Ravage

"Suho Kim, an ordinary teenager, is thrust into a chaotic journey across multiple worlds after his sudden death. Chosen by a mysterious system, he must navigate through realms ravaged by zombies, magic, and supernatural horrors. Each world challenges him in new ways, pushing his limits and forcing him to evolve. With growing set of powerful skills, Suho's mission is clear: to survive and save humanity, one world at a time. His path is uncertain, but the stakes are always the same—save the worlds, or watch them fall."

"Master of the Great Dream" (Cross-Dimensional Trading, Dominating the Universe, Dream Travel) Li Xuan is diagnosed with a mental illness! The reason? Two months ago, he began having nightmares, and whenever he falls asleep, his consciousness enters another parallel world. In this world, an apocalypse has been ravaging for two full months. There’s another man named Li Xuan, who, in the midst of the end-of-world calamities, has endured extreme cold, heat, acid rain, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, virus infections—and most terrifying of all, the outbreak of zombies. Order has collapsed completely, laws are nonexistent, and morality has been ruthlessly trampled. For two months, Li Xuan has been struggling to survive in the apocalypse, while the urban Li Xuan has been tormented by nightmares for the same amount of time. Finally, when the apocalyptic Li Xuan unexpectedly kills his first zombie and consumes its crystal core, his spatial powers awaken. The next morning, when urban Li Xuan wakes up, he is shocked to find that this wasn’t just a dream. The gold and jewels he stored in the space are truly tangible and can be retrieved in reality. Similarly, the pork ribs, bread, instant noodles, fruits, and water he bought in the city can also be stored in the space. The two Li Xuans from different parallel worlds can share resources with each other through their dream space. What does this mean for Li Xuan?

In the magically vibrant city of Aetherwyn, Elias Veyth is cursed to see the threads of mana he can never touch. When a plague of living nightmares eidolons born from forgotten memories ravages the city, Elias is offered a dark solution embrace the abyss to fight the shadows. But saving Aetherwyn and his family may cost him everything.

Over ten millennia ago, humanity faced annihilation when the heavens and the earth united against a common foe. Awakeners, blessed with extraordinary abilities, stood shoulder to shoulder with gods and angels to battle the unthinkable—outer beings that threatened to consume existence itself. Through sacrifice and heroism, they forged the Veil, a fragile barrier that holds back the horrors beyond. Now, in a world ravaged by endless gates and spatial cracks, humanity clings to survival. Guilds and factions rise, awakening powers emerge, and the echoes of the ancient war reverberate in whispers of forgotten truths. But the Veil is weakening, and buried secrets threaten to surface. As chaos looms, a shadow from the past stirs—a power that defies comprehension, neither ally nor enemy, yet inexorably tied to the fate of the world. What truly lies beyond the Veil? And can humanity withstand the weight of the mysteries it has long sought to forget?

Many, many, many years after the world was ravaged by the appearance of void-born. Monsters born from a malevolent energy corrupting any form of life, hope is a fragile ember. Living in a world suffocated by tyrannical rulers, corrupt protectors, and monsters akin to the worst of your nightmares. Mathew, a slum dweller carries a burden he neither chose nor understands. When his mother is murdered before his eyes, Mathew is thrust into the world of Heralds. Forced to confront the realities of his world and unravel truths buried in blood and shadow, he is joined by unlikely allies. Mathew must navigate a world where trust is as deadly as betrayal and power is law. As he delves deeper into the truth of The Codex, he must decide whether to embrace the darkness within, become its victim or imprint his will. But even as they fight for survival, a darker truth begins to emerge: the reality of existence itself becomes a question. In a land where the lines between human and monster blur, can Mayhew rise above—or will he become the very thing he sought to destroy? ___________________________________ {Warning: The beginning of this web novel has a little bit of a slow start.}

