MTL - From the Head Pillar Tanjiro, Take Stock of the Wonderful Nicknames of Zongman - Chapter 20

One day, a tower appeared in the skies of all the major cities…

Shen Mo transmigrated into an outer disciple of Qingxuan Sect. Once the top among the outer disciples, he was poisoned on the eve of entering the inner sect, his foundation utterly destroyed. Now, he suddenly discovers he can see everyone’s life script and plunder their fortunes.Are you a reincarnation of a great power? About to obtain a heavenly-grade technique? Bring it on!Are you the future Flame Emperor? Refining the solar essence fire? Bring it on!Are you the Martial Ancestor’s heir? Bearing a heavenly-grade spirit weapon? Bring it on!Are you the Fox Clan’s sacred maiden? About to tame a sacred beast cub? Hmm, both you and your fortune belong to me now!

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.