Sleep Token Vessel Background

Before Wufu was reborn, she had no idea there was such a thing as rebirth. Only after her rebirth did she realize Heaven must have thought her previous life was too smooth, so it sent her to suffer in this ancient land where morality, decency, and the Female Precepts were held in high esteem, pitiful indeed! From being a master jade carver to having her soul transmigrate into a farm girl with a wretched background, she was bullied and humiliated. Even the bun-selling mother advised her that forbearance is gold? Bullshit! She could endure, but her other identity absolutely could not—robbers, swept away; insults to her mother, you're crippled... Wufu has a saying, for every insult and humiliation, I will repay a hundredfold. But what's with this one? He doesn't bully her; he only wants to sleep with her? And he even dares... to mount her? Well, a lord can endure, but Wufu cannot. Mount him back, life or death, a hundred years, neither owes the other anything!

``` “Kenapa kamu punya bekas luka?” Tiba-tiba, Iris mengubah topik, saat ia menatap mata Cane. Ia masih mencengkeram lengan bajunya. “Ayahmu yang memberi,” jawab Cane. Ia berpikir, Iris tidak akan mengingat percakapan ini ketika dia terbangun. “Itu pasti sangat menyakitkan.” “Iya.” “Apakah bekas lukanya bisa sembuh?” “Kurasa tidak.” Memang malam bisa membuatmu rentan dan membiarkanmu mengatakan sesuatu yang tidak akan pernah kamu akui saat terang. Kegelapan melunakkan hatimu. “Sayang sekali. Kamu memiliki jiwa yang hangat.” Iris mengerutkan keningnya sedikit. “Aku tidak lagi memiliki jiwa.” Ia telah menjual jiwanya demi kebebasan orang-orangnya. Kini tidak ada yang tersisa darinya. “Ada, kamu punya, tetapi kamu sedang menderita.” Iris berkedip. “Binatang buasmu sedang menderita. Kamu memiliki begitu banyak bekas luka.” “Bekas luka yang aku punya hanya di wajah.” Iris menggelengkan kepalanya dengan lemah. “Aku tidak berbicara tentang wajahmu. Aku berbicara tentang jiwamu. Sayang sekali, kamu sangat menderita… apa yang ayah dan saudaraku lakukan padamu pasti menyakitkan...” Dan setelah itu, Iris menutup matanya dan tertidur. ====================== Dia adalah anak perempuan dari seorang alfa yang telah membunuh keluarganya, membakar kawanan dan juga menjadikan orang-orangnya sebagai budak. Kini, setelah sepuluh tahun diperlakukan sebagai budak, ia berhasil membalas dendam dan menjalani kehidupan yang tak pernah dibayangkan siapapun. Kehidupan mirip neraka. Dan sepuluh tahun kemudian, Alpha Cane berhasil mengambil alih dan membunuh alfa yang telah membuat kehidupan orang-orangnya lebih buruk dari kematian. Saatnya bagi dia untuk membuat anak-anak alfa tersebut membayar untuk apa yang telah ayah mereka perbuat. Hanya saja… Iris adalah anak yang lemah dan dia sangat berbeda dari ayahnya. ```

⚔ WSA 2025 ENTRY – A NEW LEGENDS IS FORGED! ⚔ A man awoke, stretching lazily. The world had changed, yet he… had simply been sleeping. A notification greeted him. [You have met the hidden condition of your skill: High Upgradation.] [You have unlocked S-Grade Skill: Sleep.] He stared at the screen, dumbfounded. What kind of sick joke was this?! Monsters roamed the streets, people were killing for survival… and his power was to take naps! ____________ Dimension Collapse. The world expanded tenfold, swallowing everything that once existed. The sky shattered like glass, and a massive rift stretched endlessly across it. From the darkness, nightmares emerged—monstrous beasts, ancient horrors, and creatures beyond human understanding. Colossal dragons appeared, their immense bodies eclipsing the sky, shaking the world with roars that shattered mountains and split the earth. Vampires with glowing crimson eyes stalked the night. Demons wreathed in hellfire descended in endless hordes. Beastmen roared beneath the blood-red moon, while goblins, wild and savage, swarmed the streets, feasting on the fallen. Cities crumbled. Lands twisted into strange, terrifying shapes. Reality itself became a battlefield of chaos. Then, as if it were nothing, a glowing screen flickered into existence before every survivor. Terror settled in. Everyone had received a skill—some wielded power over the elements, others bent time or defied death itself. Yet some… awakened curses, abilities so absurd or sinister that they were doomed from the start. The rules were brutal: Kill. Adapt. Evolve. Chaos erupted instantly. Neighbors became executioners. Families slaughtered one another. Streets ran red with blood as the weak perished and the strong carved their place in this new world. [Welcome to the New Era.] [You have been granted 100 Coins.] [Your Unique Skill has been awakened.] [To survive, obtain more coins.] [Methods: Slay the creatures. Kill the others.] -------- Additional Tags : #WSA2025 #Vampires #Elves #Demons #Beastfolk #LevelUp #Magic #AncientRelics # #ForbiddenPowers #StrongFemaleLeads #SchemingCharacters #PowerfulEnemies #EpicWorldbuilding #DarkFantasy #Bloodlines #MysticalArtifacts #SecretSocieties #DivineIntervention #BattleForSupremacy #Heroes #InterdimensionalTravel #FatedEncounters #MythicalBeasts

“Where The Gods Sleeps” is a collection of short stories taking place in different time periods influenced by Gods, Kings, Muti, Muti Users,Legendary Figures/Heroes, And the events they shape throughout history.

