Faction Synonym

At Ironclad Academy, where strength and skill determine one’s fate, Kade is just another nameless student, fighting to survive in a world ruled by elites. After a brutal match against a prodigy leaves him battered but unbroken, Kade begins to sense something unusual lurking within him—a connection to a forgotten legacy shrouded in darkness. As rival factions rise and ancient forces resurface, Kade must confront his hidden past and claim his destiny as the heir of shadows, or risk being consumed

In a world shattered by war and greed, the Star Shards—fragments of ancient cosmic beasts—hold unimaginable power. These powerful relics, scattered across the land, have turned the world into a battleground where factions fight for control, and those who wield the shards are either revered as gods or feared as monsters. Ash is just a wandering survivor, uninterested in the power struggles of the world around him. His life is simple—travel from one place to another, avoiding conflict, and keeping his distance from the chaos caused by the shards. But everything changes when he stumbles upon an ancient ruin and discovers a Star Shard, a glowing crystal buried deep within the earth. When Ash touches the shard, its power fuses with his body, granting him abilities beyond comprehension. But with the power comes a dangerous price: the voice of the Star Beast within the shard whispers constantly, tempting him to embrace the strength it offers—and the madness that comes with it. Torn between the desire for power and the need to keep his sanity, Ash is thrust into a war far bigger than he could ever imagine. As factions hunt him down, each hoping to control the shard’s power, Ash must learn to wield it without losing himself to its influence. Along the way, he uncovers ancient secrets about the Star Beasts, the catastrophic Shattering that destroyed them, and the truth behind the shards that still linger in the world. Now, Ash must decide whether to let the shard consume him or to fight against the growing darkness inside, all while battling the forces that seek to use him as a pawn in their own quest for power. The fate of the world and the cosmic forces at play are in his hands, and his choices will determine the future of the broken world he calls home.

When Alex, a world-class engineer from Earth, dies in a mysterious explosion at his lab, he awakens in a vibrant, magic-filled world—only to discover he has been granted a unique "System" that merges Earth’s scientific principles with this new realm’s arcane energy. The catch? He’s been dropped into a desolate kingdom on the brink of collapse. Using the "Technomagic Constructor System", Alex can analyze and reverse-engineer magical items, combining them with Earth's technology to create groundbreaking innovations. His mission: to rebuild the kingdom into the most advanced civilization the world has ever seen, while navigating treacherous politics, warring factions, and enigmatic beings who view his growing power as a threat.

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?

Five millennia after humanity’s mysterious fall, Earth is a fractured battleground shaped by Qi, mana, chakra, nen, and otherworldly powers. Amid the ruins of forgotten empires, Survival hinges on strength, resilience, and unyielding determination. Ren Takamura, a high schooler from a forgotten era, awakens in the body of a Xenos—an extinct alien race that channels Xen Ki, a power fueled by unyielding mental clarity and focus. Thrust into this treacherous world, Ren embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind humanity’s destruction and find his path in a realm where alliances crumble, and rival alien factions vie for supremacy. As Ren unravels the secrets of his rebirth, his actions ripple through the fractured land, challenging the balance of power and igniting a fight for the fate of Earth itself.

Kriel, a forgotten outcast in a harsh and unforgiving world, was never meant to survive let alone thrive. Marked by a system that grants extraordinary powers to the worthy, he is declared an anomaly, something that shouldn't exist. Veilborn warriors, Mark Kings, and Ascendant Monarchs alike unite in their hatred of him, branding him as the public enemy of all. But Kriel has no intention of bending to anyone’s will. He embraces the forbidden Void, a force outside the system's control. As he delves deeper into its chaotic depths, he transforms into something entirely new neither bound by the system nor consumed by the Void. A Chaosborn. Armed with his newfound power, Kriel begins a relentless journey to free himself from the chains of destiny, shattering every law, faction, and power that dares to stand in his way. In a world where strength dictates survival, he will carve his name into existence as the harbinger of chaos. His ultimate goal? To transcend the very forces that shaped the world—and rewrite it on his terms.

