Scarlet Symphony

``` En el Imperio de la estrella del sol había tres palabras para describir a Scarlet Su: inútil, basura y estúpida. Pero un día, el nombre de usuario de la cuenta estelar de Scarlet Su cambió de «La novia del rey mecha» a «El rey mecha apesta». De repente, todos se preguntaron: ¿qué nuevo juego de llamar la atención estaba jugando? Muriendo en una Tierra infestada de zombis, una joven se zambulle en una puerta que debería llevarla a un mundo maravilloso, pero en su lugar, despierta en un mundo interestelar en el cuerpo de Scarlet Su, la esposa no deseada del general favorito del imperio y rey mecha. Se convierte al instante en madre del hijo del general y copropietaria de un planeta basura sin desarrollar. Afortunadamente, ha transmigrado con su espacio de almacenamiento, millones de suministros y la disposición a trabajar duro. Lamentablemente, es engañada para convertirse en un segador en este mundo interestelar. Cada semana debe entregar almas al inframundo o arriesgarse a perder su recién adquirida fuerza mental y volver a ser la vieja Scarlet, débil e inútil. Pasó de ser Scarlet la inútil a Scarlet la asombrosa y su esposo de repente vino a llamar desesperado porque aceptara su amor. —Habla primero con tu hijo, él es quien busca un padre —dijo ella. —¿Quieres ser mi papi? Únete a la fila de pretendientes allá y rellena tu información —dijo su hijo. Extracto: —Así que el esposo pródigo regresa después de todo este tiempo y yo que pensaba que estabas muerto —dijo ella sarcásticamente. —Vigila tu lengua Escarlata, todavía soy tu esposo. Escarlata se rió y cruzó los brazos: —Así que eres consciente de que eres un esposo, ¿cómo debería reaccionar ahora que has elegido abrazar el título que tan fácilmente querías descartar hace unos meses? ¿Debería aplaudir y luego quitarme la ropa y rogarte que me tomes? —le lanzó una mirada irónica y se burló. Observó a su esposo caminar lentamente hacia ella con una mirada furiosa y concentrada en sus ojos y se preguntó si lo había llevado demasiado lejos: —¿Te atreviste a enviarme papeles de divorcio, Escarlata? ¿Has perdido la maldita cabeza? «No», pensó, «al contrario, tú has perdido la tuya». La imagen de la portada no es mía y puede ser retirada a petición del dueño. ```

[COMPLETO] “Senhorita Li Xue, você está grávida!” disse a doutora enquanto entregava o exame de gravidez que claramente tinha dado positivo. Li Xue não sabia como reagir à notícia. Ela estava toda preparada para fazer o teste de virgindade e provar ao mundo que todas as acusações eram falsas. Ela estava completamente certa de que sua virgindade estava intacta, então como a gravidez dela era possível? Essa é a história de uma mulher, Li Xue, que trabalhou árdua e incansavelmente para construir sua carreira como modelo de moda. Ela não vinha de uma família rica onde tudo era servido em bandejas de ouro, mas sim de uma família de classe média trabalhadora, onde é necessário esforçar-se muito para alcançar os sonhos. Seu sonho era se tornar a principal modelo de moda do mercado, mas ele foi estilhaçado quando ela se viu presa em um escândalo. Ninguém acreditou nela. Nem seus amigos nem seu namorado. Ela foi deixada completamente sozinha com a criança que crescia dentro dela. Então, ela deixou a cidade, com a vida que crescia em seu ventre. Com um pequeno demônio-anjo em crescimento que lhe dava forças para sobreviver neste mundo sem sentido, para se tornar algo que ela ainda não tinha certeza do que seria. ____ P.S. Este é um trabalho original, não uma tradução. E a capa me pertence. (Encomendada de: GiselArts). Junte-se à autora no servidor do discord: https://discord.gg/88C4VZD Ou conecte-se no Instagram: author_scarlet_shine

