Sting

When the coughing urge subsided, Shu Fei exhaled shakily and opened his eyes. Glistening on his sleeve, tissue-thin and fresh, were petals. Crimson flower petals. ----- Shu Fei is an average, edgy high school student who's not like the other guys. He's learnt to keep his head down, avoid attention, and ignore the sharp sting of words...and fists. But when the (rather handsome) class president happens to step in, something inside him starts to unravel, causing him to mysteriously cough flowers. This time, he can't stay quiet.

WSA 2025 Entry! Excerpt: "Are you satisfied?" he asked, walking to the fire where she already sat. "Can you yet call yourself the greatest knight? "Not until I can beat you," Irene argued. Despite how serious he looked only moments before, he cracked a smile. "But you saved my life," he insisted. Synopsis: With a second chance given to her after a pathetic ending to a life she didn’t want, Irene Litharion decides that she will follow in her father’s footsteps and become a knight. Waking up in the body of her eleven year old self, she’s reinvigorated to follow her heart. She has the rare blood of ancient warriors in her veins and promises to not turn her back to it anymore. Prepared for the sacrifices she will have to make to live the life she wants, a new challenge is presented when the only way she can become an apprentice knight is to turn her back on femininity altogether. The years she spent being forced to attend etiquette lessons go out the window and instead, daily sword practice takes place. Her father does all he can to get her into the knighthood, but it’s up to her to show her strength and skill to stay in it. However, it’s different than she expects when the Monster War ravages her homeland, she learns the sting of loss, and secrets of her own blood present themselves the more she leans into the thrill of battle.

Samantha never expected to find magic in her hometown, let alone in a dimly lit bar on a rainy Tuesday night. Yet here she was, perched on a barstool at the Black Swan, her world about to tilt on its axis. The air thrummed with an otherworldly energy she couldn't quite place. Ethereal dancers moved like smoke across the floor, their bodies fluid and mesmerizing. As Samantha nursed her drink, she felt the weight of curious stares prickling her skin. That's when she saw him. Marcus. A name she didn't know yet, but one that would soon be etched into her very soul. Their eyes locked across the crowded room, and Samantha's breath caught in her throat. He moved with predatory grace, all lean muscle and barely restrained power. Their first interaction was as intoxicating as it was bewildering. One moment, he was her gallant protector, rescuing her from an overly aggressive drunk. The next, his eyes hardened to chips of ice as he snarled, "Stupid girl," before melting into the shadows. Samantha's mind reeled, but her body hummed with an excitement she couldn't explain. Little did she know, this encounter was merely the first step into a world beyond her wildest fantasies – a realm where vampires ruled the night and pain blurred exquisitely with pleasure. As she delved deeper into this hidden society, Samantha found herself drawn to the intoxicating blend of power, submission, and supernatural allure. The crack of a whip, the whisper of leather, the exquisite sting of fangs – each sensation pushed her boundaries and ignited desires she never knew existed. But with every ecstatic high came the sobering reality of danger. Vampire politics were as deadly as they were intricate, and Samantha soon realized she was a pawn in a game where the stakes were life, death, and eternal servitude. As she left the Black Swan that night, Samantha couldn't shake the feeling that she stood on the precipice of something life-changing. She had no idea how right she was, or how deeply she would fall into a passionate, dangerous dance with forces beyond her imagination. The real question was: in this world where pleasure and peril intertwined so intimately, would she emerge empowered... or lose herself completely?

They say that 90 percent of the world's oceans have been unexplored, due to just how much floor there is to cover. Imagine a world where, instead of deep trenches of water, our oceans were filled with forests—endless forests—where the further you go, the stranger, and larger the creatures become. The air growing thicker, and heavier, with the stinging sharpness of ozone; trees that stretch into the stratosphere, or bottomless muddy quagmires that are so deep that the bodies claimed can never be discovered; deer the size of whales, or bigger still, with an anomalous number of legs; the oppressive daytime darkness, never ending, due to the boundless appetite of the trees. Who knows what untold methods of ravenous mutilation might be discovered in the great beyond; or what unfathomable treasures lurk just beyond the shadow's edge. We find ourselves marooned in little islands of flat plain in the midst of miles and endless miles of oppressive wooded wilderness. Do not let the sunlight fool you. There is nothing keeping the terrors of the depths from venturing into the light.

