The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass - Chapter 224 - Self-destruction, Part IV

College was like a wake-up call for most people. Especially the likes of Christopher Owen, who spent the rest of his high school years messing around and pining for the boy he never had.Having had a frustrating high school year, he decided to dedicate himself to his studies in college.He flew many miles away from home, changed his looks, and hid his real identity from everyone. His plans were simple: study hard, pass well, no dating.But then he realized two things: life was anything but easy without the backing of his last name.And... he wasn't sure how long he could last before he jumped his roommate, who was obviously not gay.But lust wasn't love, right?Maybe he could indulge a little? Just a little, I promise.

In his old world, Elric had nothing—no powerful family, no elite degree, just relentless hard work and a passion for healing. Dismissed as a third-rate doctor, he shocked the nation by saving a congressman’s life and becoming an overnight celebrity. But just when his career was rising, tragedy struck.Now, Elric opens his eyes in a world unlike any he’s ever known—a land of swords, sorcery, and strange beliefs. Reborn in the countryside of a magical kingdom, where even a common cold is blamed on spirits, he’s the only one who understands how the human body truly works.With no palace, no power, and no one to trust, Elric sets up a humble clinic in a rural village. Armed with science and sarcasm, he treats the sick, challenges ancient traditions, and slowly earns the awe and fear of a world ruled by magic.Mocked as a fraud. Hunted by rival healers. Feared by nobles and mages alike.But this world is about to learn—Even a third-rate doctor can change history.

In 2173, the world’s first Full-World Virtual MMORPG game ‘Astral Online’ went on sale globally, forever changing the blue planet Asteria!

With its revolutionary Digital Capture System, astonishing graphics and ability to scan yourself into the game with up to 20% beautification, countless defenders rallied to play the game.

Fifty million players logged in on launch. There were no queues or lag on launch, leaving countless critics impressed and willing to try the game. Because the game used a 6-hour play limit a day, it allowed even working adults to keep up with young students and the unemployed.

A resounding success, as more people poured onto the game servers, families and friends alike. Astra Online became a household name overnight.

One month later, the game opened its first RMT system, which made earning a living from the game easier... Thus began the Astral rush!

Professional players formed guilds and factions to increase their profits, but nobody could know this prosperity was a mere joke.

One year later, players fused with their avatars, gaining powerful abilities in the real world, which tipped the power and caused chaos.

Two years later, demons and monsters from inside the game invaded the real world.

Three years later, over 90% of humanity perished, leaving the rest to hide like rats, unable to fight back in fear.

Four years later, this world is no longer ours. The demons march on our last bastions, one by one. They exterminated us.

Zell was an average player who liked to collect beasts in the game and evolve them into humanoids, as they were primarily females.

He spent most of his life working two jobs to make ends meet.

Thanks to the excellent healthcare of his country, there were no crippling debts. There was only emptiness.

When the end came, he was powerless and alone. His only companions were his cute pets and Rika, his cherished Flame Rabbit.

She was the only beast he evolved to a humanoid form after his late start to the game.

He died saving the life of a strange girl with white wings and his pet Rika, the sad eyes of Rika and the girl’s sorrow floating through the air as he slowly passed away.

However, instead of dying, he awoke inside an empty white room with a single computer and a strange, game-like screen that allowed him to edit his IRL avatar and persona.

Who offered him this second chance?

For what reason did they help him?

Can he meet Rika again?

Zell could never know; he only knew his second life’s goal.

Survive!

Yao Yao was born as a little glutton, her appetite rivaling half a mountain.One day, the old Taoist who adopted her passed away in meditation. At just three and a half years old, Yao Yao had no choice but to pack her small bag and head down the mountain to find her senior master.By chance, she ended up saving a wealthy tycoon from a car accident and became the adopted daughter of the prestigious Gu family.At first, everyone in the Gu family opposed the idea.The Gu family matriarch tapped her cane and said, “Raising someone else’s child? Careful not to end up with an ingrate!”The Gu family head, Gu Xuesong, said indifferently, “Picked up halfway? Who knows what kind of trouble she might bring.”From the eldest to the seventh brother, their response was unanimous: “We don’t want a sister!”But this little girl, rejected by the entire family, proved herself after joining the Gu household.She resolved the business partner issues that even Gu Xuesong couldn’t handle, bringing in so many contracts that they couldn’t sign them all.She cured the Gu matriarch’s chronic leg pain, to the point where the old lady was now striding around effortlessly…Even the seven Gu brothers, one after another, benefited greatly from her presence.It was only then that the Gu family realized they had brought home a treasure.From then on, the Gu family’s attitude completely changed.The Gu matriarch: “Yao Yao, do you want some cream puffs? Grandma will buy them for you.”Gu Xuesong: “Yao Yao, do you want a private jet? Daddy will have one sent over to take you for a ride.”The Gu brothers: “Yao Yao, do you want…”And so, Yao Yao secured herself a meal ticket—one of the highest quality!✨Love this translation? Support me on Patreon for early access, exclusive content, and more! Your support keeps the translations coming—subscribe today!