``` —Señorita Li Xue, está embarazada —dijo la doctora mientras le entregaba el informe del embarazo que claramente había dado positivo. Li Xue no sabía cómo reaccionar ante la noticia. Ella había venido totalmente preparada para realizarse el examen de virginidad y demostrarle al mundo que todas sus acusaciones eran falsas. Estaba completamente segura de su virginidad intacta, entonces ¿cómo era posible su embarazo? Esta es la historia de una mujer, Li Xue, que ha trabajado arduamente para construir su carrera como modelo. No provenía de una familia rica donde todo se servía en un plato de oro, sino de una familia trabajadora de clase media, donde uno tiene que esforzarse mucho para alcanzar sus sueños. Su sueño era convertirse en la principal modelo de moda, pero se desvaneció cuando se encontró atrapada en un escándalo. Nadie le creyó. Ni sus amigos ni su novio. Se quedó completamente sola con el niño que crecía dentro de ella. Entonces, dejó la ciudad, con la vida creciente en su vientre. Con un pequeño demonio-ángel creciente que le daba fuerzas para sobrevivir en este mundo sin sentido, para convertirse en algo de lo que todavía no estaba segura. PD. Esta es una obra original, no una traducción. Y la portada me pertenece. (Encargada a: GiselArts). Únete al servidor de discord del autor: https://discord.gg/88C4VZD O conéctate en Instagram: author_scarlet_shine ```

Im Sun-Sternenreich gab es drei Worte, um Scarlet Su zu beschreiben: nutzlos, Abschaum und dumm. Doch eines Tages änderte sich Scarlet Su's Sternkonto von dem Benutzernamen "Die Braut des Mecha-Königs" zu "Der Mecha-König ist scheiße". Plötzlich fragten sich alle, was für ein neues, aufmerksamkeitsheischendes Spiel sie da spielte. Als eine junge Frau auf einer von Zombies verseuchten Erde stirbt, taucht sie in eine Tür ein, die in eine wunderbare neue Welt führen sollte, doch stattdessen erwacht sie auf einer interstellaren Welt im Körper von Scarlet Su, der ungewollten Ehefrau des Lieblingsgenerals und Mecha-Königs des Reiches. Sie wird sofort Mutter des Sohnes des Generals und Miteigentümerin eines unerschlossenen Müllplaneten. Glücklicherweise ist sie mit ihrem Lagerraum, Millionen von Vorräten und der Bereitschaft, hart zu arbeiten, ausgewandert. Leider wird sie dazu gebracht, in dieser interstellaren Welt als Sensenmann zu arbeiten. Jede Woche muss sie Seelen in die Unterwelt bringen, sonst riskiert sie, ihre neu gewonnene mentale Stärke zu verlieren und wieder die alte, schwache und nutzlose Scarlet zu werden. Sie wurde von Scarlet, der Nutzlosen, zu Scarlet, der Erstaunlichen, und plötzlich rief ihr Mann an, der sie verzweifelt bat, seine Liebe anzunehmen. Sie sagte: "Sprich zuerst mit deinem Sohn, er ist derjenige, der einen Vater sucht." Aber sein Sohn sagte: "Wenn du mein Vater sein willst, reihe dich dort drüben in die Reihe der Bewerber ein und trage deine Daten ein." Excerpt: "Der verlorene Ehemann kehrt also nach all der Zeit zurück, und ich dachte schon, du seist tot", sagte sie sarkastisch. "Hüte deine Zunge, Scarlet, ich bin immer noch dein Mann." Scarlet lachte und verschränkte die Arme: "Du bist dir also bewusst, dass du ein Ehemann bist, wie soll ich jetzt reagieren, da du dich entschieden hast, den Titel anzunehmen, den du vor ein paar Monaten so leicht ablegen wolltest. Soll ich in die Hände klatschen und mich dann ausziehen und dich anflehen, mich zu schänden?", rollte sie mit den Augen und spottete über ihn. Sie sah, wie ihr Mann langsam auf sie zuging, mit einem konzentrierten, wütenden Blick in seinen Augen, und sie fragte sich, ob sie ihn zu weit getrieben hatte. "Du hast es gewagt, mir Scheidungspapiere zu schicken, Scarlet, hast du deinen verdammten Verstand verloren?" 'Nein', dachte sie, 'im Gegenteil, du hast deinen verloren. Das Titelbild ist nicht von mir und kann auf Wunsch des Besitzers entfernt werden.