Noah Morgan has always lived on her own terms — reckless, fearless, and fiercely independent. At nineteen, she’s had her share of bad choices, wild nights, and broken hearts. But nothing compares to the day she’s forced to leave her life behind and move into her mother’s new husband’s mansion. For Noah, this new world isn’t a chance to start over — it’s a prison made of polished floors, luxury cars, and cold silence. Until she meets Nick Leister. Nick is everything she shouldn’t want. He’s dangerous, impulsive, and too confident for his own good. He races cars, fights in underground rings, and collects trouble like trophies. He also happens to be her new stepbrother. From the moment they meet, sparks fly — not the romantic kind, but the kind that burns. Nick doesn’t like being challenged, and Noah doesn’t know how to submit. Their attraction is instant, magnetic, and completely forbidden. But it’s not just physical. It’s emotional. They see through each other — past the arrogance, past the masks. Beneath Nick’s anger is pain. Beneath Noah’s fire is fear. Their connection starts as a war. Glances that threaten. Words that sting. Accidental touches that linger longer than they should. In a house full of luxury and lies, Nick and Noah become each other’s only truth — and that truth is dangerous. Their relationship is a slow, sensual explosion. It begins with arguments in the hallway, late-night rides on Nick’s motorcycle, and stolen stares across the dinner table. But soon it grows darker — into moments of intense desire, overwhelming jealousy, and the kind of intimacy that feels too real to be safe. As their attraction deepens, Noah uncovers the truth about Nick’s world — the illegal street races, the underground fights, and the brutal past he tries to hide. Nick isn't just a bad boy — he's wounded. Abandoned by his real father, constantly at odds with the man his mother married, Nick lives on adrenaline and danger. He hides behind rage and rebellion because love has never been kind to him. And yet, with Noah, he softens. Just not enough. Noah, too, is battling ghosts. Her father walked out when she was a child. Her mother’s love is conditional — based on appearances and obedience. She feels like a pawn in someone else’s story. But when Nick touches her — really touches her — she feels seen, alive, and no longer invisible. The more they fall into each other, the more impossible it becomes to hide. But secrets don’t stay buried for long. Their relationship becomes physical. First in shadows. Then behind closed doors. Their bodies speak the things they cannot say aloud — desire, fear, possession. Noah is drawn to Nick's darkness, and Nick is terrified of how much he needs her. But in a world of luxury and lies, love has no place. Their parents can’t know. The world wouldn’t understand. And Nick is already on the edge — one wrong move and everything could fall apart. Noah tries to pull away. Nick refuses to let go. Their passion becomes a dangerous addiction, one they can’t quit. Things begin to unravel fast. Nick’s involvement in underground street races leads to an accident that nearly kills him. Noah finds out he’s in deeper trouble than she ever imagined — debt, enemies, and a violent past catching up fast. Meanwhile, rumors about their closeness start to spread. Their secret is not safe anymore. Then comes the betrayal. Nick, under pressure and drowning in guilt, pushes Noah away. Harsh words. Cold silence. The heat between them turns to fire — but this time, the kind that burns everything down. Noah is heartbroken, and Nick is lost in his own chaos. But the heart wants what it wants. Despite the risks, they come back to each other. Not because they’re perfect — but because without one another, they’re broken. In a moment of raw honesty, Nick confesses everything: the pain of his childhood, the violence in his veins, the way Noah is the only light in a world that has always been dark. They come back together

Sofia Everhart was barely holding her life together. Crushed beneath a mountain of unpaid bills and the suffocating debt left behind by her late parents. She clung to the only thing she still had control over, and it was her vow to save herself for the man she would one day marry. But that fragile hope shattered the night she showed up at her boyfriend's house—only to find him in bed with her officemate, both naked, both shamelessly entangled in betrayal. In a single moment, Sofia's heart was broken and with it, the last of her faith in love slipped away. Humiliated, heartbroken, and utterly broke, she needed an escape. That escape came in the form of LUXE CLUB, the city's most exclusive club, an upscale haven for the wealthy and powerful. One dare became a bet. Sofia gave herself to a devastatingly handsome man. For one night, she let go of the pain, the pressure, the fear and surrendered her virginity to a stranger. Adam Ravenstrong, the billionaire CEO of Ravenstrong Holdings, was not the kind of man who made mistakes. He was calculated,, cold, and completely unattached, he kept women at a comfortable, manageable distance. To finalize the multi-billion-dollar merger, his future business partner imposed one absurd condition: Adam had to be married. He didn't want a wife. But he wanted to close the deal. As if the pressure weren’t enough, his business partner had taken it upon himself to not only arrange but choose the woman Adam was expected to marry—stripping away even the illusion of choice. He never expected Sofia Everhart, his soon-to-be wife, to be the same woman he had a one-night stand with. The one who vanished without a trace. The same woman he hadn't been able to forget. And suddenly, his face darkened, his eyes turning cold. Excerpt: "You can't be my wife," Adam said sharply, his voice like ice. Sofia lifted her chin, meeting his gaze even as her knees threatened to give out. "You just need an accessory wife, right? So what's the problem?" His expression hardened. "Because you're not a virgin. That was one of the conditions." The words cut like glass. The courtroom fell into stunned silence. The judge, his business partner, and her best friends frozen in disbelief, while Adam’s best friend shifted uneasily in the corner, unsure where to look. Sofia slapped him hard, furious at the fact that Adam knew he had been her first. And now, he looked at her with smug disdain, as if she were someone unworthy to become his bride. Then she turned around and walked out, refusing to let him see the tears stinging her eyes. She needed the money to save her parents' house. In three days, the bank would take it, and with it, the last memory of the family she had lost. She might have lost everything, but she would never beg. Not from the billionaire who took her virginity and looked at her like she was nothing. Adam stood frozen, yet an amused smile crept across his lips as he realized Sofia wasn't like the women who chased his name, his money, or his empire. She didn't cling. She didn't flatter. She walked away, and now, even though she needed him, she wasn't pretending to want him. Sofia needed his money. He needed a wife. And if she was bold enough to slap him and walk away, then she was bold enough to stand beside him in a world built on power, image, and illusion. Whether it broke her or not, Adam would make sure she played the role of his perfect wife. He vowed never to love, hiding his heart beneath the ice. She promised never to surrender, guarding her pride like armor. But when their hearts collided, neither shield could withstand the force of love. ————————————————— Disclaimer: This novel contains mature themes in later chapters. Reader discretion is advised. All names, places, and settings are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real people, locations, or events is purely coincidental.

