Overnight Hit: Vicious Stepmother and Genius Son - Chapter 43 - New Friends

“What does it feel like to be a shadow?”People say it's bondage — the absence of light, of freedom. But what is freedom, really?The ability to choose whatever you want?Or... just a beautiful illusion masking the void?Strange question, I know.But you'll understand soon enough.Because my lives?They've always been a little... enlightening.— Kaiser

Ning Chu downloaded a western fantasy app called “Dragon Island” during winter break, in which you can raise various small dragons.

The game was beautifully drawn and unique, and the little dragon cubs are super cute and lovable, so Ning Chu quickly got hooked and raised a dozen of them with crazy funds.

The little dragon cubs vary in character and preferences, and Ning Chu works early and late every day, hunting and cooking, cutting down trees and building houses, sewing clothes for the little dragon cubs, playing with them, and singing children’s songs to put them to sleep.

Unfortunately, before the little dragon cubs grew up, Ning Chu met with an accident.

When he opened his eyes again, Ning Chu transmigrated.

He came to a strange and different world where there were wizards, dwarves, elves, half-therians, and… giant dragons.

Ning Chu was unlucky to have just crossed into a dragon slaying battle, where the huge creature raised its claws at him in the dusty atmosphere.

But… the red scales, the curved horns, and the hot flames coming out of its mouth…

This dragon, how come it was so similar to the cubs he raised?

——

Legend says that dragons are the product of God’s creation.

God favored the dragons, gave them great strength, a long life, and raised them personally. But from a certain day, the miracle disappeared and God abandoned the dragons.

The young dragon cubs lost their love and care, wailing in the cold night, stumbling to grow up, and eventually became ferocious and tyrannical dragons.

Later, God came again.

Ning Chu: oooh my cubs, daddy is back!

- Description from Novelupdates

In a world torn apart by rifts that release dangerous monsters, Espers—humans imbued with powerful abilities—serve as humanity's last line of defense. But the power of an Esper comes with a price. Overuse of their abilities leads to dangerous corruption, a force that can destroy them from the inside out. This is where Guides come in: individuals with the unique ability to calm the corruption within Espers and restore their balance.Rowan Mercer, an S-class Guide, is one of the best in his field, capable of stabilizing even the most dangerous Espers. He has worked quietly behind the scenes, helping those in need, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he is called to work with Lucian Vaughn, an S-class Esper whose immense power and unstable corruption levels make him a dangerous threat to himself and others.Lucian, a tall, stoic, and enigmatic figure, has long fought against the growing corruption within him. At first, his relationship with Rowan is purely professional—Rowan as his Guide, helping him to stay in control. However, as their interactions grow more frequent, their bond deepens in ways neither expected. What started as a simple duty soon turns into a complex relationship where power, trust, and vulnerability collide.As the world around them faces escalating threats from rifts, Rowan and Lucian must navigate not only their personal challenges but also the dangerous world of Espers and Guides. Their bond will be tested as they fight together against the corrupting forces that threaten them both.In Corrupted Bonds, survival isn’t just about battling monsters from the rifts—it's about fighting the darkness within themselves and finding a way to stay connected in a world that’s constantly pulling them apart.