Shadow's Hand - Chapter 8: Foul Stench

“God, please. If you are real, make my one last wish come true. Let me live.”When Callisto got diagnosed with an incurable genetic disorder at age 5, she was expected to live for only ten more years.With her life on its last leg, Callisto underwent an operation that has a one in a million chance of success called the Mutated DNA Fusion, granting her wish to live. However, the operation gave her more than what she wished for.With her black hair turned silver, cat ears overhead, and a tail from her behind, Callisto now has to live her life as a half-human and half-animal, a catgirl.

Nora is shattered a month before her wedding when she uncovers her fiancé's deceitful affair. As she manages this betrayal, she discovers a deep ploy to hinder her from claiming her rightful inheritance. Devastated but determined, Nora takes a daring step to regain control of her life. Enter Demetri 'The Demon' to those who know him, a formidable man barely known to her, who offers her protection and support in return for a contract marriage to satisfy him. In a twist of fate, Nora marries Demetri to claim her inheritance and fight those who plotted against her. But as she battles her own family and Demetri's many rivals, will she be able to keep from falling for the man known to crush people beneath his booted heel.Excerpt:She had forgotten that the man was intimidating and directly challenged him.Rather than speaking, Demetri rose from his seat and approached her deliberately. Although it was a mere few steps, time seemed to stretch for Nora. When he was almost within touching distance, his hand gently landed on her knee, moving it sideways. His touch moved with a hint of a caress, and he stepped between her open legs. Nora sat there in frozen silence, her eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights.Catching her chin between his fingers, he tilted her face upwards and spoke unhurriedly,“ You are my wife.”She nodded her head slowly in affirmation while his thumb slowly traced her lip. “I have given you time to gather your emotions.”Another nod. Nora's nervousness made her lick her lips, acutely aware of his intense gaze fixed upon them.“Your reason for the marriage was to secure your inheritance and get away from under your mother's thumb.”“Yes...” Nora whispered in confusion. Her confusion was not about his statement but about the bewildering sensations coursing through her. What was happening with her?”It's time for you to fulfil your end of the contract, yes?“ He continued.”Yes,“ Nora whispered breathlessly. Why was she breathless? Had the oxygen level in the house dropped? Was the air suddenly thinning?Abruptly, his hand left her face, and she watched as he drew closer. It was then that Nora comprehended what was unfolding. All those tantalizing, heart-pounding kisses she had read about in novels were about to possibly become her reality.But the anticipated kiss didn't happen. Instead, he paused near her and commanded, ”Kiss me.“

Crossing into the world of Naruto, and acquiring the One Piece system, with all the powers of the world of One Piece, swordsmanship, devil fruit, domineering.

-Do you think that your fire is very powerful? I have the burning fruit.

-Do you think that your thunder is very powerful? I have a thundering fruit.

-Do you think that your otter is very powerful? I have the frozen fruit.

-Did you said you want to die? Don’t worry, I also have a nickname: Death Doctor.

- Description from Novelupdates

The dungeons appeared 3,000 years ago. New wealth and ways to gain power poured into the world, tipping the world’s power balance.

People rejoiced in their appearance. Now the poor could thrive, escaping poverty.

There were countless people trying to enter the dungeons. They formed a guild to manage them. We named them the Explorer’s guild.

All who ventured into those dark, evil places given a title to signify their status.

[Dungeon Scout]

A special occupation created to control the people who entered the dungeon.

A young orphan, adopted by dungeon knights and, would eventually follow in their footsteps.

His name was Vincent Schwartz, born in a fractured world of death and decay.

On the day of his 18th birthday, when children could ingest a special fluid and awaken.

Vincent awakened the unique [Summoner] class.

Able to summon distant beings that wielded endless power, able to perform terrifying attacks.

The only problem was the strange system, which appeared out of nowhere.

[The Demonic Choice System]

This system would give him random choices and give different rewards at different intervals in his life.

Would his system help him attain a wonderful life, filled with women he loves?

Perhaps the world will force him to fight, as the dungeon’s purpose remained hidden in shadows.