Misfits And Wildflowers (Created as a 25th anniversary of when I became involved with my high school sweetheart, my wife and best friend) Set in the school year of 1999-2000, a simpler time full of baggy JNCO jeans, Discman players, colorful fashion, and Y2K fears — Everyone lived in the moment  15-year-old Alfie is a shy and nerdy boy who is convinced he will never experience love the way his friends have, and will end up living the life of a monk.  During Summer school, Alfie meets a peculiar girl whom he develops a huge crush on. Struggling to express any of his feelings, he ends up missing an opportunity due to unforeseen circumstances.  Now entering the new school year, Alfie finds himself tangled in new feelings, old traumas, and the messy, hilarious chaos of adolescence. With a found family of punks, nerds, goths, and other social outcasts (affectionately known as the Island of Misfits), Alfie navigates crushes that sting, friendships that anchor, and breakups that echo through locker-lined hallways...until one day, he finally experiences that spark. This is a coming-of-age story rooted in nostalgia, honesty, and the kind of emotional growth you only get from falling hard and getting back up.

It was the same boring normal lifestyle. Waking up as early as 6am, and going to work at 7am. Working very hard like a working machine every single day and returning from work at 8pm. But what was all that hard work for? She was controlled and used by her superiors, who had always claimed her merits and great achievements as their own. It was late in the night. After getting out of the blue bus and walking along the sidewalk, on her way to her tiny apartment, she suddenly halted out of frustration. The purse that was hanging around her neck, she removed it and threw it on the floor with an agonizing groan. Her pale face, which had dark circles underneath her eyes, looked up at the sky, and pointing her right finger at the sky, she quarreled, “Are you having fun watching my pathetic life?! Huh?! Are you going to mock me like everyone else does?! I overheard everything my colleagues said about me behind my back! They said that I was a naive fool! They said that I was only a tool to them, meant to be used!”. “But is that fair?! It wasn't enough that my superiors always took credit for my hard work. But, the colleagues I thought of as my friends had also been taking advantage of me, and I only found out about that today! Every single damn time, they all came to me, behaving pitifully and begging me that I should help them resolve their own work issues, and I, as naive and foolish as I am, helped them out, despite the stress involved in it”. “I do not even remember the last time I had a good night's sleep! Why is this world so cruel to me?! Is it because I don't have any people to call my family?! Is it because I don't have parents?!”. She yelled at the top of her lungs and held her chest using her left hand. The passersby stared at her and were muttering to themselves, “She must have gone crazy”. Yeah, she had gone crazy. Crazy because of her unfair life, that she didn't care at all if it all came to an end. “What I would give to be the boss of my own life!”. She yelled again, before she broke down crying and slowly sat down on the ground. Her palms covered her face for a few seconds, not having a single clue that those few seconds would change her life for good. “Watch out!!!”. Someone screamed at her, but it was too late for her. She removed her palms from her face and silently watched as a car drove recklessly towards her. ‘See? My life is pathetic’. She thought, before her body was crushed. And before she lost consciousness and died, her body was drenched in blood. …. Opening her eyes, she got very confused. The first words that came out of her mouth were this: "Didn't I die?”. Staring at her surroundings, she got even more confused. As she sat up on the bed, she felt a stinging pain in her head as a flood of memories, which she knew didn't belong to her, flashed in her mind. “Wait, what? Since when am I the granddaughter of a farmer and the daughter of the great wing city leading superstars? And since when did I have a Cheat Farm System and a fiancè?! I don’t understand any of these, you freak. I am not Piper Graham. You got the wrong person”. …. “Hahaha! The old me is dead starting from this very moment! Watch me climb up to wealth using my Cheat Farm System! In this new life, I will become the boss, not the employee!!”. She jumped around her tiny bedroom as she shouted to her heart's content after realizing that she had been given a new shot at life.

18+ Warning Mature Content During a dangerous infiltration mission, Luren is captured after attacking a noble carriage—unaware it belongs to Duke Craige Evron Seravelle, a powerful alpha and a Royal noble of Seravelle. What begins with swords drawn and accusations soon turns into uneasy understanding as both men discover truths that bind them. The duke, though born an alpha, knows little about omegas, and Luren hides his nature behind a hardened mercenary front. As Luren is forced to stay under Craige's watch, their bond grows. The bond between the Duke and Luren grew deeper with each passing day. The Duke treated him like a cherished younger brother protective, gentle, always watching over him. But for Luren, the feelings were far more complicated. What he felt wasn’t brotherly it was something darker, something he didn’t dare name. A sinful desire twisted inside him, confusing and intense. Every time he saw the Duke surrounded by beautiful women, laughing with them, touching them so casually, a sharp sting of jealousy burned in his chest. He hated it, hated how angry and possessive he felt, even though he had no right to be.

