Carved Ironwood

In a world where power and violence reign supreme, Blackstone Academy is a prison disguised as a school-a place where only the most dangerous and unruly students are sent. The rich and reckless rule with an iron fist, and the staff enforce discipline through brutal punishments hidden from the outside world. Eiji Kurosawa, heir to Asia's richest family, is forced to suppress his ruthless nature to obey his father's command. But when tragedy strikes, Eiji abandons all restraint. Now, in a school controlled by a powerful group of elites, he's ready to fight back-no matter the cost. In Blackstone Academy, only the ruthless survive. Therefore, Eiji and his future allies must carve their own path-one drenched in blood and revenge.

Born into darkness, Lucius is marked by an infernal curse—the Mark of the Abyss. This unholy sigil endows him with powers that defy mortal comprehension, yet seals his fate: servitude, rejection, and a grim demise. Embark on a journey with Lucius as he unravels the hidden truth behind the Marks, battles to carve out a destiny of his own, and strikes back against the cruel fate imposed upon him. In a world that shuns him for his cursed existence, Lucius will forge unlikely alliances to challenge those who scorn him. He is driven by a relentless desire to claim a place for himself and his loved ones, no matter the cost. Prepared to plunge into the darkest depths of depravity, Lucius is poised on the brink of a harrowing journey. The ultimate enigma remains: what awaits him in the abyss of his ambitions? Content: -Includes R18 Content - gore - death - NO NTR - NO YURI/BL

In a realm where even the faintest shadows whisper untold tales, I came to realize that the forgotten often hold the most powerful narratives." As an avid admirer of the world's most beloved series, I never imagined that one night's rest would pull me into its very fabric. "Why on earth am I stuck in this world? And why, of all people, am I him?" I had become Arthur Nightingale—Class A’s most unremarkable student. A magic swordsman barely worthy of mention, ranked 8th among the first-years. A mere footnote in the grand story. Still, with this body’s abilities and my own insider knowledge, I figured I could carve out a peaceful life. Or so I believed. "This was the only way," the voice repeated, resolute. "The only way to stop her." Little did I know how truly unique Arthur Nightingale was—or the path this journey would force me to take...

When the human princess, Lareina is sent as a bride for a peace treaty between the demons and humans, she ends up in a political marriage with the second prince of demons, Prince Azrael. Lareina falls for his gentleness that sets him apart from the rest of the demons in her eyes but on the night of their wedding, he is deployed to the war. Years after his abrupt departure, Azrael has finally emerged victorious and returned. However, much to Lareina's dismay, he has brought back a beautiful demoness with him. At the receiving end of his hatred, a heartbroken Lareina tries to save their marriage until all her hopes are shattered. Determined to carve a way for herself, she decides to end the marriage but she is met with a new challenge when her seemingly uncaring husband suddenly refuses to let her go.

Sorcery: the art of manipulating the elements of the world to produce unnatural effects such as splitting the sea and overturning mountains. After 5000 years of wars against alien races such as Gods, Demons, Cosmic Beasts, and so on, Sorcerers have been able to carve all but a tiny spot in the universe. However, their survival is not all but certain. In the Sorcerer World, August, a 20-year-old man from Earth reincarnates in the body of a rogue Apprentice Sorcerer with a system that grants him the ability to extract 4 different innate affinities. Will he be able to herald the golden age of Sorcerers?

The Child Exile was never meant to be more than a footnote in history—a cruel, bitter noble stripped of his name, condemned for his crimes, and discarded before he could become anything more. His pitiful return years later in The Fool’s Ascent was nothing but an obstacle for the true heroes before he met his inevitable end. But history is rewritten when a reader of The Fool’s Ascent dies and awakens in the body of the infamous Child Exile. No longer the same violent boy, he refuses to be just another villain in someone else’s story. If the world is doomed to fall, he will rise to stop it. Yet his past sins are not so easily erased, and redemption will cost him everything—perhaps even his very soul. To change the story, he must become strong; as strong as the heroes, defy fate, and carve a new power from the ashes of his disgrace. The world remembers the Child Exile as a villain. He will make them remember him as something more.

