Zorro Kitsune

Warning: This story contains many dark adult themes. In a world on the path to destruction, a nameless orphan seeks his own future in a brutal world of magic and myth. After he is sought out to be adopted by a cursed Witch and reincarnated Kitsune, he is soon chosen to wield a Relic; magic weaponry of unbelievable power who chose their masters. Touji Himura must learn how to use this newfound strength and bear the burdens of what it means to become a hero. In this story everyone has their own past that shapes their present and future, from sole surviving Oni to an immortal mage that forgets all who die except those who perish by her hands. Authors Note: Chapters will often see touch ups and refinements over time. This is my first ever story, so I may stumble along the way. Please let me know of any mistakes I make In everlasting memory of Mark Richards.

Rowan is just a young fella standing at 18 years old, that attends high school on a daily basis in order to have a future or so they say. Unlike many he only has a true friend called Larisa, they are known to neve had a conflict with one another ever during all of their 14 years of friendship. One day, as Rowan was quite stressful with the upcoming final exam in his 12th grade and from his life in general, he decided to take a walk in the woods to calm himself a little bit down, on a snow day. During which is where he first found the strange phenomenon also known as a fox girl... And no it wasn't a little baby or anything, in fact it was a young woman at her finest, Y/N though since he has heart he just took her in to take care of her wounds and afterwards find out what happened with her. What will happen afterwards you may ask? well why don't you dive in and find out?

In the sprawling metropolis of Arcanova, where skyscrapers pierce the clouds and neon lights mask the shadows, the world of humans is not as ordinary as it seems. Beneath the surface lies a hidden society of mythical beasts—dragons, phoenixes, kitsunes, and more—living among humanity, bound by an ancient truce known as the Aether Pact. Eighteen-year-old Kai Sullivan has always lived on the edge, scraping by as a courier for a shady magical delivery service. But his life takes a dangerous turn when he accidentally forms a forbidden life bond with Ignis, a rogue dragon prince exiled from his clan. This unbreakable connection thrusts Kai into a secret world of power struggles, ancient prophecies, and a brewing conflict that threatens to destroy the fragile balance between humans and beasts. Hunted by powerful clans and mistrusted by his own allies, Kai must uncover the truth behind the bond that ties him to Ignis. Together, they’ll navigate treacherous alliances, unravel the mysteries of the Veil Zones, and confront a prophecy that foretells the collapse of both worlds. As the lines between friend and foe blur, and the weight of destiny grows heavier, Kai and Ignis face an impossible choice: will they become the saviors of a broken world—or its ultimate destroyers?