In a world defined by the "Skills" granted by the enigmatic Earth, young Keal faces the sting of public ridicule. His assigned ability, "Echo Step," appears to be nothing more than a cruel joke—a power that simply makes his footsteps echo. Yet, where others see only a mockery of a skill, Keal's unconventional family sees a hidden universe of potential. His parents, Kiel and Arte, possess their own seemingly "low-tier" abilities, quietly optimized to an astonishing degree, hinting at a secret understanding of the world's most fundamental forces. Driven by his younger brother Blanc's unwavering belief, Keal embarks on an extraordinary path. Not of brute force, but of meticulous study and daring experimentation. What if an echo is more than just sound? What if it's a key to manipulating vibrations, to bending spatial perceptions, to transcending the very laws of motion? Whispers of the ancient "Kelbaraan" myth, a creature of impossible swiftness and silent vanishes, begin to intertwine with Keal's relentless research, suggesting a connection that defies conventional understanding. As Keal pushes the boundaries of "Echo Step," he'll confront a society that dismisses his kind, forcing him to protect his loved ones with an ability no one truly comprehends. Will his quiet dedication unlock a power that redefines not just his own destiny, but the very fabric of skill itself? And what untold secrets does the mysterious Earth truly hold, that allows a seemingly useless echo to resonate with ancient legend?

STRONG LANGUAGE! STRONG VIOLENCE! SOME SEXUAL CONTENT, HERE AND THERE! --- Nova, the God of Destruction and one of the five Supreme Gods, is consumed by boredom. He has witnessed civilizations crumble, galaxies vanish, and entire worlds reduced to dust, yet the thrill he once felt is gone. When he turns his gaze to Earth, curiosity takes hold. He chooses to walk among mortals, drawn by their chaotic yet vibrant lives. As the Infernal Realm begins to bleed into the mortal world, Nova embarks on a journey filled with unexpected adventures. He might even feel the sting of true pain.

They referred to him as insane. He was too young, they claimed. Too crazy. It's too poetic. Too fixated. However, they failed to comprehend. Goals are not the reason Daniel "Caos" Gómez plays. He rewrites history via his plays. He scores hat-tricks in eleven minutes at the age of fifteen. He outtrains titans, outruns legends, and rips over Europe like a prophesy at the age of sixteen. He doesn't talk when he trains. uses Latin to write. Dreams that burn. "I'm not playing here. Football is what I'm here to make kneel. Pain, however, simmers beneath the stadium lights and growing celebrity: A rival who was once a dear friend. The death of a mother still stings. A girl who never turned around after dancing in the rain. Caos must now decide if he wants to claim immortality at the expense of his humanity. Or will he strike the heavens—and shatter the gods? Start reading now if you love: Mythic sports drama Genius MCs with fire in their veins Emotional rivalries and broken love Football as poetry and war Obsession, grief, ambition, legacy Tags: Sports, Football, Mythic Rise, Tragic Past, Legendary MC, Coming of Age, Rivalry, Dark Romance, Training Arc, Late Love, Champions League, Football Royalty, Obsession to Greatness, Modern Epic, Latin Vibes, Poetic Hero, God Mode, Real Madrid

Chapter 0 – Ashes of a Daughter Place: The Ruined Palace Date: Late winter, Year 768 The palace burned. What once stood tall in white stone and gold banners now crumbled in smoke and ruin. Screams had long faded. Blood dried too fast in the winter wind. The flag of Eltharion lay trampled in the mud, and beneath it all, Vireya stood alone. Her armor was cracked. Her blade, gone. She had killed and bled and shielded—and still, they lost. And yet she stood. On shattered marble steps, her father—the king—watched the last member of his kingdom flicker in the girl before him. He had not fled. He had not begged. But he had not answered her warnings, either. “Do you see it now?” Vireya whispered. Her voice was hoarse from ash and war. “He used us. Everything I said… everything you ignored—” Silence. He didn’t argue. He never had to. He was the king. She was the weapon. She took one step closer. Blood leaked from the cut at her ribs. The world spun. “I’ve fought every battle for you. Spilled every drop they asked.” Her voice softened. “And I came back each time hoping—just hoping—you’d see me.” Still nothing. The wind picked up, bitter and sharp. Her fingers trembled as they reached for her chest plate. She couldn’t breathe. She wasn’t sure she wanted to anymore. “If I were born again,” she said, eyes dull, “would you ever… love me?” He met her gaze, just once. But no answer came. No apology. No denial. Only the quiet shame of a man who realized too late what he had broken. Vireya’s lips trembled with a hollow smile. “That’s what I thought.” Her sword slipped from her hand. “I hope I’m never your daughter again.” And then—her knees gave out. The world tilted. Darkness swelled around the corners of her vision. But just before the fall, she felt arms catch her. Solid, trembling. Too late. She closed her eyes. Place: The Garden of Eltharion Date: Early spring, Year 756 The air was too still. Leaves rustled overhead, casting dappled shadows across her face. The scent of pine and soft earth clung to her skin—but beneath it, the sharp sting of memory. Vireya’s eyes opened slowly. The sky above was too blue. The silence is too clean. No fire. No blood. Her throat ached—dry, parched, and burning like she’d swallowed smoke. She coughed weakly, and her hand flew to her side— But there was no wound. Only the phantom pain of where a blade had once pierced her. The memory of steel sang louder than the wind. She pushed herself upright, limbs trembling. Her body was smaller. Softer. Younger. “No...” The word caught in her throat. Her voice was barely a whisper. The last thing she remembered was dying—falling in her father’s arms after giving up the hope of being loved. And now… this? Footsteps. She flinched instinctively, body coiled for defense. But it was only a girl—barefoot, with soft steps and a plain brown dress. Her maid. Lune. Mute. Loyal. Eyes like dusk, always watching but never judging. Without a word, Lune knelt beside her and gently offered a glass of water. Vireya stared at it for a long moment. In her old life, Lune had been the only one who never asked anything of her. Never spoke behind her back. Never looked away from her. Her fingers shook as she took the cup. The water touched her lips. Cold. Real. “Thank you,” she rasped. Her voice cracked. “You're still here.” Lune only bowed her head, then reached out to brush a leaf from Vireya’s tangled hair. A quiet gesture. Familiar. And just like that, tears pricked behind Vireya’s eyes—but didn’t fall. She drank. Slowly. The water didn't ease the ache in her chest.

