Guilty Gear Briget

[WSA 2025 ENTRY] [Reminder: Yuri, GL, Yandere, No NSFW, Only Wholesome Romance, Toxic Heroines, Slow Paced, Slow Romance, Slow Burn, Slow Harem.] "Damn it, why the hell am I the Villainess?" Petra, a human resources manager, just went through a painfully dumb breakup. To cope? She did what any sane woman would. Binge-read a guilty pleasure romance and smut novel series from her teenage years, only to realize that the heroines have brain-cell-deficiency. One way led to another, she wakes up as Verena D’Auvergne—an extra who turned out to be the ultimate villainess of the whole series after an incident. The very woman who stole all the love interests and died trying! "Forget the male leads, I have to make the heroines forgive me!" Can she, the ultimate villainess, capture the forgiveness of the very women she was meant to destroy? Or will the cursed System, and fate itself, force her to chase after love? _____________________ [Discord Server: https://discord.gg/aKkmfPUvCq] _____________________

When the epic of invincible heroes meets the struggles of mortals, every soul is a speck of dust trying to illuminate the times. From the son of a blacksmith, he grows up to become a pawn in the battlefield, holding the fallen leaves of the world tree in the war between elves and humans, only to realize that the gears of fate have long been engraved with the sighs of his predecessors. Under the grand narrative of sword and magic, there is an eternal tug-of-war between desire and faith -- what you hold on to may be annihilated eventually, but the gesture of resistance will eventually turn into a spark in the folds of history.

Avery Asteria was far from having anyone's dream job. Family circumstances had him drop out of school and flying around the expanse of space looking for treasure among the discarded trash in an old ship his father had been restoring. It was far from glamorous work, but it was all he could do to earn the money he needed. He was not the only one looking for fortune among the stars, though. One day a score that looked too good to be true led to a run in with a band of pirates. With some quick wits and a bit of luck, Avery managed to escape the worst, but he ended up missing out on collecting the valuable salvage he had his sights on. Having lost a large chunk of his gear in his flight from the pirates, Avery seemed to be truly at the end of his rope. However, a twist of fate led him to discovering an experimental vessel that had been lost to the far reaches of space. With this new ship in his possession, his prospects were looking up. It had everything and more than what any spacefarer could want. And Avery was going to use it to become the leader of the greatest band of mercenaries in the galaxy.

In a vast world filled with mysteries, where monsters, cultivators, and ancient civilizations vie for supremacy, a young man unlike any other emerges. Ishida Namikaze, raised in the harsh and unknown Divine Continent, spent his life without any exposure to cultivation. Yet, the latent power within his body defies all logic, making him an enigma to those who cross his path. Unaware of the secrets surrounding his origin, Ishida is thrust into the world of Gaya—a place where kingdoms wage war, guilds hunt colossal creatures, and the pursuit of power shapes the fate of the most ambitious. With a pure heart and an insatiable thirst for justice, he walks an uncertain path, slowly uncovering the vastness of the universe around him. But his existence does not go unnoticed. Among unlikely allies and hidden enemies, unseen forces begin to stir, fearing what he might become. Will Ishida be able to find his purpose amidst the gears of a world that never saw him as part of its destiny? Will his name echo as a mere traveler—or as a true ruler of fate?

[extreme pampering] In a massacre, she lost her brother, but she herself survived. To find the guilty party, she approached him, pretending to be his fiancée. Accidentally, her identity was exposed. "Look, I'm sorry. I'm the fake one," she admitted in a cold tone. "It's alright," he smiled and said, "I'll make you my real wife." From then on, she transformed from a destitute heiress into his pampered wife. He helped her seek revenge and allowed her to live a prosperous life... And one day, his subordinate reported to him, "Sir, madam has disappeared!" He thought, how dare you leave me? When she was caught by him, she mischievously smiled and said, "Hey, maybe you've mistaken me for someone else..." But in the end, she was still kept by him, and she would never escape from his world.