"When the sky weeps and the stars vanish, the child of two bloods shall rise. And with his choice, the world shall either fall... or be reborn." ******** The heavens trembled as gods waged war, shattering the balance of the world below. With Olympia in chaos, the orcs seized their chance, rising against elves, humans, and dwarves in a brutal conquest. Amid the divine struggle, Ragon—son of Zeus and an Olympian god—found himself betrayed. Unable to overthrow Zeus, the gods turned their wrath on his demigod son, striking him down before he could ascend to true godhood. But death was not the end. His spirit, on the brink of divinity wandered the mortal realm until it found an unlikely vessel—a slain noble child whose adopted father, an Elven overlord, had infused his body with forbidden magic, granting him unnatural longevity. Seizing the opportunity, Ragon took over the child's body, determined to reclaim his power, defy fate, and carve his own path among gods and mortals alike.

Athena, Earth’s most glamorous lone assassin and the seal bearer of the Death Goddess, met her end on her final mission. She succeeded in eliminating the world’s most powerful Mafia leader with her bare hands, but it came at the ultimate cost, her life. Or so she thought. Instead of the eternal rest she expected, Athena’s soul transmigrated into the body of Athena Demerin, a rising celebrity in the Interstellar Era of the Andromeda Galaxy. As the cherished granddaughter of the Northern Duke on planet Asenus, the original Athena had strived to carve out her own path to stardom without leaning on her family’s immense power. But ambition came with a heavy price. She died from exhaustion… or so the official story claimed. The truth? Someone orchestrated her death. Now, the new Athena has inherited not only this body but its unresolved mysteries. Determined to unravel the secrets behind the original Athena's death and fulfill her dreams, she must also navigate a world of fame, family legacies, and interstellar intrigue. But life throws her another curveball, a marriage to Major General Mors Jericho, the galaxy’s most brilliant young warrior. Revered by millions, he is admired for his strength, intelligence, and commanding presence. Yet beneath the surface of this union lies a web of secrets that could shift the balance of power across the galaxy. As she uncovers the truth behind the forces conspiring against her, Athena must confront her own feelings about Mors. Can a marriage built on duty transform into love? Or will her husband turn out to be her greatest adversary? Will she follow her heart, carve her own destiny, or succumb to the shadows of her past?

Bound by Magic & Blood In a world divided by ancient rivalries and bound by unyielding magic, two fates collide under the branches of the World Tree. Ezekeil, a brooding warrior with secrets carved into his very soul, crosses the formidable barrier protecting the elusive Elf village. He seeks freedom from a blood-bound promise — one that demands either his death or that of a girl he never wanted to meet. Mekeala, the rightful heir to a fractured kingdom, has spent her life hidden from the shadows of her family's treacherous past. Marked by her silver-platinum hair and silvery-gold eyes, she is the embodiment of magic, the last hope for peace among the races of Caelithar. When their worlds intertwine, neither can deny the magnetic pull between them. As danger looms from vengeful kings and ancient enemies, Mekeala and Ezekeil must navigate a perilous path of trust, betrayal, and forbidden desire. Bound by blood and magic, their choices will either shatter the world or mend it anew. Will love defy fate, or will the bonds of magic and blood seal their doom forever? Prepare to be enchanted by a tale of adventure, romance, and a battle for freedom in Bound by Magic & Blood.

In this lawless realm of martial arts, I unsheathe my sword and ascend, its blade cutting through the emptiness, devoid of guilt or remorse. In a world where no being adheres to the Dao, I execute judgment with the sharp edge of my blade. Beneath the icy scrutiny of the starlit sky, I brandish my sword with disdain. The journey to the Great Dao is fraught with challenges, but with a single stroke of my sword, I carve a path, standing supreme and unparalleled!

This book, alternatively titled "The Heavenly Court of Great Qin," unfolds the tale of Qin Jun, who finds himself transported to a realm where he assumes the role of a demoted prince. Despite the challenging circumstances, destiny has more in store for Qin Jun than despair—enter the Mythology System! Under this system's influence, any character from mythology can be summoned into existence - The awe-inspiring might of the Supreme Heaven Great Sage, Sun Wukong, capable of shaking mountains and rivers with a single strike of his staff; The Thousand-Mile Eye and Favorable Wind Ears, acquiring profound perception of everything in the world. The Tathāgata Buddha, holding the Buddha Land within the palm of his hand, becomes an indomitable force from which no one can escape. Amidst this divine realm of Gods and Demons, Qin Jun solemnly pledges to rise as the preeminent Divine Emperor, determined to carve his path to unparalleled strength.