In a world shattered by an apocalypse and ravaged by a deadly zombie virus, Fóntas's life is torn apart when she is forced to kill her own fiancé, Evan, who succumbs to the infection. Overcome with grief and rage, Fóntas vows to take vengeance on the gods who allowed this devastation to unfold. Her once unwavering faith turns to fury as she swears to hunt down the divine beings responsible for humanity's suffering.As Fóntas embarks on her quest, she encounters Father Mwange, a battle hardened priest who shares her hatred for the gods. Together, they uncover ancient relics and follow clues that lead them closer to the elusive deities. Along the way, Fóntas is haunted by visions from a mysterious system that seems to guide her, urging her to fulfill a dark objective: KILL THE GODS.Fueled by anger and driven by the memory of her lost love, Fóntas and Mwange journey through desolate landscapes and forgotten ruins, facing unimaginable dangers. With each step, Fóntas inches closer to the truth about the gods and the power they wield. But as the line between vengeance and justice blurs, Fóntas must confront the darkness within herself and decide how far she is willing to go to exact her revenge.

Once the brightest star, Yun Chen lost everything after an accident. He witnessed both the best and worst of those around him, eventually seeking solace in virtual reality games that simulated an ancient cultivation world. In the game, he became the leader of a clan, a master in every field, and a warrior who bravely fought against the hordes of zombies and demons that ravaged the land. He ranked first on all the leaderboards and was worshipped as a god. However, even the greatest heroes must face death. But Yun Chen remained calm. He did everything he wanted to do and even planned his death so he could be reborn as an NPC in his beloved game… huh? NPC? Oh well, it’s not that bad. Create quests, gain prestige, influence, and reputation, and then plan everything from behind. Starting from scratch in an apocalyptic world? Well, he’s already fought zombies and demons, so a couple more ghosts, human betrayals, and political strife won’t hurt him. The hardest part was definitely wasting time cultivating, but he found a way around it without paying more... In the end, Feng Rui did get a couple of nice perks and rare treasures...

I am the 36th Demon King, the weakest in my empire’s history, yet I wield the shadow powers of the first Demon King—the God Slayer. For two thousand years, our kind has waged war against humanity. But this time, I crossed their borders not as a conqueror, but as a wanderer drawn by whispers of a devastating pandemic—a plague that spares no race, ravaging humans, elves, and demi-humans alike. In the shadows of their suffering, I found myself doing the unthinkable: helping them. Saving lives. Easing their pain. And to my astonishment, they began to hail me as a hero. Yet a question looms over me: Should I continue this masquerade as their savior? Or should I remind them of the truth—the Demon King who stands at the edge of light and shadow, deciding their fate?

There came a sudden ravage by monstrous creatures in a civilian world, leaving humanity's hope to lurk in shadows. Hunters, trained in special schools, wield potential and abilities that enabled them keep the beasts at bay. For Buji, life’s difficulties stem not from being an orphan, but from relentless bullying. Nicknamed “the weakling,” he detests the label but bears it forcefully since he could do nothing. When he transfers to a new school to join his foster sister, Buji thought things would be different. But, during the Awakening Ceremony of the school, he find out a shocking truth: he's was going to be an S-Rank hunter without a talent. Awakening no talent only added more difficulty to his life struggle as he was branded an outcast. On the verge of death during his first raid, Buji awakens an enigmatic system. [Host Found] [Survival due to inheritance] [Congrats, you have gained the status of a 'player'.] [The player, upon leveling up will awaken a potent monster] [Class: Animagus | Type: Snake | Aspect: Venom] [Do you accept?] Given the choice to embrace a monstrous path, Buji seizes it with unyielding resolve. 'If becoming a monster is my only path to strength, I’ll take it—and the world will regret casting me aside. Fighting against these hunters was going to be a job, but imagine a world where I had control over monsters, had my own monster kingdom, and becoming the strongest of all. Stepping on these hunters won’t be a deal anyway.' "Yes!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me through to wander the path of this novel. Join my discord link: https://discord.gg/CbGNRtM9

A nameless street urchin dies after trying his hardest to survive in a cruel and unfair world, and then finds himself in a new one. Being reincarnated as Liu, the only son of peace-loving villagers in a rural community, he is initially content and overjoyed with this new life of peace and tranquility that he is born into. Unfortunately, this does not last forever. After his village is ravaged by bandits, Liu loses everything... including his freedom. Cursed to the life of a slave, he firmly decides to fight against his fate and rise against the tides of this new world that boasts even greater cruelty than his previous one. This world is home to Martial Arts, Mystical Arts, Strange Beasts, and powers that defy imagination, yet Liu is determined to survive in it. No, not just survive... he desires to rise to the very top, eliminating those who stand in his way. "Living is not for the weak." He says, "I refuse to be weak!"

