Fabricated

**Synopsis:** **"When realms collide, their borders torn, Sovereigns are born. From ash of exiles, A heir shall rise with crown in hand. The banished blood, once chained in night, Will drink the stars to claim their right. Through trials of ruin, throne’s decree, He’ll wield the storm or set it free."** Alex always dreamed of escaping his mundane life—until he woke up *inside* the game he’d obsessed over. ***Eternal Thrones***. At first, it was paradise: a sprawling fantasy realm of magic, monsters, and mythic quests. But his joy shattered when he realized *who* he’d become—**the tutorial character**, a doomed pawn fated to die in the prologue to teach players about loss. Trapped in the body of a sacrificial nobody, Alex refuses to accept his scripted demise. Armed with memories of the game’s secrets and a burning defiance, he rewrites the rules. Every step he takes unravels the predestined tapestry: forgotten gods stir, hidden factions hunt him, and the very fabric of *Eternal Thrones* begins to fracture. But breaking fate comes at a cost. **Why read?** -** expansive world building ** - **A underdog’s battle against predestined doom**- **Mind-bending twists** - **Ephereal magic systems**,and eldritch horrors - A protagonist who claws his way from *expendable tutorial fodder* to a legend feared by gods . Dive into *THE PATH'S OF ASCENSION*—where every choice could mean salvation or annihilation, **Start reading now—before the game resets.**

In a realm of magic where reality is woven with the threads of destiny, Alex Friedman finds himself transmigrated into his favorite novel Swordsmaster's rise as the main antagonist of volume seven Lucas Morningstar. Originally a trivial villain meant to be a stepping stone for the protagonist, Lucas' tale was supposed to be one of ignominy and defeat. Yet after emerging from his mysterious disappearance, he emerged as the emissary of Chaos, an instrument of destruction. Aleix now bound to Lucas' fate Seeks to change that as past memories reveal a harrowing truth: Lucas' downfall was not solely his own doing, but the consequence of a world that forged a monster. Now Aleix is torn. Which route should he go. Redemption or Damnation. But little does he know that with each passing moment, his identity is consumed by Lucas' persona little by little fueling an unrelenting quest for revenge on the protagonist. However, as the stakes escalate, he begins to grasp the far reaching implications of his actions as the very fabric of existence trembles, threatening to unravel the balance between light and darkness

In a realm where the gods' ambitions cast long shadows over mortals, an ancient conflict is rekindled, threatening to unravel the very fabric of creation. This story follows the journey of Zeroth, a dwarf chosen by a fiery god, and Ardric, his brother and paladin of light. Together with Tingle, an inventive gnome that refuses the gods, and Varic, a half-elf warlock under the enigmatic gaze of his patron deity, they find themselves thrust into the heart of a divine conflict. As the chosen champions of deities with clashing visions for the world, they must navigate a treacherous path filled with trials of faith, tests of strength, and the challenge of maintaining their bonds in the face of celestial manipulation. From the serene community of Alderbrook to the bustling halls of the Mage's Guild, and across the daunting peaks of the Silvercrest Mountains, their quest for answers will take them to the very brink of their morals. But with the gods watching and plotting, and the specter of a war that could reshape the cosmos hanging over them, will the bonds of brotherhood, friendship, and allegiance hold strong, or will they be torn asunder by the divine forces vying for supremacy?

Kente, a street-smart orphan raised in the gritty slums of a modern-industrial world, has always dreamed of greatness. When an ancient fragment of Juju-arts awakens within him, he discovers he is destined for more than mere survival. With extraordinary powers that connect him to the very fabric of the universe, Kente embarks on a perilous journey to master the ancient art of Juju and uncover the secrets of his mysterious past. As the saga unfolds, the stakes escalate and the world-building deepens, drawing you into a universe where power is measured not only in strength but in the intricate dance between Predator and Prey abilities.