Craige, the strongest living assassin, was feared by both the powerful elite and the underworld. His name was etched into history as a legend—an extraordinary being who surpassed the limits of human strength and talent. No one dared to challenge him, for he was a force beyond reckoning. Yet, despite his unmatched power, Craige grew weary. The endless cycle of bloodshed and survival had drained him, and the dream of living an ordinary life proved impossible. Tired of a life he no longer desired, he made his final decision—to end it all. But death was not his end. Instead, he awakened in the frail body of a boy whose life was worse than rock bottom. Stripped of his former strength and feared reputation, Craige must now navigate an existence riddled with suffering and despair. Faced with a new world and an identity unworthy of his past self, he must decide—will he remain shackled by fate, or will he carve a new path with the knowledge and skills of the strongest assassin?

In a world where assassins are both feared and worshiped, Kael Veyne, a legendary killer known as "The Phantom," is betrayed by his own guild and left for dead. However, he mysteriously survives, losing his past memories but retaining his deadly instincts. As Kael embarks on a journey to uncover his past, he is hunted by the Nightfall Syndicate, the very organization he once served. But something is different—his body is changing, adapting, and unlocking supernatural abilities he never had before. With revenge burning in his heart and unknown powers awakening within him, Kael must decide: Will he reclaim his title as the deadliest assassin, or will he carve a new path in the shadows?

Fifty years ago, the world changed forever when Earth was mysteriously connected to the Primordial World, a reality that operates like a game. This world can only be entered by Awakeners—people who have awakened with special powers. However, out of fifteen billion humans, only one million have this privilege. Enzo, a poor young man with no connection to the Primordial World, should have had no chance of becoming an Awakener. However, against all odds, he awakens... and more than that, he gains an innate skill unheard of before—the ability to make skills with only his imagination. In a world where power determines everything, how will a nameless young man carve his own path?

Li Xiuying is the youngest surgeon the world has ever seen. Once upon a time, her work had meaning; to save lives. But soon surgery lost all of its meaning to her, she became an operating machine. She didn’t even meet the patient until they were unconscious on her surgical table like a piece of meat waiting to be carved. She neglected love, friendship, beauty, her health all to work tirelessly like a dog and continue to make her family happy. Even when she had no more left to give; they made sure she gave. But betrayal came swiftly and suddenly and Li Xiuying met her untimely end at the hands of her most trusted and loves ones. All the world’s a stage and it seems it is not yet time for Li Xiuying to exit. She finds herself waking up in her bed, 8 years in the past. She is granted a second chance at life. ............................................................................................ This is a very slow romance novel The novel may have realistic elements but it is a Work of FICTION. Please allow for some artistic license. There will be medical cases and scenario's included due to the main character (Li Xiuying) being a doctor. I have tried my best to explain as much of the medical terminology as possible. I'll also try and put some sources in where possible. ...........................................................................................

"After a deadly betrayal, King Reynald Arkanios is slain… only to awaken in another world, far from everything he once knew. No crown, no kingdom, yet his power remains. He carries his past skills and knowledge—will they be the key to forging a new destiny or a curse leading him to ruin? In a mysterious world full of secrets, he must decide: will he carve out a new fate or become just another forgotten name in history? And most importantly… can he protect those he loves, or will he be the very force that destroys them and brings this world to ruin?"

Strider Cromwell, a transmigrator from the Blue Planet, finds himself in a world called Red Star, where cultivation and supernatural phenomena are real. Born as the fourth son of a baron in the Stoneheart Empire, Strider's life is medicore at best.The only thing he is good at is his learning and speaking skills. Red Star is plagued by demons and ghosts, throwing the world into turmoil. Despite being part of a noble family, Strider is scorned and ostracized because, unlike his brothers, he cannot cultivate, making him the subject of ridicule outside his home. However, everything changes on the eve of his 18th birthday when he activates the Demon God Simulator. As he ventures forth, Strider’s journey becomes a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of power in a world where only the strong survive. Will he overcome the odds and carve a legacy in the Stoneheart Empire, or will the challenges of Red Star consume him? # Disclaimer # This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner.

