Blossoming Path - Chapter 17: New Features

A back-to-basics(?) monster evolution novel.

Can you get used to dying? He has to.When a particular universe was born, its seven primordial Concepts acquired an ego. Omniscient and omnipotent, they seek since to enrich their home. To do so, they plunder other universes, capture young civilizations and plagiarize ideas. Many monsters, gods, civilizations, and races are competing for the eighth throne.Eons later, it is Earth's turn to be torn away from its Sun.Humanity begins its integration by participating in a Tutorial. Priam has the luck and the misfortune to finish the Tutorial first. Luck because his reward is a form of pseudo-immortality. Misfortune, because as the champion of his civilization, he is transported to Elysium, the most dangerous world created by the Concepts. Nine out of ten champions lose their lives there on their first day. Fortunately for Priam, he has many lives.

Kazuma and Masako are a loving married couple who run a successful indie game development studio from their cozy home. After leaving the corporate world behind, they poured their hearts into creating hit games like Mori Journey, Exaslia, and their biggest success yet, Mori Adventure. Despite their professional success, the real magic lies in their personal relationship—a mix of playful teasing, deep affection, and unwavering support.Through late-night coding marathons, romantic anniversaries, unexpected livestream mishaps, and wholesome surprises, Kazuma and Masako navigate the challenges of both game development and marriage. Kazuma is the steady, hardworking coder, while Masako is the lively, creative artist with a penchant for mischief and teasing her husband. Together, they bring out the best in each other, blending love and laughter into their daily lives.From heart-melting romantic moments to hilarious hijinks, their story captures the highs and lows of balancing love, work, and dreams. Whether they’re surprising each other with heartfelt gifts, overcoming obstacles in game launches, or simply sharing quiet moments together, Kazuma and Masako prove that life is truly a game best played with your partner by your side. Their journey is a heartwarming tale of love, passion, and the joy of building worlds—both virtual and real—together.

Set in the Shadow Slave world...a time before Sunny was born...this story follows a simple soldier who must survive in a dystopian, apocalyptic landscape where magic and gun warfare collide.In a far-off Quadrant known as North America, a young soldier named Hope is 16 years old when he gets infected by the Nightmare Spell. He passed! But...he feels a bit scammed...?A flaw that makes him fade from people's memories...A cursed attribute that makes him remember everything endlessly in eternal wakefulness...It's as if the Spell is twisting his future and existence into an almost improbable one.All he has ever known his purpose to be was to serve as a simple soldier. Not too powerful. But not so weak either. And maybe, just maybe like some others, become an Awakened. Although he never dreamt of being one.Now that his whole life is compromised after his First Nightmare, his first objective is to survive on his own. But as he tries to escape his fate, his actions seem to lead him further from his goal.He struggles against obstacles that slowly grow bigger and out of proportion.Maybe the Dream Realm and the Real World aren't so different than one may think.Hope's journey involves uncovering secrets and gaining knowledge about his true nature and his new role in the world.Is he fit to be a hero?Could he redefine it?***Please read the READER DISCLAIMER in Volume 0.This is my spin-off novel of “Shadow Slave” by Guiltythree.But please don't expect the same writing style, setting, and characters, especially the main character.This story reveals more about how people/cities/governments operate after the Spell’s arrival. I always find it interesting how maybe one country handles it fairly, but how others handle it with desperation to the point that you question humanity.There will be easter eggs pointing to the original novel either intentional for the plot or unrelated to it, but all for fun.I am a new author so props to all who bear with me and helps me improve my writing. If it is not for you, please don't leave outright hate comments. Eat wassabi instead if you want pain. Critique and advice would be great too.