In a realm where the fabric of reality trembles and the impossible is the norm, thirteen transcendent beings—each wielding cosmic power and ancient wisdom—embark on a quest to unravel the universe’s greatest enigma: a mystical mirror that defies time and space. With entire universes shattered in their wake and the boundaries of existence stretched beyond belief, they stand at the threshold of a parallel world governed by unfathomable laws. In Mirror World, every reflection is a doorway to untold wonders and peril, where destiny and chaos collide, and the fate of all creation hangs by a fragile thread. Will they seize the mirror’s secret power to reshape their destiny, or will the echoes of their past herald their undoing? Step into Mirror World—and discover a universe where every mirror holds a new reality. Yeah... I think that's good enough

In a world where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction, enslaved by monstrous Beasts and their godlike Beastkin rulers, one man rises from the ashes of despair to challenge the very fabric of existence. Rowan, born in the slums of a crumbling kingdom, is no ordinary man. His life, marked by tragedy, loss, and an unyielding thirst for vengeance. But as he ascends through the ranks of power, from a lowly soldier to a legendary warrior, Rowan discovers that his destiny is far greater than mere revenge.

Ten years ago, the world was captivated by a groundbreaking VR MMORPG, a fully immersive experience that allowed players to step into the shoes of legendary heroes in a realm of magic and wonder. For a decade, they built their lives, forged their identities, and left their marks on what they thought was just a game. But when the servers shut down, the truth shattered everything. The game world wasn’t just a virtual reality, it was a fabricated timeline, a fragile imitation of the true Magic world . And now, the countdown has begun. The players, ripped from their lives on Earth and the simulation, find themselves in the Magic World, ten years younger but burdened with all the memories of the game and their old lives. Their in-game personas, once vibrant and driven by purpose, are now hollow shells, unable to act on their own. Even worse, Earth’s timeline fragile and unprotected has been paused, and its collapse is inevitable. To prevent disaster, the 10 Originals, the most renowned players of the game, must rise once more. But this time, there are no systems to guide them, no respawns, and no safety nets. The high realm is real, its dangers far deadlier than any raid boss. And as the countdown ticks away, inconsistencies between the worlds begin to unravel reality itself. Thrown into a world they don’t fully understand, hunted by their own past mistakes, and racing against time to stop the collapse of Earth’s timeline, the Originals must uncover the secrets of the game’s creation and find a way to stabilize the Magic World. The clock is ticking, and the fate of three worlds rests on their shoulders. Will the Originals be able to fix the chaos they caused, or will everything they fought for crumble into nothingness?

Do you believe in magic? The answer of most will be no. But what if magic DID exsist? To some, it might just be your typical average story. But this has an element of unpredictability mixed in between. Diane Lewis was a normal teenage girl from an aristocratic family. But since she met HIM, her view of the world turned upside down. "How is that even possible?" She asked, mouth agape. He smiled at her, showing a perfect set of snow-white teeth. "With magic, anything is possible." Horn your skills and train your ability. "I will protect you." She said, with a determined gaze. "You can Barely even protect yourself. You are not strong enough." He retorted. "Then, just wait for Me to get stronger." She said, with a smile. "You have no right to be here. We cut ties remember?" He said, glaring at her fiercely. "I am not here for you. I am here for the family. I still have people I treasure here. So let me through or else..." She completed her statement by majestically drawing out her sword. So many secrets lay hidden. Injustice in the form of justice. Lies, fabricated to become truth. Deception roams around, unleashed. And a Naive girl, who had never seen the shadow that lurked around in the abyss. Will she Survive? Will she fail? It is up to you to find out.

A choice was given—one power, one path. Shadow or Flame. In that fleeting moment, he made his decision, never questioning what became of the path left untaken. He walks the world now, bound to the power he chose, facing trials that test the very fabric of his soul. Yet, a lingering dread follows him, an unshakable omen of something—someone—waiting at the end of his journey. When that moment comes, the truth is not what he imagined. The battle he feared is unlike any other, defying the very nature of fate itself. Because some choices are never truly left behind. Some echoes refuse to fade. And in the end, the greatest enemy he will ever face… is one he should have never met.

In a future where the space was the last frontier ,the human kind discovered all that was to see in the Milky way galaxy. The idea of a God more strong and advance was still the religious beliefs of humans around the universe but soon they realise humans are the only race technology advance enough to conquer the stars .But even if humans explored and conquered stars they didn't know that beyond the thin fabric of time and space there lay the strong barrier of spiritual world .There are hundreds of spiritual worlds more powerful where laws of physics are beyond human comprehending. Because humans concentrate their discoveries on the technology they forgot about spirituality or spirit powers, after all they are in a dimension where their souls are trapped in a never ending cycle of rebirth with no way of cultivating their spirit powers because that knowledge was lost millenniums ago. In this forgotten dimension a new soul is taking shape inside the body of a unsuspected teenager girl, the first soul that is new and inocent after centuries. A unwanted surprise........