Living in world ruled by a tyrant king and hidden powers that were only heard of in legends, Malik Thana was born into weakness—a nameless boy with nothing to his name but suffering. Until the system awakened. Gifted with the power to consume souls and grow stronger, Malik carved his way through armies, devoured entire cities, and became a force of destruction unlike any other. But his journey was never just about conquest. It was a test. A glimpse of what he could become. The world was never meant to be his end—it was only the beginning. A stage set to prepare him for something far greater. When the final battle is fought and the last soul is claimed, Malik will face his true choice: What kind of existence will he forge for himself? A relentless conqueror? A seeker of knowledge? A hunter of gods? This is not a tale of fate. It is a story of power, ambition, and the freedom to choose one’s destiny. And Malik Thana will not be bound by anyone’s will but his own. *Authors Note:* Hello all! This isn’t the first time I’ve started a novel, but I plan to see it through to the end. I’m aware that my writing isn’t perfect, far from it in fact, but I’d love any helpful criticisms you can give to help me improve upon my work. Join us on this journey and I hope you all enjoy what’s in store! Thank you for reading, DReynolds :) *DISCLAIMER* All characters and locations in this novel are fiction. References may be made to real things or other stories, but none are direct representations.

You shouldn’t read this novel. This is not a tale of righteousness, nor a saga of noble heroes. This is the story of a world bathed in blood, where morality is a fleeting illusion and the strong devour the weak without remorse. There are no destined saviour's, no grand prophecies, only an eternal struggle where life is cheap, and death is a whisper away. Fēng Zūn Jìng was born in darkness, shaped by betrayal, and baptized in carnage. He walks the path of demons, unchained by mercy, unburdened by guilt. In a world where heaven turns a blind eye and hell welcomes all, he will carve his name into eternity—with screams, with suffering, with the lamentations of the fallen. You think you can handle this story? Think again. This is not for the faint of heart, nor for those who seek comfort in happy endings. The horrors of human nature, the cruelty of fate, and the abyss of despair lie ahead. Turn back now, before it’s too late. But if you truly believe yourself strong enough… then step forward, and embrace the darkness.

For thousands of years, the continent of Xuanlong had been ruled by the strong. Empires rose and fell, sects clashed, and divine beasts roamed the land. In this world, cultivation was the path to true power, and only those who could defy the heavens could carve their names into history. But hidden in the shadows of time, a forgotten bloodline of Strongest aliens lay dormant—one so powerful that the heavens themselves had sealed it away. The World Devouring Dragon Bloodline, a lineage feared by beyond gods, heavens and demons alike, was lost… until now.

Thrown into an unfamiliar medieval world with nothing but his wits and a cryptic Survival System, a man awakens in the filth-ridden alleys of a ruthless kingdom. Unlike the heroes of countless legends, he possesses no overpowered skills, no divine blessings—just the brutal reality of survival. With hunger gnawing at his stomach and danger lurking at every corner, he must navigate a world where the strong rule and the weak are discarded. His Adaptive Growth skill grants no shortcuts—only hard-earned progress through pain, struggle, and sheer determination. As war brews between noble houses, mercenaries thrive, and criminals prey on the desperate, he must learn to fight, adapt, and outthink those who seek to crush him. With no past to cling to and no destiny to guide him, he carves his own path—one battle, one lesson, and one choice at a time. Survive. Adapt. Rise. In a world that refuses to give second chances, he must make his own.

A world of empires and faith, conquest and betrayal—Solmora: Ascent is more than just a game. It is a battlefield where the ambitious carve their legacy and the forgotten are erased from history. For Rael Voss, it was supposed to be just another MMO. No grand ambitions, no dreams of glory—just a casual dive into a world brimming with possibilities. But as kingdoms rise and factions wage war, the game’s stakes grow far beyond what anyone expected. The deeper he plays, the more he realizes: Ascent is not just a game. And when the first true war begins, only those who understand its nature will stand above all. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hey everyone! Author here—this is my first time writing, and I’d love to hear your feedback. Your thoughts will help me improve, so feel free to share! Thanks for reading, and enjoy the story!

After centuries of relentless effort, the Heavenly Demon finally succeeded in creating a forbidden art—the Reincarnation Art. But before he could perfect it, the heavens declared war upon him. In a battle so fierce it shook both heaven and earth, he was ultimately defeated by the Sword God. Yet, just as the final blow was about to claim his life, he unleashed his forbidden art and escaped into the mortal realm. He awakened in the body of a prince from the Ling family—a once-promising cultivator who had lost his powers to poisoning and was now a hostage of the Feng clan. Branded by the consequences of his forbidden magic, the Heavenly Demon must carve his way back to the Sacred Realm to reclaim his throne and exact his vengeance. This is the tale of an unyielding demon who will stop at nothing.