A man awakens naked in a savage Stone Age, memory gone, under a blazing sky. A fatal fall heals instantly—strength shatters stone, speed blurs the wild, senses cut through darkness. Who is he? Why here? Alone, he masters a primal world of forests and beasts, unveiling powers: eagle-sharp eyes, wolf-keen ears, a body beyond human. Survive with him—hunt, build, endure—learning raw skills to conquer the wild. But howls hint at more—vampires lurking, werewolves prowling, wizards weaving secrets. This is the Eternal Architect’s rise, a journey through time’s tapestry. Witness history unfold—from fire’s spark to empires’ fall—grasping technological leaps and their science: metallurgy’s heat, machinery’s gears. Fantasy ignites as secret societies emerge, their mysteries clashing with his destiny. Each step teaches you—survival, innovation, the arcane—building not just his legend, but your mastery of ages lost and imagined. Step in; track beasts, forge steel, unravel spells. Survival’s the start—shaping a cosmos is the end.

A high ceiling, adorned with intricate carvings and fanciful decor. A warm golden light passing through stained glass highlighting the beauty of justice and righteous valour- a contrast to the maleficent beings that would often face this light- illuminates the room. Upon a raised dais, there is a displeased king, and by his side, stern-faced nobles and court officials stare down menacingly at the accused. Below these extinguished figures, bounded by chains and covered in grime, was a six-year-old girl. "Ixion Akastos Vespera" "In the presence of our sovereign King and the noble dukes of this great nation, you are summoned to answer for the grave crimes alleged against you. The entire house of Vespera, your family and lineage, has been wrongfully slain by a treacherous prisoner of theirs. We have reason to believe you have conspired with the ungrateful fiend, betraying your own blood and committing treason against our liege. How do you answer? Are you guilty or not guilty of this heinous crime?" "Not guilty." "Not guilty? Very well. You shall-" "I killed them myself. Not the dragon, only I." Murmurs erupted among the usually unperturbed high-class nobles. "Is it not according to law that a bloodline inheritor may kill all other potential heirs? As for my unfortunate mother, she was merely an unintended mishap." °°° Alexandra Chase, among a million others, found herself in a deadly game orchestrated by a supreme goddess to gain access to another world. Unfortunately, her life in this new world won't be any softer than the one before it. Her drive is not only to survive but also to supersede those beings who stand above. The goddess's schemes are far deeper than she could imagine. She is granted talent, unlimited potential, and terrifying attunement to the world itself with her new body, but many geniuses die young. Her most capable weapon is a concept many have yet to fathom- her soul.

Elwesburgh, 1961——Aletris Averell welcomes his new neighbour, Esmund Llevric, who also appears to be his new lecturer in the university. Aletris finds his body undergoing queer changes ever since. When he comes across various peculiar visitors from the other realm, Esmund Llevric's true identity is eventually being brought into the light. "A man who seeks one's own death is a sinner. Sinners shall be condemned to hell, shall be burnt eternally, shall never be brought to redemption… Unless one agrees to sign a contract with a DEMON." Tell me, which DEMON have you signed a contract with? Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, any resemblance is purely coincidental. Content suitable only for adults ages 18 and above. May include prolonged scenes of LGBT+/NSFW sexual content, and/or heathendom content.

[age gap][sweet first love] The day after New Year’s, Nian Yuyu, entering her birth year, seemed to be possessed by the spirit of bad luck. First, she sprained her ankle at home, then accidentally registered with the orthopedic surgeon known as the "hospital's prize bloom" Chu You, and soon after due to a tailbone fracture, she met Chu You again. By the time she was hospitalized for a left arm fracture, Nian Yuyu was labeled as an "ardent pursuer of the unattainable beauty." Bewildered by suddenly becoming someone’s passionate pursuer, Nian Yuyu “......” I'm not! I didn't! Stop spreading rumors! Chu. High-class flower. You: “Oh, I believe you!” -- After they got together, Nian Yuyu, feeling guilty, strongly requested a secret relationship. Chu You agreed with a straight face, then immediately announced their relationship in his circle of friends, exposing their affair. The onlookers were excited and shouting: “We knew you guys were sneaking around all along!” -- For Chu You, Nian Yuyu was like a ray of light piercing through the darkness, bringing fresh sprouts to his barren heart. To Nian Yuyu: The moment you appeared, I was willing to pluck myself and deliver me to your hands! ——By Chu You -- It’s just a slightly humorous and heartwarming sweet treat, welcome to fall into the pit!

