I Awakened The Weakest Talent

The world was ordinary… until the first whispers came. When dungeons erupted, monsters roamed, and humanity awakened strange powers, survival became the only law. But amidst the chaos, one man listened to something beyond mere evolution—a voice that spoke of divinity. Artic never sought power, yet it found him. As the world crumbled and the strong devoured the weak, he unlocked knowledge hidden within an ancient, golden library—a place that should not exist. But with power comes a choice. Will he rise as a savior, reshape the world as a god, or let the whispers consume him?

Across the vast convolution of worlds, divine beings rule as absolute sovereigns—each god assigned dominion over a singular realm. Skirmishes are inevitable, whether for power, amusement, or sheer pettiness. One such battle, between Nexus, the God of Trickery, and an aging, senile deity, resulted in an anomaly… A soul misplaced. Elliot, an ordinary man, was never meant for Ul’Tra-el. But fate, or perhaps a cosmic prank, had other plans. Unlike other worlds, Ul’Tra-el is an aberration—one that developed a voice. A voice that diverged from the natural order. A voice that changed everything. Its foundation cracked, leaking dimensions into one another. Rifts tore open like festering wounds, vomiting forth unspeakable horrors—monsters not meant to exist. But the world did not sit idly by. In response—perhaps an act of self-preservation—the world gifted its inhabitants power. Talents awakened, granting people extraordinary abilities. And for every rift sealed, the Voice of Ul rewarded them generously. Survival was simple: fight, grow stronger, and close the rifts… or die trying. In this ruthless, blood-soaked reality, Northern—a white-haired boy burdened by his past life—was reincarnated. But unlike the chosen heroes, he awakened as a talentless nobody. No power. No strength. No future. And when death loomed over him—when despair clawed at his soul and the cold grip of the failure threatened to take him— A Voice responded: [System Notice] [Your Soul cannot take a form.] [Searching for a Unique Pattern Ability…] [Searching…] [Search Found.] [A Unique System Ability has been detected.] [You Can Copy And Evolve Talents] ... Follow Northern through his journey as he becomes the pinnacle of this world. This a story about a white-haired boy’s rise from rubbles!! Note: This is an overpower genre but MC does not just start off like that. Even though MC can copy talents he doesn't just jump around copying talents because there's a limitation. However, his rise to strength is depicted and is an experience to enjoy. The first few hundreds would be frustrating to follow because MC is weak but that makes the experience all the more interesting when MC finally gets freaking strong and starts wiping the floor with everyones asses.

"Level up? Dragons?" Eighteen. The age of Awakening. An important moment where every human in the desolate maga-cities unlocks their Talent, a unique ability to carve a path in this monster-plagued apocalyptic world. Alister Hazenworth, a graduating student, and a rising star at the prestigious Aegis Academy, was destined for greatness. His exceptional athleticism and magical aptitude promise a powerful Talent – a guarantee for a secure life and social status. But fate had different plans. During Alister's Awakening ceremony, it's revealed that he's a Summoner. Instead of admiration, he faces mockery. His once bright future turns bleak as his "friends" desert him for Talents they see as more "useful." left alone, Alister awakens a system. [Host found, system binding...] [System binded successfully.] [Congrats, you have gain the status of 'player'.] [Ding!! Congrats to the player for awakening The Dragonforge - an overlord system.] [Ding!! it has been detected that the player possesses a latent draconic aspect, and as such will only be able to summon dragons!!] [Will the player like to proceed with their first summoning?] Cast aside and underestimated, Alister becomes a force to be reckoned with. He embarks on a journey, building his own dragon army – a crew of majestic wyverns, fearsome drakes, and ancient wyrms. He raids the wastelands, reclaims lost resources, and dismantles the prejudice against summoners. Every day, his power grows, his bond with his dragons deepens, and his legend spreads like wildfire. Discord server: https://discord.gg/zbQwWCSCrn [A/N: This is a slow paced novel, don't expect the protagonist to suddenly start out overpowered and start dominating left and right, he will become an overlord of dragons, yes, but it will take time. (⁠ ⁠╹⁠▽⁠╹⁠ ⁠)] Cover made by me /⁠ᐠ⁠｡⁠ꞈ⁠｡⁠ᐟ⁠\

The portals brought hell to Earth, stealing everything from the teenager Alex Star. But in the darkness of tragedy, an ancient and strange power awakened: a chess set that allows him to bond with and command monsters. Now, he must master strategy to survive in a world where myths are dangerously real, unravel a hidden history of Awakened "gods" and forgotten wars, and claim his place as King in the brutal Chronicles of the Awakening.