The Supernatural era descended, the rules changed, mystery arrived, and the world altered. Countless ruins of civilization emerged, and an abundance of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures lay at everyone's fingertips. Radical faction, "This is the best of times, entering a new world, excavating relics, mass evolution!" Conservative, "This is the worst of times, with countless monsters outside, once you leave the Safe Zone, extinction awaits humanity!" … Meanwhile, at a remote ruin, Lu Yuan successfully discovered new treasures and sought after the mysterious wealth, desperately trying to contact his fellow Earthlings. "Found a communicator, can it get through?" "Hey, humans—I'm almost becoming a god, and you're still hiding in the Safe Zone?" …… (Original title: "A Thousand Years Ahead of Humanity") (Also known as "Picking Up Trash in the New World," "Even Wealthier Than All Humans," "One Person Is a Civilization," "Please Call Me the Human Pioneer," "I Am the Strongest Pioneer," and more!)

In Forge of Fate, Kalem, a young blacksmith with a unique gift for forging perfectly balanced weapons, discovers a legendary material that draws the attention of powerful forces across a fractured world. As ancient races like Elves, Dwarves, and Humans vie for control of magical resources and hidden secrets, Kalem finds himself at the center of a brewing conflict. His obsession with rare materials and his newfound discovery could either forge peace or ignite a war. With rival factions closing in, Kalem’s craftsmanship will shape the fate of the world—whether for good or ill.

In a world where magic thrives and mythical beasts lurk in the shadows, Tohgi Akura is born into the unforgiving southern district of Vandekar, a lawless land ruled by bandits and plagued by poverty. Despite his humble beginnings, Tohgi harbors an audacious dream: to achieve that dream he must become a Knight, a title synonymous with honor, power, and nobility. His raw talent rivals the elite, but his lack of noble heritage leaves him scorned by the privileged. Yet, Tohgi’s unwavering determination and resilience catch the attention of influential figures who see potential in the unrefined boy. With their assistance, Tohgi rises through the ranks, challenging a society built to keep people like him in the dirt. But ambition has its price. As Tohgi carves his path toward greatness, his defiance against the status quo ignites conflicts that spiral into devastating wars. In his quest to protect those he loves and what he stands for, Tohgi must grapple with the weight of his choices and the sacrifices demanded by his legacy. Will Tohgi Akura go down in history as a hero, a tyrant or just another man. His story is one of ambition, loyalty, and the unrelenting cost of dreams. Do not hesitate to comment your thoughts at any point in the story, it would bring me great joy to be able to interact with readers of my work. I hope to see you on the other side. PS: Bold text indicates the use of magic, parenthesis () indicates thought. Thank you! Enjoy! :)

Once hailed as the greatest adventurer, you vanquished the world’s ultimate evil and stood at the pinnacle of glory. Yet, without a greater challenge, life felt hollow. Upon returning to the orphanage that once nurtured you, you found it in shambles, on the brink of destruction. Determined to give the next generation a chance you almost never had, you chose a new path—not one of battle, but of guidance and legacy. The orphanage you saved didn’t just survive—it became the foundation for the Elysium Academy, a beacon of hope that groomed the next generation of leaders, adventurers, and scholars. Along the way, you faced countless trials: rival factions, political schemes, and even the doubts of the very children you swore to help. But through patience, resilience, and selfless action, you earned their trust and inspired a movement that reshaped the world.

In his previous life, Akira was an ordinary college student. After dying in an accident, he awakens in another world as a vampire—a creature of immense power and endless hunger. However, his new identity comes with a twist: a mysterious system grants him the ability to summon and command an army of shadowy creatures. Now reborn as "Draven Nightshade," a fledgling vampire, he must navigate a world filled with kingdoms, dungeons, and deadly rival factions. Draven soon discovers that his newfound power comes with a price: the wrath of the gods who despise his kind. With enemies lurking in every corner, Draven sets out to conquer his foes, build an empire, and uncover the truth behind his reincarnation. But can a lone vampire defy fate and rise to the top, or will the forces of light snuff out his dark ambitions?