What happens if the one transcendent being that cares for mortals fell and got a second chance in a world full of magic, intrigue and possibly even friendships? Does the past determine the future or are we all able to pick our own destiny? An angel, one of the two nigh immortal species in existence, has been hunted and killed by his own kind because he wasn’t prepared to watch silently while his people followed their own desires to whatever end. When, against all odds, he opened his eyes again, he was someone else, his past and powers hidden deep within him. On an ancient world, with advanced magic but medieval technology, he was reborn as Cassandra Pendragon, the youngest daughter of one of the five royal families on Boseiju, the home of the fox tribe, the kitsune. As she grew up, who she was and who she had been, started shaping her future. Forgotten friends and unknown enemies began knocking at her door and while she struggled to find her way between the past and the present, the winds of war were already blowing across her home. I‘ll try to publish at least 2 chapters a week, probably more. The first story arc is pretty much mapped out. Should be around 150 or 160 chapters for the first volume (it’s taking much longer than I expected) and the second one is nearly finished as well. Try it, it should be one hell of a ride. One more thing: the first two chapters are more or less a prologue and if you want to, you can skip them, I wouldn’t recommend it, though. The writing style as well as the perspective shifts dramatically, afterwards. As for trigger warnings: it’s going to get gory from time to time, and the MC often has to pay a toll in blood. Additionally there are -mildly- sexualised scenes, once in a while, but nothing graphic. Lastly, somewhen webnovel changed the description box from female lead to female oriented. It’s mandatory and I can’t change it either way but I have no clue if the book is catering male or female preferences. I hope the description above makes up for whatever confusion it might cause.

``` Después de ser asesinado a manos del poderoso monstruo del zorro de nueve colas, William se encontró veinte años atrás en el tiempo. En ese momento, era un niño inútil de once años, sin espíritu y con débil poder espiritual. Trabajaba como porteador en una famosa academia, sirviendo a otros discípulos para subsistir. Pero aquel que había regresado en el tiempo sabía que esto no era el fin del mundo. Guillermo tenía métodos desconocidos para muchos. Así que se entrenaría y se haría más fuerte, convirtiéndose en el maestro de espíritu más fuerte del mundo. Partiendo de un punto tan bajo, comenzó su largo viaje para ser una verdadera potencia. A pesar de utilizar todo el conocimiento de su vida pasada, todavía se enfrentaría a muchos desafíos en la academia y en el mundo. Y sin embargo, Guillermo los conquistará todos. Su objetivo principal no solo será ser algo en este mundo, sino crecer más allá de los límites que alcanzó antes en su vida pasada. Quería estar mejor preparado para el enemigo horrendo y mortal que lo mató; el monstruo del zorro de nueve colas. En tal mundo y tiempo, tuvo muchos años para entrenar y tramar su venganza. Nunca permitiría que el fracaso pasado se repitiera una vez más. Únete al viaje de Guillermo hacia la cima y mira cómo aplasta a todos los demás. ___________________________________________ Sígueme en mis redes sociales: ++++Tiktok: @authorranmaro ++++Instagram: @authorranmaro ++++Facebook: /AuthorRanmaro ____________________________________________ Está escrito en inglés británico. Eso significa que palabras como 'Realized - Recognize - Meter' se convertirán en [Realised - Recognise - Metre] y son las palabras correctas en inglés, no un error ortográfico o equivocación o algo por el estilo. Tasa de publicación: de 3 a 6 capítulos por día. ```

En un mundo dividido entre Humanos, Elfos, Kitsunes, Yuki Onnas, Draconianos y Kuragamis, Shiro Yukimura vaga sin rumbo, cargando un propósito sombrío: poner fin a su propia vida. Marcado por un pasado lleno de pérdidas y culpa, Shiro busca su final en los rincones más oscuros del mundo, enfrentando peligros que otros evitarían. Sin embargo, en su camino encuentra secretos que conectan su existencia con el equilibrio del mundo y las tensiones entre razas. Mientras se acerca a su meta, Shiro deberá decidir si rendirse al destino que ha elegido o aceptar el papel inesperado que el universo le ha preparado.

A kitsune without a past, a child of darkness, and a predator of the night. Three intertwined destinies in a world on the brink of collapse. In Tharym, the yokai port city, battles are unavoidable, and Ayun Arthan has always despised them. His life seems to take a simpler turn when he is tasked with protecting Lirany, a blind girl with an extraordinary gift. But peace is only an illusion. As the realm's magic begins to fade, Ayun, Lirany, and Hachyro – an arsian from an ancient race – embark on a perilous journey to the Guild's Order, the only refuge that can offer them safety. Amidst the inferno engulfing the world, the avrastes carve a path toward the Ocean Between Worlds, where Abyssal Whales lie in wait, threatening any wrong step. One tower falls as another rises, and the children of chaos unleash their wrath. In the heart of these struggles, the fox gains its second tail, while a new constellation takes shape in the sky. A tale of courage, determination, and the fight for survival in a universe where both magic and hope are fading into oblivion. Author's Note: This is my first series of this kind in English, and I would be incredibly grateful for any feedback or critique. I’m eager to improve my writing style, and your insights are truly invaluable. Thank you!

"When a decent living and resourceful young teenager is manipulated by a destructive "Kitsune (Japanese fox spirit)/or to say Huli Jing (Chinese fox spirit)", his life takes a drastic turn. The fox spirit, unaware of the true nature of their pact, forms a love contract with him. As they gradually fall for each other, this becomes the boy's greatest problem. Complicating matters further is the involvement of powerful gods from "Chinese and Japanese mythologies",the Tiānshì (Divine Messengers) of the Chinese gods - East, West, South, North, and Central - and the Mikoto (Divine Messenger) of the Japanese gods, particularly the central deity, Amaterasu Omikami, become entangled in their fate. Unbeknownst to the boy, the Kitsune/Huli Jing is an extraordinary, destructive fox spirit born from the combined spiritual energy of six Japanese and Chinese fox spirits. In ancient times, she was notoriously difficult to seal, requiring the collective efforts of fifteen Chinese and Japanese gods and goddesses from each direction. "Now, in the present, she has broken free from her seal, empowered by her accumulated strength". Having been sealed since childhood, she has forgotten most of her powers. However, this forgetfulness proves advantageous, as she begins to experience human emotions. Unfortunately, this newfound humanity also means facing the wrath of the gods, their Tiānshì, and Mikoto . And lastly that the female lead and the main character doesn't know his identity." Note: the cover is an ai generated I just added the title

After realizing that he’d been sent on a suicide mission by his own supreme ruler, the Lady Sidonia, Alisson Vi Nuam vows to take up arms against her, alongside his fearsome and awesome apprentice – Me! But you can’t go committing treason without an air-tight insurance policy, so we need to gather allies, make plans, and attain the strength to topple nations on our own! Let’s bathe with kitsune, drink the blood of dragon girls, and tame slimes! Anything to get stronger! After all…Alisson and I…need to kill everyone in our way if we want to have a happy ending. How far would you go to protect a smile? Meta Contents Below: Fiction is also hosted on Royal Road and Scribblehub. Sick of isekai/litrpg/wuxia slop? Well here's something a little different. Combat and magic take a back seat to characters and plot. Progression is made through oddities and allies. The MC is already has a mate at the of the fiction. The MC is a essentially an effeminate cat boy. His apprentice/mate is possessive, though this does not come up for a while. This fiction does not include full on smut scenes, but does allude here and there. This fiction is a soft reboot to the original Sidonian Vigor, which essentially details the MC's suicide mission prior to this fiction. It is not necessary to read to understand this fiction; However, readers who enjoy this fiction may find value in the original despite its poorer writing quality. It can be found on Royal Road by searching its name. I don't want to reveal too much more, but I'm quite excited for the story. I hope to be fast paced while still including light-hearted sections here and there. This is my first time using Webnovel, so please bear with me. I hope you enjoy the fiction! Feel free to leave comments or criticism, though I may be slow to respond or may not respond at all.