In a world where magic and technology intertwine, ancient prophecies foretell the return of an unspeakable evil—the Devil God, sealed away centuries ago at the cost of the greatest warriors' lives. As the barrier weakens and darkness stirs, a legendary warrior is prophesied to rise, the only one capable of stopping the impending catastrophe. Xie Lin, an ordinary high school student, dreams of joining the prestigious Bastar Academy of Magic. But when strange sensations awaken within her, she soon finds herself entangled in a destiny far greater than she could have imagined. As S-rank warriors search for the chosen one, secret organizations lurk in the shadows, seeking to manipulate fate for their own ends. With war looming and time running out, Xie Lin must uncover the truth about her origins, master her newfound powers, and stand against an ancient darkness that threatens to consume the world. But is she truly the hero foretold, or merely a pawn in a grander scheme?

A thousand years ago, the Cataclysm nearly wiped out humanity when monstrous beings called Racktovs invaded from an unknown world. In the battle for survival, humans awakened powerful bloodline abilities, shaping the course of history. Now, in a world where strength is dictated by lineage, those without a bloodline are destined for mediocrity. Alvin was one of them—born without a bloodline, fated to live an unremarkable life. But everything changed when betrayal left him face-to-face with a Racktov. Refusing to die without a fight, he gave his all… and was slain. Then, he woke up. Stronger. Killed again. Revived—stronger still. With every gruesome death, Alvin’s body evolved, forging an ability unlike any other: the power to return from death, stronger each time. In a world ruled by bloodlines, he is no longer powerless. He is an anomaly. A force beyond comprehension. And he’s just getting started. [this is a book I've been working on my free time, so updates may vary from 1 chapter to 2 chapters]

What do the words Third-Rate Villain mean? Doesn't every human being possess their own background story? Just because a game hadn't explored one's background story, does it mean those characters are irrelevant? In a world where video games come to life, Astron Natusalune is introduced as a seemingly insignificant character—a third-rate villain with a minor role. However, this ordinary facade belies a haunting past that has shaped Astron into the vengeful soul he has become. Someone who would do everything for his vengeance. What will occur if Astron's soul combines with one from Earth? Will he relinquish his position as a third-rate villain, or will he forge a new path? Driven by a singular purpose—to avenge his sister's tragic death and bring justice to a cruel world—Astron embarks on a transformative journey. Witness the journey of the Astron as the young boy experiences a profound shift in his own values as he witnesses firsthand the consequences of unchecked vengeance and the true complexities of morality. -----------------------------------0------------------------------------ Chapter length 1750-2500 At least one chapter a day. You can check my discord if you want. You will be able to see the illustrations here and engage in a conversation with me if I am available. https://discord.gg/qRknX5hTur ---------------------------0------------------------------ Business E-mail: yusuftalhayasar@outlook.com Discord: _yty_

The world was at the brink of collapse. Humanity’s desperate battle against the Harbingers, monstrous alien invaders from another world, had raged for years, leaving cities in ruin and hope at an all-time low. Amid the chaos, Noah Eclipse, an eighteen year old with no past and no purpose, struggled to survive each day. Noah being a First-Generation Talent, with a common, unremarkable ability that never stood a chance against the Harbingers, had spent years labeled a loser all while fighting to keep his head above water in a world that seemed to have forgotten him. But as fate would have it, everything changed one day when he was fighting for his life and at the verge of dying. [Congratulations, you have awakened an SSS RANKED Talent : Void Summoning] [Congratulations you have unlocked one item : Eclipse blade!!] [Congratulations : You have unlocked a new skill; Void Blink] He was reborn, and for the first time, he was no longer weak nor helpless. Now with all the creatures and the power of the void in his palms, he would bring an end to the apocalypse! **** DISCORD : https://discord.gg/5V9ehgcYKC

In a future where humanity has already conquered the galaxy, a whole new realm of mystery and horrors beyond human comprehension opens up to them, the Primordial Expanse. For as long as he could remember, Alex worked in the mines of an asteroid so desolate it didn't even have a name. But to him, this was home. He knew that his future held nothing for him and he would die a lonely and forgotten death just like everyone else stuck on this godforsaken rock. That was, until one day he wakes up to the realisation that he would die soon, as the Primordial Expanse called for him. This mysterious realm is a place of promise and opportunity for many, but for people from the slums of society like Alex, it was only a curse that almost always guaranteed death. Follow Alex on his journey though the Primordial Expanse as he navigates his way through battles, trials and enemies to carve out a space for himself at the peak of the universe. *** [WSA 2024] This novel is purely a work of fiction, any names, locations and characters are all made up and do not depict or represent the real world.

