Not praying for ten strings

In a world dominated by seven super-corporations, the Longevity Species that always occupied the pinnacle of power didn't allow for the enactment of written laws. The Floating Islands of prisons delimited by lines on the map, where resources would inevitably run out in the future...
People yearned for the birth of a true "Hero," yet they cynically awaited the fall of a Hero from grace.
As long as one was hailed by the media as a Hero, even murder could be forgiven, and every word they said would be adored. Even high and mighty Elves dared not provoke the edge of a Hero.
But if a Hero of the past committed even a minor offense, the moment their image crumbled, the forgiven sins would flare up like an inextinguishable furnace, and the stars of yesterday would instantly become unforgivable criminals...
"—Come become a Hero, Russell."
The most vicious criminal in the world thrust a knife into the boy's hand, whispering a low enticement.
——————
Solo female lead, Beast Ears, Spiritual Energy, Mechanical Angels, and other elements. Cyber-fantasy. Please refrain if not to your liking.

Tower of Overturn

Russell was pacing through the Slow Stepping Snow Mountain.


In his hand, he held a dimly fluctuating lantern, while his other hand shielded his eyes.


An almost insane blizzard howled in, and large snowflakes landed on his thick fur. The tiger skin vest he wore over his lion's velvet fur blocked out even more of the chill.


Mixed within the storm were sharp ice grains; like ice needles, they were extremely sharp under the fierce wind, yet they hadn't caused him any harm.


These were the rules of Slow Stepping Snow Mountain.


Even in the biting extreme cold, he could not quicken his pace.


If he attempted to move faster, those ice needles, which would have missed him due to the wind, would change trajectory and cut his skin because of his increased speed.


The faster he went, the more damage the ice needles would inflict. If he ran at full speed, he'd be chilled to the core in an instant.


Chapter 21: Slow Stepping Snow Mountain