She belongs to middle class family. She loves to read. She is a very good student. She always scores well in exams. she is thin. Her hair is black, long and thick. Her complexion is fair. Her eyes are black. Su-jin is the ideal of every student but her life is full of problems. Su-jin never got close to her father. Her relationship with her mother is also not good. She has no friends. Also being bullied at school. If she takes this matter her own way. She feels guilty about something. She has a lot of fear. She is always indifferent. She never enjoys life like others. To escape from the hardships and problems of her life, she immerses herself in studies. She is very depressed. Until the faceless boy comes in su-jin's dream. Su-jin's life begins to change from then on. Instagram: giraffe_girl143 Discord: giraffe_girl143

Zuko Vlaizer came from a clan of dragon slayers. One day, at the age of 12 he was forced to attend a ceremony called Hunt of Honor. Zuko doesn't want to partake in it so his tired father challenged him to prove his point. But Zuko failed and he almost died in the process. Anxious and guilty. He snucked out in the night, ventured the uncharted forest and found a unique dragon. He took care of it secretly until at the age of 21, and decided to reveal this secret to everyone once he is ready. But his father found out before that could happen and was furious about it. Zuko was ordered to kill the dragon or be punished with death alongside it—but Zuko couldn't abandon the dragon and decided to escape from the mansion at his own accord. With his journey with the dragon, Zuko then realized that so many dangerous people wants to take the creature away from him. With Zuko's capabilities, he must do anything to protect it. While trying to find a sanctuary for the dragon to live on peacefully, forever.

When I (Cas, formerly of Earth) transmigrated into this hellscape, I expected magic kung fu and cool sword fights. Instead, I got: Dimensional rifts vomiting out soul-eating squirrels and glaciers that scream. A cultivation system that ranked me “Worse Than Trash Tier.” (Thanks, anonymous ancestor!) The Otherworldly Tourist System, a deranged travel agency that rewards me for “sightseeing” in eldritch hellscapes. (“Take a selfie with that sleeping Lava Worm! 500 TP!”) My vacation package includes: ✔️ Tourist Points to buy god-tier gear (Divine Sunscreen: “Don’t melt, Host!”). ✔️ Gacha spins. (Got a new technique! And a lot of trauma!) ✔️ Sarcastic commentary as I outrun cosmic horrors. (“Host’s survival rate: 2%. Upsell suggestion: Premium Burial Plot™?”) Turns out, Earth’s monsters are just the previews. The System’s hiding cosmic wars, godly realms, and a tiny apocalypse brewing. But who needs answers when you’ve got a five-star review to leave for a screaming glacier? Cultivation. Tourism. Survival. Let’s hope I’m good at two of those.

In a world where women hold power and men are rare, a boy wakes up alone in the depths of one of the most dangerous forests. He has memories—some hazy, some painfully clear. Memories of a life before, where he had once been an energetic boy, a budding mechanical engineer, before tragedy drained all color from his world. Now, he is twelve again, orphaned once more, surviving off berries and instinct, waiting for parents he knows will never return. But fate does not let him stay forgotten. One night, an injured group of adventurers stumbles into his quiet existence. Unbeknownst to him, they are no ordinary travelers—they are a princess and her elite soldiers, wounded after a deadly battle against a notorious criminal. When they seek shelter in his fragile hut, he reluctantly offers them aid—not out of kindness, but because he knows all too well the pain of losing people. What starts as a simple act of charity turns into something more. As they recover, the women begin to question the strange boy who lives alone in the deadly wilderness. His words, his habits, his view of the world—nothing about him fits his age. And when they witness his quiet sorrow, the way he cries in his sleep, they begin to wonder... Who is he, really? And more importantly—can they convince him to leave before this forest swallows him whole? A tale of second chances, reluctant bonds, and a boy who has lost too much, set in a world where survival is never guaranteed.