Cesaga introduces a vast, cosmic setting where various alien races coexist. Among them are the Celestrias, beings of light and power, and the Darkseed, a malevolent force seeking to dominate the galaxy. A cataclysmic war erupts between the Celestrias and the Puaka, a powerful Darkseed faction. The Celestrias, led by King Awan, emerge victorious but at a great cost. The war's aftermath leaves a scarred Earth and a weakened Celestrias empire. As the galaxy teeters on the brink of further conflict, a new mission is entrusted to a select group of elite warriors, the Kshatriyas. Their task is to hunt down the remaining Puaka and their elusive leader, Blackcurst, ensuring the safety of the galaxy. This perilous journey will test their limits and challenge their very existence.

Danish was reincarnated as Sultan Selim III of the Ottoman Empire. Regardless, when most significant event during that time were focused on european theater, this time we delve into another perspective as Ottoman empire right now faces several problems. From the efforts of modernizing the army through New Order or Nizam I-Cedid initiative, the conflict in the balkans, and the political conflicts from the Janissary factions itself. Armed with knowledge from his former life, Danish seeks to restore the empire to its former golden age—or surpass it. But can he overcome the empire's internal strife and foreign interference to reshape its destiny?

WSA 25 ENTRY ******** The world I knew was ordinary or at least bearable—until it wasn’t. I was just another corporate drone, drowning in a dead-end job I hated, stuck in a life that felt like it would never change. That is, until the mages decided to pick me. Every ten years, the mages choose ten people from across the faction—ordinary people like me—and thrust them into the Beast Games, a sadistic contest where only the strongest survive. The rules are simple: tame the fiercest creatures that world has to offer, fight to the death, and outlast every other contestant. Fail, and you die. Succeed, and you get to return home. But nothing there was as simple as it seemed. Thrown into a land where beasts rip through flesh without hesitation, and other contestants see me as nothing more than prey, I’m forced to rely on a mysterious system that offers me quests and tasks to survive. This world doesn’t play by any rules, least of all the ones we know. I will survive and I will find the ones who made this game and when I find them, I’ll show them what happens when you mess with someone who has nothing left to lose.

We were a peaceful people living in harmony with nature in the vast lands of Lyréanor. This world, if I had to sum it up in a few short sentences, was peaceful, joyful and painless, but this peace didn't last and has been cut short ever since our people were defeated by the black elves, ancient peoples, even more ancient than this world. It is said that they arrived in Lyréanor by boat and since their arrival, chaos has been unleashed. Proud of their obscure power, drawn from dark rituals, they have raised gigantic armies of monsters whose name is synonymous with terror: "Obscurus". They went on the rampage, and everywhere they went the grass didn't grow back, life died and disintegrated. Seven, there were seven of them. The seven dark elves known as the Lords of the Apocalypse. A single gesture from them was enough to strike us all down, a single gesture from one of them was enough to decimate us in blood and terror. We retreated to the last of our strongholds, once known as Fotiya (the last rampart), where our final battle would take place, where our story was to end, help arrived. A call, a voice resonated within each of us, calling us. We then discovered, inside our last bastion, a passage, a hidden door, built by our ancestors and forgotten by all for a long time. However, our hopes were quickly dashed... Until one day : [*Ding* System Activation]

Erevas is a world in the twilight of its dying sun, balancing on the cusp of industrial revolution and mystical upheaval. While technology and industry reshape its cities and nations, the Veil’s influence threatens to unravel the fragile order. Beneath the surface of societal progress lies a hidden, supernatural world, policed by secretive Orthodox churches and powerful governments. In this world shrouded by the dying light of a crimson sun, aspiring detective Elias Thorne stumbles upon a gruesome ritual that tears the Veil. Bound to an ancient artifact that grants him a dangerous connection to the Veil, Elias is thrust into a hidden world of corrupt magic, secretive churches, and mystical factions vying for control.

In a world ruled by gods and split into factions, Eirian walks the line between destiny and rebellion. Born with a flaw that severs him from divine control, he straddles the power-driven Væstren Kall and the untamed Azhmarak. But whispers speak of a hidden faction—the Askarï. As his forgotten past unravels, Eirian must choose whether to rise or let the world burn beneath the weight of his flaw.