Atticus’ life shattered in a single day— betrayed by his girlfriend, and then shot dead by a mysterious man. But instead of the lonely void of darkness, he woke up in another world, reborn as the heir to one of the most powerful families in the human domain—in a world ravaged by war and teetering on the edge of defeat against a brutal alien race. Now, driven by intense rage and a thirst for vengeance, Atticus will stop at nothing to grow stronger, uncover who killed him, and fight for survival in a war torn world. Discord: https://discord.gg/t7z25ZzKX3

Kael was once a being so powerful even the gods feared him—until he was thrown into The Null, a realm of endless torment and eventually cast into inexistence. But he returns, reincarnated as a powerless beggar in a broken world ruled by monsters and corruption. With memory of godly blood on his hands, he is determined to reclaim his strength, survive the Nexus's deadly trials, and tear down the heavens themselves. But it's a matter of time before the gods and celestials know he’s returned. And this time, they will not make the same mistake twice. > ◇ Ravager (Rank E) Eliminated. 20 VRP Gained. > ◇ 0.00109% Memory Unlocked. Forgotten Technique: Blight Shield Relearned. > ◇ Ather'valis, The God-Killing Blade, has been acquired.

Check out my other novels - |Arpious of the Planes| |My Ares System| |Warlock of Wisdom: My Odin System| -- Same Universe - |Arpious of the Planes| ------------------------------------------------------------------- 3/21/25, in other words, it was March the 21st, 2025. Humanities technology advanced exponentially throughout the years. The only thing that they hadn't focused on for a while was space. The endless abyss that they call space was still unknown to them. Once they colonized their solar system, they thought it wasn't enough. They sent a search party out of their solar system but soon lost contact. Not long after, Earth lost contact with all of the other planets. Then a huge earthquake shook the earth itself and then portals opened up around the world. Soon monsters came out ravaging and flattening cities. Only a brave group of humans entered the portals which they then found multiple discoveries on the other side. They found stones that gave them different abilities and monsters a different world with a boss that lets them exit the portal, which was soon called dungeons. Those 6 friends were then later on called the 6 Primordial Braves. With the news of this, countries all over the world sent in people to retrieve stones, and then they would crush them, granting them abilities. They would then go back in to retrieve more and hand them out to the public. 500 years passed... This isn't the story of a hero. It's the story of a weak girl who was ridiculed and bullied every day because of her low status. And due to her cowardly nature, she was unable to fight back, making more people pick on her. While she was laying in an alleyway, with bruises and cuts all over her body, she saw a green, semi-see-through panel that appeared in front of her. It was like a notification you would see in the VR games from 400 years back. The green panel had a black text that said... [Would you like to become an Ancient Being?] ------------------------------------------------------------------- !Spoiler Below! . . . At the beginning of the novel, there will be a lot of going back and forth between the MC's personality. Plus, most of the problems, in the beginning, will be centered around herself. Also, at the beginning of the novel, there is an act of short and sweet revenge that lingers just a bit longer through the story, but this novel is not revenge-based. The Yuri aspect won't be as heavily used compared to my first novel. The girlfriend is mainly used to help the MC get through the mental box and distorted feelings that the MC has to suffer through at the beginning of the novel. You might dislike the characters that I made Lucy's friends, but I promise you'll change your mind later on. I think... Okay, that should be it! Phew... that was tiring. Time to drink my fourth cup of coffee today... ------------------------------------------------------------------- 500 Power Stones by the weekend = 1 extra chapter 750 Power Stones by the weekend = 2 extra chapters -- Twitter - @equuipwebnovel Discord - equuip#6686 -- paypal.me/AuthorEquuip Any money you send will help me hire people to create new covers for my novels. -- Cover is not mine. If the owner wants it removed, plz contact me through discord (Rarely check twitter). Source- https://www.deviantart.com/aoiogataartist/journal/Aoi-Ogata-PAYPAL-Commission-OPEN-828543085

