MTL - The Stepmother is Unkind - Chapter 9

Zhong Yuntong was a dog raised by Zhong Jin in her previous life, quite literally a dog.She was a Celestial Cloud Demon Dog, and her father was the villainous Demon Lord from a novel, known for his ruthlessness and cunning, someone everyone wanted to eliminate.Little Tongtong, the puppy, was unaware of the turmoil outside, living a life of luxury with her villainous father, spoiled to the point of being unruly.When the demon clan was destroyed, Zhong Yuntong transformed into the form of a human child. Using her powerful sense of smell, she found her father, who was still as wise and formidable as ever, instilling fear in everyone.However, now everyone referred to him not as “Lord” but as “Director.”* * *A little child, around three or four years old, arrived at the An District Police Station. She was exquisitely beautiful, dressed in a fragrant cloud silk jacket and embroidered tiger-head shoes, clearly a well-cared-for child from a wealthy family.The child tiptoed, clinging to the edge of the inquiry desk, and loudly asked, “Excuse me, is my father here?”The female police officer smiled, “Little friend, who is your father?”“Zhong Jin.”Director Zhong Jin heard about this and was indifferent, thinking, “Just a child talking nonsense, we should find her parents quickly.”Two days later, Officer Wang handed the child over to the director, saying, “She’s your biological child.”Director Zhong, “……”Zhong Yuntong tugged at her father’s pant leg and said, “I want to eat crispy-skinned chicken.”Director Zhong, “……? Crispy… fried chicken?”Officer Wang, who understood this, confirmed, “There’s no doubt she’s your biological child.”A paternity test sent Director Zhong down the irreversible path of parenting, and after two months of chaotic child-rearing, the station received a report of a missing child, with a description that matched Zhong Yuntong perfectly.Zhong Jin remarked, “A scam call to the police station? What a genius.”The next day, the scammer arrived at the station.Zhong Jin, “……” The scam genius turned out to be his ex-wife.

She was a mere human who only wanted to live a peaceful life in the countryside when she found her mate.He was the workaholic Alpha who never indulged himself in worldly pleasures, instead, he derived joy from being powerful.Their destiny intertwined when they both possessed what they yearned for, peace and love.__________________Before turning the age of 18 years, Alpha Lucas of the Clown Lovers pack claimed to be Aurora's mate and wanted to make her his Luna.Unfortunately, she was accused of infidelity on her wedding day and was rejected by the man who claimed to be her mate and loved her. She had to witness her parents' death and her inheritance snatched away from her.“I, Dominion Lucas, reject you, Madison Aurora as my mate.”………………………………………..After being sold as a slave, she was bought to be a breeder for the Alpha of the Crescent Red pack, the most influential and greatest pack in the country.Damien, who was the Alpha of the Crescent moon pack, didn't spare Aurora a glance, and she was thrown into the deepest part of the mansion to work with the omegas.Five years later, she had meticulously planned her parent's death, ready to set it in motion.Unfortunately, Alpha Damien, who neglected her for years, suddenly got his interest piqued and won't let her out of his sight.Aurora, who never believed she could be blessed with another mate, decided not to fall in love again. Seeing how the Alpha favored her, she decided to take advantage of his help and avenge her parent's death.The tables turned when she discovered he was her mate, another mate?…………………………………………“Mate? I have no such thing,” she said, denying the spark she felt between her and Damien, even though it was glaring. Her heart warmed at his voice, her face warmed at his touch. He already shattered her resolve, but she vowed not to be weak again.Yet, how could she deny not feeling anything for him when he had such effects on her? But she was afraid, terrified of being betrayed by her mate again!There were rare cases of having two mates, why did the moon goddess bestow such a fate upon her?“You can't deny it forever, and I have no intention of letting you go,” he said, his eyes filled with anger, seeing how she was so disgusted about the idea of having him as her mate.“I have nothing to offer you.” She tried convincing him to snap him out of the trance he was in. Only if she knew he was in his right mind.“I only need my mate,” saying that he took heavy strides toward the door and slammed it shut after him.After finding the strength to release her painful past, Aurora is confronted by her first mate, Alpha Lucas, who seeks to reclaim her.Faced with a choice, will she return to the one who betrayed her, or remain with Alpha Damien, who offered her nothing but peace?

Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon chronicles the story of a futuristic civilization returned to Earth after constant warfare hindered them from traveling beyond the post-Apocalyptic Earth. At this stage, a small archipelago called the Divine States were the only hospitable land on Earth. In order to regain the space-faring technology they had lost after many years of war, they decided to recreate history with a book called the Testament as a guide.

It is the year 1648 in the Testament Era. Toori Aoi, Chancellor and Student Council President of the only academy on the airborne city-ship Musashi, faces the ten-year anniversary of the death of his childhood friend Horizon Ariadust in an accident. As he prepares to celebrate the occasion by proposing to P-01s (an automaton who looks exactly like Horizon) he discovers that his suspicion about P-01s’ appearance actually has a basis in truth; P-01s is in fact Horizon Ariadust, reborn into a robotic body. In addition to this, Horizon’s emotions had been stripped away and are now stored in eight powerful weapons called the Mortal Sin Armaments; which are now in the possession of key people in various established countries in the Divine States.

To retrieve the emotions of Horizon Ariadust, Toori Aoi along with his friends and allies begins a crusade against different obstacles as key events in history are recreated in a futuristic manner.

Plot Summary: This novel combines the popular “villainess” genre with the contemporary concept of VTubing, where the protagonist, a typical villainess character, becomes a VTuber—an online persona using a digital avatar. As she navigates her dual life, her influence extends beyond the virtual world, leading to increasingly violent and chaotic consequences in reality. The story delves into the psychological impact of living a double life and explores themes of power, manipulation, and the dark side of internet fame.Why Read It: The novel offers a fresh and thrilling take on the villainess trope by incorporating modern digital culture elements. It’s particularly appealing to readers who enjoy stories that explore the darker aspects of fame and influence, with a unique blend of fantasy and real-world issues. The narrative's intense and sometimes graphic nature sets it apart from more conventional stories in the genre, making it a compelling read for those looking for something different.