Steel and Mana - Chapter 7 – A Witch

Rinkai was an ordinary orphan with nothing but dreams of a brighter future. Honest and hardworking, he believed that effort would one day change his fate. But a tragic accident shattered everything.When he opened his eyes, he was no longer in the world he knew. Instead, he found himself in a realm where strength was absolute, and the weak had no place. Just as despair crept in, a mysterious voice echoed in his mind—[Ding! The Lucky spin System has been activated!]With a system that could grant him anything through sheer luck, Rinkai’s journey in this unpredictable world was about to begin.

Ethan Liu, an ordinary young man trapped in a monotonous life, finds an escape in the form of the latest virtual reality game—Immortal Cultivation VR. This game offers a deeply immersive cultivation experience where players can become powerful cultivators by mastering ancient martial arts.However, what initially seems like mere entertainment soon turns into a far more dangerous and mysterious journey. When Ethan accidentally joins a cultivator chat group filled with players from around the world, he begins to realize that the virtual world is much more than just a game. Behind its battles and mighty creatures lies a greater threat that could destroy not only the game but the real world as well.In his quest to uncover the truth behind the game, Ethan must fight against powerful players with dark ambitions while facing a crucial dilemma regarding the immense power and technology controlling the virtual world. As time passes, Ethan’s choices in the virtual realm start to have real-world consequences, altering the very fabric of life outside the game.As the battle between the virtual world and reality escalates, Ethan must decide whether to continue seeking power in the game or fight to prevent the impending destruction of both worlds. With the fate of the world resting on his shoulders, Ethan faces a decision that will shape the future of humanity—and his own destiny.Virtual Reality Cultivator is an epic tale of power, betrayal, and self-discovery in a world where the boundaries between reality and virtual worlds are becoming increasingly blurred.

In 2173, the world’s first Full-World Virtual MMORPG game ‘Astral Online’ went on sale globally, forever changing the blue planet Asteria!

With its revolutionary Digital Capture System, astonishing graphics and ability to scan yourself into the game with up to 20% beautification, countless defenders rallied to play the game.

Fifty million players logged in on launch. There were no queues or lag on launch, leaving countless critics impressed and willing to try the game. Because the game used a 6-hour play limit a day, it allowed even working adults to keep up with young students and the unemployed.

A resounding success, as more people poured onto the game servers, families and friends alike. Astra Online became a household name overnight.

One month later, the game opened its first RMT system, which made earning a living from the game easier... Thus began the Astral rush!

Professional players formed guilds and factions to increase their profits, but nobody could know this prosperity was a mere joke.

One year later, players fused with their avatars, gaining powerful abilities in the real world, which tipped the power and caused chaos.

Two years later, demons and monsters from inside the game invaded the real world.

Three years later, over 90% of humanity perished, leaving the rest to hide like rats, unable to fight back in fear.

Four years later, this world is no longer ours. The demons march on our last bastions, one by one. They exterminated us.

Zell was an average player who liked to collect beasts in the game and evolve them into humanoids, as they were primarily females.

He spent most of his life working two jobs to make ends meet.

Thanks to the excellent healthcare of his country, there were no crippling debts. There was only emptiness.

When the end came, he was powerless and alone. His only companions were his cute pets and Rika, his cherished Flame Rabbit.

She was the only beast he evolved to a humanoid form after his late start to the game.

He died saving the life of a strange girl with white wings and his pet Rika, the sad eyes of Rika and the girl’s sorrow floating through the air as he slowly passed away.

However, instead of dying, he awoke inside an empty white room with a single computer and a strange, game-like screen that allowed him to edit his IRL avatar and persona.

Who offered him this second chance?

For what reason did they help him?

Can he meet Rika again?

Zell could never know; he only knew his second life’s goal.

Survive!

Hurt. Bullied. Ignored. Boris decided to end his life in the most pathetic, cowardly way imaginable.But of course—how could even death go right for him?Fate, it seems, had other plans.Boris wakes up in another world, reborn as Kaden Warborn—the second young master of the Warborn family. A clan of glorious madmen who treat death like a family tradition.And wouldn’t you know it—death comes knocking again.[Congratulations, Host. You have awakened the Cycle of Rebirth System.][Core Principle: Die to grow stronger.][So go on, Host. Don’t be shy.][Court death.]…Excuse me?Armed with a system that rewards dying, surrounded by maniacs who treat funerals like festivals, Kaden Warborn begins his new life.Hopefully, this time, not like a coward.