Azra is an ordinary man with a modest job and simple ambitions—until his life is cut short in a freak accident on the construction site where he works. But death is only the beginning. Azra wakes up not in the afterlife, but in the body of another "Azra" in a world that both mirrors and deviates drastically from his own. This world bears the scars of nuclear devastation and the ravages of a catastrophic meteor impact that have shaped society in unrecognizable ways. Here, survival is not just a matter of making ends meet, but of adapting to an entirely foreign culture, built on hard-won resilience and primal rules. Facing a harsh environment where resources are scarce and civilization itself is a shadow of what he once knew, Azra must learn to navigate the brutal remnants of a society shaped by disaster. Despite the bleakness, Azra, now a head of a family, Azra had to adapts to his new environment. He rises to the challenges of this apocalyptic world, he begins to forge a life that surpasses his past, one marked by hope, community, and survival against all odds. But with every step forward, Azra faces questions that haunt him: Is he living the life meant for this world’s Azra, or is he carving out a destiny that defies both fate and fear? And can he, in this fractured reality, build a new future that will last? ---------------- ““. Dialogue []. System Dialogue/Electronical Dialogue (). Inner monologue . Sound Effect --------------- Reminder; This Novel is a fictional story. There will be Violence, Gore and Content for Mature Audience that will marked with (X) for a light ones, (XX) for the heavier ones. Do enjoy the story and if you liked them, please review, comment, add to collections. your support is very appreciated and kept me motivated, in this depressing world.

In the year 2147, where virtual reality gaming has blurred the line between life and simulation, Kael Arden is an introverted architecture student and passionate gamer. Immersed in Ashfall: The Final Days, a gritty VR survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by supernatural plagues and mutant horrors, Kael finds solace in designing fortified settlements and leading strategic battles. But when a late-night session takes a chilling turn, Kael’s in-game character dies during an overwhelming attack, and something inexplicable happens: he wakes up inside the game as his avatar, standing amidst the half-finished apocalypse-proof house he’d been building. Now trapped in a world where every resource is scarce, danger lurks in every shadow, and death is permanent, Kael must rely on his architecture skills and intimate knowledge of Ashfall’s mechanics to survive. What he doesn’t know is that the game might hold secrets tied to reality itself.

The year is 2055, and the world is being ravaged by monsters born from the veil, called Daemons. The only hope of humanity standing against these monsters are the Demigods who possess Divine Blessings from the Celestials. Azrael Mortis was a gifted demigod chosen by Thanatos, the personification of death. He possessed extraordinary talent in battle and a work ethic that pushed his body to its very peak, but an unfortunate turn of events when he was only one year old left him with no God Aspect that would allow him to fight against the Daemons. Azrael was already prepared for a life where he would never be able to become the strongest due to his disability. But as a new chapter of Azrael's life opened, he was presented with an opportunity by Thanatos—one that would grant him the power he had desperately wanted, in exchange for his humanity. ... "I do not give out opportunities lightly, Azrael. I shall only present you with my hand once, and never again. Take my blade and become my Angel of Death, and in exchange, I shall give you power. All the power you ever wished for and more. Power beyond your wildest dreams. What is your answer?" "I don't care what I have to do. If I can become stronger, I would even sell you my soul." "Then may this oath be witnessed by the River Styx. From this moment forward, you shall be known as Azrael, the Angel of Death." ... Posting Schedule: Two chapters a day everyday except on days when extra chapters are posted along with regular ones. ... Leave a review if you like the novel and feel free to go crazy with the comments. I'll really appreciate it. Oh yeah, Powerstones and GT are the life-blood of novels so I'd appreciate everything you can give. ... For Extra Chapter requests, send Powerstones with a message and I'll see what I can do.

"In a World ravaged by monstrous creatures from the abyss called, Venom, humanity's survival hinges on the Aura System - a mystical power that awakens within select individuals. But Dera, orphaned and Aura-less, is an anomaly. Deemed an ordinary mortal, his fate seems sealed. That is, until he stumbles upon the ancient tomb of a legendary Shadow Venom. Defying the odds, Dera awakens a forbidden power - the Venom System. Embark on Dera's perilous journey as he transforms into a Shadow Venom Hunter, navigating treacherous landscapes, rival treasure seekers, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Will his newfound abilities be humanity's salvation or its downfall?"

