Carved Ironwood

When an unexpected soul arrives in a world that seems both familiar and strange, what kind of storm will it unleash? Will they blend into the past, becoming a paragon of knighthood, or carve their name into history on the battlefield? Perhaps they’ll tear through the darkness, bringing forth the first light of dawn. But for Norn, the choice is simple: Why choose, when you can have it all? Transported from the modern world to the Middle Ages, the Mike Bai experiences a dramatic shift in time and place, facing both immense conflict and a sense of wonder. Armed with modern knowledge, ideals, and skills, they step into a world starkly different from anything they've known, triggering a series of extraordinary and unpredictable events

Nestled at the foot of the Sleeping Giant Mountain lies the Soul Saint Kingdom's smallest village, a place where legends stir the hearts of the young. Fourteen-year-old Xue San, ever since a fateful encounter at the tender age of eight, has nurtured a singular dream: to become a cultivator and rise above the humble confines of his birthplace. But beyond the protective embrace of his village, the cultivation world reveals itself as a harsh and unforgiving realm. Talent is the currency of worth, and in the eyes of others, Xue San is a useless, talentless boy. The brutal truth crushes many, but not him. "If I cannot fly, I will run," he whispers to himself. "If I cannot run, I will walk. If I cannot walk, I will crawl. But no matter what, I will keep moving forward." Amidst scorn and adversity, Xue San's resolve hardens. The path ahead is treacherous, but his spirit remains unbroken. In a world determined to cast him aside, he vows to carve his own destiny, one step at a time. Ps: I will also be posting in royalroad! I will try to post at least 3 chapters a week (at least 2.3k words a chapter)

David Montgomery, a wealthy and successful businessman, dies suddenly and is reincarnated as a bat in a strange new world. Gifted with a Gamer System that grants him powers from various fictional universes, he gains the abilities of Blood Manipulation and the terrifying powers of Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of demons. As he learns to navigate his new form and abilities, David must decide whether to use his newfound power to dominate the world or seek redemption for the emptiness of his past life. With the potential to manipulate blood, regenerate from injuries, and control others, David embarks on a journey to master his powers and carve out a new destiny. (Author's note I don't own the cover art or any of the anime mentioned the the cover art is by Red Riding Hood, but . . .by Lidiash go check out Lidiash on deviantart his art is amazing and if Lidiash you want me to take it down tell me okay other than that let's get to reading)

Synopsis: The Shattered Seal As Sylas delves deeper into the Trial’s labyrinthine challenges, he discovers fragments of a forgotten war—a conflict waged by godlike beings whose actions reshaped the world. Each victory in the Trial grants him power, but it also reveals haunting visions of a great seal, created to imprison an unspeakable force. In one of the most suspenseful moments, Sylas stumbles upon a temple hidden within the jungle, its entrance guarded by cryptic statues carved from obsidian. Inside, he finds a room lined with glowing symbols, their light casting eerie shadows. At the center of the room lies a fractured seal, its edges radiating chaotic energy. The whispers in his mind grow louder, their once-guiding tone now filled with panic: “Do not touch it! The seal must hold!” But before Sylas can act, a shadowy figure emerges from the seal’s fragmented core. The being exudes an overwhelming aura of darkness, its form shifting and unstable. It speaks in a voice that reverberates through the temple: “You have come far, mortal… but your meddling has set me free.” The walls tremble as the figure begins to manifest fully, the energy from the broken seal threatening to consume everything around it. Sylas must decide whether to flee and warn others of the seal’s collapse or stand his ground against an ancient force beyond his understanding. As the chapter ends, Sylas raises his sword, the mark on his hand blazing with newfound intensity. He knows this battle is unlike any he has faced before—and losing could mean the end of the world.

In a world where strength reigns supreme, Ling Fei is an orphan scraping by on luck and determination. But when fate gifts him the Celestial Sign-In System, his life takes a sharp turn. Each sign-in grants him rare treasures, peerless techniques, and unimaginable power—but only if he dares to tread where others fear. As ancient secrets unravel and forgotten realms resurface, Ling Fei must navigate a deadly game of ambition, where allies betray and enemies ascend. With every sign-in, he inches closer to his ultimate goal: to carve his name into the heavens and shatter the chains of mortality. When destiny offers a hand, will he rise—or be consumed by the path of ascension?