Scarlet is suddenly transported to another world, where she finds herself possessing the body of a cruel and despised tyrant queen. And in order to survive in this new world, she must become a good ruler, a loving mother and a sweet, devoted lover. It may sounds easy—but the challenges ahead may be far greater than she expects. ---- This is slow_pace story Reverse Harem

A young Foxkin girl named Lily was once saved from bandits by a girl and fell in love with her. Seven years later, the Night Kingdom near the forest where Lily lives was attacked and taken over by the Scarlet Empire. Three years later, Lily stumbles upon a poster announcing the imminent execution of the kingdom's youngest princess, Rose of Night Recognizing her first love, the girl who saved her life when she was young, in the princess's image, she decides to do whatever it takes to save her. Using magic, she disguises herself as a human and infiltrates the kingdom. (The Beastfolk are discriminated against and enslaved in the empire, and the Foxkin are especially hunted because of their powerful magic).

In the vibrant world of a high school singing club, shy and introverted Thesika finds herself falling for Alex, the school’s star performer and her charismatic senior. While Alex's voice captivates audiences, it's his kind smile and unassuming charm that steal Thesika's heart. Caught in the whirlwind of her one-sided love, Thesika struggles to balance her emotions, dreams, and the fear of rejection. As the singing club prepares for its biggest performance yet, Thesika's quiet admiration for Alex grows into a melody of courage and self-discovery. Will her silent love remain an unsung tune, or will the music of their shared passion create a harmony neither of them saw coming? “Wings of Heart” is a heartfelt story of longing, courage, and the delicate symphony of unspoken feelings.

"What you do in life, Echoes in Eternity." The System, who goes by the code name, Thirteen, defied the System God in order to give his previous Hosts’ the chance to change their Fates. Unfortunately, he was killed by his Father, the System God, and was sent to the world of Pangea to struggle like the Cannon Fodders that he fought so hard to protect. Armed with his knowledge as a System, Thirteen vowed to change not only his Fate, but the Fate of others whose destinies were tied up with him. In a world torn by power and corruption, a fallen System will bring out a symphony of change, or lead it to its destruction. ---------------- Chapter release schedule: 2 Chapters everyday.

Trillions of years into the future, Earth is gone and the fringes of civilization cling to remnants of what once was. Lead only by the mythologies of the past generations, the future looks bleak until the discovery of a timeless obelisk. The Symphony calls another to the frontiers of space-time, but will this be enough to save an already dying civilization in a universe on its last breath?

In the realm of Teneria, situated on the continent of Erica, three princesses are poised for significant achievements. Runa, designated as the chosen one, wants to restore the kingdom to its former prominence. Scarlet is motivated by retribution, strives to reclaim her lost domain, and seeks vengeance for her people. Jessica, prepared to foster unity across the realm, must adeptly navigate the complex landscape of power dynamics and political maneuvering. Their trajectories converge upon the resurfacing of the Blue Compass, concealed for over four centuries. This compass serves as a navigational instrument leading to the esteemed Nadine Nectar that bestows upon the consumer the ability to attain dominion over all creatures. The unexpected re-emergence of the Blue Compass, a long-lost artifact, disrupts the prevailing peace and incites widespread conflict. Nations that had previously maintained a fragile harmony now find themselves in opposition. The three princesses, each embodying a distinct destiny, emerge at the forefront of this turmoil. As nations unfurl their war banners and issue battle cries, the location of the Nectar becomes known solely to the individual in possession of the Blue Compass. As the princesses undertake a perilous journey to secure the Nectar, they must confront personal adversities, cultivate unexpected alliances, and confront formidable adversaries. However, as they move closer to their objective, they realize that the price of power may exceed their initial expectations. The crucial question remains: will Runa, Scarlet, and Jessica surmount their differences and collaborate to obtain the Nectar, or will their divergent paths lead to the undoing of the Realm? This is Teneria, where the quest for power and the authentic essence of greatness are rigorously examined.

In a world where every soul is born into the symphony of countless whispers—cryptic words from a primordial spirit.Those who decipher the whispers into a single whisper- a metaphor, gain extraordinary power, but at a cost. Faust, burdened with the elusive metaphor "Why", embarks on a perilous journey to uncover its purpose. As the line between power and insanity blurs, Faust must confront the echoes of his choices and the mysteries of a world bound by whispers.