A world full of humanoid animals called Anisarians divided into 12 different habitat nations. Petty squabbles and past rivalries have erupted into all out World War between the nations, forcing all caught in the crossfire to choose a side. In the chaos are five interconnected stories of heroes and villains, mighty rulers, and humble refugees just trying to make it through the turbulent times they now find themselves unable to escape from. Only the strongest shall rule in an age of betrayal, conquest, and atrocities. But in a world turned monstrous. Some will not give in to what instinct demand's them to be in order to survive. Only time and blood will tell who will stand victorious, or rule over nothing but an empire of the fallen. Note: Some chapters may be unfinished. Still a work in progress as I figure out storylines, structure and motivations. Faction Guide: Allied powers: Ocean Monarchy, Forest Federation, Desert Republic, Northern Coalition. Axis powers: South Pole Empire, Deep Sea Confederation, Savannah Sovereignty, Swampland Horde. Neutral/Territory: Volcanic Isles, Jungle Nation, Tropical Tribesmen, Nocturnal Nomads. Mercenary factions: Army Ant Raiders. Fire Ant's. Visual Reference For look and Art style of each faction: https://www.pinterest.com/freedomforclone/_saved/ Character/allegiance/title/species Guide: OCEAN MONARCHY: Shena Veso. Lieutenant. Hybrid Shark. Fereen Vosento. Corporal. Flying Fish. Whelios Whelorum. Retired. Octopus. Dregadon Veso. Deceased. Great White. Nora Veso. Widow. Great White Neso: Private/gunner. Tiger Vesa: Private/medic. Queen angel fish. Kiros: Sgt. Sea turtle. Argus. Admiral. Sailfish. Koa. Prime Minister. Sea otter. SOUTH POLE EMPIRE: Veadora. Empress. Albatross. Ryana. Princess. Albatross. Aravos. Exiled Prince/Warden. Albatross. Garotan. Varangian Guard. Polar Bear. Nea. Servant. White Seal. JUNGLE NATION: Naru. Hunter. Orb Weaver Spider. Esiva. Seamstress. Orb Weaver Spider Nadia. Archer. Orb Weaver Spider. Naya. Weaver. Orb Weaver Spider. SAVANNA SOVEREIGNTY: Ryo Sen Serasi: Janissary. King Cobra. Chai'ra. Janissary Apprentice. Cheetah. Kenno. Commander. Crocodile. Darg. Sgt. Warthog. NORTHERN COALITION: Boreca. Queen. Snow Leopard. FACTION FLAGS/SYMBOLS South Pole Empire: White winged Diamond, light blue background. Ocean Monarchy: Three golden Scallop Shells. Sea blue background. Savanna Sovereignty: Golden scarab in center of golden sun, black background. Volcano Islanders: Five different flame's one atop the other representing four different clans. Red, orange, black, blue and white. Yellow background. Tropical tribesmen: Pink waterlily amidst light green background. Nocturnal Nomads: White crescent moon, white star at center. Black background. North Pole Coalition: White Snowflake amidst grey background. Forest Federation: Five light brown interwoven branches representing five different federation states united as one. Forest Green Background. Swampland Horde: Ring of tan teeth, representing ancestors of death to honor in life. Murky green background. Deep Sea Confederation. Conjoined purple lightning bolt striking downward like jellyfish tendrils. Solid black background to represent darkness of the depths. Jungle Nation: Light Green Hexagonal jade ore stone. Dark green background. Desert Republic: ? Garotan the great army of the fist. Iron grey fist set between black and dark green background. Kashan the outlaw prince army of the claw. Blood red claw marks amid bright green background. Army Ant Raiders: White Ant skull amid blood red tattered flag.

The world is filled with hatred and murderers. Families torn apart and destroyed. Only those with the same ideals or loyalty to one another stick together. Many factions spread across the world, with the leading faction reining over others, Goat. Ghouls and humans, either split or bounded together by bonds. Goat exists only for peace amongst all. However, there are people who announce that death will only be able to rule the world. This story follows the path of a lone wanderer, hunting and feasting on prey that seek to hurt him. That is until he meets her, "The Mastermind". His true savior, bringing him towards the light and showing that there is more than just hate and dread. A real family. Character inspired by Jungle Juice. Novel inspired by Goat [Ro-Ghoul] and Tokyo Ghoul.

