Astral Connect

Zen enters the forsaken forest to hunt a monster for its core, hoping to save his struggling town. With the help of a mysterious figure, he secures the core—but its secret could bring either salvation or doom. When the Knights come hunting, Zen is forced to flee, leaving everything behind. Now, in his pursuit of freedom, he must face the empire’s enforcers, unravel dark conspiracies, and fight for the survival of his people.

Aki is a high school student living in a small town called Hisako, His life completely turns around when he meets Emi, a strange girl who drags him to a whole another world connected to the woods in his town. Who was this girl? Did multiverse's really exist? Even if they did why was one connected to his hometown?

a calamity once shook the earth and made it seem like extinction of all was certain however amidst the ashes of destruction the earth sudden awakened a latent power which seeped out from its core, transforming the earth and it's inhabitants and granting humans miraculous powers called ABILITIES which were powered by the energy which humans had evolved to harness. plants and animals on the other hand continuously evolved into terrifying beasts with slight semblance to their weaker predecessors. Now, over 3000 years later a mysterious young boy surrounded by strange circumstances,a past shrouded in mystery , and an unusual aura surrounding him finds himself with a mysterious system and in the prestigious sentinel military academy now with a new unknown ally in the form of the system Zen is on a mission for so much more than he knows. will he succeed? especially with literal and figurative ghosts from his past coming back to haunt them and pieces of their mysterious past coming to haunt him? ( wait did i say "them" and "their"? oops spoilers!) [important message] okay so the novel starts out a bit slow with little to no action scenes and more about providing info on the world and the MC Also,truth is i was confused about what to put as a warning notice or whether to put one at all because although the novel might contain some salty language there's really nothing too extreme. also I'd like to guarantee that there are no smut scenes. there might be some times when it almost happens or it did and I might not just go into it in detail or skip it altogether. plus there might be some times with extreme gore and torture both physical and psychological (mostly psychological) especially considering I want who as far as you know is the MC and most characters surrounding him to be as heartless as possible , and I want it to be clear that the MC is by no means a good person and won't hesitate to do some morally questionable stuff to achieve his goals,although not without reason. one last thing is that at first it might seem like I'm trying to make him powerful from the start for no reason but it's mostly due to specific circumstances. okay bye!

Ban thought he’d seen it all—until he found himself surrounded by beings who make everyday life look like a fairy tale. From fierce beastmen to ethereal magical creatures, everyone here has their quirks… and their secrets. As Ban journeys through this incredible world, he doesn’t just connect with its people—he falls for them. And trust me, things get heated in more ways than one.

“First were the Gates, and now you’re saying the world has been invaded by Aliens and we’re soon going to be turned into livestock…? Great…” —---------------- *Ding!* [You have awakened with the Idle Evolution System!] “The wha—” Suddenly thrown into a magical parallel world of the Earth he once knew, Cassius was greeted with powerful beings known as Hunters and the terrifying Gates that plagued the world. Moreover, he received a message… [To Idle, one must stay proactive!] [Firstly, you require Character Development!] “Character Development…?” [You seem a bit (A lot) overweight, and you resemble that of a goblin! What say we start there!?] {[Daily Quest 1:]} _________________ [Daily Quest - To Idle, one must stay proactive.] GOAL [INCOMPLETE] PUSH-UPS — [0/100] [INCOMPLETE] SIT-UPS — [0/100] [INCOMPLETE] CURL-UPS — [0/100] [INCOMPLETE] SQUATS — [0/100] [INCOMPLETE] RUNNING — [0/10km] REWARD - [1 Point in Charisma, 1 Point in Agility, 1 Point in Strength, and 1 Point in Endurance] _________________ “Is this torture!?” shouted the ugly, obese transmigrator Cassius. *Ding!* [No, it’s Character Development! ^-^] —---------------- 100 years ago, Earth was suddenly overwhelmed with the appearance of Gates and the horrifying monsters within those mystical portals. That was the First Major Calamity. Now, one hundred years later, the next major calamity has arrived—the subtle invasion of an Ancient Alien species from deep into the Milky Way Galaxy. Its undercurrents spread far and wide, with the threat an apocalyptic one. Yet, that is but the 2nd of Three Major Calamities as per prophesied by the famed prophet, Baba Yaga. The Third Calamity, and the most dangerous of the Calamities, is one that will bring about the true END of the world, but only if the Second Calamity can be overcome by humanity… What does this Third Calamity detail, one might ask…? To know the answer to that, one would have to brave past the first Two Calamities and stare into the abyss, praying to all Gods known to man that the Abyss does not stare back also into you… ----------------- Discord: https://discord.gg/2fDHq9F8eB Every Magic Castle Gift = 8 Chapters Every 100 PS = 1 Chapter Every 50 GT = 1 Chapter

