MTL - Home Cook - Chapter 20 taste of first love

Elias “Grim” Kingsley, a nine-year-old orphan with a hardened heart and sharp tongue, dies alone from pneumonia in an overcrowded orphanage. Known for his perpetual scowl and biting remarks, he's labeled a “problem child” by caretakers and “damaged goods” by potential adopters. Years of rejection have built thick armor around his young heart.In death, he encounters the God of Balance who offers him a second chance at life in a different world—this time as Grim Van Ambrose, son of a noble house. Balance explains that every soul deserves to know love and connection, something Elias was cruelly denied in his first life.Promised the family and belonging he never experienced, Grim begins his new life only to suffer an immediate tragedy: his mother dies moments after his birth. This cruel twist of fate reinforces his belief that loss is inevitable, leaving him with a distant father and the mysterious voice of a “Guidance Assistant” in his head.As Grim grows into his new identity, he struggles with his dual nature—the emotional scars of his past life bleeding into his present one. His difficult personality and sharp tongue remain, now paired with noble privilege and expectations. Despite his outward brashness, he carries the deep wounds of his first life and the fresh loss that welcomed him into his second.What begins as one orphan's second chance evolves into an epic journey through a world of ancient beasts, elemental magic, and deadly political intrigue. As Grim uncovers the truth about the Ambrose Clan's fall from grace and the conspiracy that framed them for treason, he faces increasingly dangerous adversaries—both human and monstrous. His quest for revenge against those who destroyed his family's legacy will challenge him to master forbidden techniques, forge unexpected alliances, and ultimately decide whether to rebuild the Ambrose Clan as it was, or transform it into something entirely new.In a realm where power determines survival and ancient secrets lurk beneath noble facades, Grim must learn that sometimes the greatest battles aren't fought with swords, but with the choices that define who we truly are.

“When the Lord Jesus comes for the second time, those who died in Christ’s name will be raised from the grave first.”

– “1 Thessalonians 4:16”

In 2019, an outbreak of zombie virus quickly swept the world within months.

Communications were interrupted, water and electricity support ceased, chemical plant leaked, nuclear power plant exploded, the world was reduced to be like hell on earth; without God, it became an era of legends and saviors, with the fire of survival instinct rekindled within mortals.

Resident Evil zombie-theme in ABO setting.

*WSA Entry****Alex, born into the illustrious and undeniably gifted Blackwood family, was a stark anomaly. While his siblings excelled in everything from music to sports, h e was a blank canvas, utterly talentless. This ostracized him, making him a target for his family's disdain and bullying from his classmates. Finding solace only in the world of anime, Alex retreated into his room, spending days in a state of squalor, fueled by ramen and the fantasy worlds on his screen.One day, while attempting to microwave a plastic container filled with ramen (because even basic kitchen skills were beyond him), the microwave exploded, turning Alex's room into a scene of hilarious destruction. Instead of dying tragically, he finds himself resurrected…in the anime he loved the most, “Swords and Sorcery,” a fantastical world brimming with magic and adventure.As Alex, now a fresh-faced young adventurer in this new world, he discovers he can wield the powers of any character from any anime he's ever watched. Suddenly, his days of being mocked for his lack of talent are a distant memory. He can summon the mystical powers of a powerful wizard, the strength of a legendary warrior, or the agility of a skilled ninja. He even discovers he can tap into the magical abilities of characters from lesser-known anime, like a charming witch from a forgotten shoujo series or a cunning strategist from a tactical mecha anime.Armed with his vast anime knowledge and newfound abilities, Kai embarks on a life of self-discovery and adventure. He'll navigate the complexities of this magical world, forge alliances with unlikely heroes, and face off against powerful foes, all while striving to prove his worth and overcome the trauma of his past. But as he dives deeper into this fantastical world, he'll face a new challenge: can he learn to be happy and find his place in this world, free from the shadow of his former life?***“HAHAHAHAHA! All those useless Isekai animes animes I watched was not for waste after all...Stupid old man! Why don't you laugh at this?”

Have you ever wished you exactly knew how to accomplish your dreams? Not feeling the slightest doubt anymore? Being aware at any time how every choice, action and decision of yours affects your future?