*What!! I have two.....two mates. Both demons.........the Ruthless twin brothers......!* "Two ruthless kings. One innocent angel. A bond forged in fire, passion, and obsession." Liam, an orphaned angel raised in the Angelic Realm, is revered as the Angel of Death, a being of pure power and destiny. On his 18th birthday, he faces the Test Mate Ritual, only to find himself bonded not to one, but two Demon Kings—Elijah, a ruthless ruler, and Maximilian, a fiery leader. The bond between them is powerful, but Liam’s fate is now tied to two beings from a realm he was taught to fear. As Liam is pulled into the dangerous world of demons, he must navigate his new life, struggling to understand whether he is a tool for power and pleasure or if he can carve out his own identity. With deadly forces closing in from all sides, Liam's future remains uncertain. Will he survive the chaos and make the demons love him, or will he remain a pawn in their game for control? Only time will tell if Liam can shape his own destiny.

Perla had always felt a longing for adventure, stifled by the rules of her strict upbringing and surrounded by her older brothers free to do as they wanted. She longed to carve her own path, to seek out excitement and perhaps even a little romance along the way. One day, while escaping yet another tedious piano class, she stumbled into the hollow of a massive tree. At its base, a mesmerizing green light beckoned her, and before she knew it, she was transported to a bizarre forest teeming with colossal, long-extinct creatures and menacing carnivorous plants. This was the realm of Beastkin, where men could transform into mighty beasts. Here, the constant threat of war had led to a peculiar imbalance, with most females giving birth to male Beastkin, resulting in a dire shortage of women. The land was a battleground, filled with mercenaries and adventurers seeking glory. While the males formed companies to embark on quests, their females stayed behind, living a life of comfort. But not Perla—she was determined to break free from the mold, to grow stronger, and to join her new love interests on exhilarating escapades.

Winifred’s life changes forever when she transmigrates into a world of magic, witches, gods, and demons. Lost in an unfamiliar realm, she learns she can never return to her original world. Yet, amidst the danger and wonder of this magical land, she discovers an opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of learning magic. In this enchanting yet brutal world, where monsters lurk in shadows and seven powerful gods influence every corner of existence, Winifred’s journey is anything but easy. She must work hard, navigate a magical school, and face challenges that test her resilience and courage. This is not a typical tale of overpowered protagonists or systems granting instant strength. Instead, it’s a story of hard work, perseverance, and survival. Winifred is a determined young girl striving to carve a place for herself in a world filled with both cozy, magical surprises and the harsh realities of life. Can she survive and achieve the happiness she longs for in this strange new world, or will its dangers consume her before she can fulfill her dreams?

"They took her—tried to erase her from my mind—tried to leave me hollow. But I will carve through their so called magic, bleed their souls with my tech, and burn their gilded towers to oblivion. They can make forget. But for her... I WILL remember."

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

The nascent Chaos had just been carved out, and the barren void welcomed the souls from the Otherworld. As the first soul in the Chaos World, Laine automatically became the God of Spirituality. However, divine power stems from Divine Power, and the existence of spirituality was insignificant; thus, the newly born Laine was extremely weak. With no other choice, to avoid being overturned by the torrents of fate, Laine had to rely on himself. He carved out realms, and birthed lives belonging solely to spirituality. He created sequences, scattering the steps to deification. He wove the Magic Net, enveloping the sky, the oceans, and the land. When the bell of dusk sounded, I raised my divine seat and proclaimed to all beings from the pinnacle of the Spirit Realm: There are two facets to the world, the material and the spiritual. The material belongs to the gods, and the spiritual belongs to me, such is the ultimate truth of all things.

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!

Humanity is not alone. This sentence should have brought enthusiasm to them in this lonely and cold universe. Unfortunately, they founded themselves confronted with the strongest enemy they ever had to face, the Xalarxes. Billions died and only a few cities remain under the control of the United Earth Empire. However, it is the space age and humans are not made out of mud. They could still inflict heavy blows to their invasive space neighbours, create a stalemate, and were determined to carve out a place for themselves in this universe. Michael just graduate from high school with high marks. He has big dream for himself and is determined to forge a strong career as a fighter and a pilot. Him and his cohort will have to evolve in the world of Stellarion a VR game world created with the goal to train them. People who evolve in the game keep their abilities in the real world, and the strongest ones can break through the skies and smash mountains. What Michael doesn't know is that he has a huge advantage over others and can evolve his talent infinitely.