In the tides of struggle and power, who can reach the ultimate? In a world of factions and species, who can attain power? In a land whose past is obscured by the naivety of the present, who can uncover the hidden? Karl lives in a world of species and evolution, his path thrust upon him without his consent. Cannons, rifles, shard armor, legions, knight cities, and hive cities. Injections, grace, blood, evil, and ruinous gods... The world has forgotten a soul. A soul whose coming is unpredictable but sure like the mist. Karl has awoken, and what path will he leave behind? Would it be the same?... Like before? This is the story of the "Son of the fallen empire" or is it the living error? Or perhaps...The reaper!

[WARNING:18+ SCENES AHEAD] “In a world I have forsaken, you are my salvation…” Deep within the shadows of a forgotten cave lies Alaric, the most feared and powerful immortal the world has ever known—imprisoned for thousands of years. His name, long buried in the whispers of the supernatural, was synonymous with terror, a creature so ruthless he was thought to be nothing but a myth. Until now. Eric, a newly turned vampire with a thirst for survival, stumbles into the cave seeking refuge from the sun, he unwittingly awakens the ancient beast. As Eric’s blood spills onto an ancient symbol, the cave's walls ignite with eerie light, and Alaric emerges from his long slumber. The supernatural world reels in shock as the once-mythical-legendary creature returns, ravenous and unstoppable, hungering for both human flesh and dominion over all supernatural beings. Yet amidst the chaos and destruction, an unexpected twist unfolds: Alaric realizes that Eric is the reincarnation of Killian—his long-lost best friend, a soul he yearned for, more than a century and thought he'd never see again. Though Alaric is merciless and cruel, he finds himself drawn to Eric, confused by a mixture of hatred, obsession, and the remnants of a once unbreakable bond. As the world watches in horror, Alaric’s twisted infatuation with the young powerful vampire threatens to upset the delicate balance of power in the supernatural realm. With his hunger for destruction clashing with an unspoken longing for Eric, Alaric must confront his dark desires while navigating the complex emotions of their reincarnated connection. In this gripping tale of supernatural might, forbidden love, and dark desires, alliances are tested, and boundaries are shattered. Will Alaric's awakening spell doom for the world, or will the resurfaced bond with Eric—his reincarnated best friend—change the course of destiny for both supernatural and human alike?

Heartbroken, drunk and a feeling that life has thrown enough at him already, Marcell finds his way by accient into a murder scene where he finds a man stabbed and almost dying. Trying to lend help, he is sent by accident to another world with the victim, who was chosen to be the hero on this new world of fantasy. What about him? That is for him to figure out. Sent to a land of magic torn by a war between different factions, Marcell must now find his own means to survive where is kill or be killed. For this, he will have to find how to grow in power, and find unlikely allies while trying to figure out how to work with the Ad Infinitum System, but with a caveat. Now, where is the hero and who is he meant to be helping?

" Be careful with what you wish for. " In a modern world with: cultists sacrificing lives, vampire's factions waging war against each others, werewolfs fighting the coruption, demons building their religion, fairies attending court and humans hunting everything. Unbeknownst to the rest, their lives are peaceful. Frederique being a bullied girl for being plump, was tired of her life. She wished to change. But WHO answer her prayer and what is the PRICE.

Elara Thorne, a compassionate healer with a mysterious crescent moon birthmark, has always lived a quiet life in her village until she rescues Lucian, a wounded vampire prince, from a deadly ambush. Lucian reveals a shocking truth: Elara is the prophesied Moonbearer, destined to unite humans and vampires and restore balance to a divided world. Pursued by the king’s hunters and rogue vampire factions, Elara must uncover the secrets of her mark and awaken her hidden powers at the ancient Lunar Veil. As she trains, a forbidden bond grows between her and Lucian, threatening to complicate her already perilous path. Faced with betrayal, dark truths, and rising enemies, Elara must decide whether to embrace her destiny and risk everything for peace or let fear consume her. "Veins of Desire" is a tale of love, courage, and the power of choice in the face of destiny.