As an E-rank assassin—the weakest in a world where strength rules—Arya was just trying to survive. In a world where assassins are born, not made, every child marked by the Blood Pact is destined to kill—or be killed. Branded from birth, assassins are cursed to wear a mask for life. If anyone sees their true face, they die instantly. Arya never wanted this life. Unlike others in the guild, his mark was flawed—cursing him instead of granting him power. While others grew stronger, his body rotted away with every kill. To survive, he followed one rule: never kill unless absolutely necessary. But when a mission goes horribly wrong, he is forced to break that rule—and something inside him awakens. His mark, once useless, begins devouring his enemies. Their skills, their strength… their lives. Now, the guild that once ignored him wants him dead. Hunted by his own kind, Arya must uncover the truth behind his mark before it consumes him completely. Because the deeper he digs, the more he realizes: He was never meant to be an assassin. He was meant to end them.

In a dark space secluded from the rest of the known galaxy, a young man wakes up in a struggle for his life. During his coming of age ritual, it was revealed that he possessed the heavy soul body, A talent that could potentially rival even the gods. Joy overtook his entire household as they prepared for the eventual rise of their clan. But on that same day, the Hand of judgement fell upon them extinguishing all traces of life on their planet leaving it as a dead world… As for him? Fate had other plans. Cast into the darkest and most secluded place in the known universe, The sanctuary, he is faced with a decision, become stronger and survive or wallow in misery and Die! [You have Awakened ] [ Hidden Class Unlocked : SSS Soul King— Supremacy over all Souls and soul kin ] [ Innate Skill unlocked: Heavy soul brilliance— In the following 20 seconds host will become effectively Unkillable] -—WSA Entry-—

Auren was the star of his generation. Graduated the combat school at the age of 12, mental fortitude was beyond his peers, and he was considered the talent of the Western State of Lysendral. It was for this reason that his awakening was greatly anticipated. Everyone was sure the star would receive a Divine Blessing from the Archon. And like others before him, be set on a definite journey to becoming the strongest Blessed in the history of the world. However, expectations were shattered when Auren awakened a Divine… Curse. “Such a phenomenon has never been heard of!” “How can a human awaken a curse! This is an abomination! Kill him! Sacrifice him to the archons!” In such a slight moment of appointment, Auren's entire life came crashing down. And he became a national criminal. Locked up and sentenced to death for having receiving a curse instead of a blessing. A 16 year old boy was ruthlessly killed by a guillotine and offered as a sacrifice to prevent doom… and the people relished in it. However, this was not the end for Auren. [Congratulations, you have died by execution], [Conditions have been met] [You have challenged your first fester.] [A requiem beckons onto you..] [...Your resurrection awaits.] Having broken the shackles of death, Auren rises again to seek vengeance and destroy not just the nation that had killed him but tear down the very existence of the archons themselves. But is everything really as it seems?

Greg watched his world come to an end under the hands of the enemies supported by his fellow race. while blaming himself for not starting the game early or not investing time into it, or for awakening a trash talent he closed his eyes and embraced death but that was not the end of his story as he regressed to ten years prior to the unfortunate event. with knowledge of the future and determination he buys a gaming helmet and plunged into the game- Apocalypse that signalled the start of something more. with his knowledge of the future, his skills that made him shine even with his trashy talent and the awakening of an ex rank talent, 100% Dodge rate that makes attacking him impossible, read Greg's revenge and rise to the top protecting those he cares about while punishing his enemies.

