Talent Awakening: Draconic Overlord Of The Apocalypse - Chapter 118: Shadows And Scales

Betrayed. Ridiculed. Killed.That was my past life.I trusted the wrong people, and they buried me for it. But fate wasn’t done with me yet. When I opened my eyes again, it wasn’t in my old body—it was in a world overrun by the undead. And this time, I was one of them.A fucking zombie!But I’m not like the others. I think. I feel. I remember.What’s this voice in my head?[Welcome to the Silent Requiem System!]The system feeds me power, unlocking missions and skill buried within this body. I have one goal: rise in rank, take control, and make sure no one ever tramples me again.The humans I move with have no idea what I really am. To them, I’m just another survivor, clawing my way to the top. But in battle, I use my abilities in secret—manipulating the undead, eliminating threats, and turning every fight in my favor.But rumors are spreading. There’s talk of an undead hiding among them, unseen and unstoppable. If they find out the truth, they’ll hunt me down like a monster.And my past? It’s here too. The people who betrayed me in my last life are standing right beside me, unaware of who I am. But I remember them. They turned on me once—I won’t give them the chance to do it again.Then there’s him. The commander of the city, sharp-eyed and ruthless. He’s watching me too closely, asking too many questions. If he figures out the truth, I’ll have to make a choice: eliminate him, outplay him… or pull him into my trap before he can destroy me.Because in this world, power is the only thing that matters. And this time, I refuse to be at the bottom.***“How did you survive when everyone else died?”I guess death just didn’t want me.“Why do the zombies ignore you?”Maybe I just have a face they don’t like.“You were just a nobody yesterday—how are you suddenly so strong?”Hard work, luck… and a little bit of hex.“Why do I feel like I've seen you somewhere before?”Déjà vu’s a funny thing, isn’t it?“What are you?”Wouldn’t you like to know?

What to ExpectWelcome to this Martial Peak fanfiction, a respectful expansion of the legendary work by the original author. This fic follows the core events of the original, with a fresh twist in the form of a new protagonist who is an “outsider”—a modern reader reincarnated into the world of Martial Peak.1. MC Setup: A Cultivation Novel Reader in Martial PeakThe protagonist is NOT someone from the Martial Peak universe but a cultivation novel enthusiast from another world.No prior knowledge of Martial Peak, but vast experience with cultivation logic, tropes, and meta-awareness from similar novels.This allows for unique decision-making, unconventional strategies, and a slightly different approach to situations while still following the original storyline.He won’t be overpowered from the start, but expect fast progression due to his deep understanding of cultivation mechanics.2. Respect for the Original PlotNo major timeline changes—key events still happen as they should.All future arcs and climaxes remain intact to preserve the integrity of Martial Peak.What changes? The MC’s interactions, techniques, and relationships, providing a fresh perspective while saluting the original work.Expect some butterfly effects, but nothing that derails the core story!3. Large Harem (With More Depth & Development)Martial Peak already has one of the largest harems in cultivation fiction—we’re expanding on that.4. Smut Content IncludedLet’s not dance around it—explicit content will be featured in this fic.Balanced between romance, cultivation growth, and action, ensuring the story remains engaging beyond just smut.Cultivation-based dual cultivation, yin-yang balance, and ‘special’ training sessions will be explored in a tasteful yet satisfying manner.5. Fast-Paced UpdatesSince we’re not making drastic changes to the story, the pace will be fast and consistent.Updates will focus on the MC’s journey, harem development, and the occasional divergence to deepen character arcs.As long as there’s support and interest, the fic will keep expanding.Final NotesThis is a passionate tribute to Martial Peak, keeping the spirit of the original intact while giving readers a fresh perspective, expanded harem dynamics, and more in-depth character interactions.Are you ready to ascend to the peak once more?Let’s begin.

Almond Crowshade was the last surviving human in a dying world whose people failed to conquer the Grand Abyss Labyrinth’s 30th floor in time. The world was getting destroyed, and Almond was the last one challenging the 30th Floor multiple times despite the imminent destruction of the planet. He ultimately defeated the Floor Boss on his dying breath by achieving a true awakening, acquiring an X-rank Trait that signified limitless potential. Alas, he won but there was no home or future for what he fought. But a mysterious figure arrived there, feeling pity and amusement. “This is too precious and fun of a toy to let it rot here. You shall reincarnate and climb up to make things interesting.” [Transfer to another world commencing…] [Your memories will be sealed, and you will reincarnate in another world that has welcomed Grimworld’s tutorial like this one. Clearing each floor of the Grand Abyss Labyrinth will unlock a portion of your memories, until the 10th Floor upon which you will gain your full memories.] ‘I’m giving you a second chance. This time, you must clear the Grimworld’s tutorial and step onto the big game to make things instresting and entertaining.’ [Good luck.]

“I never spent a dime from your debt, you both lost it gambling always…” Another slap landed on Astrid's face and this came from none other than her dad, Josh.“You ungrateful brat, it's only the request I am pleading for,” Josh let out and then a sardonic smile escaped her lips.She wiped the tears from her face and now stood from the ground.“I am not going to get married to a man old enough to be my father.” she declared firmly this time not avoiding eye contact with her dad that much.“What?” Josh's voice countered.“Why for once can't you love me?” She cried out her hands moving to her chest as she tried to hold in her tears.Josh moved closer to her, lifting her by her chin roughly, “Then do this one favor for me and save us from losing everything I have ever worked for,” His voice was a bit calm but stern, one could tell he didn't care about Astrid.********Astrid Daniels who is hated by everyone and is known as the faso of family is forced to get married to the man arranged by her father to protect his company from plummeting and also help in paying his debt.She refused but then was told by her dad that he would help pay for her mum’s surgery if she was doing his wish.Since she was a high school drop she couldn't get a good job to pay for her mum's surgery so she needed to agree to her dad’s proposal.On the day of her wedding ceremony with the older man, things turn around when she goes into the wrong hall and gets married to one of the richest men in their city and also her crush.What fate do you think awaits her?