Abyss Draconis - Chapter 1: Prey No More

I am currently re-writing the first chapters of this story. They are quite rough and bounce around a lot and I can do better. At some point, I will replace these with the better chapters.Sometime in 2024 Aethon Books will publish the first volume of this story on Amazon, KU, and audible. This will mean the story will be stubbed. I will notify people far in advance of that.In the dystopian world of the future, life is rough when you live at the bottom. Jobs are non-existent. Far too many people live in poverty, crammed into huge buildings called Habitats. With no jobs in the real world, many people can only find work online in VR worlds as servants to the very rich. And it's getting worse. The old internet is unusable and hacked to pieces. The new system needs AI to run things, but all but one of them were destroyed. The last sentient AI is ordered to create a new game world so the rich can have a playground, and the corporations that rule the world can have a new global market place. Everyone wants a piece of the new game. The guilds are competing to be the first to find the dungeons and kill the biggest monster. The corporations are claiming land and putting in their online market places. Ozzy and his friends just want a paycheck.Four friends sign five year contracts as virtual serfs in a small village, and can't go adventuring at all to gain money. They don't have many choices. They can work as a blacksmith, barmaid and shepherd for all those years....or they can cheat and find ways to take advantage of the system and carve out a section of the game world for themselves, and earn a fortune in the real world.When they give you a mop and not a sword, you have to find the loopholes and change the rules.

Raymond wakes up in an unfamiliar world, inhabiting the body of a 15-year-old boy who shares his name. In this realm, one's profession defines their destiny, but the boy Raymond now embodies had recently failed to awaken any profession, facing a future of obscurity and ridicule. Confused yet determined, Raymond discovers a mysterious system panel exclusive to him. This system grants him the ability to awaken multiple professions, each unlocking unique powers and skills. However, to access these professions, he must complete specific awakening requirements, setting him on a path filled with challenges and quests.Embarking on his journey as an adventurer, Raymond traverses vast landscapes, from enchanted forests to ancient ruins. Along the way, he confronts formidable foes, solves arcane mysteries, and forms bonds with a diverse cast of characters—fellow adventurers, mystical beings, and even former rivals. Each trial not only enhances his abilities but also unravels secrets about the world's hidden truths and the origin of his unique system.Through trials and tribulations, Raymond transforms from a boy deemed a failure into a legendary figure whose actions could reshape the fate of the world. His journey is a testament to resilience, the pursuit of self-discovery, and the profound impact of the connections made along the way.

Ou Renjin likes keeping beautiful young men because he likes watching the drama.

Watching them be arrogant and conceited; watching them be obsequious and sycophantic; watching them have ulterior motives and fight with each other, seeing all the evil side of human nature.

Until, he picks up a poor little guy.

The poor little guy is ignorant and helpless, treating Ou Renjin as his whole world, spending all his salary to buy him gifts, standing in front of him in times of danger without hesitation, even…

…saying to him in the calmest and lightest of tones after knowing that their heart matching is successful, “I am very grateful that you have been hiding it from me, but I have long been ready to give my heart to you.”

* * *

036 was born as a test subject, without parents or friends.

As the only successful “petri dish of renewable organs”, he had every organ in his body cut out and transplanted to the rich and powerful countless times.

After getting used to the pain, he met the most special person in the world.

This person was so good that he wanted to cut out his own heart immediately.

- Description from Novelupdates

As soon as Qin Yao opened her eyes, she was transported into the body of an ancient peasant woman from the end of the world.

There are four stepsons at home waiting to be fed.

A bastard who has nothing but good looks is jumping up and down.

The family lives in a thatched hut with not even a grain of rice in the jar. The whole family is as skinny as refugees.

Forget it, there are still people coming to ask for debts!

Qin Yao was angry from the bottom of her heart and kicked her bastard husband out, “Brother who wants to pay debts, please just beat him to death!”

Four stepsons:! ! !

The world is clean, Qin Yao rolls up her sleeves and makes a fortune.

She is great at hunting, carrying bags, and killing horse thieves.

It is this kind of land, facing the loess and turning its back to the sky. Even the top strong men who have been struggling in the apocalypse wave their hands repeatedly: I can’t stand it! I really can’t stand it!

Qin Yao scratched his head: In ancient times when agricultural taxes were extremely high, how could we stop farming?

At this time, the lazy husband who was sent to die (twisted and crawled) (struggled to stand up) (screamed and roared): Wife! I think I can still save a little more!

- Description from novelbuddy