Lucas Arthur was nothing more than a weak and struggling C-rank hunter, barely getting by in a world where power dictated everything. Forced to participate in a risky raid in a Class B cell, he found himself abandoned by his comrades when a deadly ambush left one of them, Andre, mortally wounded. As Lucas stood beside his dying comrade, the impossible happened. A glowing blue screen appeared in front of him. [Congratulations! You have earned the unique skill: “System Maker (SSS Rank)”] Before he could realize the absurdity of it, another prompt followed. [You have met the requirements to grant Andre the System: Evolutionary System] Driven by instinct, Lucas agreed and watched in shock as Andre's wounds healed, his strength rose, and his eyes shone with new power. Then, with unwavering loyalty, he spoke: *“Your orders, sir?”* It was then that Lucas realized he had the power to create systems for the Hunters, growing stronger with each follower. Each follower and each hunter Lucas gave a system that could evolve and increase in level and power But as Lucas grants more systems, powerful enemies take notice—ones who would do anything to control or destroy a System Maker With every hunter he empowers, Lucas steps closer to becoming an existence that defies the very rules of this world.

What is the definition of a predator? How is predation goes on at a modern world? [You've achieved qualification to become a predator.] [Predator system unlocked. You can slay your prey socially, economically, s-xually or any other ways. System will help you to become a True Predator and stand upon the world.] Even after being oppressed for a long time, a tiger is still a tiger. Join in the epic journey of Ryan to become the Apex predator and dominate the world!

Title: Dreaming Worlds RPG Nagato Nawfi, a seventeen-year-old high school student, has always harbored feelings for his childhood friend, Ayane. However, fear held him back from confessing. One day, he finally gathers the courage to propose to her after school. But when he reaches her classroom, he witnesses another boy confessing to Ayane—and to his heartbreak, she accepts. Devastated, Nagato decides to keep his feelings to himself and walks away in silence. On his way home, he sees a girl in danger—a speeding truck is about to hit her. Without hesitation, he rushes to save her, pushing her out of harm’s way. However, in doing so, he ends up in front of the truck himself. The last thing he sees is the blinding headlights before everything fades to black. When Nagato regains consciousness, he finds himself in an entirely different world—a fantasy realm that operates like an RPG. The problem? He has never played an RPG game in his life. Lost and confused, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind his sudden reincarnation and the purpose of his existence in this world. Meanwhile, back on Earth, his friends struggle to make sense of his mysterious disappearance. A tale of dreams, adventure, and an unfamiliar RPG world begins! [note:In this series, AI was used for grammar checks and minor plot modifications, with an average usage of no more than 10%. It was mainly used to refine the plot flow, ensuring readers can enjoy the story smoothly.] you can find it : mangatoon,wattpad, Royal Road

"Even death can't stop me from reaching the top." Alex clawed his way to the top through sheer hard work and ruthlessness, only to be betrayed by someone within his own group. Although he managed to kill the traitor, he lost his life in the process. But just when Alex thought it was the end, fate had other plans for him. Reincarnated into the world of a novel his girlfriend used to read, he was given a second chance at life. His goal remains the same, but this time, he awakened a mysterious system and surrounded by a harem of alluring beauties. Follow Alex journey through this vast new world as he uncovers the truth behind his reincarnation and the otherworldly goddess who made it all possible. ................................................................ For those who want to join my discord server, here's the link: - https://discord.gg/cxaGXfphAy

A world of cultivation. Only the cultivation entails the gluttonous hoarding of resources. In a world where mere humans are meat and another's possessions are coveted by greedy eyes. How will a good-for-nothing survive that environment? The Bloody Baron is a heartless, unforgiving and cruel lord that rules over his pedestal of corpses with a meaty fist. Will his empire last with the addition of a foreign element? When a good-for-nothing is given control of his body in a mere instant, will the meat topple over like a stack of dominoes? Or will he continue in his predecessor's place and make use of every body in his possession?

SOVEREIGN AWAKENING – Synopsis In a world where strength dictates fate, Rei Kisaragi was nothing but a struggling low-rank hunter, barely surviving in the abyss of despair. Until one fateful day, he faced absolute death—only to awaken with a power beyond comprehension. A System engraved into his very soul. A path laid before him, not of survival, but domination. As Rei climbs through the ranks, defeating powerful Sovereigns who rule reality itself, he uncovers a terrifying truth—he was never meant to be a mere human. His existence is tied to an ancient war, one that even the gods fear. From the depths of Sovereign Wars to the heavens of Absolute Kings, Rei’s journey leads him to the ultimate battle against the enigmatic White and Black Entity. But as he stands at the edge of infinity, one question remains— Is he fighting to save the world… or to shatter it? The war is just the beginning. The real battle… is beyond the throne.