``` Yan Zheyun estaba predestinado a ser un ganador. Sus padres estaban en la lista de Forbes, fue el mejor de su clase al graduarse en la universidad más prestigiosa del país y la guinda del pastel fue ser votado como el "chico césped" cuatro años seguidos por sus compañeros. Y ahora, con apenas veinticinco años, Yan Zheyun era el orgulloso presidente y CEO de su propia empresa tecnológica. Pero lo que debería haber sido el día más feliz de su vida se convirtió en el peor cuando escuchó una extraña voz robótica mientras cruzaba la calle para tomar un café, solo porque no podía esperar a que su secretaria regresara de la sala de fotocopias. [INFORME DE ERROR #193842347: ALMA DE OTRO MUNDO DETECTADA. INICIANDO SECUENCIA DE DEPORTACIÓN.] Y luego murió. En un accidente de coche muy aburrido, muy común y corriente. …excepto que tal vez no lo hizo. Lo primero que Yan Zheyun pensó después de abrir los ojos y encontrarse en un dormitorio que parecía el set de uno de esos dramas del palacio interior fue: "Vaya, el café no valía la pena." Lo segundo que pensó después de darse cuenta de que ahora se encontraba en una novela histórica BL y había transmigrado al cuerpo de una trágica belleza que estaba (a punto de) ser utilizada y maltratada por sus múltiples amantes fue: "Debo haber abierto los ojos con la técnica equivocada, déjame intentarlo de nuevo... no, todavía sigo aquí. Bueno. Mierda." De CEO a esclavo de poca monta, Yan Zheyun no podía creer su suerte. Atrapado en un mundo extranjero y rodeado de tops locos (respectivamente conocidos como "El Amigo de la Infancia", "El Hijo del General", "El Príncipe Heredero", "Algún Otro Príncipe", "Ese Duque Espeluznante", etc.), Yan Zheyun se dio cuenta de que su experiencia de un día como CEO no lo había preparado adecuadamente para esta nueva vida de miseria. Pero no era de los que se rinden sin luchar, así que… Yan Zheyun se decidió resueltamente a mantenerse alejado de la aterradora línea romántica, intentar escribir una nueva línea argumental política y, de paso, abrazar algunos muslos gruesos, ganarse el favor de los poderosos. Y en una monarquía dinástica, ¿qué muslos serían mejor elección para abrazar que los del propio emperador? Liu Yao: …Este Soberano te permite abrazar otras partes también. Pareja: - ¡Emperador Top que parece serio pero en secreto es amable! VS ¡Esclavo Bottom que parece un conejo pero en secreto es un zorro! - NO es harem, toda la historia es 1v1 Advertencias: - Esta novela trata algunos temas duros que surgen como resultado de la esclavitud y un sistema de castas. He añadido advertencias de contenido donde es relevante pero solo para avisar, ¡a los canallas se les llama canallas por algo! Actualizaciones: 21:00 GMT+8 Ilustrado Por: HAZHE ```