In a universe where the boundaries between the divine and the mortal are blurred, Midoki, a being of incalculable power, awakens to a destiny that defies the very fabric of reality. Gifted with the Shinrei Spiritual Ability, an energy that grants him absolute control over the laws of the cosmos, Midoki is a warrior whose existence is rooted in the balance between creation and destruction. However, upon his awakening, he sacrifices his own body to end a battle and create the entire universe. He is later reincarnated as a human, but still retains his powers.

Synopsis: Ethan Cross never believed in fate—until the moment time stopped. One second he was chasing an informant through the neon-drenched streets of New Avalon; the next, the entire world froze mid-motion. The rain hung suspended in the air, the pulse of the city silenced, and then it spoke— [The Paradox System has been initialized.] Now, Ethan is trapped in a world where the past, present, and future collide. The Paradox System grants him the power to rewind, accelerate, and manipulate time itself—but every choice has a cost. As reality fractures around him, Ethan must navigate a dangerous game where one wrong move could erase him from existence. But he's not the only one playing. Shadowy organizations with their own agendas seek to control time’s secrets, while anomalies—beings that shouldn't exist—lurk in the cracks of reality. The deeper Ethan digs, the more he realizes that time isn't broken by accident... and someone, or something, is pulling the strings. With the fabric of existence unraveling and forces beyond his understanding closing in, Ethan must master the Paradox System before it consumes him entirely. Because in a world where time is no longer linear, the greatest enemy might just be his own past. Chronoshift: The Paradox System—Rewrite your destiny, or be erased by it.

As the celestial realms wage endless wars, the gods have grown blind to their duty of nurturing the mortal world. The balance between Dharma and Adharma teeters on the edge of chaos, and forgotten evils rise from the abyss. Amidst this turmoil, Arin, a seemingly ordinary wanderer, stumbles upon an ancient power hidden within him—one that even the gods fear. His journey begins when fate leads him to Rishi Agnivarna, a sage of immeasurable wisdom, who recognizes the mark of destiny upon him. Tasked with traversing forbidden realms, battling cosmic beings, and retrieving mystical artifacts, Arin must prove his worth through trials set by the Saptarishis and divine guardians. Alongside warriors, seers, and tricksters—each with their own burdens—he navigates a world where deception, divine politics, and forgotten prophecies intertwine. Yet, an ominous shadow looms over existence itself—Varunasura, an ancient Asura waging war across the multiverse, seeks to unravel the very fabric of creation. As Arin slowly pieces together the truth of his origins, he realizes that his role in this cosmic struggle is far greater than he ever imagined. Will he uphold Dharma, or will the lure of forbidden power consume him? In this dark, mythological epic, where gods are flawed and mortals defy fate, the eternal cycle of creation and destruction continues. But this time, the wheel of destiny may be shattered forever.

In a realm where even the faintest shadows whisper untold tales, I came to realize that the forgotten often hold the most powerful narratives." As an avid admirer of the world's most beloved series, I never imagined that one night's rest would pull me into its very fabric. "Why on earth am I stuck in this world? And why, of all people, am I him?" I had become Arthur Nightingale—Class A’s most unremarkable student. A magic swordsman barely worthy of mention, ranked 8th among the first-years. A mere footnote in the grand story. Still, with this body’s abilities and my own insider knowledge, I figured I could carve out a peaceful life. Or so I believed. "This was the only way," the voice repeated, resolute. "The only way to stop her." Little did I know how truly unique Arthur Nightingale was—or the path this journey would force me to take...

In a world divided by a mystical barrier, humanity is thrust into the unknown. Those who cross it are transformed, gaining extraordinary powers at the cost of the the lives they once knew. On that side, the fabric of reality is rewritten by the tongue, a voice capable of bending the laws of existence to its wielder's inner most desires. Yet, with boundless power comes unrelenting chaos. This fractured world teeters on the brink of collapse, torn apart by conflicting ideals. Some yearn to reclaim the remnants of their past lives. Others seek dominion over the new reality, while a few cling desperately to the hope of peace. The struggle for meaning and purpose divides those who dwell beyond the wall. But amidst the chaos, a prophecy takes root from a truth teller. It speaks of a figure from the untouched— but born on their side, this child is destined to become the Guiding Light, the one who will unite the fractured world and reveal the ultimate truth hidden within the shadows of perception. As ideals clash and the voice of power echoes across a shattered realm, the question remains: will humanity find salvation, or will their desires consume them entirely?

