MTL - Virtual World: Close Combat Mage - Chapter 17 Xiaolei Bar Meets (below)

Elia is a poor university student until the night she’s taken to the world of the Anima—ruled by humans whose ancient hearts pulse with the blood of animals. There she’s forced into a battle to the death. But when Elia survives, and refuses to kill her final opponent, the King must either kill Elia himself, or take her as his mate.

Reth, the brutal King of the Beasts with the blood of lions, shocks everyone when he chooses the weak, human Elia to become his Queen. He promises her every comfort of his wealth and position—but he is clear: She will not warm his bed. He chose her to defeat those that were trying to corner him into blending his Leonine line with the Wolves.

Elia needs the help of the Anima to become stronger and rule them well. But the vengeful Wolves see only a weak human that brought them shame. As Elia and Reth grow closer, the wolves are determined to destroy her. Will Reth and Elia admit their feelings for each in time to fight for the Kingdom—and their lives—against the villainous wolf-tribe? Or will the wolves kill Elia and steal the throne?

[Mature content - no sexual violence]

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He stalked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur collar of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle, so he peered at her through it like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn’t make a sound.

“Wh-who are you?” Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her—and didn’t stop until he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

“I am the Leonine King.” His voice was a dark, husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of wheezes, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. “And you are?”

“Elia,” she breathed.

“Elia,” he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. “I am Reth.” He said the name with a strange, guttural roll in his throat. “I am King of Beasts. I am Clan Leader, and I am Alpha of WildWood.” Several snarls rose from the crowds behind him then, but he ignored them.

Elia swallowed as he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek. “I am the King,” he said, “And you will be my mate.”

The forest behind him erupted.

Lucas Carter, a stressed-out office worker, never expected to die, let alone be reincarnated into a brutal world where beasts are the key to power. Born as the heir to a lowly barony, surrounded by elves, beastkin, dragons, and demonic clans, he was supposed to be a mere pawn, nothing more than a stepping stone for the true power players.But fate had other plans. Armed with a modern strategist’s mind and a mysterious system that grants him the ability to tame legendary beasts, Lucas quickly rises above the limitations of his birth. With the power to summon beasts, fuse them into deadly weapons, and unlock hidden skills, Lucas is no longer just surviving—he’s thriving.By his side are his loyal companions:Umbra, a Black Nemean Lion with indestructible fur and devastating roars that disrupt magic.Zephyra, a playful yet fierce Baby Wind Dragon who wields the power of wind itself.With his growing army of legendary beasts and his tactical genius, Lucas begins to build an empire. Along the way, he forms bonds with powerful women from every race, all while navigating the dangers of political intrigue, betrayal, and the constant threat of rivals who want to take everything he’s earned.One beast at a time, Lucas will carve his name into history. But in a world where strength is everything, can his cunning and loyalty to his beasts truly make him the ultimate ruler?

In a world where Classes, Stats, and Levels are the everyday norm, Reivyn has a secret.He was unusually aware of his surroundings from an incredibly early age, and Skills and Stats were acquired easily. He was just the son of an ordinary village family, and nothing appeared out of the ordinary on the surface. But below the surface, dreams of another life help shape his mentality and growth. Why does he have some remembrance of a past life, and what is his purpose in this new one?“Soul of the Warrior” is what I call a Semi-Isekai LitRPG. I say “semi,” because Reivyn's past life is remembered like a dream, and very incomplete. It is still Isekai, though, as he remembers enough that it directly shapes his personality and his sense of self.The System that governs the world of “Soul of the Warrior” is a combination of modified versions from Selkie's “Beneath the Dragoneye Moons” and Kosnik4's “Magic Smithing.” I have changed enough of these Systems and combined them in a way that is unique that I'm mostly sure it's fine, but I still have requested permission to use these ideas. They have both graciously granted me permission.Winner of the April Writathon Challenge.

I want an S-Rank skill too! I want it so badly, I could die for it![You have awakened an S-Rank skill.] [But it only works when you die.]Eh !? WHAT IS THE POINT OF GETTING ONE IF I DIE !?