This Damned Thirst for Survival - Chapter 57

Humanity achieved dominion over the galaxy long ago.Once that was accomplished, they turned their ingenuity inwards. With their prowess over biological engineering, they transformed themselves into deific beings now called the Gene Tyrants. For centuries, the Gene Tyrants terrorized the galaxy, designing and abusing their genetically engineered servants and serfs as their whims took them.No tyranny can last forever, though, and the Gene Tyrants were eventually overthrown. The rebels discovered a strange light of the mind called Aether, which gave them the strange and fantastical powers they needed to eradicate their creators. Once that was done, however, that by no means meant peace.In the thousand years since, the face of the galaxy has changed. The most powerful human civilization is called the Supremacy, the homeland of 'might makes right'. In the Supremacy, a crime committed by the strong is no crime at all. With their military strength and mastery of Aether, the Supremacy has spread across the galaxy -- with the other powers able to do little but stall their advance. This struggle has developed into a cold war, and that cold war has frozen over for years now.Dragan Hadrien, a low-level administrator in the Supremacy, cares nothing for any of this. Dragan's primary concern is getting himself a promotion and taking it easy for the rest of his days. When a mysterious prisoner is brought aboard his ship, he thinks he has found the means to do just that.How naive of him.

The rule had always been this way: the strong over the weak, the rich over the poor. Mark knew this, he'd even experienced it.After his boss fired him for discovering the affair with his girlfriend (who also worked at their small gaming company), Mark vowed never to be humiliated like that again. He wanted to rise above everyone, to become the world's top player, the one who made the rules and decided everyone's fate. But that was wishful thinking. He was just a heavyset, nerdy guy with some programming skills and a large appetite. What else did he have going for him?Hit hard by this reality, jobless and dumped, Mark withdrew into gaming, which also became his source of income. One day, after leaving a bad review for a game he played and streamed, he received a strange reply from the game's creator. Suddenly, Mark found himself transported to Aetherium, the world of that same game, as Magnus Lancaster, the young lord of a crumbling territory.Now, with this new beginning, he vowed never to be weak again, never to leave his fate in someone else's hands.

This world is Heaven.

Because this world has everything you dream of, everything you wish for.

This world is Hell.

Because everyone in this world are parts of a never-ending massacre.

Are you fighting to survive, or fighting to come home?

- Description from Novelupdates

On his 20th birthday, Tyson’s life took a drastic turn when a mysterious Meta-bot chooses him, granting him a powerful armor and thrusting him into a battle far bigger than himself.Now as a Ranger, he joins the fight against the Rogues while mentally prepares for the deadly tournament—the only way to earn years for Earth’s survival.The battles inside Tournaments always broadcasted live while warriors risked everything for Earths sake and for their families sake.Now, Tyson must navigate his fractured ties with his adopted brother while falling in love with the most beautiful girl from his academy, who turns out to be the former General's daughter.Will he take responsibility and prove that he is worthy of the Roger family name, or will he crumble beneath the weight of expectations before time runs out?------This novel is a blend of sci-fi and fantasy, featuring a 'weak to strong' progression. My focus is heavily on character development, so if you're looking for a any regular story then this novel might not be for you!Tags: Action, Adventure, War & Politics, Tournament, Fantasy, Romance, Gore, Death, Brotherhood, Alliances, Dungeons & Maps, Weak to Strong, Sci-Fi x Fantasy, Character Growth, Power Progression, Mecha Battles, Revenge & Redemption, High-Stakes Survival, Emotional Depth, Betrayal.