In this world, there are people who, despite having both talent and luck, always fall a step short of happiness, and Lin Xiaoguai, unfortunately yet fortunately, is among them. Born in the sixties as the beloved youngest daughter in her family, Lin Xiaoguai was both beautiful and intelligent. However, she was burdened with four mediocre and weak older brothers and four formidable sisters-in-law. Her family background was initially poor, dimming her prospects, but just at the right age, she encountered the restoration of the college entrance examination and succeeded in entering university. Her father, overjoyed by the occasion, went to sleep never to wake again, leaving Lin Xiaoguai devastated and ill. During her high fever and delirium, her greedy in-laws married her off. Fortunately, she met a decent man, but his family proved to be a relentless headache, ultimately costing her the ability to become a mother. Disheartened, she divorced and moved far away. On her own, she carved out a new world in the city, living comfortably and leisurely with money and leisure, but unexpectedly, in her later years, she suddenly acquired a powerful ability that should have appeared decades earlier. Thankfully, her broad-mindedness prevented her from succumbing to depression. When calamity struck, she thought her end had come but woke to find herself back at the beginning. Considering her past, Lin Xiaoguai realized that if she wasted this second chance, she would truly be foolish.

Reborn into a perilous and unforgiving world, a young teen who was reicarnated navigates its trials with a unique approach. Unlike other reincarnators who tirelessly strive for dominance or survival, he chooses to embrace the chaos with a sense of humor and a thirst for adventure, using wit and charm to ease the burdens of his new life. In the game world of Daedalus Eternus-a land rife with magic, intrigue, and danger-he sets his sights on achieving both greatness and personal fulfillment. Along the way, he inadvertently attracts a diverse group of admirers, forming unexpected bonds and a harem that was never part of his original plan. With an unconventional outlook, he balances growing power with the pursuit of joy, carving his own unpredictable path in a world teeming with challenges.

*I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com as I have failed to get a contract.* *Occasional dark content warning* Jody Trill came back home to upgrade his women's lives. But before he can do so, he gets shot in the face with a magic cannon. Sylvester had just stolen the rarest secret on the planet and was plotting his great escape. Unfortunately, he encountered the wrong bombshell. Xavier was minding his business when his older brother got them murdered like an idiot! Three heroes are reborn in a land plagued by dark plots and evil arts. In one body. "Strength! Without strength, I watched my lover suffer. Without strength, I stood helpless as she died!! Without strength, there is no respect, no love, there can be no peace! I must be stronger. I will carve out my own legend of strength to bring this world peace!" - Jody. "Are there snacks here?" - Xavier. "Let's burn the world." - Sylvester. Will Jody ever find his woman again? Will Sylvester be able to maintain his authority as the main character? Will someone tell Xavier that souls don't eat food? Tune in and find out!

Cursed to be human in the wretched world of Teivel, Kane—a boy in his mid teens—struggles to make ends meet in his home city: Thalamar. Despite his pitiful life, Kane never expected a night of errands to turn into finding a hideout belonging to nefandites—a people who follow the malevolent religion known as Nefandyr—leading to a later capture after saving a defective named Niemand Bauer. Not much is known about Nefandyr, except what is commonly observed: What Nefandyr breeds is nothing short of nefarious and sadistic plots, all in the name of their god. For once in his life, Kane has a choice to make: Stay the path of a sacrificial lamb or carve a new path.