NO RAPE! MATURE CONTENT/ VIOLENCE BUT NOTHING TOO GORY FOR READERS TO HANDLE. Lilith was a rebellious child while growing up and didn’t have a belief in marriage as she saw it as a fancy prison. She was adopted by Lycan foster parents who saw her as nothing more than a burden. Because she was human, they repeatedly sold her to men seeking mistresses, but each time, she was returned after a single night. At last, she thought she had found an escape, falling for a man who promised her freedom. But instead of a life of love and freedom, she awoke in chains, barely clothed, imprisoned in a room in the pack house of the Alpha Lycan of the Purple Phoenix Pack. Suddenly a voice spoke, “So, you have awoken?” Slithering down her spine like ice water. Never before had mere words unsettled her so, but this one did. It was laced with menace, whispering of danger…of death. As she shifted, pain lashed through her body, sharp and stinging. She winced, squeezing her eyes shut against the agony, only to realize her situation. She was bound, barely clothed, and trapped. How did this happen? She had been on her way to her husband’s house and…oh, no. He had betrayed her! “Who are you?” She demanded, forcing herself to swallow her fear, to summon courage despite the quiver in her voice. She strained to see the source of the voice, but the oppressive darkness yielded nothing. Frustration flared within her. “Humans…” The word dripped with disdain and disgust. “Always asking unnecessary questions.” His hatred was palpable, seething. One wrong word, and he would not hesitate to end her. “Whip her.” Lycans were cursed beasts who rarely had mates. After a hundred years of waiting, the Alpha Lycan was commanded by the gods to take a virgin human bride to conceive an heir. But he despised humans and had no desire to rule with one by his side. So he agreed; he would mate with her, but once she bore his child, she would be discarded. Before she could part her lips to talk, the order was given. The lash struck her back, sharp and searing, and she cried out in agony. … Days passed. The whipping continued, lasting for thirty minutes each day but Alpha Zayd never returned. “Kill her. She is of no use.” He ordered, but instead of despair, something unexpected flared within her…hope. “I will be your slave,” she whispered, forcing the words out. “And I will offer my body only to you, Alpha Zayd.” He stilled. His golden gaze flickered toward her, considering. “Take her to my bed,” he ordered. Then, just as swiftly as he had appeared, he was gone. Determined, Lilith agreed to be his slave but only to find a way to escape and make everyone pay.

I am Mister Saviour, the defender of the damned, the advocate for the forsaken. In the hallowed halls of justice, I wield my extraordinary perceptive intelligence like a sword, slicing through the fabric of lies to expose the truth—so long as that truth serves the guilty. I regard myself as the Saviour of the underworld, a title I wear with pride, but it’s the name that stings: Xavier. Mispronounced, time and again, like a curse that haunts me. Since birth, I’ve been gifted—or cursed, depending on how you see it—with an uncanny ability to know every stranger by name and the darkest secret they carry. It’s a power that has served me well in the courtroom, ensuring that I win every case. But it comes at a price: anyone foolish enough to obstruct my path meets an untimely fate. As I navigate the murky waters of justice, I find myself drawn deeper into a world where morality is a gray haze. Each conversation reveals a hidden truth, each encounter a potential threat. I’ve learned to eliminate those who threaten my mission with ruthless efficiency. But when a formidable new opponent emerges, one who knows my secrets and challenges my beliefs, I must confront not just the darkness outside, but the shadows within. Can I continue to uphold my twisted sense of justice while battling the demons of my own making? Join me on this perilous journey as I strive to reclaim my name, eliminate obstacles, and redefine what it means to be a savior in a world that has lost its way.