Intergalactic business has always been brutal and rough. There was one simple rule, "Colonize or be colonized." Earth was on the brink of colonization in the hands of the ravaging Xollante race who had travelled thousands of years to take Earth captive and steal the resources for their use. The planet Luxus who is an ally of planet Earth, got news of the attack but there was no way to save Earth on time. so, they discovered a signal from a boy, Leo who had a strange quirk which enabled him to communicate with the mind. "You must tell the Guardians of Earth. The Xollante are on the move." Loca from Luxus had told Leo through the intergalactic mind communication. but Leo was too nonchalant to carry out the assignment. So, Earth was colonized and destroyed. After waking up from his 78 years coma, Leo was determined to do everything he can to restore Earth back to it's former form. He joined the academy to discover his quirks. Nothing can stop him this time. He is Earth's Lone avenger

In a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, emergency unit doctor Kate is thrust into a nightmare beyond her worst fears. As chaos reigns, she transforms from a timid caregiver into a fierce survivor, navigating the remnants of civilization in search of her missing brother. Along the way, Kate encounters a group of survivor who ignites feelings she never expected But survival is a double-edged sword. Kate must rely on her newfound strength and the bonds she’s forged to find safety. Just when she believes she’s found a sanctuary, kate has to look for more survivor. Along with her new found friends, Kate faces the horrors of the world and the uncertainty In a gripping tale filled with humor, resilience, and unexpected love, Shadows of the Undead explores the depths of human connection in a landscape where every heartbeat could be your last. Will Kate find her way and discover a future worth fighting for, or will the shadows consume her forever?

Blood and Light is set in a world once ravaged by a war between gods of pure light, known as the Lumens. Their quest for dominance nearly destroyed the realms of Yakaria, Benad, and Xezar. In a desperate act, the people united and empowered three champions to defeat the Lumens, sealing them away and bringing an end to the conflict. A thousand years later, Arthur, a skilled blacksmith in Xezar, is commissioned by King Argos—one of the legendary champions—to forge a sword worthy of a king. As tensions rise and dark whispers stir, Arthur finds himself caught in a web of secrets, where the fragile peace of the world could be on the brink of collapse. Also released on Royal Road - @therealsansan

On the Orandia Continent, strong individuals and geniuses have never been absent. Whether it is the noble Elves, the resilient Giants, or the majestic Dragons, the legacies and families of all races stand firm on this ancient land. The civilization of the continent has endured the test of time, with its glorious history interwoven with bloodshed. However, this continent is not a peaceful paradise. The dark tides of the Demon Race surge forth, and the magical beasts ravage the homes of humans, Elves, and other races, slowly closing in on the heart of every civilization. Disaster is inevitable, yet in this time of crisis, internal strife between factions and empires still persists. In this turbulent land, who will shoulder the responsibility of changing the future? Who will reclaim control over the collapsing destiny? The wheels of fate begin to turn, and a boy who starts from humble beginnings is gradually advancing toward the pinnacle that will change the Orandia Continent. His name is Roy. A boy of ordinary origins, a child with nothing to his name, yet due to the favor of destiny and his unwavering determination, he paves a path that belongs to him. As Roy rises from a despised youth to a savior feared and admired by all the races of the continent, every step he takes is filled with hardship and challenges. Confronted with a chaotic situation, he must not only fight against the Demon Race and magical beasts but also find his own strength in every difficult decision. This is a story of growth, struggle, and sacrifice; a tale of how a hero rises from being an unknown nobody to ultimately changing the fate of the entire world. Watch as Roy rises through harsh trials, conquering past enemies, and ultimately standing atop the summit that is his alone, securing a place of his own.

In a world ravaged by corruption and desolation, nine strangers from mysterious origins awaken in the heart of a black desert, with no memory of how they got there. Each carries extraordinary abilities, but also secrets that make them distrust one another. Forced to survive in a hostile environment where time and space are manipulated by dark forces, they must learn to work together—or perish.

