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The territory of Baibalon is infamous for being the country's worst. It serves as a refuge for the homeless, harboring criminals, heretics, the infirm, and demi-humans alike. Inheriting the title of Lord from his family, young Rize Baibalon strives to survive in this forsaken place, with little regard for the country's founding doctrine if it means ensuring his own safety. With limited rationality and restorative magic, can Rize attain tranquility, or will mounting misunderstandings label him as a rebel?
Eric's life has been riddled with tragedy. During his teenage years, his village was invaded by monsters who massacred those closest to him. Becoming a soldier, Eric failed to save the woman he loved and ultimately met his demise on the battlefield. Awakened in a baby's body, Eric realizes he has been reincarnated with a twist - his current caretakers are his previous life's parents. With his memories intact, Eric has been granted a second chance to protect those he lost before. No alternative worlds, no skill sets - just himself, sent back to the moment of his birth. Eric is determined to make things right this time around.
"Survive," they urged. "Have hope," they pleaded. The world as they knew it was gone. The land had fallen into the clutches of the Shojo, ferocious beasts with an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Their bite spread an enigmatic virus, fatal to all who were exposed. Despite the dire circumstances, humanity persevered. They constructed airborne cities and assembled elite soldiers, known as Guards, to take on the Shojo threat. Among this brave group was Minami, a young man with a stoic expression who fought recklessly. He was hailed as a savior, the last shining hope for a world with nothing left to lose. Day after day, he protected the people with unwavering determination, as he simply refused to succumb to death.
Do Tong-dal, a sixty-year-old man, is on the verge of death. After dedicating forty-two years of his life to the criminal underworld, all he has left to show for it are fifteen coins. Having accomplished nothing, he prepares to meet his end, taking his last breath while being buried by snow on a mountain path... But he regresses in time, and a new life as an eighteen-year-old welcomes him. ‘This life will be different.’ Determined to leave his pathetic past self behind, Do Tong-dal decides to use the knowledge of the life he already lived! He plans to monopolize every fortunate opportunity and forge a new path for himself. “From the highest peak of the night, with the greatest power! Let’s live a long and prosperous life!”
Ephinia is an elven princess who has just been granted an audience with the dragon clan emperor and the moment the two met, they discovered that she is the emperor's fated mate. She was shocked by this but when she heard the emperor's heartless words, saying, "It's regrettable that someone so childlike is my mate"... Fine then! I don't desire your passionate love! Ephinia later became close with a small dragon and is now fully enjoying her life in the emperor's harem however, it seems that there's a secret to this particular dragon...
Do Tong-dal, a sixty-year-old man, is on the verge of death. After dedicating forty-two years of his life to the criminal underworld, all he has left to show for it are fifteen coins. Having accomplished nothing, he prepares to meet his end, taking his last breath while being buried by snow on a mountain path... But he regresses in time, and a new life as an eighteen-year-old welcomes him. ‘This life will be different.’ Determined to leave his pathetic past self behind, Do Tong-dal decides to use the knowledge of the life he already lived! He plans to monopolize every fortunate opportunity and forge a new path for himself. “From the highest peak of the night, with the greatest power! Let’s live a long and prosperous life!”
1-2. Ametsukigahara 3. Yuki no Hi 4-6. Ningyo Ouji
Presented in this book are nine of Junji Ito's top short stories, handpicked by the author himself and given insightful notes and comments. The featured stories are: 1. Secondhand Record (Chuuko Record, 中古レコード) 2. Chills (Samuke, 寒気) 3. Model Look (ファッションモデル) 4. Hung Balloons (Kubitsuri Kikyuu, 首吊り気球) 5. Puppet Mansion (Ayatsuri Yashiki, あやつり屋敷) 6. Artist (Gaka, 画家) 7. The Never-Ending Dream (Nagai Yume, 長い夢) 8. Venerated Ancestors (Gosenzo-sama, ご先祖様) 9. Slathered (グリセリド) 10. Model Look: Cursed Frame (Fashion Model: Norowareta Framing, ファッションモデル・呪われたフレーミング) [new]
The Wanderers, known as the Lost Ones, have traveled all the way from the far-off land of "Japan" to wreak havoc upon this world. Their sudden appearance and unpredictable nature have left many baffled. Menou, a young Executor, has been tasked with eliminating them unfeelingly. So when Menou encounters Akari, she at first views it as just another assignment... until she discovers that killing this girl is impossible. Akari is more than willing to assist Menou in finding a way to defeat her immortality, and thus the two embark on a journey that will transform Menou's life forever.
When Archduke Cesare returns from war, Eileen barely recognizes the man she once knew—he’s cold, commanding, and burning with unspoken desire. But nothing shakes her more than his sudden proposal. As old feelings stir, Eileen must choose: take his hand, or flee before his fire consumes her.
