Wandering Mercenary in an Open World - Chapter 97

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?

Jeong Jiheon was once a promising swimmer, but retired early due to an injury and is now working diligently at a sports agency. Currently, the greatest interest in the sports market is none other than Kwon Jaekyoung, and numerous agencies are fighting fiercely behind the scenes to scout him.In the meantime, Jiheon is ordered by his boss to somehow arrange a meeting with Jaekyoung, and he miraculously succeeds thanks to their insignificant and brief relationship of going to the same swimming center 10 years ago.However, when they agree to meet for the first time in a long while, Kwon Jaekyoung is not interested in the terms of the contract. He just suddenly asks about Jiheon’s traits….

—WSA 2025 ENTRY—The weakest loser they mocked for years wasn’t at all weak—he was a god in disguise, with the power to bring the world to its knees.“I want you to teach him humanity, so he who feels NOTHING but rage can at least learn morality”“And you trust a Demon to do that?”Seiya dreamed of becoming a hero, one of those legendary warriors everyone worships. But his Awakening failed, leaving him powerless and humiliated—a target for cruelty.Locked away and tormented by those he trusted, his suffering revealed the truth of his origin: he wasn’t just human.Unleashing powers that defy the laws of the world, such as his All-Seeing eyes—capable of negating time, absorbing skills used against him and granting him 360° vision.Seiya rises from the shadows, no longer a punching bag but a force that terrifies demons, monsters, and humans alike.Hero or villain? It doesn’t matter. He’s done obeying, done breaking for anyone.Now, they beg for mercy from the god they tried to crush. Seiya’s only question: should he grant it?Brace yourself for a journey of chaos, revenge, and the rise of an unstoppable power.Seiya doesn’t need your approval—he’s taking the world, one broken rule at a time.————————————————————Yes! He does turn to a cold villain and loses all emotion except rage but the process leading up to it might drag a little__stick around longer and you won’t regret it.Read the prologue next after this so you understand the world settings.

What happens when a history teacher dies and becomes a prince in another world? Of course, he becomes the greatest emperor!He will use all of his family's resources for his own benefit, conquer the world, and... beautiful women! Ahem. This is a novel full of intrigue where he will get what he wants, build his own empire, and finally protect his loved ones.He is a great leader to those he cares about, but a ruthless tyrant to his enemies. In this world of magic and mystery, he will not stop until he reaches the top.But what will he have to sacrifice for victory?