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

When Mr. Otter regained consciousness, the banquet had already ended.


It was as if he had drunk himself into a stupor, his consciousness having blacked out completely... He couldn't even recall anything that happened after "Ultramarine" adjusted his collar. But he hadn't fainted; he was just moving like a zombie.


He opened his eyes and noticed that he was on a Floating Car. There were no signs of dragging or pulling on his clothes, indicating that he had boarded willingly.


Ultramarine, sitting beside him, passed him a cup of hot water with a gentle gesture.


As if he had known that he would wake up at this moment...


—Or rather, did he know that he had just lost consciousness?


Sitting in the Floating Car, he couldn't help but feel a chill down his spine. The muscles on the side of his face connecting to his neck, along with his teeth, tingled with fear.


If it were people from other Sky Islands, they might not think too much of it.


Chapter 28 Amber