This is a female-led LitRPG / progression fantasy with: Beast taming, crafting, and enchanting XP systems, stats, and a game-like interface No harem, no insta-romance (but maybe a spark or two later) Worldbuilding, strategy, and survival Think: “sweet-looking girl, cold eyes, and a sharper mind than her blades.” If you're here for romance, come back later. If you're here for mana-fueled evolution, you’re in the right place. Please Add to Library so I can gauge interest :) More interest = More chapters --------------------------------------------------------------- {“Congratulations. Integration has begun. You have been successfully registered to the Sentient Interface for Survival, Tactics, Evolution, and Mana—S.I.S.T.E.M.”} { “Beginning synchronization. Warning: this may sting.”} Pain wasn’t the right word. Evisceration, maybe. Every nerve in her body caught fire. Her bones shrieked. Even her hair hurt... "Thank fuck that’s over," she whispered {“My apologies. At most, you should have experienced a minor headache. Your soul seems to contain… a great deal of trauma”} She laughed—sharp and broken. "Ya, no shit. Oh and, no offense, but your pain scale’s a bit off." A pause. Then, the voice continued—same tone, but just a hint more human. {“Noted. Adjusting pain calibration bias by 12%. Thank you for your feedback.”} --------------------------------------------------- When the world fractured, mana flooded reality—and everything changed. Cities fell. Machines exploded. Technology died. Sam didn't ask to wake up in the wreckage of a world reborn. She didn’t ask to inherit a stranger’s body, an experimental AI system, or a perk called Double Double that doubles everything... except the danger. Armed with strange knowledge from two lives, a sarcastic built-in assistant, and a pair of kittens with more bite than fluff, Sam begins her Integration into a world where magic and nanotech don’t just coexist—they compete. No class. No gear. No clue. But when the System speaks, Sam listens. Mostly. If the monsters don’t eat her, the adventurers might. But first—dinner, naming the cats, and figuring out how to enchant a frying pan ---------------------------------------------------

Betrayed and sacrificed in a dark ritual, Kiran dies consumed by fire and the sting of treachery. His reward for such an unjust end? Rebirth as a fledgling crow in a grim, monster-infested fantasy world, bound to a merciless entity known as the 'Carrion Ascendancy Protocol'.

" She might not survive this time.." Su Xiangxue could hear the bitterness and pity in the doctor's voice. " It's a pity…she doesn't have to go through this pain. wuwuwuwu…" The old lady cried out while clutching her husband's arm tightly. Su Xiangxue in her comatose state rolled her eyes. People would have thought this woman, who is her mother, loved and cared for her deeply. Only those who had been with her for a long time would know her true character. ' Heh! She isn't concerned about my pain . She just wants me to die. Paying my bills would be too hard for her to do.' " Ah…this girl! We had told her countless times to take it easy, but she wouldn't listen. The bills…how are we going to pay them now…wuwuwuwu.." The old lady said dramatically. " Madam…" The doctor placed her hand on the old lady's shoulders and consoled her. She sympathized with the old lady. It wasn't easy for them to take care of a terminally ill child from childhood up to her adulthood. They had really sacrificed so much. And now the child couldn't repay them back, but just adds more problems. " The fees had already been paid. No need to worry. Someone had already paid for all her treatment. " " What ..? !" The old lady stopped crying instantly, and wiped the tears she had managed to squeeze out of her eyes. " Who paid for it ? " The old man spoke for the first time since he entered the hospital. " Hmm…the information is confidential. I can't say. Although it seems stupid to be paying that huge amount of money to someone who is ninety nine point nine percent not going to open her eyes again." " Doctor…we would leave now, and come back. Our daughter needs our support. But we can't in this state. " The old man said with a small smile as he watched the slow breathing of the woman in bed. " No problem. Let me see you off. " The door of the room opened, and closed a few seconds later. Days passed, and the only people who entered the room were the nurses who came to change the drips and check on the machine keeping her heart beating. Her parents never stepped foot in the room, and she wasn't bothered. She spent days listening to the sounds around her. She was only waiting for the time when her heart would stop beating. A month had passed, surprising the doctor. It was estimated that she could only last for ten days, but here she was still breathing after twenty days of the estimated day. " You are a thorn in my path. Even after everything you still emerge as the winner." A melodic voice, like that of a bird, resounded in the room. ' Ah! She is here. ' One other thing Su Xiangxue did other than listening to sounds was detecting scents. From the scents, she was able to identify who , and the person's gender. The woman, hearing no reply, rummaged through her bag. The next thing Su Xiangxue felt was a sting on her arm, and the flow of some liquid through her vein. " There, let's see if you can survive this. Don't blame me. You made me retort to this method. And moreover I am doing you a favor. Your pain would end soon. " The woman said with a malicious smile on her face. Although Su Xiangxue couldn't see it, she was sure that was the expression on the woman's face. Not long after the woman left , another pair of footsteps walked towards her bed before taking a seat. ' Oh come on! Another person who wants to help me ?!! ' Her body was already feeling numb. Who knows what was poured into her veins? But right now, she was least concerned about it. The pain she was feeling was nerve wracking. " Su Xiangxue…" A manly deep voice called out her name softly. ' What…? He..How dare he !!!' Su Xiangxue was so enraged that her eyelids opened. .

When a failed sting operation exposes a dangerous crime syndicate, two people— one cop, the other a member of a organization crime — become entangled in a deadly game of power, corruption, and revenge.

A mafia king in hiding. A hacker on the run. A wilderness that brings them together or tears them apart. She's a brilliant hacker with a price on her head. When she stumbles upon a secluded cabin, she assumes the rugged man inside is just a survivalist, unaware he's the exiled heir to a mafia empire. He's dangerous, arrogant, and the first person to make her feel safe in years. Seeking to disappear, he doesn't expect to find a bleeding stranger with secrets. Their fragile trust shatters when her past catches up to them, forcing her to flee to protect him, oblivious to the lethal threats he faces. Hunted by enemies on both sides, their lives intertwine when she accepts a job that turns out to be about saving his empire. Betrayal stings, but the real danger lies in their shared truth. The men after her are the same ones who betrayed him. To survive, they must fight together against their pasts and ruthless foes. "Can love survive the war they're about to start?"