A disgruntled office worker is thrust into a vibrant magical world with a fragment of primordial power and forgoes the predictable path of godlike warrior, choosing instead to unlock his own latent potential and reshape reality through his choices, defying expectations and upending the very fabric of the world.

Check out my new novel: My Seven Beautiful Sins! °°°°° In a distant future, seven centuries after the cataclysmic mana storm, the world of Gaïa transformed into a realm infused with magic. The fabric of reality shifted, revealing the manifestation of stats, skills, and levels through ethereal windows, visible to all. A new era emerged, where humanity awoke to the concept of Classes, bestowing upon them unique abilities and the potential for greatness. However, only the truly exceptional would ascend to seize the Throne in this extraordinary Era of Players. Noah uttered profound words, his eyes shimmering with an unearthly force. "Life itself is akin to a prison, but fear not, for I, Death, shall set you free.'' °°° Discord: https://discord.com/invite/qxK8vcpF

His gaze was intense and piercing, it was as if he could see through her. As he neared Nicholina felt her heart skip a beat,every step he took towards her had a strange effect on her, which she couldn't decipher. His intense gaze, swept over her seeing through the thin fabric that showed off all her curves. swallowing hard, Rheaphel's hand moved involuntarily to explore every part of her curves. The closer his hand got, Nicho felt the air live her lungs. It was as if the air was caught up by a magical force. Every movement of his hands on her pale skin caused a strange and unyielding need in her that terrified yet triggered an excitement in her. suppressing a moan that threatened to escape her mouth. Nicholina was glad when a knock interrupted

In the peaceful town of Ozamian, young Artreus dreams of becoming the strongest knight, inspired by his older brother, Arthur Reigns. But his life is shattered when the Demon King Abaddon attacks their town, killing his mother and leaving a trail of devastation. Determined to seek justice and revenge, Artreus embarks on a perilous journey to vanquish the most powerful monster in the land. Along the way, Artreus meets two mercenaries, Aiden Kronus and Mikael Kier, disciples of the legendary master, Samson. Together, they form an uneasy alliance, each driven by their own ambitions and haunted by their pasts. As they navigate deadly terrains, battle monstrous creatures, and uncover ancient secrets, Artreus begins to notice strange and unexplained powers within himself, hinting at a deeper, hidden truth about his identity. In this epic tale of courage and self-discovery, Artreus and his companions must learn to overcome their rivalries, trust each other, and rise against a looming threat that endangers not just their world but the fabric of existence itself. Reigns is a story of power, sacrifice, and the resilience needed to face the unknown

"Before the towers fell, before everything was consumed by darkness..." Leo Astralis whispered to himself while traversing through the rubble of the ancient structure. His body bore the scars of survival, bite marks that throbbed against the coarse, blood-stiffened fabric of his clothing. "...I wonder what the world was like." After humanity failed to complete the Tower almost 700 years ago in time, it exploded, spreading monsters all over the word. Even the system, which blessed humans with power, had abandoned them. Or did it? [Run] A singular message urged Leo to escape, yet it was short lived as was he was caught like an animal in a trap. And just like an animal he lashed out until the very end, taking one of the captors to the grave with him. But as darkness closed in, the system spoke again. [One time Regression activated] [Congratulations. You've activated the Heart of the System]

ExoGenesis follows the journey of Kaelen Voss, a renegade scientist whose obsession with quantum reality leads him to the discovery of the Multiversal Construct—an artifact capable of fracturing the fabric of reality and bending time itself. As he unlocks the potential of this enigmatic relic, he inadvertently triggers a series of events that threaten not only his own world but the very nature of the multiverse. In a galaxy where interstellar empires—The Coreward Dominion, the Astral Hegemony, and the Celestial Concord—vie for dominance, Kaelen’s discovery draws the attention of powerful factions, each eager to harness the power of the Multiversal Construct for their own agendas. But the relic’s true nature is far more complex than anyone realizes, and its influence stretches far beyond mere political power. As Kaelen unravels the mysteries of the Construct, he encounters new and dangerous entities, including the Zenith Pact, an ancient order whose existence was thought to be a myth, and The Merge, a being beyond comprehension, whose dark motives threaten the balance of existence itself. Alongside Kaelen is a ragtag crew of explorers, mercenaries, and rogue scholars who are drawn into the battle for control of the multiverse. With each passing moment, the stakes rise—dimensions collide, timelines fracture, and Kaelen’s very existence is called into question. As he journeys deeper into the fabric of the cosmos, he must grapple with profound metaphysical questions: What does it mean to exist across multiple realities? How far will he go to unravel the truth, and what is the cost of knowledge?

