Standing Next To You - Chapter 539: A flap of butterfly’s wings

In the Central 46 Compound, the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 and the notorious scourge of the Female Shinigami Association, Masatsuki Aozaki, stood before the Sages and Judges.“You have improper relationships with numerous members, Seated Officers, and Captains of the Seireitei?”“As Captain-Commander, maintaining close relationships with them helps facilitate my work.”“...”The Judge narrowed his eyes. “Then how do you explain modifying the female Shinigami's Shihakushō into miniskirts?”“To transform the Seireitei into a perfect paradise.”“Tsk tsk… A paradise for all Shinigami? That’s not entirely unreasonable…”“No, a personal paradise.”“A private—wait! Captain-Commander Masatsuki, that kind of thinking is clearly wrong!”“Do you want to die?”“...”“Forget it, Captain-Commander Masatsuki. We’ll set this matter aside for now. Let’s discuss some of the outrageous statements you’ve made in the past. Those were jokes, right?”“No, I was completely serious.”Masatsuki calmly ran his hand along the hilt of his Zanpakutō and spoke with conviction. “I have a great relationship with my subordinates, I get along well with Hueco Mundo, and I’m even friends with all of your wives and girlfriends. But rest assured, I’m a good Shinigami. You can safely leave the world in my hands!”Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto: That damn brat! Shunsui, Jūshirō, don’t stop me—I need to teach him a lesson!Thus begins the tale of the most incorrigible Shinigami!

I used to think that my stealing skill only worked on what was worthless to a person.But just before I died, I realized that I could also steal the skills.So I stole the regression.

One day, I decided to end my short livestreaming career. Not that I had ever started it with the intention of earning money.My life had hit rock bottom: a disappointment to my family, painfully average in academics, buried under massive debt after my company failed, and to top it all off, the one person who had been my emotional support, my loving girlfriend, cheated on me.Yes, life had turned into hell. So I chose to cut off all distractions and focus solely on my studies.However, the moment I went live to announce my decision, the few viewers I had exploded in rage.[There will be slaughter! Whoever made my Kyle sad deserves to burn in hell!][My time with Kyle… gone… that demands… massacre.][Kyle… Kyle… don’t go…]Then came a suggestion.[I have sent a gift for you. I hope that helps change your mind.]That gift, sent by one of my regular viewers, completely changed my life.I learned that the world I lived in wasn’t as simple as I had believed.Nightmares, shadows, ghouls, curses… they were as real as humans.And with the blessing I received, I became part of that hidden world.On top of that, I received a system that sometimes rewards me simply for existing.It’s crazy.The viewers I thought were just regular people were all deities.••••••••A/N: For the first few arcs, the protagonist will operate in secrecy, and there is a good reason for it.The main character will experience sudden growth in strength, as this story isn’t about gradual power-building but about personal connections and slice of life.Expect heavy slice of life in this one.And please read through the free chapters before passing judgment.

Ethan Blackwood wasn’t used to being defied. As the CEO of a global empire, he crushed obstacles with a single glance. But when Lily Anderson stood before him, her chin lifted in quiet defiance, and something in him snapped. “Sign the contract,” he said, his voice like ice. “30 days. You’ll obey every command. After that, you’re free.”She hesitated, her fingers trembling as she gripped the pen. “And if I refuse?”His smirk was cold, but his eyes burned. “Then you’ll spend the rest of your life paying off your father’s debts. Your choice.”Trapped, Lily signed. But she vowed one thing: she wouldn’t let him break her.From the first day, their clash was electric. He demanded perfection; she gave him rebellion. “You think you can control me?” she spat, after he criticized her for being late.Ethan stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “I don’t just control you. Lily, I own you.”But as the days passed, the lines between them blurred. Late nights in his penthouse turned into whispered conversations. His cold demeanor cracked, revealing glimpses of a man haunted by his past. One night, after a heated argument, he pinned her against the wall, his breath hot against her ear. “Why do you fight me so much?”Her voice trembled. “Because I’m afraid if I stop, I’ll lose myself to you.”Their connection deepened, but danger loomed. Secrets from Ethan’s past resurfaced, threatening to destroy everything. When Lily discovered the truth behind his obsession with her, she confronted him. “Was I just a pawn in your game? A way to settle an old score?”His eyes darkened with pain. “You were never just a game, Lily. You’re the only thing that’s ever felt real.”As the final days of their contract approached, their bond was tested like never before. Enemies closed in, and trust hung by a thread. Could they overcome the shadows of their pasts, or would their love crumble under the weight of secrets and pride?