Born into the Thornhill family, Eliana should have been dealing with succession planning and heiress training. But instead, she’s dealing with the crocodile tears of her cousin Alexa. As if stealing her Fiancé wasn’t enough, she’s out to pin everything onto Eliana. Trust issues - Eliana. Popularity issues - Eliana. Landslide - Must be Eliana. In an attempt to end her cousin’s jealousy-ridden machinations, Eliana is forced into a relationship with a childhood disaster, Lucian Alder Sinclair, her most tempting nightmare. Lucian Sinclair has always been synonymous with perfection, at least to most people. But to his family, finding someone who could handle his aloofness has been the top priority. Forced to return to his home country at the behest of his grandfather, Lucian fortunately encounters Eliana who’s in need of a ready-made partner. Constantly up at each other's throats, then into each other’s arms, may the lies they’ve told hold up against discerning family members and unrelenting pursuers.

After a sudden and inexplicable transmigration, Maximus finds himself in a fantasy world where extraordinary power exists. But he is not without his advantages; he possesses a system that grants him the ability to become stronger as he takes on wives and birthed children. Determined to conquer this new world, Maximus uses his cheat to gather wives and birth children, building up his power and influence. As he gains more allies and resources, he sets his sights on the ultimate prize: ruling the world and surpassing even gods. However, the road to conquest is not an easy one. He must contend with powerful factions, rival conquerors, and unexpected challenges as he builds his ideal empire. But with his cunning mind, he is determined to succeed and become the greatest conqueror the world has ever seen.

In a world unraveling at the seams, twin sisters Mia and Zoe must navigate the chaos of an impending apocalypse marked by relentless natural disasters, ravenous zombies, and dark secrets. As Mia discovers her hidden powers and prophetic visions, she becomes a beacon of hope, determined to protect the innocent. But Zoe, the fierce protector, is willing to embrace darkness to keep her sister safe, leading to dangerous decisions that threaten their bond. When a charismatic leader, Caleb, enters their lives, Mia finds herself torn between love and loyalty, while Zoe’s protective instincts push her further into a ruthless world of survival. As they face off against rival factions and a powerful enemy bent on capturing Mia, the twins must confront their conflicting ideologies about morality, sacrifice, and the meaning of family. In a race against time, will they save each other—and humanity—or will their choices lead to their undoing?

After the cataclysmic event known as The Burning centuries ago. The world remains scarred , with empires clawing for power and humanity struggling under the weight of violence and corruption. Amidst the chaos, six secretive Sicarii organizations wield god-like powers, manipulating the world from the shadows. Taizen Silver, a young Sicarii from a rare bloodline, finds himself entangled in the dark politics of these ruthless factions. As he navigates a world of deception and ancient rivalries, he uncovers secrets about his lineage that are woven into the fabric of the organizations themselves. With enemies around every corner, Taizen must harness his powers and fight to protect those he loves, all while preventing history from repeating itself and plunging the world back into darkness. In a place where trust is scarce and power is everything, Taizen’s journey may decide the fate of humanity itself.

Over 100,000 years ago, Earth was destroyed in a cataclysmic event known as the Stellar Severance. The collapse of an entire sector of reality tore open fractures across the galaxy, unleashing a mysterious energy called Aether that reshaped the evolution of all life it touched. Stars dimmed, civilizations crumbled, and factions emerged from the chaos, each vying for control of the galaxy’s remaining colonies and resources. In this transformed world, Samuel Solis—heir to the noble House of Solis—discovers that his genes have mutated in ways no one anticipated, granting him rare, mystic abilities. As Samuel learns to wield the strange power of Aether, he is drawn into a cosmic struggle where the future of his house and his own survival hang in the balance.

An elite professional gamer, known for dominating the most challenging VR MMORPGs, meets an untimely death during a world championship match. Instead of passing on, he finds himself reincarnated inside his favourite game, Chrono-Realm, as a low-level NPC—a seemingly insignificant Base Keeper stationed in a rundown village. But there’s a twist: this is no ordinary game world, and his knowledge of the game mechanics gives him an unprecedented advantage. As the Base Keeper, he must navigate this brutal world of quests, rival factions, and ancient forces while uncovering hidden truths about the world’s connection to his past life. Little does he know, his role in this game is far more important than he ever imagined.