Are you bored of life? Do you seek thrills that you aren't able to experience? Are you restricted by the rules governing this world and wish to live freely in this world without repercussions or fear of breaking the rules?] [This world can satisfy your true heart desire. You will task to undergo several task and missions and in return, you will be granted numerous treasures, wealth and the most importantly, freedom!] Annoyed, Alvian pressed the green button stating [yes]. [Are you sure of your choice? Death in this world means death in real life. If you are afraid to die, You have one more chance to reconsider your choice.] This message popped up on his phone's screen. Alvian felt like laughing. Were they mocking him? He, afraid to die? Without hesitation, Alvian clicked on the [yes] button. "Hm?" Alvian was surprised as he saw felt a slight sting on his finger. Bringing his thumb up to his face, he saw that he was bleeding slightly. But the screen of his phone wasn't stained by the blood, it was as though it had been absorbed. [Contract successfully signed.] [Welcome to the TransWorld.]

I couldn't help but chuckle as I leaned against a tree, arms casually folded across my chest. Listening to their bold declarations of becoming the greatest hero made me shake my head in amusement. "You haven't even taken your first steps on this journey, and already you're dreaming of being the best," I said, letting out a sigh. "You guys are nothing but a bunch of fools." My gaze swept over them, a mix of disbelief and pity flashing in my eyes. "If you keep your heads in the clouds like this, you’re going to get yourselves killed." A smirk played on my lips as I turned away, leaving their stunned faces behind. As I walked off, Harvey's words echoed in my mind. "Jealousy," he had accused, his voice taunting me. I tried to brush off the bitter sting that crept up on me, but it lingered nonetheless. I paused for a moment, the faint echo of laughter bubbling up from my chest. "Jealousy, huh?" I muttered with a wry grin before continuing my path.

Skyler, a brilliant and driven CEO of a flourishing game development company, finds his world irrevocably changed by the success of his latest creation. This award-winning game, a title that single-handedly revolutionized his company's fortunes, was brought to life with the invaluable help of the woman he's fallen deeply in love with – a woman whose intelligence and creativity perfectly complemented his own. Their collaboration was seamless, their connection undeniable, blossoming into a romance that felt destined. However, the euphoria shatters when Skyler uncovers a shocking truth: the woman he loves, his muse and partner, is actually a man who skillfully maintained the deception. Yet, the sting of betrayal is quickly complicated by a bewildering revelation. The "woman" knew all along that the man he loved was pretending because *she* was the one who orchestrated it. As Skyler grapples with this intricate web of secrets and affection, he must confront the unsettling question: how do you reconcile a love born from such an elaborate charade?

In the forgotten village of Derenval, a barefoot orphan named Eritrea lives a life of hardship and solitude, unknown and unloved. Her days are filled with hunger and toil—until a dying stranger with a royal seal collapses at her doorstep, shattering everything she thought she knew. Within hours, Eritrea is thrust into a world of palace conspiracies, ancient prophecies, and bloodstained secrets. As whispers of a lost heir echo through the kingdom, Eritrea finds herself hunted by shadowy forces who see her not as a girl—but as a threat to their throne. Haunted by visions, guided by a fading prince, and pursued by the deadly Red Crows, Eritrea’s journey takes her from cursed woods to royal halls. But as she tastes the luxuries of royalty and feels the sting of betrayal, one truth becomes impossible to ignore: she may not be just a part of the prophecy—she may be the key to the kingdom’s fate. Will she rise to claim a destiny written in the stars? Or be destroyed by the very crown that calls her its own? Eritrea: The Accidental Princess is an epic tale of identity, sacrifice, love, and rebellion—where every truth hides a lie, and every ally may become the enemy.

Lin all tired and weak, from the torture she had gone through for the past days, now tied to a pole right at the edge of the cliff, looked up to her killer who was standing some meters away, and asked faintly "Why do I have to be put through all this?" "Am just carrying out an assignment." the killer responded, with no sign of sympathy whatsoever. Lin stared at her killer, obviously the masked figure wasn't going to show her any form of mercy. Already tired of life and had given up, she asked her killer one last time. "You really think, my dad is going to let y'all go after am dead?". The killer gave an evil grin. "Seems you have so much confidence in your dad..." He said clicking his teeth, and after exhaling. "Your dad wants you dead sweetheart." He said bluntly, dropping the bombshell, leaving Lin in utter shock and confusion. "That can't be true." She whispered although she could hear the doubt in her own voice, as the tears flowed from her already weary eyes down to her cheeks. She really didn't want to believe this but something was starting to make sense to her..She had gone through a lot already "Just end this please." She said exhaling deeply, as she closed her eyes. She could hear the echo of the gunshot as she waited patiently the bullet to pierce for through her... Yet nothing came through, she couldn't feel any form of pain or sting... "Isn't it meant to hurt a little?.. Or is she dead already.." She thought, as she slowly opened her eyes... What she saw was overwhelming... Her killer was on the floor instead... She scanned around, and that's when she saw a young man coming towards her... As the person came closer, she started to notice, that the person was also having feminine characteristics.... Wait that was a lady, looking really masculine.... Clad in all black, high boots, and a neat cut... She was lost in the eyes of this stranger and hadn't noticed that the lady had started to untie her. "What's going on?" A very confused Lin whispered, "Just follow me." The lady replied as she loosened the last knots that held Lin to the pole. Already freed Lin tried to take a step but stumbled. The lady turned and gave a smirk. "You were quite strong at first." And before Lin could fathom what she said, she swept her off her feet. And whispered, "Am not letting you go this time."