100 years ago the demons waged a fierce war on the 5 realms, only to be eventually sealed within their own domain. Fast forward almost 10 years later, and the demon known as Belial discovers a method to break free from his confinement. Emerging into what appears to be an idyllic new world, Belial is filled with hope, perceiving it as a true paradise. However, as Belial embarks on his journey, to find a way uncover the truth behind the war and to unseal his people, soon the façade of this seemingly perfect realm begins to crumble, revealing a sinister truth lurking just beneath the surface. The once-promised land transforms into a nightmarish labyrinth, harboring mysteries foretold. Compelled to confront the consequences of his choices, Belial becomes entangled in a treacherous web of lies and mysteries. Every step he takes risks everything he holds dear, challenging him to his very core.

The secret to feeding a crew of hungry alien pirates? A contract with a demon. Lusac is just a lowly member of a space pirate crew in the civil war-plagued Cinder Rock Galaxy. But everything changes for him one day when the Demon in his fridge offers him a system. Finally, Lusac can level up and unlock new [skills]. The only catch? It’s a cooking system. And [Chef] Lusac has no experience in the kitchen. As Lusac and his crewmates travel along The Astral Highway (a messy network of wormholes connecting the entire galaxy) plundering rich planets and taking on jobs from wealthy clients, will he be able to use his new system to become more than just a decent cook? What To Expect: -Weak to strong MC -Secondary FMC with intersecting storylines -Action interspersed with cozy cooking chapters -A vast, unique galaxy where Humans are NOT the dominant species "Cooking" designates a cooking chapter [V] designates a Varyna chapter Release Schedule: Daily by 13:15 EST For the 10 latest chapters, please visit the official TAH Patreon! patreon.com/Raine3 **This is story is a joint project by Currer, Acton, and Elis Raine. It is also available on Royal Road.**

A Thousand Lifetimes, A Thousand Times A Cripple. Knox Falazar—as he’s now known—has always been a cripple. No matter how many reincarnations he experienced, that fact stood true. But in his 1314th Lifetime, something changed for Knox… *Ding!* [You have awakened with the Attribute Farming System! Are you prepared to do whatever it takes to escape your destiny!?] “Escape my destiny…?” [Time to acquire Attribute Orbs!] Join Knox Falazar on a blood-pumping journey as he maneuvers his way through a World of Cultivation! Battling demons, slaying monsters, playing with the hearts of Beauties, becoming the Villain—doing whatever it takes to obtain Attribute Orbs and alter his destined Fate as a despised Cripple!

Centuries after the collapse of the old world order, a new era has risen with the emergence of Espers, the arrival of Spirit Beasts, and the discovery of Astral Energy. At the heart of this transformed world lies the Pit—a vast, treacherous abyss where the remnants of the old world have been consumed by Astral Energy. Within its depths, Spirit Beasts roam, and those known as Rankers venture inside, seeking Astral Shards—valuable fragments of power that bring wealth, fame, and glory. Among them is Ashlar Kain, a low-level Ranker with a secret ambition: to reach the bottom of the Pit. According to legend, the one who reaches the Codex, hidden in the abyss’s deepest layer, will have their greatest wish granted. However, Ashlar is no ordinary Ranker—he possesses a mysterious system that awakened his Psychic abilities at a young age. Bound by the system’s cryptic will, he has concealed his true strength while methodically climbing the ranks. But fate takes a sharp turn when Ashlar stumbles upon a violent clash between a Legacy family and a rogue organization, both fighting over a mysterious child. Forced to unveil his hidden power to protect the child, he unwittingly draws the attention of the Legacy families—beings of immense psychic power who rule the world from the shadows. Now thrust into a conflict far greater than he ever imagined, Ashlar must navigate the perilous world of Rankers, Legacies, and unseen forces—all while uncovering the secrets of his system, the true nature of the Pit, and the fate that awaits him at its depths.