Die Geschichte befasst sich mit japanischer Mythologie, zu den gehören die Yokais (Monster, Kobolde) und Yurei (Rachegeister) Die Welt dreht sich 3 Jahre nach einem gewaltigem Krieg. Durch den Krieg tauchten mehr Yokai als auch Yurei auf. Dies gefährdet mehrere Menschen. durch dieses Phänomen, was auch Obake erwachen gennant wird, wurden Samurai dazu aufgetragen diese zu erledigen. Diese werden auch Reaper genannt. Reaper können besondere Fähigkeiten benutzen die man eine Seelenmanifestation nennt. Reaper benutzen Waffen namens Seelenschneide wodurch sie diese Fähigkeiten voll ausschöpfen können und wie der Name schon sagt sie Seele zerschneiden kann. Funktioniert aber auch wie eine normal Waffe Die Geschichte spielt sich rund um den Reaper Ginki der viele Geheimnisse mit sich bringt und mit sich selber zu kämpfen hat. Er wird von einer Kitsune namens Xenilia, oder auch Xeni schon sehr lange begleitet und haben gemeinsam schon viel erlebt.

In a world where the moon's power sustains and governs balance, a forbidden love blossoms between Ryker a werewolf Alpha and kadia a half werewolf - half kitsune. When the Moon shatters, ancient secrets and hidden agendas emerge, threatening to consume their world. Fate is woven and they are bounded together by the very moon that shattered. As they navigate treacherous alliances, forgotten lore and their own forbidden desire, Kaida and Ryker must embark on a perilous quest to revive the light. But with darkness closing in, can their love overcome the secrets of the past and restore the mystical balance, or will it become the very thing that destroys it?

In a realm where ancient myths breathe and shadows whisper, Nanashi, a kitsune with a fractured past, finds herself cast adrift in the mystical landscapes of Japan. Cloaked in human guise, she must navigate treacherous currents – both literal and metaphorical – as she wrestles with the very essence of her being.

En un mundo aislado, donde la gente vive ajena a la existencia de otras tierras, un cataclismo silencioso está a punto de desatarse. Grietas misteriosas comienzan a abrirse en el cielo, y de ellas emergen artefactos ancestrales: espadas, libros y bastones, todos imbuidos con un poder extraño y antiguo. Solo unos pocos son elegidos por estos objetos, cuya presencia marca el destino de quienes los portan. Dante, un estudiante común, es uno de esos elegidos. Frente a él, tres artefactos se revelan: Rotalunas, un círculo rodeado de lunas pequeñas; El Legendarium, un libro que guarda secretos olvidados; y El Báculo de las Mil Formas, un bastón que cambia de forma y poder. Lo que Dante no sabe es que al aceptar estos objetos, despierta una antigua leyenda: la reencarnación de Kyros, el Zorro de las 12 Colas, un ser inmortal con el poder de enfrentar las fuerzas que amenazan al mundo. La Orden del Velo, una organización secreta que monitorea el mundo desde las sombras, sabe que estos artefactos están vinculados a la aparición de monstruos corruptos, criaturas distorsionadas por una energía oscura proveniente de las grietas. Sin embargo, la verdadera amenaza aún está por revelarse: los monstruos son solo la punta del iceberg de una guerra ancestral entre las Leyendas, seres de poder inimaginable, y la Corte Corrupta, una facción oscura decidida a dominar el mundo. Mientras Dante y otros elegidos comienzan a despertar sus habilidades y a forjar su destino, deberán unirse para enfrentarse a la corrupción que se esparce por el mundo, enfrentando tanto a las criaturas corruptas como a los oscuros secretos que las grietas están revelando. La lucha por la supervivencia del mundo y el equilibrio entre las dos Cortes está a punto de comenzar, y el legado de las Leyendas será la clave para asegurar el futuro de la isla

While running and trying to escape from a mob of villagers on his 4th birthday. Naruto finds a mysterious and abandoned temple in the Forest of Death. He hid himself inside. After making sure the anger villagers hadn't followed him. He decided to take a look deeper inside the temple. When Naruto comes to the end of the hall he entered a large room with pictures of multiple different kinds of animals of all shapes, sizes, and forms, that covering the temple walls. Let's see what happens.....