Synopsis: The stadium roars with energy as the crowd cheers, a sea of faces all focused on one person—Fellicita. The undefeated champion. A storm in human form, her every spin an explosion of power, speed, and heart. She isn’t just a blader—she’s the force that electrifies the arena, the girl who lives for the thrill of the battle. But then—*a crash*. A freak accident. The sharp bite of metal as it spirals off course, and *boom*—Fellicita’s heart is pierced, literally and figuratively. Time slows. The air is thick with tension as she staggers, clutching her chest, feeling the cold sting of blood. The match is still going on, but everything else fades into the background. She won. But the victory feels hollow. Moments later, Fellicita is lying in a hospital bed, the sterile white walls pressing in on her. Pain radiates through her chest, but it’s the ache in her soul that burns deeper. The storm inside her is far from over—it’s just been muffled. She has to decide: step back and disappear, or keep fighting, risking everything all over again. She chooses to disappear. Enter "Felix". A quiet smile, a hoodie, a new life in a city where no one knows her name. No more tournaments. No more crowds. No more spinning blades—just the space she needs to heal, to breathe, and to find herself again. But the storm? It hasn’t gone anywhere. In this new life, Felix isn’t just hiding—he’s living. With every challenge, he spins with the same fiery spirit that once captivated millions. He doesn’t need a Beyblade to show his strength. He doesn’t need the cheers of a crowd to remind him of who he is. The greatest battles don’t happen in the ring. They happen "after" the final spin. "The fiercest storms don’t make noise—they return in silence.”

Adopted into the prestigious Blake family as a child, Amelia grew up feeling safe, loved, and most of all—drawn to her charming older brother, Ethan Blake. But when innocent affection began to grow into secret love, whispers in the mansion halls turned into harsh accusations. Her parents, scandalised by the rumours of her unrequited feelings for her adopted brother, exiled her abroad to study. Seven years later, Amelia returns—transformed, poised, and distant. Ethan is stunned by the change. But her coldness stings the most. Unbeknownst to Amelia, her heart is not the only one that’s changed. James Windsor—Ethan’s childhood best friend, now a billionaire CEO, had always harboured quiet affection for her. When she joins his company upon her return, sparks ignite. A steamy kiss in the rain. A slow-burning love. But love doesn’t come easy. Secrets about Amelia’s real parents emerge. James’s vengeful ex returns, hell-bent on destroying what they’ve built. A painful breakup. A betrayal. And the truth behind why her adoptive parents never wanted her to fall in love. In the end, love rekindles stronger than ever—but not without loss, sacrifice, and a long journey home.

Lyon wakes up in the middle of an unfamiliar forest, with no idea how he ended up there. After all, he was in his room just moments before. Confused and disoriented, he feels a sting on his arm. Instinctively, he slaps the spot and kills the mosquito. At that moment, a bell-like sound echoes in his mind, and a floating screen appears before his eyes: [For killing for the first time in the new world 1 Black Blood Mosquito, you have gained the construction: Goblin Hut.] With no idea where he is or what is happening, Lyon realizes that something extraordinary has just begun. Thus begins his journey in an unknown world, where he will have the power to build, conquer territories, and unite all races under his command. -------------- 50 power stones = 1 Chapter 150 Power Stones = 1 Chapter 250 Power Stones = 1 Chapter 500 Power Stones = 2 Chapter

A shot…. That was all it took to push me off the cliff… As I watched Xainder shout out to me helplessly, tears slowly trickled down his magnificent face, his usual grin no where to be found, my heart shattered to a million pieces watching my entire life flash right before my eyes with no more hope to hold on to. i watched the people I gave my heart to look at me in disdain. My eyes searched for a certain someone who was nowhere to be seen. I couldn’t help but laugh at the life I led and wished I had a second chance to amend things but a part of me wants to let go. The burns on my body writhed in pains and my heart clenched in agony. Youth is a great crush, if I like you, I am going to say it aloud . It’s such a shame I never realized who I truly loved until I lost him and now, he will never know. Bracing myself for my inevitable end, a part of me leaps with joy of finally leaving this miserable world and a part of me longs for another chance at life . My life. There’s a question which lived rent free in my head, “ when we grow up, we leave the home to chase our dream not because of anything but because we know that the home behind us will never forsake and always comfort us but what happens when the home stings and causes nothing but pain , then where do we seek refuge? This happens to be the summary of my life and a question i have never been able to answer so with my remaining seconds on earth, I put the question to you all . what do we do ? ……………………… S.C.A.R.S. by TriciaX13.

A woman's first love is always meaningful, even if things don’t turn out the way we dream. Fate has a way of leaving us with memories that last a lifetime; some sweet, some bittersweet. For a hopeless romantic like Kayla, the thrill of blossoming love opened her heart to a world both cruel and beautiful. In the warmth of affection, she found joy; in the sting of reality, she found growth. Love, she realized, isn’t just about happy endings; it’s about the lessons, the longing, and the moments that shape who we become. This story is dedicated to my hopeless romantic friend, Yala.