Twilight, hailed as the Eternal Soul Monarch, had devoted his entire existence to cleansing evil from the lawless cultivation world. After millions of years spent hunting and battling, the forces of darkness were finally pushed back and eradicated. But as Twilight’s lifespan approached its inevitable end, he made a fateful choice—to reincarnate into the future, where a golden age was prophesied to unfold. Now reborn as Twilight Nightfall, a boy who had lost everything to the world, he remembered nothing of his former life. Stripped of purpose and will, he strayed on the path of despair. Yet, in his darkest moment, a reason to live revealed itself. Chosen as one of the sovereign system holders, Twilight was granted an opportunity to prove himself. With sufficient potential, he could earn the highest privileges, rise to the rank of seeker, and represent humanity in the Astral Realm—a game-like world filled with mythical races, limitless resources, and boundless opportunities. Follow Twilight as he ascends to the apex of the Astral Realm, dominating players and rivals alike while gradually piecing together the shattered fragments of his past life, becoming a legendary figure in all worlds. --- - 100 Power stones for 2 bonus chapters.

The wheel of fate has begun to turn—the final battle between light and the Abyss is about to unfold. On the Astral Continent, every soul’s destiny is written by the stars, and the Twenty-Eight Star Guardians uphold the balance of the heavens and earth. Yet now, darkness encroaches upon this land—the Legion of Dusk has risen. They worship the power of the Abyss, hunting down the Star Guardians in a relentless bid to overturn the order of the world. Adrian Jiao—heir to the Azure Dragon Constellation, once the pride of his family. But in a single night, his home was reduced to ashes, his kin slaughtered, and his once-beloved elder brother, Calem, succumbed to the Abyss, becoming the commander of the Legion. Forced into exile, Adrian was left with nothing but grief, rage, and a thirst for vengeance. Yet when the chains of fate shattered, his dormant bloodline awakened—the Jiao Spear emerged, and the power of the Azure Dragon was reborn! However, vengeance is only the beginning. The world is far more treacherous than he ever imagined. The Legion of Dusk’s sinister plot—a scheme that threatens the very stars. The betrayal of the Fallen Stars—a deception hidden between light and shadow. The gathering of the Four Guardian Beasts—a legacy buried in history. The loosening of the Abyssal Gate—a lock that binds another world. Destiny is not absolute—it can be defied. When the Azure Dragon Spear is unleashed, the very heavens shall tremble! Yet when the truth is unveiled, Adrian will come to realize—light and darkness were never truly opposed. The fate of the stars had been bound to the Abyss all along. Light is not always pure. Darkness is not the end. As the Azure Dragon Spear is raised once more, he will forge his own path and reshape this shattered world.

In the new order brought about by the era of symbiotes—artificial intelligence that merges with human bodies—living as a fringe dweller had meant nothing but regret, envy, weakness, and dreams for Damon. The only way to save himself and his family from being mere workers who are not even considered citizens of the empire in this new order, and to leave the fringe to live in a real city, is to pass the symbiote compatibility test. Because only through the power of Ka, which grants humans magical abilities and powerful bodies, and becoming a knight, can he achieve his dreams. But to connect with the power of Ka, he needs a symbiote. However, his compatibility test results came back as a red light and a big no. But the world had a different fate in store for him... [Currently merging and initializing...please wait]

Astral is a man who is heavy into history. This leads him to find out something new about himself that he never knew. He gains a special set of powers and is able to explore history for longer. He then is able to explore what else the galaxy has to offer while continually going forward in time. Going so far forward that time itself goes in a circle. Keeping his friends safe from the hands of time. He becomes a warrior on a universal scale and leads him and a company of people vs the rest of the universe. Shattering his mind. Will we see Astral repair himself or will he be forever shattered?

Sixteen year-old Dylan Mercer was dying until he stole a cure from NovaGen, the biotech giant that established in Claiborne county and promised the society to offer medical miracle. But their “miracle” came with a catch: tons of deadly side effects from an ancient, otherworldly source. Now, Dylan’s veins hum with a primeval code that isn’t human. His hands crackle with energy that could level cities. And NovaGen wants their property back. As hunters close in and the alien code rewrites his mind, Dylan must choose: surrender the weapon festering inside him… or let it burn. But some forces aren’t meant to be controlled and this one hungers to raze the world that created it. A dying boy’s theft becomes a celestial storm. Can he outrun his cure—or is he the disaster?