In a world governed by the mysterious power of dimensional gates, young Dabi, once frail but gifted with a photographic memory, discovers his life-altering ability: a leveling system that grants him new skills and magic as he rises through the ranks. After his family perished in a gate-related tragedy, Dabi swears to protect his siblings and unravel the mysteries within these deadly portals. Alongside his loyal spirit pets and rare allies, Dabi faces ancient threats and powerful enemies tied to his parents’ tragic past. As he rises in power, Dabi’s quest draws the attention of noble families, dangerous royals, and sinister forces seeking control over dimensions and the future of humanity itself. Secrets, betrayals, and a growing vendetta lead him deeper into a battle that threatens the fabric of existence. With the fate of his world hanging in the balance, Dabi must outwit and outfight forces beyond imagination all while confronting the truths hidden within the gates of the lost dimension.

What if time stopped, space became enough, reality warped and fate was predictable? Wouldn't the fundamentals of the very fabric of the universe break? We all don't know how the universe began but for the gods that watch over us, it's believed to have been Mundus. Mundus was a haven for all first creations, a perfect world created by G.O.D to grasp the extent of his will across the universe. His creations flourished and thrived for Millennia until Diabolus emerged. Creations that saw great pride to G.O.D's power rebelled and fought against his very own creations. This a never ending war wages across the universe and dimensions within. In this modern day and age, Breachers are envoy's of G.O.D who fight against diabolus inorder to keep the universe in balance. But sometimes fate, time, space and reality work in mysterious ways, even for a young girl destined for more as a breacher of realities

In a world where magic is woven into fabric, Lyra, a young and talented weaver, discovers a mysterious tapestry that holds the secrets of the ancient ones. As she unravels the tapestry's mysteries, Lyra is drawn into a world of magic, monsters, and forgotten lore. With the help of Arianna, a skilled warrior, Lyra must navigate treacherous landscapes, battle dark forces, and confront her own destiny. As they journey deeper into the heart of the tapestry, Lyra and Arianna uncover a sinister plot to destroy the fabric of reality itself. Can Lyra and Arianna stop the forces of darkness and save the tapestry, or will the very fabric of their world unravel forever? Themes: Friendship, Courage, Self-Discovery, Magic, Adventure

In a world where the stars hold ancient secrets and the fabric of reality weaves through the dreams of the brave, Luca stands at the threshold of an extraordinary adventure. With his boundless curiosity, Luca embarks on a journey that will take him far beyond the confines of his home. But Luca’s journey is not just one of exploration; it’s also a quest for self-discovery. As he traverses fantastical realms and ultimately ventures into the vastness of space, he learns to harness his inner strength. With every challenge he overcomes, Luca grows stronger, both physically and emotionally. Join Luca on his celestial quest, where adventure awaits among the stars. Will he rise to become the hero he is destined to be, or will the shadows of the cosmos consume him? The journey begins now!

In a world where the enigmatic force known as Essence weaves the fabric of reality, warriors harness its power to survive and thrive. Sol, a boy abandoned on the forsaken island of Zenora, is unexpectedly rescued by a shadowy crew with motives as mysterious as their captain. Thrust into a life of uncertainty aboard their vessel, Sol is drawn into a realm teeming with ancient secrets, deadly adversaries, and the limitless potential of the Essence. Each trial he faces brings him closer to unraveling the truth about his origins and the pivotal role he is destined to play in the fractured world’s future. As alliances are tested and enemies emerge from the shadows, Sol must navigate a treacherous path, discovering the boundless power within him—and the cost of wielding it.

