MTL - The Black Technology Era of Xueba - Chapter 908 ? New Silk Road

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.

Hikaru found himself transported to the Pokémon world, but instead of becoming a Trainer, he was now a craftsman specializing in item creation.In an era where technology flourished and traditional craftsmanship faded, artisans were slowly becoming obsolete.However, Hikaru soon discovered something extraordinary—the items he crafted could grant Pokémon incredible enhancements and unique effects.Ancient Relic Slabs, Transparent Bells, Royal Crowns, Reins of Unity... He gradually became a renowned antique craftsman across multiple regions.Rainbow Wings, Life Orbs, Volcanic Keystone, Eviolite... He also embarked on journeys to collect rare materials, earning a reputation as a mystical traveler.Choice Scarves, Victory Armor, Purity Pendants, Shining Charms, Dream Balls...Even items from the Pokémon Trading Card Game could be crafted through his mysterious abilities. He became known as the Unbelievable Master Craftsman.Along his journey, he encountered companions just as unique and ambitious as himself—An Aegislash who sought to create an ideal kingdom.A Lilligant devoted to the cultivation of Berries.An Armarouge obsessed with the art of forging.A Magearna skilled in mechanical inventions.One day, Hikaru turned to Ash Ketchum, offering him a peculiar item.“Here, Ash. Try this.”He handed him a green die—a tool unlike anything seen before.A new adventure begins.

In a foreign country, a leisurely little farmer.

Beer, side dishes, beef and sheep barbecue, small pond, three or five fish and shrimp, a pot of soup.

There are hundreds of flowers in spring, the moon in autumn, cool breeze in summer, snow in winter, and a hut in the woods.

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She was there only for a blind date, but had been mistaken as the third person to seduce the men. She angrily cursed, “I don't know that scum!” As a result, she had been pestered by this “scum” ever since.

She became his wife because of an agreement of “secret marriage”. They clearly said that they wouldn't touch each other, but this Mr. Huo actually went back on his word in the blink of an eye. Not only did he forcibly take her body, but he also wanted her heart. “I want —” “Well, I’ll satisfy you!” He agreed immediately. However, what she actually wanted to say was, “I want a divorce,” but she ended up being carried to bed by him …