[Name: ??, Age: ??] [Race: Mechanical Life] [Profession: Mechanical Apostle] [Level: Tier -6 (damaged)] [Physique: ?????] [Spirit: ?????] [Description: A broken Mechanical Life, one of Mechanical God -'@#$^&#@@%^#!'s most advanced and powerful creations, from an advanced technological world.] “Is this the World of Gods? Can anyone become God? Then why am I still just a Tier-1 Spiritual planter?” Ram pondered, after looking at the attributes of a Divine Creature for the first time. As he celebrated becoming a Tier-1 Spiritual Planter, he discovered that Gods, Divine Beings, Evil Entities, and Nightmare Creatures were exploiting humans and other intelligent races, manipulating them to harvest the power of Faith or Fear. Inexplicably, he became entangled in this conflict. But he was lucky enough to turn his destiny through... Evolving Spiritual Plants and Monsters using Life Energy and Spiritual Power, by becoming a Spiritual Plant Lord to fight against the Gods with the help of the mysterious Sylvan Sout Tree. [ Holy Source Seed: Sylvan Soul Tree] [ Type: Source Seed] [ Level: Same as host] [ Quality: Holy] [ Attribute: Life/Soul/Wood] [ Description: A seed born from the fusion of the Life Spirit Tree and Astral Soul Tree seeds, transformed into a Holy Source Seed through a special method.] [ Holy Source Seed Characteristics:  1. As a Holy Source Seed born from both powerful entities it perfectly inherited the abilities of the Life Spirit Tree and the Astral Soul Tree.  2. Gains additional functionality with every upgrade.  3. Binding the Holy Source Seed grants the host access to all its abilities.] [ Abilities: Life Spirit Tree] [1. Life Spirit Body]: Converts the host's body into a Life Spirit Body, greatly increasing the host’s capacity for Life Energy and Spiritual Power tenfold, while boosting the recovery rate by 300%. [2. Kingdom Creation: Sylvan Soul Kingdom (Unopened)]: Upon activation, the Sylvan Soul Tree converts the host Spiritual Realm into a virtual forest that becomes the foundation of the Sylvan Soul Kingdom. This forest spans across dimensions, rooted in both the material and spiritual realms. [Effect]: The host becomes the Lord of the Sylvan Soul Kingdom, gaining the ability to expand and rule this virtual domain.] [ Abilities: Soul Tree]: [1. Soul Tree]: At the heart of the Sylvan Soul Kingdom, the Lord can summon the Soul Tree, a sacred tree that acts as a conduit for life and death. [Effect]: The souls of those who die within or near the kingdom are absorbed by this tree, where they are nourished, healed, and can be reborn as Wood Spirits. [2. Soul Tree Seeds]: Host can create seeds of the soul tree that are connected to the mother tree, which can be planted outside the Sylvan Soul Kingdom. [Effect]: Souls absorbed by the Soul Trees are transported to the mother tree within a certain distance, depending upon the strength of the Sylvan Soul Tree.]

A young girl called Ai met a strange man who she though was homeless. Attempting to help and give him money. 'As Ai reached her hand to place the money onto his palm, he grabbed her wrist. She was dazed for a moment before sensing danger from him. Instantly she tried to pull her arm free from him. Her wrist bruising and turning red as she tried. Her eyes drifted the the strange blackness which etched its way onto her skin. His chuckling filled the streets as she felt her body grow numb. Her vision blurry. The last thing she saw was the old man's wicked smile. That was all that was under the cloak..' Awaking her world had changed and her life grew more complicated.

The world is in turmoil and all out intergalactic war is on the horizon for Jericho Reynolds and he has no idea how important he will be in bringing this war to an end. If only he didn’t have to deal with High School life even if it’s still a military school he’ll still have to deal with teenage drama. The only problem is for as long as he can remember he has no way to naturally connect with people because he has been diagnosed with conduct disorder just one step down from total sociopathy. One thing is for sure though his previously semi peaceful life is about to become more interesting.

