Terra Nova Online: Rise of The Strongest Player - Chapter 12: Entering The Village

[2022 Science Fiction Starlight Award Word-of-mouth Good Book]

[Third Prize of 2022 Science Fiction Essay]

When a photo of the North Pole taken by a satellite was sent back to various countries, people on earth were shocked by the content of the photo.

They saw thousands of wolves in the North Pole, including hundreds of polar bears and arctic silver foxes, all bowing their heads in unison.

On the top of the snow-capped mountain, a giant arctic wolf whose size exceeds everyone’s imagination is overlooking the arctic ice sheet.

- Description from novelbuddy

In my previous life, I was half a move short and ultimately failed to reach the summit. Having traveled back to the past, this time... I want to become the strongest in this world! To become the strongest in this world, one only needs three simple steps: 1. Pick up a newly-transferred Demonic Sect Enchantress off the streets. 2. Subdue and vanquish the demon. 3. Take her cultivation technique for myself. Awesome! I’m already invincible! ———————— Years later, Yan Yu, who had earned the title of “the strongest,” was interviewed on television: Host: To whom do you want to give thanks for your success today? Yan Yu: I’d like to thank a very important woman to me. Host (eyes lighting up): Oh, is she your wise and virtuous wife? Yan Yu: No, consider her a stepping stone, I suppose. Host (wiping sweat): Then... what about the other members of your team? They must have helped you as well, right? Yan Yu: ... How could there possibly be only one stepping stone on the path to godhood?

When low-level healer Elias Vale stumbles upon a cursed cocoon in a forgotten ruin, the last thing he expects is to hatch the reborn soul of the Demon Queen Revantra—in the form of a scared little girl.To save her from divine execution, she binds herself to him through an ancient soul pact, fusing their fates. Now, Elias is stuck raising the former destroyer of worlds—who can barely tie her shoes, but occasionally melts furniture when she pouts.What starts as reluctant guardianship soon spirals into something far more dangerous. As Rhea (her new alias) grows stronger, older, and far too attached, Elias must keep her identity hidden from zealous church inquisitors, ambitious heroes, and the remnants of her own loyal followers—some of whom want her dead... again.But the longer he protects her, the deeper the bond grows—and the harder it becomes to tell who’s really taming who.Because the world once burned beneath her wings……and this time, she’s not letting him go.

To exist in a certain place, at a certain time—it's always either by chance, or by choice.But sometimes,There is a third force.One that doesn't ask.One that doesn't explain.It simply places you—wherever it wants.Arséne had always been dragged into places he never chose.Situations he never asked for.Realities he never belonged to.And when, at last, he decided to act on his own terms—To take the initiative,To move first,To choose…He simply died.