Miles ”Tails” Prower is a lowly foot soldier who dreams of joining the Elite Squad, a group of powerful heroes who protect the world. But, being weak, he seems to be nowhere near his dream… until he is shot protecting Cream, an childhood friend. But, instead of dying, he wakes up on a hospital bed to a mysterious notification. DING! God Tier System Activated! Now, imbued with the mysterious God Tier System, Tails sets out to follow his dream. Now watch as he levels up, gains new skills, builds mechas, establishes military bases, and transform a weak army into the world’s most advanced force! Volume 1 is about his rise to becoming a member of the Elite Squad.

In the magical kingdom of Zorene, Princess Xenia is betrayed and imprisoned by those she trusted most. Framed for treason and tortured, her world shatters. A daring rescue by a mysterious woman sets her on a path of self-discovery, revealing her lineage as a descendant of the first kitsune, with untapped, formidable power. However, something unexpected happens, she’s assassinated. The pendant that had been given to her held an unexpected secret. Resurrected, Xenia flees the grave created for her and encounters Alistair Nightshade, a brooding noble with secrets of his own—a descendant of the first vampire. Sparks fly between them, their chemistry undeniable yet fraught with tension and forbidden allure. Together, they must navigate political intrigue, ancient rivalries, and dark magic, their growing bond both a strength and a complication. “The Harbinger” is a spellbinding tale of resilience, hidden heritage, and a love that defies all odds. Xenia’s journey from tortured princess to powerful warrior will captivate readers, drawing them into a world where magic and passion intertwine. Prepare to be swept away by an epic romance that promises adventure, danger, and heart-stopping moments. *** Cupid’s Quill Entry. This book will also have very detailed “steamy” scenes with a little fantasy elements to them. Lol so please don’t come for me at how unrealistic something may be!!! I’ll upload a chap every two days of at least 1500 words. There will most likely to be more tho.

"you are dead" says the god of original story's Bragi. "and for your sins you will be reincarnated into your own plagiarized novel, try to entertain us." this is my first novel, feedback is appreciated and so is comments, i will try to reply to every one, regardless of it is constructive or not Im also on scribble hub and applying for royal road.

When the world crumbles, who can say what’s right? A shattered moon hangs in the sky, its fragments suspended in mid-fall, glinting like shards of glass caught in a moment of cosmic chaos. On a distant beach, Maple awakens. Powerful monsters dominate the planet, and humanity is on the brink of extinction. To survive, he must fulfill his duty and grow his soul. But he never anticipated the price he would pay for the power he sought. For fate always demands a cost for the power it bestows.

Kara es una chica amable y generosa de tercero de secundaria, muy querida en su comunidad por su amor hacia los animales, con quienes siempre busca ayudar y cuidar. Un día, comienza a notar que todo se siente inusualmente extraño: sus mascotas, Milo y Bela, han desaparecido, y su familia no parece darles importancia. A pesar de los intentos de sus amigos y su novio Andrew de calmarla, Kara siente una inquietud inexplicable. Esa noche, Kara tiene un sueño en el que cae desde el cielo y se encuentra en un lugar surrealista, como un mundo de nubes, donde conoce a un zorro parlante llamado King. King le explica que se encuentra en Eldoria, una ciudad de animales con una antigua profecía que involucra a los humanos. Aunque muchos han llegado antes de Kara pensando que cumplirían la profecía, todos volvieron a sus vidas normales. Kara aún está aturdida y confusa, pero antes de despertar, se despide de King, creyendo que todo fue un simple sueño. A la mañana siguiente, descubre un collar que no tenía antes de dormir, señal de que algo más profundo está ocurriendo. Desde ese momento, Kara se enfrenta a nuevos desafíos mientras descubre los secretos de Eldoria, enfrentándose a decisiones difíciles que la llevarán a entender mejor su verdadero propósito y a cambiar su vida para siempre.