Orin Stonewood rises from a prestigious smithing family in the Astral Kingdom. Wealth, recognition, excellence, and charisma - he had it all. But life from twenty-five ended on such terms for him. He falls victim to a dark ritual. The fate after this mystery was to rise and fall in every life he reincarnates in. The ninth reincarnation made him Zmey Ashbane. Into a world of terrifying, exciting tales. It seemed as if every encounter in this world wanted to tie him down for some reason. But he knew his goal. To break free from the ritual and rise as a master of fate, not its pawn.

Fair warning that each chapter is 4k words long The machinations of the Gods above are beyond mortal comprehension, but during their machinations, a young boy was born Flux Struck with plans beyond human capacity placed onto his shoulders. During the time when the sun and moon changed hands over the skies above, the child faced the void and had his heart beat in line with the birth and death of a new star. Now grown up, the once young child of turbulent times born flux struck now a one armed man who knows the streets fixed his mechanical arm onto his shoulder. And with his newfound growth, the man was placed with newfound burdens. But honestly speaking? Ester Echo welcomed the challenge

In a world where celestial beings, known as Astral Guardians, subtly influence the fate of kingdoms, a gifted but troubled young artist named Aelion is thrust into an age-old conflict. The prophecy of the Celestial Dawn—an ancient foretelling that speaks of an artist destined to wield unimaginable power—has been all but forgotten. When Aelion’s mystical ability to bring his art to life awakens, he finds himself at the center of a political struggle that could shape the future of the realms. As rival kingdoms vie for dominance, Aelion must reconcile his identity, unlock his latent abilities, and confront a hidden conspiracy within his family’s past.

[Prequel to Infinite Evolution: My Idle Evolution System] ---- [Ding! You have killed Elder Fuk Yu!] [You have obtained 108 Quadrillion Evolution Essence!] [Ding! Would you like to Assimilate the Stats or roll for a Racial Trait of Elder Fuk Yu?] "Roll for a Racial Trait." [Ding! You have acquired the Infinite Fuk Yu Mantra!] ... This is the story of Azmodeus—the only Trial Disciple of the Yang Sect—a boy who was born with everything and absolutely anything that could possibly impede his journey down the limitless road of cultivation. Weakest cultivation talent, weakest spiritual roots, weakest physique... However, it looked reality decided he hadn't suffered enough... On one day no different than the rest for the fourteen-year-old boy, as he was sweeping the courtyard's of the Yang Sect, misfortune struck once again, resulting in a Young Master killing him while in a drunken state... This was where his story ended, and also, where it began anew, and along with it, a system that guaranteed a new story for the boy—a story that would never end! [Ding! You have killed a Supreme Elder of the Godless Sect!] [You have obtained 500 Trillion Evolution Essence!] [Ding! You have leveled up!] [You have leveled up!] [You have leveled up!] [Ding! Would you like to Assimilate the Stats or roll for a Trait of the being you just killed?] "Roll for a Trait." [Ding! You have acquired the Galactic Quantum Flux Racial Trait!] [Your overall combat power has improved by leaps and bounds!] [Ding! Are you ready to pay the price to ascend your plane of existence?] "I am." ... Join Azmodeus on his journey toward a limit that doesn't exist, as he figures out just how far he can Evolve through the killing and Assimilating of other existences! "You say I can sit in a cave and cultivate while having my clones do the killing...?" "There are other System Users!? And I can Assimilate their Systems into my own!?" "This will make too OP..." ... Extremely Fast-Paced System Novel with a bunch of realms and new worlds/areas!! Don't tell me I didn't warn you beforehand!! There will also be comedic and slice of life aspects, even dark at times, so be aware of that before going in... He will become progressively more and more evil, so beware... MC is a Murderhobo and certified Loot Goblin, so keep that in mind as well. This novel is benefit-driven, and things happen for the sole reason of obtaining benefits! No NTR, No Yuri, No Incest, No weak MC's, lot's of grinding those levels!! 500 PS = 1 Extra Chapter 100 GT = 1 Extra Chapter Discord: https://discord.com/invite/FMHsSN3fN8 Patreon: patreon.com/Astral_Pandemonium

In a world overwhelmed by technology, social expectations, and constant connectivity, men struggle to maintain balance. Juggling work pressures, personal relationships, and his own mental health, he faces the relentless pursuit of success. Amidst it all, they all pray for authenticity, peace, and meaningful connection.