Li Chen was an ordinary man living an uneventful life—until an accident thrust him into the mystical Realm of Xuanhai, a world where powerful cultivators reign and spiritual beasts roam. Armed with the **Supreme Beast Taming System**, Li Chen discovers his new destiny: to master the art of taming and bonding with spiritual beasts. From his first companion, Xiao Yue, a rare Lunar Spirit Rabbit with untapped potential, to fierce Thunderfang Wolves and beyond, Li Chen embarks on a journey filled with adventure, danger, and discovery. In a world where strength is everything, Li Chen must rise through the ranks, conquer formidable foes, and unravel the secrets of beast evolution. As he gathers a team of extraordinary beasts, challenges mighty sects, and uncovers ancient mysteries, he begins to forge his path toward ultimate power. But the cultivation world is ruthless. Can Li Chen and his growing menagerie of spiritual beasts survive the trials ahead and carve their names into legend? Join Li Chen in this action-packed journey of beast taming, cultivation, and epic battles.

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?

Born into a low-class family, Ren was destined for mediocrity—until the Blood Awakening Ceremony revealed an anomaly in his veins. Feared by elders and hunted by powerful sects, he is forced to forge his own path, defying tradition and unlocking the secrets of Sovereign Blood—a power that could shake the heavens. From forgotten ruins to deadly battles, Ren rises against fate, facing immortal emperors and celestial clans. Will he carve his name into legend, or will the weight of destiny crush him before he claims his throne?

"Bleh." - Imp An Imp, a monster known to kill with a grin, a demon of the world, a creature of incredible might! Something that no force in the world can stand against! At least that's what the Main Character would like himself to be, the reality is very different, however. Exactly that Imp stumbles along a path of unfortunate fortunes and grows through it, in a world that hates its very existence. It grows more intelligent, more powerful, simply better at whatever it needs to do. Amongst other things, that includes raising children, killing Soldiers, and carving wooden figurines for money.

In a land torn apart by a relentless war spanning decades, kingdoms fight for resources, power, and vengeance. Caught in the middle is Cassian, a young orphan trained from childhood to become a warrior. Alongside his friends, he dreams of glory, believing that courage and skill alone can carve a path to survival. But war is not so merciful. The battlefield is a cruel teacher, and Cassian soon learns that honor means little in the face of death. Then there is Dominic, a hardened warrior whose name echoes across the land. A veteran of countless battles, he earned the legendary title of Dragon Slayer after felling five dragon riders, cementing his place in history. But behind the songs and stories lies a man who knows the true cost of war. He fights not for fame but to endure—to carve a future from the ashes of conflict. Told from two gripping perspectives, What Destruction Left Behind follows Cassian and Dominic as they navigate a world of shifting alliances, brutal combat, and impossible choices. One is forced to fight, the other dares to hope for something more. But in a war where survival is never guaranteed, will either of them escape the fate history has written for them?

Thousands of years ago, humankind left the Old World. We enter a new age where science and magic are no longer opposing concepts. With these new opportunities came danger in the form of the Dark Races and the ones that named themselves Gods. However, if there was one thing humans were good at was their ability to destroy. Humankind fought and carved a bloody path into the new world. Cain's luck had never been good, but his destiny changed forever once he decided to harden his heart and face the world without fear or hesitation. --Godslayer Humankind's motto.-- We can comprehend the supernatural. We can dominate the supernatural. We can kill the supernatural - Adam, Emperor of Godslayer Humankind, The First Titan. Current schedule: 21 chapters a week. Bonus chapters: Over 600 power stones: 3 extra chapters. Over 800 power stones: 6 extra chapters. Over 1200 power stones: 9 extra chapters. Discord channel: https://discord.gg/R666sNEdrU

Tara was a normal girl on Earth until through some bizarre circumstances she found herself reborn in a fantasy world of cultivation as a weak salamander. Now in a world where humans view magical beasts as resources, and magical beasts consume each other to fuel their own growth she found herself alone in a hostile world where the strong ruled with an iron fist. Luckily, she has brought one thing with her from Earth, a strange system connected to her soul called the Evolution System. Bestowed by a mysterious immortal it allows her to continuously improve and upgrade her racial traits, skills, and even strive towards evolving her race all together. With the system she had hope for improving her cultivation beyond the confines of her race, and with hope carving a place in this world where she will no longer be at the mercy of others.