He was a prince from the biggest kingdom in the Andromeda Continent.His family was the Holy Knight descendants who had killed the dark king. A mysterious accident took his father's life and cursed him with the dark power, making everyone doubt his identity. His uncle treated him as a war puppet even forcing him to relinquish his right to the king's throne and his cousin treated him like his nemesis. Feeling guilty for his father's death he decided to give his blind loyalty to his kingdom and accidentally fell in love with an unknown woman. But after all, things started going well, he was accused of rebelling and was cruelly executed. A dark power revived him, but he was not the same person they once knew. This time he would rise again not only as a king but a king among the kings that conquered the land... _________ >This is love at first sight, but also a slow burn romance (Romance subplot) >The story mostly about the MC's internal struggle >Please expect a lot of battle and fighting scenes as well as some political maneuvers in this story >The MC is cold for romance and mostly act by his status as a royalty >His past play a big role please be patient >This is not eye for an eye type of story Discord chanel: https://discord.gg/mSRHyMVhnG Cover by Commission Aleena Mao from Pixiv -------------- Other works: *The Incubus System *Dragon King's Harem *Seven Sins System *Demon Lord's Succubus (Completed)

Jacob Brown spent his old life chasing success, only to be crushed by failure at every turn. Now, reborn as 14-year-old Leo Mantine in a steampunk world where magic fuels invention and danger lurks behind progress, he’s given a second chance to carve out a future worth fighting for. But survival won’t come easy. From shadowy factions pulling the strings of society to secrets buried in ancient ruins, Leo must navigate a world where power is everything—and the weak are left behind. Armed with newfound abilities and the lessons of his past life, he’ll have to outthink, outmaneuver, and outlast those who would see him fail again. In a world of gears, sorcery, and ambition, will he finally rise above his failures—or will history repeat itself?

R18 Mature Content, Reverse Harem, Enemies-To-Lovers Trigger Warning For Abuse Princess Rian is the daughter of a tyrannical alpha who has terrorized and destroyed many wolf packs. He has taken all the other packs' resources and driven them out of their territories; all to build and expand his own kingdom. Rian feels guilty for all the atrocities her father has done and wants to stop him. However, she's not sure how. Unable to bear her father's ever-increasing greed and cruelty she runs away from her kingdom. She plans to make a plan to stop him that is until she gets captured by a pack on her journey and meets the two alpha brothers who rule the pack. Knowing exactly who she is, they plan to torment her for her father's atrocities. Rian finds herself in a hopeless situation as the brother's thirst for revenge and to ruin her is strong. Will Rian be able to persevere, survive the brothers, and formulate a plan to stop her father?

In the grand city of Noctis-Lux, where gears and magic intertwine, a queen reigns over two opposing realms—the City of Light and the Dominion of Shadows. Queen Celestine Vaeloria, known as the Queen of Duality, bears the burden of balancing order and chaos. Gifted with both arcane magic and scientific intellect, she governs a world where light fuels progress, but darkness whispers forbidden truths. When an ancient prophecy foretells the rise of a usurper who will shatter the fragile balance, Celestine embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets hidden within her past. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of her lineage, she realizes that the true enemy may not be the rebels or the cultists lurking in the shadows—but something buried deep within herself. With Lord Alistair Dorne, a ruthless enforcer of the Light Council, and Elias Veyne, a rogue scholar from the Shadow Syndicate, Celestine must unravel the truth before the city collapses into war. But as betrayal lurks at every turn, she is forced to answer one question: Which side does she truly belong to—the Light, or the Dark?

Gu Hong wakes up in a fantasy world with a Hearthstone system, granting him the power to summon legendary heroes like Anduin, Jaina, and Rexxar. But when his plans for conquest hit a snag, he stumbles upon an unexpected truth: this system isn’t just for combat—it’s a game-changer for farming! Agriculture? Druids who accelerate crop growth. Commerce? Mushroom Brewers, Trogg Beastmasters, and enterprising merchants. Crafting? Swordsmiths, Armorers, and even Drakonid blacksmiths. Magic gear? Alchemists, Enchanters, Jewelcrafters, and Scribes at your service. Culture? A romance novel-savvy bookseller to spice things up. He finally realizes: farming is the ultimate strategy to unlock the Hearthstone system’s true potential.

A blind Orphan child gets transported to the modern world. Read as he left the world of magic to follow his destiny with an all-knowing system that used to be the God of knowledge. Meet Legendary Families and famous people as He circumvents through different facets of life with God-given talent. Be it Acting, singing or cooking, he who once felt guilty for existing will overcome to become a pinnacle existence. ============================== This is a slice-of-life story focusing on all aspects of life. He will grow and will have different careers throughout his journey. He will meet many girls throughout his life and have to find ways to overcome different societal issues because of it. Volume 1 covers his childhood adventures In Volume 2, the wild ride about his adult life!

