Predatory Marriage - Chapter 38 - As Red As Blood

Ethan Cross was just an ordinary college student in his past life—until he died trying to save a banker playing hero. Now, he finds himself reincarnated in “New World”, a realm plagued by Dread Beasts, where only those who awaken Aethermarks can become Heroes.But there’s a problem.Ethan has awakened as an E-rank Hero, the weakest tier, cursed with only one ability slot—a death sentence for any aspiring warrior. With no powerful clans willing to recruit him and the world already looking down on him, his future seems bleak.Until he discovers his Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts.This mysterious power grants him access to a personal dimension, where he can hunt endless waves of Dread Beasts. Unlike the real world, slaying them in this space drops Ability Fragments, which he can combine to gain abilities without slot restrictions. Even better? Time flows differently—he can train for days, yet only an instant passes in reality.Determined to rise from nothing, Ethan embarks on a secret journey to accumulate power. But as he completes missions and unravels the truth about the Black Pits, he realizes there’s something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface.The Hero Association hides dark secrets. Villains roam freely in the shadows. And Dread Beasts may not be the mindless creatures everyone believes them to be.With powerful enemies watching his every move, Ethan must play a dangerous game—remain unnoticed or become the hunter of both beasts and men.But one thing is certain:In this world, strength is everything. And Ethan Cross will carve his own path to the top—no matter the cost.

Reborn as a poor young man in an unknown mountain village in another world, Lu Qing expressed his helplessness.

Fortunately, he awakened a power that could see through item information, which gave him some capital to survive.

He looked at a weed on the side of the road.

[Ox bone grass is of average quality and can be used medicinally. It is quite effective in treating bone injuries. 】

Look at the red carp in the river.

[Red Moon Carp is of high quality, with delicious meat, and is a top-quality nutritious food. 】

Look at a hare in the mountains.

[Gray rabbit, common hare, edible. 】

…

Relying on his own supernatural powers, Lu Qing gradually established a foothold in the village and was able to survive.

Just when he thought that he would spend his life peacefully in this ancient world with low productivity.

One day, he suddenly saw a figure flying past in the sky…

- Description from novelbuddy

In the year 3000, humanity was forced to leave the earth when a sudden mutation caused more than 70% of the planet's population to mutate either into zombies, werewolves or vampires. The humans put up a fight but didn't have a chance against the united front of the monsters and they were forced to leave. At least those who were rich and lucky enough to leave.

A century later, the chaos on earth had calmed down but the humans who were left behind were treated like slaves and were forced to join one of the three factions: The Undead, The Cold Ones or The Lycans when they turned 16.

It was a similar story for Ashton, who was one week away from being turned into one of the monsters as it was his 16th birthday. He decided to run away from his fate and join the secret resistance to battle against the monsters.

However, his plans came to a standstill, when a series of misfortunes leads him to be bitten by a Zombie, a Vampire and a werewolf before either of his powers could manifest.

He ended up receiving all of their powers, but at the cost of his humanity. Yet, he wasn't willing to let his humanity die. No matter the cost.

Will he be able to live his life, or was it already too late? Which faction will he join? Will he be able to find the secret behind the mutation?

There were too many questions, and only one way to find the answers: follow Ashton's journey as he fights back to retain his humanity.

A new world, filled with mysteries and deadly dangers. New faces, hiding their true intentions. Horizons beyond his wildest dreams. The world of Ice and Fire has opened its gates to him—there is no turning back.Born into a family of ordinary knights, he has no powerful benefactors, no secret knowledge of what lies ahead, and only a vague understanding of this world’s ways. But one thing is certain—he will never stop moving forward. Intrigue, betrayal, enemies—mere obstacles on a path he will carve with his own hands. His life will become a legend, but what kind of legend? That is for him to decide.The first step has been taken. Welcome to a journey that will shape the fate of Planetos.