A young woman, Scarlet, in her 20s was sent to complete a task by her superior. While completing a task, an accident occured and she inhaled an unknown substances in her body. Scarlet discovered that the were changes in her body while she was not aware and she gained certain abilities that she's unfamiliar with. Scarlet is trying to get familiar with the abilities and realized it's not easy to do so as she thought. Scarlet encounters many people while she discovered her powers. Some turned to Allies and some turned to Enemies. She found that she's not the only one with abilities and there's organizations of them. Scarlet discover the truth about the unknown substances she 'consumed' and she didn't expect the truth to be what it was. She met someone and her life became more challenging because she was new to that. Will Scarlet complete the challenges she's been given? [WARNING: The following story doesn't have a level up system like any other story but it is a fictional story. It may or may not contain scenes that are inappropriate for the readers. If there's scene that is not fully explored and you want to know what happened to the side character or the event, you can check my works and if the story is not there. You can request me to release the story.]

A player of a famous MMORPG suddenly finds himself in a parallel world, transformed into his game character. There, he encounters a woman falling from the sky, who becomes the catalyst for something far... different.

She gave up her dream of shining on the ballerina stage —for him. She sacrificed her self-respect —for him. She forgot her true identity —for him. But even after all that, she couldn’t compare to the woman who held Ryan’s heart. Arwen Quinn, heiress of prestigious Quinn family, realized too late that no matter what she did, she would never win Ryan’s love. The future that awaited her was a life trapped in endless misery of a loveless marriage. So, decisively, she ends their relationship and walks away. What she didn’t expect was that in breaking free from Ryan, she had opened the door for Aiden to enter her life — a chance that he had been waiting for. Aiden Winslow, an enigmatic CEO isn’t just mysterious —he is determined, and won’t allow to take Arwen away from him again. ____ Excerpt: Aiden narrowed his eyes, “Are you sure about this?” “If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have asked,” Arwen replied coolly. “Stop dawdling. If you’re unwilling, I’ll find someone else who can get the marriage certificates today.” His expression darkened as he pulled her close. “Once offered to me, it’s mine alone.” Unfazed, Arwen asked, “So, do you accept? If yes, we’ll get the certificates now.” “On one condition,” he said. “I don’t do contract marriages. The woman I marry will be the woman I share my bed with. If you agree, then we’ll—” “Not a problem. Let’s go,” Arwen said without letting him finish, pulling him into the Civil Marriage Bureau.

When Misha, Hydra, Kleei, and Rien decided to follow their mysterious teacher one fateful day, they never expected to end up as the victims of a tragic accident. But instead of death, they woke up in a strange new world... as five-year-old children at that!

In quantum physics, we believe in infinite possibilities, like an endless symphony; every choice, every moment, brings endless probabilities into one reality, while others ripple unseen. It’s a cosmic dance, where existence itself is both at infinity but fleeting, shaped by observation and intent. But what if one holds the power to shape the possibilities? In a world where the rare possess extraordinary abilities, one man emerges from the shadows of a catastrophic experiment—without a past, without a name, and without limits. Waking in an alternate Earth eerily similar yet disturbingly different from his own, he finds himself hunted by governments and corporations desperate to control his newfound powers. Haunted by flashes of a forgotten life, he discovers skills he shouldn’t have—mastery in combat, an uncanny knack for solving impossible puzzles, and the ability to manipulate reality itself. As he navigates a world of shadowy assassins, rogue agents, and morally ambiguous allies, he unravels the terrifying truth: his abilities are the key to a larger, multiversal conspiracy. With danger lurking at every turn and fragments of his identity slipping into place, he must decide—will he fight for the freedom of a fractured world or become its greatest weapon? "Echoes of the Unknown"—where memory is a weapon and reality is a lie.

When tragedy strikes, Elena's life is forever changed. A car accident, a devastating diagnosis, and a web of deceit threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. But then she meets Jamil, a charming billionaire with secrets of his own. As they navigate a contract marriage, hidden agendas, and unexpected passion, Elena must confront the darkness of her past and the truth about Jamil's family. Will their love be enough to overcome the secrets that could tear them apart?"