“Stuck!” unfolds in a dystopian future where war, global warming, pollution, and destruction have ravaged humanity, leaving Earth a scorched wasteland. In a desperate bid for survival, nations unite to send all children to space under professional care, forsaking most parents to their fate on the dying planet. However, a scientific mishap leads to the creation of a deadly monster that decimates the adult crew, leaving the children to fend for themselves. Amidst chaos, the cleverest child takes control, steering the spaceship to an emergency landing on an alien world. As they explore this new planet, they encounter other survivors from their ship. Faced with the ruins of their past and the uncertainty of their future, the children stand at a crossroads: return to the remnants of Earth or forge a new existence on this enigmatic planet. “Stuck!” is a tale of resilience, leadership, and the indomitable spirit of youth facing the unknown. Welcome to: "Stuck!" MK_The_Writer's most popular story!

In a world where colossal monsters rule 90% of the world's territory, Parahuman women are the only ones capable of facing them. Gregory is a newly graduated Hunter, slightly above average in talent but at the top of the scale when it comes to ambition. As monsters ravage the land, he can only rely on his Hounds to survive. That’s why he believes that rewarding and caring for his Hounds with 100% dedication is only natural. He will do whatever it takes to protect them and make them stronger, just as they protect him...

One thousand years after his death, Leander, the fabled Hero of Peace, is resurrected by Melaine, the Lich Queen of the Undead Kingdom. Restored to life for a singular, harrowing purpose, he must confront the Demon King in the frozen north and the Goddess in the radiant east. Only by defeating them can he end the relentless millennium-long conflict that has ravaged the continent, leaving nothing but death and devastation in its wake.

In a world suffocated by toxins and corruption, Jamal and his crew fight for survival and justice. The environment is ravaged, humanity mutated in a desperate attempt to adapt, but the changes have only deepened the divide between classes. While the elite fled to escape the consequences of their reckless actions, Jamal and the remaining survivors are left to deal with the aftermath. Now, Jamal leads a resistance against the powerful mid-class society that has seized control of all the planet’s dwindling resources. With the stakes higher than ever, Jamal’s fight is not just for survival, but for the future of humanity itself.

The world shattered the day fiction bled into reality. Jin Ha-rin, an unassuming college student, finds himself trapped in Survival 101, the webnovel he devoured obsessively. Death games ravage a broken world, overseen by unseen forces and cryptic rules, with survival demanding wit, strength, and sacrifice. Armed with knowledge of the story, Ha-rin believes he holds an advantage—until his first death changes everything. Each trial reveals cracks in the story’s fabric, a haunting loop of betrayal, erasure, and suffering. As whispers of narrators and lost worlds echo through forgotten trials, Ha-rin must question his role in the tale. Is he a player, a pawn, or something far worse? The end approaches, but the ink never dries—only the screams remain. This is the fable of The Lone King Who Remembers.

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.

The Black Wind (Kuroi Kaze) In the war-torn Sengoku era, a 16-year-old boy named Kuroi sets out on a perilous journey to master the way of the sword. Driven by a deep yearning to rise above his humble beginnings, he traverses a world ravaged by conflict, where honor and survival are often at odds. Along the way, Kuroi encounters warriors, wanderers, and rogues, each shaping his path in unexpected ways. As he struggles to find his place in a chaotic world, Kuroi discovers that the road to greatness is not just paved with skill and strength but with choices that test the very core of his humanity.

In a shattered kingdom, the devil prince Ambrose struggles with his dark, uncontrollable power, bound by a forbidden connection to Pearl, a mysterious girl with her own untapped strength. As energy storms ravage the land, their bond grows, drawing them closer to a fate neither can escape. But higher, unseen forces—represented by the shadowy figure of Miraculous—manipulate their every move, testing their strength and resolve. A glowing locket hangs between them, symbolizing their fated connection and the dangerous path they must walk. In a world of chaos, magic, and destruction, Ambrose and Pearl must confront their destiny, or risk losing everything to the forces that seek to tear them apart. Blood Bound Destiny is a dark and intense tale of power, forbidden love, and a kingdom on the brink of collapse.