MTL - To Raise a Soul - ~ 31. The fragrance of knowledge

Elia is a poor university student until the night she’s taken to the world of the Anima—ruled by humans whose ancient hearts pulse with the blood of animals. There she’s forced into a battle to the death. But when Elia survives, and refuses to kill her final opponent, the King must either kill Elia himself, or take her as his mate.

Reth, the brutal King of the Beasts with the blood of lions, shocks everyone when he chooses the weak, human Elia to become his Queen. He promises her every comfort of his wealth and position—but he is clear: She will not warm his bed. He chose her to defeat those that were trying to corner him into blending his Leonine line with the Wolves.

Elia needs the help of the Anima to become stronger and rule them well. But the vengeful Wolves see only a weak human that brought them shame. As Elia and Reth grow closer, the wolves are determined to destroy her. Will Reth and Elia admit their feelings for each in time to fight for the Kingdom—and their lives—against the villainous wolf-tribe? Or will the wolves kill Elia and steal the throne?

[Mature content - no sexual violence]

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He stalked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur collar of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle, so he peered at her through it like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn’t make a sound.

“Wh-who are you?” Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her—and didn’t stop until he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

“I am the Leonine King.” His voice was a dark, husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of wheezes, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. “And you are?”

“Elia,” she breathed.

“Elia,” he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. “I am Reth.” He said the name with a strange, guttural roll in his throat. “I am King of Beasts. I am Clan Leader, and I am Alpha of WildWood.” Several snarls rose from the crowds behind him then, but he ignored them.

Elia swallowed as he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek. “I am the King,” he said, “And you will be my mate.”

The forest behind him erupted.

He died on Earth with nothing—no legacy, no power, and no second chances... or so he thought.After getting hit by a truck, a disillusioned young man awakens in the body of a boy named Zane, in a war-torn fantasy world where nations clash over power, and magic is the law of survival. Gifted a mysterious book from parents he barely knew—and now lost forever—Zane accidentally awakens the Void System, a cold, cryptic force that offers power... at a price.In a world of monsters, systems, and bloodshed, Zane doesn’t get a choice.Survive, or vanish into nothing

I dedicated 10 years of my life, focusing solely on regression.[Authority: Death Regression has naturally been nullified.

I’ve took the role of ‘that person’ who passed away long ago, someone who bears a striking resemblance to her. In a reverse harem fantasy novel set against a military backdrop, the title “Four Crazy Guys Obsessing Over Me,” or simply “F4,” unfolds. The narrative centers around the protagonist’s first love and former comrade who descended into madness following their demise, now fixated on the female lead. However, as the one who has taken on the position of ‘that person,’ I enjoy certain privileges. Could it be that my fate involves facing death? Alternatively, survival might lead to a twist in the romantic plot, with me becoming the object of obsession instead of the female lead. Personally, I’m not inclined towards being the center of such fixation. But then… “Hey, get your act together.” “The loser falls behind and gets left behind!” “These fools need to snap out of it! Can’t they get their act together?” Romance is nowhere in sight; instead, the harsh reality of the real K-military awaits me! Before I can fully escape this predicament, I had hoped that the male leads would become obsessed with me. However, this apocalyptic world consistently shatters my expectations. To worsen matters, it appears that the male leads are gradually losing their sanity in this chaotic world. What’s the only way to break free from this absurd exploitation? Naturally, it’s through a revolution! You corrupt imperial scoundrels!