Scarlet was enrolled in the Villainess Academy to learn how the world of evil truly operates. She possessed hearts so pure and innocent that were often considered naive, easily believing whatever she was told, which made her seem foolish in the eyes of others. A girl with no mana, no aura, cannot summon a spirit, or execute a magic. Her parents, worried that her innocence and inability to survive in the world would be her downfall, they enrolled her in the Villainess Academy, hoping they would learn the harsh realities of the world and toughen up. In the academy where she was bullied and belittle, Scarlet met someone who would protect her. But this person is hiding in shadow

Born a mortal and twice reborn, Zhen Yang was once the infamous Abyssal Emperor—a being of unparalleled power who brought realms to their knees. In his first life, he was an ordinary student, kind-hearted and selfless, who met a tragic end. But his second life turned him into a ruthless ruler, mastering forbidden arts and losing every shred of humanity to ascend as a demonic overlord.Now, in his third life, Zhen Yang is reborn as the overlooked third son of a powerful family, shunned and underestimated by all. Though he starts with a fragile body and no cultivation foundation, echoes of his past lives awaken when he unearths an ancient artifact. With newfound determination, he embraces his past as both mortal and monster, vowing to reclaim his throne and surpass the limits that once confined him.In a world of treachery and ambition, Zhen Yang must navigate brutal family rivalries, sinister sects, and celestial foes, all while unraveling the mysteries of his dual existence. As shadows rise and blood flows, he forges his own path—one carved by manipulation, vengeance, and unrelenting power.

Hello, I'm Ken, and I'm graduating high School soon. Don't get too excited, though. My life's been a masterpiece of mediocrity, a symphony of sameness. If you're looking for a gripping tale of adventure, you've come to the wrong place. Consider yourself warned: Prepare for a story so boring, it could cure insomnia. OR IS IT?

Ethan Drake, a hardened investigator, is drawn into a chilling conspiracy when Gwen Alderidge hires him to probe her grandfather Victor’s suspicious death. Victor, a composer, left behind an unfinished symphony encoded with secrets that could expose Chicago’s most powerful. As Ethan delves deeper, he discovers Clara, a traumatized witness whose fragmented memories hold the key to the mystery—and to survival. Together, they must unlock the symphony’s deadly secrets before they become its final notes. ____ Novel Tag Categories and Tags Thriller Noir Mystery Psychological Suspense Crime Drama Speculative Fiction

In her previous life, Winters Sutherland, Lord Wolfswoman fell in love with a soft-hearted male serpent Chris Capet, she thought she was saved, but she didn't realise that the serpent was a sinful demon, Winters Sutherland fell into a deeper abyss, she suffered betrayal, assassination. Eventually dying a miserable death in remorse. Reborn in a new life, she returned with hatred, stepping on thorns and smelling blood, she harboured a strong desire to exterminate the gods, and worked hard to cultivate her arts in the game of court power, to become the supreme archdemon who unified the world of the wolf and beasts, and along the way, still fell in love with Chris Carpe, an elusive snake charmer.

A certain soul suffered through millenniums. A certain fate accumulated from past lives. A certain destiny given by the echoes of the behind. A certain mission from a fallen god. What is the Hollow that has been eating the world? Will this be the final world? Will this be the final stigma the gods left behind? The answer... lies within a young boy, carrying the world's burden, but the resolve of his is infinite. Luciel, his name wishes him to become the light of the world, has to become an act of the heavens itself. His past unknown but his life mission lives on. Save the world with his scarlet flame.

The first anniversary of Alexander Rhea’s death should have brought closure, but for investigative reporter Ava Harris, it only deepens the nightmare. A year ago, she thought she had left behind the haunting, manipulative tycoon and bestselling author—but when she picks up his diary on the anniversary of his death, she’s faced with a chilling discovery: a new entry, written in fresh ink. “To be continued.” The words send a jolt of terror through Ava, for she knows one undeniable truth: Alexander Rhea has been dead for a year. Or so she thought. As the memory of their disturbing interview resurfaces, Ava realizes she’s been tangled in a web of lies, power, and dark obsession. Three years ago, she entered Rhea’s mansion to conduct an exclusive interview, expecting the usual. Instead, she was thrust into a twisted psychological game that pushed her to the edge of sanity. Now, as she revisits the haunting moments of that encounter, Ava uncovers a series of chilling murders—each marked by a cryptic whisper of “Goodnight.” The closer Ava gets to the truth, the more she feels the unshakable presence of Rhea looming over her. Is he truly gone, or is he manipulating her from beyond the grave? As her investigation unravels, the line between the living and the dead begins to blur, and Ava is forced to confront a terrifying question: What if Alexander Rhea never really died?