Wayne, a 17-year-old detective with no special skills or talents, has spent his life solving minor mysteries with nothing but instinct and persistence. But when he’s approached by a secretive organization, Project: Era, his world is turned upside down. They offer him an impossible opportunity—to travel back in time to a forgotten era, where creatures lurk, magic reigns and history itself is shrouded in mystery. Wayne quickly realizes that logic alone won’t be enough to survive. As he investigates the truth behind Project: Era’s real motives, he becomes entangled in a war between monstrous beings, rogue sorcerers, and factions that view him as either a savior or a threat. But with each mystery he unravels, the lines between fate and free will blur. Wayne may not be special, but in a world shaped by magic and deception, he might be the only one who can uncover the truth—before time itself collapses.

In the land of Aetheria, strength is everything. The great warrior families—Argenthelm, Dravenmoor, and Varkos—rule with the might of their swords, their names etched in history as the strongest knights to ever live. Born into the prestigious Argenthelm family, **Rael** was expected to follow in their footsteps, to master the sacred sword techniques and awaken the power that runs through his bloodline. But no matter how hard he trained, no matter how many battles he endured, he could never grasp the essence of sword aura. To his father, to his brothers, and to the world, he was a failure. On his sixteenth birthday, Rael is cast out, forced to undergo the *Trial of Kings*—a cruel test that has claimed the lives of countless unworthy heirs. Alone, with nothing but a dagger in hand, he is thrown into the deadly wilds of Aetheria, where monsters, mercenaries, and rival warriors lurk in the shadows. But Rael is not like the others. He does not rely on brute force. He does not wield an unstoppable blade. He **thinks.** He **adapts.** He **survives.** And if the world refuses to acknowledge him as a knight—then he will carve his name into history another way.

In a world where magic and monsters lurk in the shadows, 24-year-old Nuel Ainsworth has made a name for himself as a ruthless hunter of dark magic users. Driven by a personal vendetta, he's spent years eradicating threats to humanity - until the day he's forced to confront the ultimate horror: his own destiny. When Nuel's latest mission goes horribly wrong, he's captured by a rival organization who reveal a shocking truth: the prestigious family he's been working for has been manipulating him all along, using him to further their own sinister agenda. The mission that nearly cost him his life was, in fact, a deliberate attempt to eliminate him. With his life hanging in the balance, Nuel is presented with an impossible choice: undergo a forbidden awakening that will grant him the very magic he's sworn to destroy, or watch as his foster aunt suffers the consequences of his refusal. As Nuel navigates the treacherous landscape of his newfound powers, he's drawn into a world of ancient secrets, forgotten lore, and unholy alliances. The demons he once hunted now march towards humanity's last stronghold, fueled by a desire for vengeance against the hunter who slain their princess. With the fate of humanity hanging by a thread, Nuel must confront the darkness within himself and make a choice: succumb to the nightmare that has haunted him his entire life, or rise above it to become the hero he never wanted to be.

Ethan, a high school student that died alongside his bully transmigrated into another world. Ethan awakened in a parallel world, one where supernatural talents determined your worth, and the talentless serve as expendable cannon fodder. Born talentless in this new world, Ethan finds himself assigned as cannon fodder against the monster hordes that threaten humanity. But his death in the previous world seemed to have granted him a supreme Talent. Follow the story of Ethan as he awakens the strongest talent and strives to become the world's Strongest.

A sudden and unprecedented event occurred and took place on Earth. A fissure instantly appeared in the clear blue sky, revealing a void devoid of any light beyond, instantly covering the whole planet, leaving no Life, no Hell, and no Paradise behind... Hence the start of a new chaos and a great beginning of life devoid of any hope began. In this apocalypse and lawless world without any limits set upon its beings, a silent dark wisp took form. A wisp that was bound to become the Horror of All was born... "Wait… I’ve become a Ghost?!" _______________________________ Bonus Chapter; Power Stones, 200 PS = 1 Chapter 400 PS = 2 Chapters 600 PS = 3 Chapters ... Golden Ticket, 100 GT = 1 Chapter 200 GT = 2 Chapters 300 GT = 3 Chapters.