--- A mysterious flight ends in disaster when the plane crashes into an unknown desert. Five survivors emerge from the wreckage, only to realize they are not just survivors… they are players in a deadly game. Cryptic rules, lethal trials, and limited time—survival means moving forward, failure means elimination… but what does elimination truly mean? With each stage, secrets unravel, revealing that the crash was no accident. One of them knows the truth… but refuses to speak. Betrayal is near. Death is closer. Can they uncover the mystery before it's too late? Or were they guilty all along? An ending no one saw coming… and the game has only just begun. ---

"What emotions are you feeling? Are you Sad? Angry? Guilty? Are you holding a grudge? Are you filled with resentment?" "Spill it all out, lay out all your frustrations on me." "And I will promise you..." "Promise you an eternal and peaceful rest." Gifted with a curse to see the deceased. A family in both lives that are able to do the same. The previous life was cruel enough, the new one is much crueller. People will resent me in the future, but that is fine. How? Well... Because in the end, I will be better, I will become better. They said mages like me are the worst thing known to mankind. however unlike the predecessors that built up such a bad reputation, I on the other hand will do differently. I will not be consumed by greed or power, I will move and strive for my goal. one step at a time. Gain the loyalty if the dead. ·········· "Maybe weekly isn't my thing, I'll just try monthly then!" — Kuu_San413

Lost between time and space, a man known as Dr. Dew—a scientist turned synthetic survivor—awakens on a vast, untamed world untouched by civilization. Armed with nothing but his mind and a body engineered to defy nature itself, he must rebuild from the ground up, carving out a place for himself in this primal land teeming with towering beasts and hidden dangers. Unbeknownst to him, across the massive continent, another figure stirs—an enigmatic genius, summoned by forces beyond understanding. Drawn toward an unseen connection, she begins her own journey, hoping to one day uncover the mystery of the man who inadvertently called her into existence. As years pass, technology advances, knowledge is rediscovered, and the foundations of a new future take shape. But when the stars finally turn their gaze toward this forgotten world, Dr. Dew will have to decide: will he remain hidden in the shadows of history, or will he step forward and reshape the fate of an entire galaxy? P.S. This story was made with the help of A.I. since I have a hard time spelling and writing due to my dyslexia. Also, I do not own any of these characters, franchises, or prodcts that are or may be mentioned in this story except for the Mc. may be mentioned in this story except for the Mc. Also this is still being worked on so don't be surprised to see chapters getting edited quite frequently. Franchises that will be used in this story: Fallout, Broken Age, Assassin's Creed, Metal Gear, Punishing Gray Raven, House of DaVinci, Bio Shock, Cyberpunk, Ultra Kill, Goddess of Victory Nikke, Chibi Robo, Newton and the Apple Tree (A Visual Novel), Detroit Become Human, Starbound, Girls Frontline, Titan Fall, Infamous, and Fate.

My mother gawked at me with tear filled eyes and a slice of emotion that says she was guilty, "If this is the man you've been adamant about, and he's Ryan's son... You- you can't marry him, Sonia. You absolutely can't!!!" I was more frightened than confused, I was going crazy, not wanting to lose the one Man that I love, "Why? Why can't I marry him?" Her next sentences shattered me to crumbs, "Because he's your brother." Sonia and Ben, deeply in love and engaged, are torn apart when they discover they are allegedly step-siblings due to an affair between their parents. Sonia, pregnant and heartbroken, flees to Scotland, feeling unable to keep the child due to the perceived familial relationship. Years apart, they eventually uncover another truth, which could have either reconciled them or broken them forever

Josh and his friends are gearing up for their last summer break before their senior year in Highschool, but when an infection spreads that turns people into mindless zombies, they will have to survive their most terrifying summer break yet.

