

Jyera, a parallel Earth ruled by humans, was about to enter the interstellar era when the apocalypse arrived. Animals turned into monsters, humans became zombies, the weather went crazy, and all technology stopped working.Rick was a rookie firefighter on his first day of work when the apocalypse began. With the help of other survivors, they trusted each other and managed to survive the initial chaos.But due to the greed of his companions, Rick was betrayed by them and ended up dead. After regretting his choices and accepting his fate, Rick finds himself alive again 7 days before the apocalypse begins. Now armed with a powerful system and knowledge of the future, Rick plans to not only survive, but thrive in the harsh apocalypse…

[Regressed successfully!]Zick lifted his eyelids, revealing two dull eyes. A grand room filled with medical appliances was reflected on his pupil.The piercing pain originating from the abdomen made Zick slowly accept the reality.He had returned 10 years back in the past!The very moment from when Zick began to lose everything.[Destiny system has been activated. Get closer to people with strong destiny and strengthen your own destiny!][Sub-function: shall be unlocked soon!]After taking a look at the interface, Zick closed his eyes.“First…I should repay that chick for this wonderful gift.” Zick looked at the bandages on his waist.......{Additional tags: Age regression, Evil protagonist, cold female leads, Academy, evil organizations, conquering, war.}

The mortal body, metamorphosis, longevity, immortality, and eternal life. These five realms, step by step, reveal themselves in front of you. As a normal person, how can one try step by step to reach and open the door to eternal life?

Between the heaven and the earth lies the mortal body, the mysteries of metamorphosis, freedom of longevity, the power of immortality, and the hope of eternal life. A story filled with endless new magic, a new world of immortal styles, people, demons, gods, fairies, magic, kings and emperors. A world of love and hatred, revenge, and mystical battle, all in “Eternal Life.”

William Medici was not born into this world—he was reborn into it. But fate has already decided his role. He is not the hero. Not the noble king who rules with honor. He is the villain.A system lurks within him, not as a guide, but as an ever-present spectator—one that delights in chaos. It grants no power freely, offers no redemption, only a whisper:The world is a stage. Your role is the villain. Play it well.In a realm where betrayal is currency and power is the only law, William does not resist fate—he embraces it. Every alliance is a move on the board. Every rival, a piece to be sacrificed. Every betrayal, already foreseen.But even a villain is not invincible. Enemies rise. Shadows scheme. And the system watches, amused—waiting to see if he will fall...Or if he will burn the world to prove that even fate can be rewritten.But one question remains:“Who summoned him… and what do they want in return?”--------------------------------AUTHOR HEREWilliam Medici starts off seeming wholesome—but don’t be deceived. He’s selfish, cunning, and manipulative to the core. This is a true villain’s journey.What makes this story stand out isn’t just the dark MC, but the deep world-building, unique power system, and layered, three-dimensional characters that evolve with every twist.more things(1) the first arc is introduction of the world so other is no deep manipulation or action but from the second arc the main chaos starts manipulation. killing and obviously charm.(2) The mc is cunning not because I say so but because he is.(3) the will be new chapters regularly.