In a world where the boundaries between realities blur, The Last Guardian of Sambo Mountain follows Anya, a young scholar who stumbles upon a mysterious artifact that opens a gateway to a parallel dimension. She embarks on a perilous journey to the fabled Sambo Mountain, where legends speak of ancient powers that protect the balance of both worlds. As she delves deeper into the mountain's secrets, Anya uncovers her own hidden lineage as a descendant of the guardians who have long protected this enigmatic place. Along the way, she crosses paths with Kaelan, a former king bound to a curse, who guides her through dangers both mystical and mortal. Together, they face the dark forces led by Rheskhar, an ancient sorcerer bent on harnessing the mountain's power to reshape the world. Twists of fate, ancient magic, and a growing bond between Anya and Kaelan propel them toward a final showdown at the heart of Sambo Mountain. But with the fabric of both worlds at risk, Anya must make a sacrifice that could alter the course of history forever. Will she become the next guardian and protect the delicate balance of the universe, or will the dark forces rise to conquer it all? An epic tale of adventure, magic, and sacrifice, The Last Guardian of Sambo Mountain is a captivating journey that explores the power of destiny, the strength of the human spirit, and the eternal fight between light and shadow.

Alternate Liberation A Seven-Part Epic of Adventure to Restore the Balance of the Universe Book 1: The Conqueror of Chaos When Akira Wattanakul, an ordinary teenager from Earth, receives a mysterious gemstone from his mother, his life changes forever. The gemstone transports him to Arcadia, a world where magic and technology intertwine—a realm filled with breathtaking wonders: seas of lava, underwater cities, floating islands, and lands ruled by advanced artificial intelligence. In this extraordinary land, Akira faces the Seven Deadly Sins, dark overlords wielding unparalleled power, malevolent forces of chaos, and even the gods themselves. Alongside these challenges, he uncovers startling truths about his own identity—truths that will shake the foundations of who he thought he was. Gifted with the unique ability to wield both the powers of light and darkness, Akira must summon his courage, rely on the bonds of friendship, and make unimaginable sacrifices to change the fate of Arcadia. But as the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, Akira is driven to question one thing above all: Why was he chosen as the “Heir of Arcadia”? This is a journey of hope, loss, and destiny—a tale of decisions that will not only alter Akira’s life forever but also reshape the very fabric of the universe. Embark on an adventure where mysteries unfold, alliances are tested, and the balance of the cosmos hangs by a thread. Will Akira rise to the challenge, or will chaos reign supreme?

Key was an ordinary person, living a regular life, until the day he was inexplicably thrust into the fractured world of Drakara, a realm where floating islands hover above the endless chaos of the Abyss. To his shock, he awakens with the unique SSS-Rank skill, ‘Abyssal Ascension: Wrath of the Void’, a power feared even by the gods, capable of unraveling reality itself. Awakening in The Abyss, he meets Nythra, the Forsaken Light, a disowned goddess who was cast out for defying the celestial order. Seeing both potential and danger in Key, Nythra takes him under her wing, teaching him about the chaotic energies of the Abyss and the gods’ apathy toward those beneath them. [Complete!]  [SSS skill 'Abyssal Ascension: Wrath of the Void LV.1' has been acquired!] [Description] This skill allows the user to tap directly into the raw, chaotic power of the Abyss, ascending to a state where they wield the destructive forces that exist within the deepest levels of the Abyss itself. The skill grants the ability to manipulate reality, unleash devastating attacks, and bend the dark energy of the Abyss to their will. It is feared even by gods, as the uncontrolled chaos of the Abyss can erase existence. [Effects] [Void Manipulation] The user gains complete control over Abyssal Energy, able to conjure massive void storms, summon tendrils of darkness to destroy or imprison enemies, and rip apart the fabric of reality itself, creating fissures that lead to the Void. [Locked] [Locked] [Locked] [Locked]

The Era of Clothing explores the evolution of human society through the lens of clothing—from the early days of humanity when the body was unadorned, to the modern era where clothing is a symbol of self-expression, power, and societal expectation. The story delves into how clothing shifted from a basic necessity for survival to a complex symbol of identity, status, and control. As humans evolve, so does their relationship with their clothes—once practical, now a form of art, expression, and sometimes, oppression. The novel challenges the reader to consider: In a world where we are free to choose what we wear, are we truly liberated—or have we simply become prisoners to the expectations woven into the fabric of society?