I am taking a 1/2 week break due to multiple life important matters, that randomly appear during my free time. I can't take it all with my psychological state, being overwhelmed quite heavily. Growing up without Bloodline Mastery exposed piling up difficulties. Being at a high school for talented adventurers wasn't a great idea, but no other school could accept a no-name orphan. No, seriously. His name was Shay. Nothing more, nothing less. The school allowed him to at least study the way of the sword, in which he excelled. Although being geared after leaving school wouldn't make much for a living. It 'seemed' to be an inevitable path. [Merging System - Unlocked!] —————————————————— Thanks to Tsukiyu for helping me with the book cover! :)

"Your parents named you Mercury, hahaha they must have hated you so much!" I stared at my reflection in the mirror and looked at my scarred face. "Probably!" I replied with a sad expression on my face. I laughed at the joke the was made at my expense because I truly thought it was funny and slightly ironic. ________ Mercury Maxwell killed his father at the young age of 12. Having spent 6 years in juvenile and 4 years in Arizona ultra maximum security he was finally released only to be arrested 60 days later after being accused of massacre, manslaughter, and terrorism. Mercury managed to walk free after no evidence was found despite being guilty. After going back home he and going to sleep he opened his eyes to find himself in a dark alley in the body of a 10 year old child starving and cold from the rain. After several years at the age of 13 he joins a mercenary group that assist different nations with their wars. The story of a kid with an empty heart who only brings destruction, death and ruin to everything. A curse from another world. A transmigrated incurable disease. How will the world filled with magic and swords deal with a person cut of from his emotions.

I just came home from comic con! Man I am beat! Walking home we see (Y/N) wearing his cosplay of kratos from god of war. He has the Leviathan axe holstered on his back while holding the Blades of Chaos. (Y/N):[opening door] Mom i am home as (Y/N) walks in he sees his mom watching T.V Mom: [looks at her son] hi (Y/N) you look tired? did you have fun? (Y/N):[deep breath] because i am Mom. and yes it was fun. where is Star? Mom:[un paused the T.V] she is sleeping you know she sleeps early. (Y/N): damm i must really lost time. [yawns] alright i am heading up stairs to sleep night. Mom:Night (Y/N) heads up stairs into his room and just flops on his face first. with cosplay outfit still on,and the prop blades of Chaos still in hand with the leviathan Axe on holster on his back. (Y/N) closes his eyes falls asleep. I wake up on the ground in a dark alley with the blades of chaos in my hands? and my kratos cosplay gear on? why is the Niflheim chest armor fog is moving? it feels real!?! I get up and walk to the light and see people and demi humans? and a big ass tower! Hold Up WHERE THE HELL AM I!

Life had never been kind to Ariz. A mundane existence, a suffocating routine, and desires left unfulfilled. But everything changed in a single moment—a slip, a stumble, and an accident that landed him in a situation no man would dare dream of. "Was shoving your face into another woman’s chest the first thing you wanted me to see?" And with that, the gears of fate began to turn. Awakened to a new reality, Ariz finds himself bound to a mysterious system, granting him the power to carve his own path, to rise above mediocrity, and to claim everything he desires. In a world where strength reigns supreme, and ambition knows no bounds, he will take what he wants—one step at a time. An adventure of power, desire, and an undeniable destiny awaits. — The game has begun. And Ariz? He plays to win. —

In a fractured, steam-choked world haunted by a forgotten war, orphaned tinkerer Jace wields a mysterious bracelet that reveals hidden flaws in machinery—a gift from parents executed for heresy. When Lira, a cunning noble from a rival kingdom, recruits him to steal 'Aetherium', a volatile energy source the Church buried centuries ago, they uncover chilling truths: the Aetherium is alive, Jace’s bloodline is key to controlling it, and the Church plans to reignite a cataclysmic war. Torn between destroying the power that could save his world or wielding it at a terrible cost, Jace must outwit zealous Inquisitors, navigate Lira’s dangerous ambitions, and confront a legacy that binds him to a sentient vault hungering for freedom. *Steampunk intrigue meets dark fantasy* in a tale of forbidden power, fragile alliances, and the ghosts of progress.

For millennia, humanity has pondered the mysteries of the soul. Is it a wisp of energy carrying our essence, or merely a byproduct of the brain's intricate machinery? Does it persist beyond the veil of death, or does it extinguish like a spent candle? In some kind twist of fate, it seems that all of these profound questions can be possibly answered by Victor “Bloody Dog” Gabriel, the most trusted and ruthless enforcer of the city's most ruthless crime boss because the fate of this man appeared to be…very interesting. However, it’s not in the way that you would think because he was killed in a car accident due to a small carelessness that he had made and as darkness was about to claim him, the gear of fate turned and provided other plans for him. [Author Note: This story contains a lot of profanity and possibly several scenes unsuitable for children under 18. Please read at your own risk.]