The Runic Alchemist - Chapter 49: Infiltration 2

The whole world is subjected to a highly dangerous standardised exam called the Global University Entrance Examination. Answering questions by putting their lives at stake, they would live if they passed the test. Every month the exam will undergo reformation while, occasionally, it is random.

- Description from Novelupdates

Some crowns are forged in blood. Others are drowned beneath it.In a city strangled by smoke and silence, where children are shackled to machines and shadows rule behind gilded masks, Keiran is just another forgotten soul—until the mark appears.Buried beneath the factory’s foundations lies a world long erased from history. Ancient oaths whisper through stone and water, and something older than memory begins to stir. As Keiran is drawn deeper into the abyss, he uncovers a legacy not meant for mortal hands—a crown shattered in defiance, a flood sealed by sacrifice, and a power that demands a price.Hunted by tyrants, haunted by echoes, and bound to secrets he never asked for, Keiran must choose: drown in the tide of what came before, or rise against the current and reclaim what the world was forced to forget.But the deeper he goes, the more the truth unravels…And beneath it all, something still breathes.

What’s the point of being reborn… if you come back in chains?Life in Kyoto was already unraveling. My dead-end job, my fading relationship—my girlfriend could barely look at me anymore. Maybe part of me knew the end was coming. Maybe part of me wanted it to.And then it did.“Oi, wake up,” a voice growled, thick with contempt.I opened my eyes to darkness—and pain.Tabata Yori. That was my name. Once. Before the world twisted. Before death spat me out into something colder and crueler.“Ugh, another worthless soul,” the voice sneered.Then came the boots. Each kick was a brutal reminder: I wasn’t in Kyoto anymore. I wasn’t anywhere safe. I’d fallen into a world ruled by shadows, where power is pain and obedience is survival.Why was I brought here? What do they want from me?I don’t know yet.But I do know this: If I’m going to suffer, someone’s going to bleed for it.disclaimer: Cover isn't mine and is temporary until I get a paid work done.Schedule: Looking for daily and will do as many chapters as I can each day.Thanks for any support that is given.

“I thought we were brothers, and this is how you treat me?”Clutching his bloodied abdomen, John stared fiercely at the two figures before him.And the dragger embedded in his stomach was none other than the symbol of their former friendship: the legendary gear [Apate’s Whisper].“Just got a little lucky, and you think you’re so great?”“Claiming to be blessed by the Goddess of Luck? I’d like to see where your Goddess is.”“Hahahaha…”Amidst the taunting laughter, John’s world gradually darkened.…[Ding, congratulations to the Host for becoming player number 001 in Apocalypse]“Didn’t I die? What time is it now?”[Ding, congratulations to the Host for acquiring the SSS talent Kiss of LUCK, randomly gaining a hundredfold Bonus!]“A hundredfold Bonus?”[Ding, the Host executes a normal attack, physical damage 5; based on talent evaluation, deals a total of 2000 points magic damage!][Ding, the Host obtains an iron dagger, quality common; based on talent evaluation, it upgrades to a Legendary dagger!][Ding, the Host obtains a magic scroll, quality rare; based on talent evaluation, it upgrades to a Divine scroll!]“Good, this time, you all will pay for what you’ve done!”