--- Hazel has spent her life enduring the scorn of her cruel stepmother and conniving stepsister, their hatred carving deep wounds in her soul. Living under their shadow, she dreams of breaking free and reclaiming the life they tried to steal from her. When an unexpected encounter with Zamiel, a man as mysterious as he is captivating, brings light into her dark world, Hazel begins to see a path to both love and revenge. Fueled by years of pain, Hazel devises a plan to bring her tormentors to their knees. But as her bond with Zamiel deepens, she finds herself torn between the intoxicating allure of vengeance and the fragile hope of a better future. With secrets unraveling and loyalties tested, Hazel must decide if revenge is worth losing the chance at the happiness she has always craved. LOVE SYMBOL is a story of betrayal, resilience, and the transformative power of love, where the lines between justice and revenge blur, and the heart's true desires are laid bare. ---

For ten years, Raiten has been bound to the Thunder Tower and made the enslaved guardian of his clan's northern pillar. Once, he dreamed of freedom and fought for a friend he believed in. Now, she’s returned—a hero, wielding the power he stole for her. The only question that remains is, how will Raiten kill her? Will he choose forgiveness and carve for himself a new life, beyond the tower, beyond the clan? Or, will he sink in the depraved depths of bloody vengeance? Perhaps a bit of both. This story is a mix of vengeance, fast-paced action, lighter slice-of-life moments, and of course, magic. Great for fans of Shadow Slave, Red Rising, Cosmere novels, Mother of Learning, the game Roadwarden, The Witcher, and more! Please enjoy. [Note: cover is AI art. I am only using this temporarily: once I am not broke, I will pay a proper artist for an awesome cover!] [Note 2: Originally published on RoyalRoad]

After dying in his previous life, Kaito Nakamura finds himself in a strange new world, free from the weight of past regrets. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces, he begins to carve out a new life, one filled with hope and the chance for personal growth. But as time passes, Kaito soon discovers that this world holds far more challenges than he ever imagined—challenges that test his resolve, his desires, and his understanding of what it means to truly live. In a world where loss is inevitable, Kaito is forced to confront the darkness that lingers within him and the painful sacrifices that come with seeking redemption. Will he be able to rise above the tragedies that define his existence, or will he become a victim of his own unresolved past? MC name: Kaito Nakamura. Age: 17. You can also join my discord, patreon or follow me on tiktok for more content, through my link tree: https://linktr.ee/Mr_Mellman This story is authored by Mellman. I also publish under the names Mellmann and Mellman Nordberg. I will be releasing my novel on Royal road. My email address is @melwin.08.nordberg@gmail.com

[NOTICE] You have died. All conditions have been met. Acquiring, Demon Lord Revival System. Triggering Revive point. ... Elijah, a poor orphan whose life was shaped by the cruelty of a world that saw no value in him, fought tirelessly to carve meaning from the depths of his suffering. Yet even his persistent struggle could not spare him from the grip of fate. But death was not the final release he sought. Instead, it cast him into a strange, twisted world, one teeming with Umbral kin and ancient human powers. Forgotten and feared, Elijah believed that fate had dealt its cruelest blow, but surrender has never been an option for him. In a realm where power is survival and ambition invokes ruin, Elijah must embrace the darkness that stirs deep within him or risk being consumed by it. WARNING #18, But in limited chapters.

At Crestfield University, located in the scenic city of Silverbridge, students come from all walks of life, chasing ambitions and carving fresh starts. For Chase, a freshman, Crestfield is more than just a university—it’s a chance to escape the lingering impressions of middle and high school. Despite his best efforts to blend in, his natural charisma and appearance always seemed to betray him, especially when surrounded by those who remembered him. Now, far from familiar faces and old perceptions, he’s determined to stay unnoticed and live quietly. Diana Lumis, a sophomore, also keeps to herself, moving through campus with an enigmatic air. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Crestfield’s ivy-covered walls and the shifting seasons of Silverbridge, this is a story of quiet connections, personal growth, and the beauty found in everyday life.

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.

Jia Zhenya was born with a special bloodline that marks him as different from others. In a world where only the strongest ascend, he embarks on a relentless journey to reach the martial peak. With determination and courage, Zhenya seeks to master the Dao, uncovering his true potential and rising above all odds to carve his place at the top.