A cultivator with normal aptitude finally found a treasure that could change his life but to his disappointment, he could not directly benefit from it. *Warning* The MC of this story is goofy. If you are looking for a smart and serious MC, you will be disappointed. Also, my grammar is shit. If you receive brain damage after reading the first chapter, run. ----------- Upload Schedule: Monday-Friday. Weekend rest. ----------- 30 chapters ahead on Patreon, patreon.com/PotatoHero ----------- My ko-fi link is for those who want to support me. ko-fi.com/PotatoHero

I was the weakest fiancé of the hero who changed the rules that's why I killed him, and took revenge margarett is a very unlucky person maybe,? she is the weakest fiancée, of the hero who in the end can make strange rules which makes society angry, many criticize the hero and often insult the hero's fiancée but all of them can fight easily and are even feared only margarett is the fiancée who is often insulted and harassed by society without fear because of this margarett chooses the path of revenge,

Henry Dreherg is a young boy who leaves his mother’s house to pursue what every young boy dreams of, an adventure. Together with the friends he gains throughout his path, he faces strong enemies and wild adventures to ultimately make a name for himself in this gigantic and dangerous world.

Synopsis: Betrayed. Humiliated. Slaughtered like an insect. Once, Prince Xian Lu was the heir to the Eastern Empire, beloved by his people but powerless in the court. When his kingdom fell, he was captured and publicly executed under the cold eyes of General Ren Jue—the man who conquered his home and shattered his life. But fate is not so kind as to let him die in peace. Xian Lu awakens years before his death, trapped in the frail body of an insignificant palace servant—one who works directly under Ren Jue. Weak, unarmed, and forced to kneel before the man who killed him, Xian Lu has only one option: to play the long game. This time, he won’t be a helpless prince. He won’t beg for mercy. This time, he will turn the warlord into his most dangerous pawn. But as the deadly game unfolds, Xian Lu soon realizes one terrifying truth—Ren Jue is already watching him. And the warlord does not let interesting things escape his grasp. Now, caught between vengeance and desire, Xian Lu must tread carefully. Because while he may be playing his enemy… his enemy is playing him, too. --- Chapter 1: The Prince’s Tragic End Xian Lu is betrayed and captured by Ren Jue, who publicly executes him. As he dies, he sees his former general (or lover) standing beside Ren Jue, emotionless. His last thought: If I had another chance, I would never be weak again. --- Chapter 2: Rebirth as a Nobody Xian Lu wakes up in a weak servant’s body years before his death. He realizes he is inside Ren Jue’s palace—in the heart of the enemy’s domain. He hides his shock and quickly plans his survival. --- Chapter 3: First Encounter with the Warlord While delivering food, Xian Lu accidentally meets Ren Jue. The warlord pauses, staring at him for too long, as if recognizing something. Xian Lu forces himself to act small and weak, but inside, he swears: I will destroy you. --- Chapter 4: Testing His New Limits Xian Lu explores his new body—he is frail, but his mind is sharp. He begins gathering information about the empire’s future events. He discovers that his past-life death is still fated to happen. --- Chapter 5: Setting the First Trap A small court conflict is about to happen—one that originally led to his downfall. This time, Xian Lu secretly interferes, changing fate. Ren Jue notices something is… different. --- Chapter 6: The Warlord’s Interest is Sparked Ren Jue unexpectedly summons Xian Lu. He observes him coldly, playing a mind game, but Xian Lu keeps his mask on. Ren Jue lets him go, but now, he is watching. --- Chapter 7: A Dangerous Whisper Someone from Xian Lu’s past life recognizes him. He barely silences them before they expose his secret. He realizes he must kill, deceive, and manipulate if he wants to survive. --- Chapter 8: A Close Call An assassination attempt is made on Ren Jue. Xian Lu should let him die—but instead, he subtly saves him. Ren Jue begins to actively test him. --- Chapter 9: A Move from the Shadows Xian Lu orchestrates his first major scheme, causing political chaos. One of Ren Jue’s enemies falls, but Ren Jue notices that this wasn’t his doing. He sets a trap for the mastermind. --- Chapter 10: The Trap Closes Xian Lu is summoned to Ren Jue’s private chambers late at night. The warlord plays a dangerous game—forcing Xian Lu to drink a truth serum or gamble. Xian Lu smiles, knowing: The game has finally begun.