Steel and Mana - Chapter 5 – Touring

As a professional and amateur of astronomy, every time I look up at the billions of stars in the night sky, it is hard to imagine that among these huge numbers, human beings live alone in the universe.

When I opened my eyes again, I was already in a magical world based on the eight powers of knowledge, power, authority, faith, wealth, dexterity, perception, and mystery.

Looking up at the starry sky in another world, is my hometown among these billions of stars?

Searching for a possible way home. It may take a lifetime, it may be ten, but it is always a hope.

- Description from novelbuddy

Themes: Black Market Trading, Global Crime Networks, Boundaries of Human Nature and Morality, The Struggle Between Truth and SurvivalStory Background:In a modern metropolis, the surface level of prosperity conceals the darkness and corruption lurking beneath. Ethan, a highly skilled detective, spends his life navigating the shadowy corners of the city, uncovering the hidden secrets buried beneath the mundane facade of everyday life. When he is drawn into what initially seems like a simple suicide case, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the global black market, power struggles, and transnational crime.Main Characters:Ethan (Protagonist): A seasoned, calm, and intuitive detective who excels at finding the truth in complex cases. On the surface, he is a quiet, solitary man who prefers to avoid social interaction, but deep down, he is haunted by unresolved cases from his past. Faced with dark forces, he is both determined and full of doubt.Lila (Female Protagonist/Key Ally): Ethan's investigative partner, an intelligent and resourceful intelligence officer with a mysterious background. Her past is also shrouded in secrecy, and she seems to have an undisclosed connection to the “Black Angels” organization. She provides crucial assistance in Ethan's investigation, but her motives remain unclear, casting suspicion on her true intentions.Victor Saville (Antagonist/Main Adversary): A charismatic yet dangerous businessman, who appears to be a successful entrepreneur but is, in fact, one of the central figures of the global crime syndicate “The Black Angels.” Cold-hearted, clever, and ruthless, he controls a global black market network, overseeing arms trafficking, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. He is not only a key figure in Langley's death but also the biggest obstacle in Ethan's investigation.The Mysterious Woman (Key Character): An elusive woman who repeatedly appears during Ethan's investigation, warning him not to delve deeper into Saville and the “Black Angels” organization. Her identity is unclear, but it is evident that she holds vital secrets about Saville and his network. Her appearances leave Ethan bewildered—whether she is an enemy or his only ally remains uncertain.

He was once the most feared villain in the empire, a master of manipulation who wove chaos from the shadows. Ruthless, untouchable—until the day he was betrayed and executed by the very man he sought to control.But death is not the end.He awakens in the body of Lady Elara Valcrest, a fragile noble girl doomed to be a pawn in political games. Stripped of her former power, she is forced into an arranged marriage with none other than Cairon Everhart—the man who once killed her. He does not recognize her, but she knows him. And she will never forget.To survive, Elara must play a new game. One where deception is her only weapon, and trust is a dangerous illusion. She must outmaneuver her enemies, uncover the truth behind her execution, and reclaim the power she lost. But as she navigates the treacherous world of court intrigue, one question lingers—Was Cairon truly her greatest enemy? Or had she been blind to an even greater threat?Time is running out. The villain has been given one last chance. And this time, she refuses to lose.

| Both are clean | Strong | Mutual love |

Oh no! The phoenix lady living above everyone in the Celestial Empire drank herself to death!

Her spirit attached itself to a good-for-nothing young miss living in the modern era?

Both of them clearly bear the same name and are with a similar appearance but their identities and status are millions of miles away from each other.

Can someone please explain, this young lady obviously have great prestige and figure, so how can she live the life of a good-for-nothing?

When memories coincide, friends deceive, families abandon, scumbags entrap, she finally ceased to exist.

Lu Nan almost went mad with anger!

Friends?! I will help you wash your eyes properly so you’ll know conducting yourself with integrity is key.

Family?! I want you and your insides to be grounded to dust, never to be free.

Scum?! I want you to be beaten within every inch of your life, till you cannot perform the most basic human action.

To cheat, disgrace and to plot against me, expect more than a tenfold payment.

By the way—

Who is this sly fox? Quickly roll away from this old lady’s presence!

- Description from Novelupdates