Kieth Vitus, a boy eager to celebrate his cousin’s birthday, never expected that a single bullet would tear apart his world—literally. Shot in the head, he awakens in a strange, unknown realm, surrounded by souls from across the ages. Trapped in this unfamiliar place, Kieth is forced to navigate worlds unlike anything he’s ever known, filled with both terrifying dangers and ancient powers. Survival is only the beginning. As he journeys through different realms, Kieth is driven by a deep, simmering resolve to find peace. Along the way, he faces powerful foes, uncovers forgotten truths, and grows ever more determined to carve out a life for himself in this new, harsh existence. Amidst the chaos, he slowly begins to care for those he meets, his heart softening in unexpected ways. With nothing but his wits and unyielding determination, Kieth must learn to adapt to the challenges of each world, forging bonds fueled by his growing need to protect. But in the end, his greatest challenge lies not in fighting the powerful forces that stand in his way, but in relearning what it truly means to find a place to call home.

Born into the harsh slums and abandoned at birth, Yohan knew only betrayal and loneliness. His life was a cycle of suffering, worsened by the betrayal of the only person he called a brother. With no one to trust and nothing to live for, his tragic end seemed inevitable. But death was not the end. Reborn into a cultivation world, Yohan awakens in the body of a disgraced young master, ridiculed as "trash" for his weakness. With no family support and enemies lurking in the shadows, Yohan’s only ally is a mysterious, ever-adapting system that grants him the power to defy his fate. Driven by a newfound determination to carve his own path, Yohan must navigate a world of dangerous beasts, cutthroat cultivators, and ancient secrets. As he grows stronger, he discovers that power comes at a cost, and the line between hero and villain begins to blur. Will Yohan rise above his past and forge a new destiny, or will the shadows of betrayal and ambition consume him entirely? "Rebirth of the Forsaken" is a story of survival, vengeance, and the fragile balance between light and darkness in the heart of a forsaken soul.

The people of Earth have been summoned once again. Scientists document six extinction events in Earth's history, but none of them were as natural as they claimed. Sylas and his family have been called back to the Browns, a family of billionaire elites with assets reaching into the trillions. He isn't sure what to expect until he touches a floating bronze cube that changes his life. [Bronze City Stele] [Status: Dormant] [Time to Activation: 04:13:38] Unfortunately, there's only one Stele and the Browns have already decided upon their candidates. If Sylas wants to control his own fate, he'll have to enter the Trial. Now, woefully unprepared, and stuck in a world filled with the extinct creatures of Earth, he'll have to carve out his own opportunity... whether the Browns like it or not. ======================== https://discord.gg/awespec instagram: @awespec_

[Price: You have lost a life.] [Compensation: Rebirth.] ... A mysterious exchange grants her death in return for a new life—a life in a world brimming with miracles. In this realm, chaos and dreams weave together, where spirits whisper tales of ancient wonders. The echoes of a forgotten hero carve out his own miracles, while beasts, once wild, now walk upright, wielding tools in hand. The weary masses endure, longing for a miracle to reshape their broken world. But miracles come with a steep cost—one that may be too great to bear.

Waking up inside the ruins of an orphanage, Alexander finds himself chained and sold to slavery. A modern metallurgist, trapped in ancient times, watch as he tries to play with the cards fate dealt him. He will make plate armor, invent paper, build roads, teach governance and many more, as he tries to carve a place for himself. But how can such things not attract jealous eyes? The naval superpower- Cantagena, The unstoppable army of- Exolas, The superpower of the east- Adhania, The mercantile confederation- Sybarsis, The religious fanatics- Iyizarid, And the ever-present- Barbarians of the Barren Forrest, All want something from each other. In this ocean of sharks, follow a small carp as it struggles to leap through the dragon gate and establish a dynasty to outlast them all. The cover is not mine. If you are the owner of this cover, comment and I will remove it.

On an ordinary day, a wave of dark energy swept across the globe, plunging humanity into an apocalypse of unimaginable horror. Amid the chaos, Grey, a reserved and unassuming accountant, is thrust into a nightmarish world overrun by zombies, mutated beasts, and eldritch creatures from beyond. Awakening a mysterious system, Grey discovers the ability to level up and grow stronger. Armed with his strategic mind and an unyielding determination to survive, he defies the odds, carving a path through the dangers that surround him. As his unique powers grow, Grey becomes humanity's last hope—and a terrifying threat to the otherworldly forces sowing fear and chaos. But Grey doesn't just face these creatures; he hunts them relentlessly, turning the apocalypse into his battlefield and every victory into a step toward ultimate power.