Past Life Returner - Side Story 10: Iljoo Group, Choi Cheol-Min

Themes: Black Market Trading, Global Crime Networks, Boundaries of Human Nature and Morality, The Struggle Between Truth and SurvivalStory Background:In a modern metropolis, the surface level of prosperity conceals the darkness and corruption lurking beneath. Ethan, a highly skilled detective, spends his life navigating the shadowy corners of the city, uncovering the hidden secrets buried beneath the mundane facade of everyday life. When he is drawn into what initially seems like a simple suicide case, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the global black market, power struggles, and transnational crime.Main Characters:Ethan (Protagonist): A seasoned, calm, and intuitive detective who excels at finding the truth in complex cases. On the surface, he is a quiet, solitary man who prefers to avoid social interaction, but deep down, he is haunted by unresolved cases from his past. Faced with dark forces, he is both determined and full of doubt.Lila (Female Protagonist/Key Ally): Ethan's investigative partner, an intelligent and resourceful intelligence officer with a mysterious background. Her past is also shrouded in secrecy, and she seems to have an undisclosed connection to the “Black Angels” organization. She provides crucial assistance in Ethan's investigation, but her motives remain unclear, casting suspicion on her true intentions.Victor Saville (Antagonist/Main Adversary): A charismatic yet dangerous businessman, who appears to be a successful entrepreneur but is, in fact, one of the central figures of the global crime syndicate “The Black Angels.” Cold-hearted, clever, and ruthless, he controls a global black market network, overseeing arms trafficking, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. He is not only a key figure in Langley's death but also the biggest obstacle in Ethan's investigation.The Mysterious Woman (Key Character): An elusive woman who repeatedly appears during Ethan's investigation, warning him not to delve deeper into Saville and the “Black Angels” organization. Her identity is unclear, but it is evident that she holds vital secrets about Saville and his network. Her appearances leave Ethan bewildered—whether she is an enemy or his only ally remains uncertain.

What if the balance of the world depended on a single awakening?In the ancient land of Bathalumea, a once-mighty civilization now fractured by time and turmoil, whispers of a forgotten power begin to stir. Haraya, the fabled ability to shape reality itself, was long thought to be a myth, buried alongside the sovereign bloodlines that once wielded it. But Haraya was never truly gone—it only waited.Now, as a new age dawns, the power begins to resurface. Across the sacred grounds of Bathalan, through the storm-laden waves of the Bagyuna Ocean, and into the shadowed ruins of Gintara, the resurgence of Haraya sends ripples through a divided world. The balance between order and chaos begins to tip, drawing the attention of powerful factions who see in it the key to domination—or destruction.Among them, a descendant of the lost power emerges. Haunted by tragedy and driven by the dream of rebuilding what was lost, they find themselves entwined with Haraya’s awakening. But as the forces of greed, fear, and ambition converge, they must decide: will they wield Haraya to heal a broken world, or will it unravel under the weight of those who seek to claim it?From the volcanic heights of Kaluyara to the enchanted forests of Aralyon, and into the unfathomable depths of the Diwang Abyss, Bloodline: Sovereign’s Awakening weaves a tale of hope, sacrifice, and reckoning. As ancient powers clash and the threads of fate tighten, one truth becomes clear: the return of Haraya may save the world—or destroy it forever.“Bloodline: Sovereign’s Awakening” is a tale of reckoning and renewal, where a power lost to time could unite a fractured world—or be extinguished forever, leaving its promise unfulfilled.

It’s a trend to take your grandfather along with you when passing through to another world, but we have kind of been cheated—have you ever experienced buy one get eight free?

Hong Xiaobao: “This opponent is a bit formidable. All you old-timers, hurry up and save me please! If you don’t appear, then this prince is going to get angry!”

Demon Emperor Meng Xianji: “Mockers, kill! Those who defy me, kill! Strong people, eat! Valuable treasures and materials, eat! Good equipment, steal!”

Wine God Xiao Sanshao: “Why must you be so brutal? If there’s something wrong, can we not just all sit down and have a nice chat? I’ll teach you how to taste wine, youngster!”

Medicine Immortal Tian Can: “You guys chat first. My condition today isn’t very good, so I’ll go rest first…. If you want to concoct some medicine, tell me after I wake up….”

Godly Craftsman Xi Hong: “Didn’t I just upgrade your equipment yesterday? What are you afraid of? Attack, youngster! Isn’t that right, Chen Nan?”

Formation Spirit Chen Nan: “En…. How about you go ask Mao Yue.”

Beast Emperor Mao Yue: “Today’s sunshine is too bright. I’m recalling that cat of mine who died because of menstrual pain….”

Hong Xiaobao: “Can you guys not be so misleading?”

- Description from Novelupdates

Six months ago, tens of thousands of black phantom towers appeared all over the world, floating above the cities. Chemists, physicists, religious people… all of them could do nothing.

Six months later, people became used to the towers and no longer paid them attention.

One day, Tang Mo saw a flying insect crash into it instead of going through it. The next day, a sharp and clear child-like voice issued an announcement to all humans.

“Ding dong! November 15th, 2017. The earth is online.”

The black tower’s three iron-clad rules:

1. Everything is explained by the black tower.

2. 6 o’clock to 18 o’clock is the game time.

3. All players, please strive to attack the tower.

- Description from Novelupdates