The life of a young haunted soul as he embarks on a journey to uncover the reasons behind the destruction of his home Watch as he faces challenges with his last remaining bond to uncover the mysteries surrounding his fallen clan

cute and sexy is the draconic Kitsune and she will rock the world with her beautiful charm and powerful body

Haruka es una chica de 1.92 metros de altura con el poder del espiritu animal del zorro. Este espiritu le otorga poderes especiales a cambio de una necesidad por carne humana y sangre. Jun, un chico de 1.39 metros de altura, ¡es el único que puede controlarla!

The beloved blood angel of the emperor of mankind Is plucked from the sky with power from the 8th dimension, by his once pysker brother Magnus only for a warp anomaly to hurtle him through time and space to be hurled out on top of an in raged kyuubi no kitsune with shinigami's cold immaterium in its chest about to be sealed on a barely hour old Naruto uzumaki.

Ella era la ladrona piadosa del siglo 24, pero se reencarnó como una idiota inútil sin padres. No solo eso, tuvo que doblegar su voluntad de acuerdo al estado de ánimo de sus parientes. ¿Estúpido? ¿Basura? ¡Muy bien, tarde o temprano, ella le mostrará a este grupo de tontos terrícolas lo que significa ser demasiado tarde para arrepentirse! ¿Dou Qi? ¿Magia? Su talento tanto en la magia como en las artes marciales mortificará a todos los genios que existen. ¿La posición del jefe del clan? ¿El mitológico Vermilion Bird? ¿Lo quieres? Lo siento ~ ¡Ella ya los tomó! Pero, ¿Quién le dirá que el chico lindo que se marea con facilidad era en realidad el mitológico Vermilion Bird? Entonces, ¿Qué pasa con el anciano que reside en su cuerpo, a qué deidad pertenece esa alma misteriosa? Es más…… ¿Por qué los compañeros de otras personas eran de ese tipo dominante e incomparablemente poderoso? ¿Por qué los que la rodeaban eran un comerciante malvado o un zorro astuto, un nerd inútil o un playboy? ¡Lo peor es este niño bonito y enfermo! ¿Qué pasó con gobernar el mundo y estar por encima de todo? ¡Por favor, no me jodas! *Esta historia es solo una traducción, todos los derechos pertenecen al autor*

Imagine being a guy reincarnated as a female kitsune living in a xianxia world... I want my money back T-T I was thinking of meeting beautiful women not becoming one of them ;-; Why is chest so large, my poor back can't handle it Q_Q Why is there so many perverts in this world!? ｡:ﾟ(;´∩`;)ﾟ:｡ --- Imagine writing a xianxia novel having no idea how to write one •-• I'll try my best Also the cover art isn't mine :p [[[Indefinite hiatus]]]

Unravel the fabric of reality with Jikirukuto, where a boy's wish-warping power ripples through dimensions, entangling Yuki, Kitsune, and Taiyo in a Schrodinger's cat of existence. In Isekai, they're heroic pawns in a cosmic game, battling tenebrous entities and navigating a landscape sculpted by a mad scientist's contraption. Yet, the mundane present-day beckons, rife with personal struggles and romantic entanglements. But prepare for a Heisenbergian uncertainty principle of narrative, where reality's parameters shift with every heartbeat. Temporal anomalies blur the lines between past, present, and future. Doppelgängers waltz with the original, their identities collapsing like entangled particles. And amidst the chaos, a chilling truth emerges, whispering of a malevolent force manipulating the very fabric of existence. Jikirukuto is a genre-defying maelstrom, where LitRPG mechanics dance with psychological horror, slice-of-life vignettes bleed into Lovecraftian nightmares, and ecchi humor collides with existential dread. Can they untangle the Gordian knot of their entwined fates before reality succumbs to the singularity, swallowed by the event horizon of narrative collapse? Jikirukuto: Embrace the scientific sublime, where logic is a fractal and sanity a fleeting illusion. This revised synopsis injects a heavy dose of scientific jargon and concepts, emphasizing the mind-bending twists and the underlying chaos theory themes. It also retains the character dynamics and genre blend while hinting at the existential threat lurking beneath the surface.