In the sleepy town of Raven's Peak, 17-year-old Golderine Scarlet Grande lives a life shrouded in mystery and superstition. Orphaned as a child, Golderine's birth was marked by tragedy when a lightning strike killed her father, and her mother died soon after. The townspeople, convinced that Golderine is cursed, have ostracized her, referring to her by her middle name, Scarlet. Aunt Mariam Redmond , Golderine's mother's sister, has been her sole caregiver since her parents' death. Despite the community's hostility, Aunt Mariam has provided a loving and supportive environment for Golderine. However, Golderine's exceptional beauty and academic prowess have only intensified the townspeople's resentment. As Golderine navigates her isolated life, she begins to notice strange occurrences surrounding her aunt. Aunt Mariam appears ageless, and her financial resources seem limitless. Moreover, Golderine has observed mysterious individuals following her , sparking her curiosity. The arrival of three enigmatic new students at school sets off a chain reaction of events that will upend Golderine's life forever. As she becomes embroiled in their secrets, Golderine discovers a shocking truth: she is the last living heir of an ancient pure royal bloodline, chosen by both Nature and the Moon to wield extraordinary powers. As the Goddess of Nature and the Goddess of the Moon, Golderine possesses the ability to control the forces of nature, manipulate the ancient blooms, and unlock the secrets of the moonflowers. With this newfound knowledge, Golderine must navigate her destiny and confront the darkness that has haunted her family for generations.

Tis fate that decided it shall happen. Tis the code that pulls the stings. Her majesty wishes for nothing more than to see it rain blood. Both of the innocent and of the sinner. Tis the first among The Observers' Project.

DO ADD "Llaellen's Updates" BOOK IN YOUR LIBRARY TO GET THE LATEST UPDATES ABOUT MY PLANS FROM HERE ON OUT She runaway, runaway from the betrayal of those she trusted the most. Two years later, Amethyst Evans had settled but nothing changed. She was still being chased by her nightmarish past that keeps her health declining every time the end of the year would come. What was the purpose of running away then? If she can't leave the clutches of their betrayal? "Don't throw your life so easily when others are trying to hold on to theirs but couldn't stop the fact that they are losing it." Just as she had decided to let go, these words were like a curse that made her stay alive for another few years. Five years later, with a twist of fate she ended up becoming the assistant of her sickly neighbor, Scarlet Miller, in her path to creating her final project in this life. It was not her intention to get close to them or to find out that it was her Scarlet's brother, Slate Miller, who left her those words of curse back then. In the end, she was pulled along and by the time she realized it, she was healing. Her nightmares and her trauma, all are slowly dissipating. But will it continue this way? Or will another nightmare come to her? ***** Do read my other stories: SHE'S THAT KNIGHT KNOWN AS ZERO (COMPLETED) VENGEANCE TO THE ROYAL ONES (COMPLETED) COMING FOR THE LAST FOURTEENTH (COMPLETED) VERACITY OF THE PAST (COMPLETED) REBIRTH: STUBBORNLY FULFILLING A PROMISE (COMPLETED) LEFT BEHIND BY TIME (COMPLETED) CHAINS LIFTED: HER SECOND ACT (ONGOING) LLAELLEN'S UPDATES (NEVER ENDING) Some places are taken from real places. Some were just imagined. ^_^ Author's Note: Cover photo created by my younger sister... ^_^

The reality of the people in Japan drastically changed as the new goverment took over. The country was getting isolated from the rest of the world and new generations now believed that Japan is ultimate and that no other landmass exists.. Can Atham uncover the secrets of the selfproclaimed "new world" or will he Fall into despair while searching for the truth?... and who is this stranger that seemed all so familiar? stay tuned

Virtual reality "Virsal" is not just a game, but a world where dreams become reality, and reality disappears behind the avatar. Rick, an ordinary student, quiet and inconspicuous in real life, turns into Scarlet in the game — a charismatic and confident warrior. This image helps him manipulate people, hiding his true identity, but every day Rick loses more and more touch with himself. Sato is the heir to a large corporation and in real life, the leader they used to listen to. However, even he does not suspect that Rick is hiding behind Scarlett's image. A dangerous game is unfolding between them, where virtual battles become the backdrop for personal struggle, intrigue and deception. When "Virsal" is facing a crisis, and changes in game mechanics threaten the usual way of life, Rick has to decide who he wants to be: himself or the image he created. Gradually, he realizes that the game has long gone beyond the virtual world, affecting his real relationships, dreams and personality.