I'm Not a Hero follows Abe Hakashi, a 23-year-old who never dreamed of being a hero. His life changes completely when magical gates, called "rifts," suddenly open all over Earth. These rifts connect to strange worlds, including one that leads straight to Hell, allowing terrifying monsters to escape and wreak havoc. In the midst of the chaos, Abe awakens a mysterious magical system, granting him powerful abilities. But Abe isn’t ready for this responsibility. Struggling with doubts and fear, he must decide whether to embrace his newfound powers or run from the fate that awaits him. Adventure, magic, and dangerous creatures await in this thrilling tale about destiny, self-discovery, and the fight to protect the world.

Whisper of the souls is a poignant collection of poems that delves deep into the complexities of human emotion and the quiet moments that shape our lives. Through vivid imagery and lyrical verse, Bella17 explores themes of love, longing, loss, and personal transformation. The poems reflect a journey of self-discovery, where the heart’s vulnerabilities are laid bare, and the beauty in both sorrow and joy is celebrated. Each poem invites readers to pause, reflect, and connect with their own inner landscapes, offering solace and understanding in a world that often feels overwhelming. With a delicate balance of tenderness and strength, Whisper of the souls reveals the quiet power of words to heal and inspire.

Kai is refused help from the president and thrown back into ground zero, where he meets a man whom he shows kindness to. As an act of repayment Kai is taken to the under tunnel of the city where he discovers a secret office belonging to his father. The stranger seemed to know what he was looking for after some time he handed over a box to Kai. A melodic robo voice came from the box -|DNA ACTIVATION VERIFIED|- -|ASTRAL NODE IS ONLINE|- -|SYSTEM HAS BEGUN ACTIVATING|- -|AWAITING MANUAL OVERRIDE TO TURN ON SYSTEM|- Kai is gifted a rare astral node and resolves to join the academy to save his dying sister from the F-X7 disease and also escape the life of poverty they were stuck in. -|PASSWORD CORRECT|- -|MANUAL OVERRIDE SUCCESSFUL|- -|SYSTEM IS UPDATING, PLEASE BE PATIENT|- -|SYSTEM UPDATE IS COMPLETE|- -|SYSTEM IS ONLINE|- Joining the academy does no guarantee his success since he has no powers. But he must survive since that has been his goal after being sold to slavery. -|USER: KAI HALSTEN|- -|RACE: HUMAN|- -|GENDER: MALE|- -|LEVEL: ONE|- -|EXP: 0/100|- -|HP: 10/10|- -|BEGINNING BONDING|-

Love is inherently a complex emotion, so much so that even the gods grow weary of its endless cycle. To put an end to this chaos, Cupid decided to create a solution: connecting lovers with a red thread of fate. Those bound by this thread would clearly see the connection between them, as a confirmation that they were meant to be together. Every trait, personality, and destiny would align perfectly, as if the universe had already planned it. However, in a strange twist, the thread decided to bind Cassius to his cold and powerful mother, a duchess renowned for her icy heart. This connection not only confused Cassius but also placed him in a dilemma, forcing him to face complex emotions and family secrets he had never suspected. Then, on a fateful day, Cassius saw the red thread appear once again. This time, it did not connect him to his mother but to a girl that he’d never met. Why had the thread appeared between them? And could this connection be a test of fate, or merely a cruel joke by the gods? ------- [No NTR][No Yuri]

Un monde unique et étrange rempli de mystère sur son histoire que ce soit lors du commencement ou de sa finalité.

In a world of evil and good, humans have the blessed curse of living in between. Raised to help the people, and stay on the path of good, how does Aaleyah do that? Aaleyah is the last surviving member of her family. With the power to connect with a stone that grants wishes, she is kept close to the royal family. How do you stay good when all the reasons to are gone? A character who longs for death is forced to continue to live.

Atlas Driscol was living the normal monotonous life of a college student.  Sure he was a little isolated, but he was almost done with school and had a nice job lined up as soon as he graduated. He certainly had nothing to do with any Espers, people born with crazy abilities and the ability to grow far stronger and live far longer than any normal human. That all changed when Atlas's powers awoke. Now, he is forced into the strange and terrifying universe of Espers, with its incomprehensible factions, terrifying scenarios, horrifying monsters, and secrets going back millennia that no one wants to see the light of day. Join the story of the boy who is forced to face entities far beyond his means and tries to understand his place in the universe, even as he fights to control fate with his own hands.