When Jason, the school bully, dies because of his reckless abandon, he gets something he never bargained for. He gets a new brand of "Sinful Immortality." When Jason dies, he awakens in the body of another sinner. He learns their memories, assumes their guilt, and continues to die until he essentially gets to a point where the world can't place him in anyone else's body, all the while suffering.

In the world of humans, everything seemed normal until the day Noah touched the Book of Curses, only to discover that he was not just an ordinary human, but part of a grand conspiracy tied to an ancient power known as the Golden Inscription. This power transcends the boundaries of worlds, pulling him through the Black Pyramid into the realm of Sycera, where magical kingdoms reign and mysterious laws leave no place for the weak. In this conflict between worlds, Noah faces non-human entities such as Shatros, the being of darkness with a crystalline hand and the ability to absorb auras, and Sebak, the warrior whose half-body harbors an unknown power that grows more complex over time. As the greatest secret nears its revelation, Noah realizes that the choice between wielding power or resisting it might be the last decision he ever makes. Battles unfold between living shadows, ancient entities, and diverse magical systems in a constant struggle for power, knowledge, and the choice between control and freedom. Will Noah survive, or is he merely a vessel for a greater force that will consume him in the end?

"It is a normal world…" Suryansh sighed. As the sky burst with a fluorescent blue bolide. Afterwards, Suryansh noticed that the world was growing darker and darker each day. The world was advancing in ways that felt unusual. As he began uncovering secrets, he met a girl. She was a billionaire who paid for his living, changing his life forever. Now he was living in two different lives as he tried to find the true nature of the world… The POSSESSION. ___________________________________ Important details... This is not your typical story that follows a character leveling up or focuses solely on others. It's not a system or beast tamer story either. It is a 100% original and unique story that focuses on the world, with characters growing alongside it. Nature=== It might take some time to set things up, but when it burns, it really burns. It's a more action-driven story with drama and supernatural elements. The MC ====So if you want a cold-hearted MC who doesn't care about others or an MC who cares too much—this is not for you. The MC takes action based on what's necessary. I don't want to give spoilers, but the MC is cold yet emotional—because it’s me. So start your new, unique reading experience and tell me more about my writing style and what you want to see in the story—because you’re going to love this. Also, I don't use AI for writing, but to check grammar mistakes—yes, I do, and for formatting it. __________________________________ Tags: South-Eastern urban fantasy, action, worldbuilding, supernatural creatures, magic, history. words avg= 2000+

Poor little wandering soul has been traveling from world to world completing tasks and trying to fix his vessel problems when a tentacle like thing dragged (literally) into the body of a young boy! unfortunately (or not) he is now trapped in this body! and to make it weird he is in a Omegaverse type world! this body is a damned omega! watch our little prince travel the world and be the little cuties he is! WARNING Random updates

In a world once protected by the eternal Guardian God, peace shattered when the deity met an inexplicable and untimely death. With the divine order broken, the land plunged into chaos. From the ashes of tranquility, a trial known as "The Stage" was born—a brutal contest where the most powerful beings of creation vie to shape the future. Constellations, ancient entities from across myth and legend, descend from their celestial realms to offer their blessings, each seeking to crown their chosen vessel as the next Guardian God. A new age teeters on the brink, its fate hanging on the outcome of this grim selection. Amid the strife, a lone figure rises—blessed by an unnamed Constellation, shrouded in mystery. Burdened with the mantle of destiny, this vessel must navigate a world consumed by power struggles, betrayal, and the looming shadow of an ancient secret, all while contending for the right to rule as the new Guardian God.

In a world on the brink of collapse, Agatha blurs the line between destiny and desire as the chosen vessel for the ancient White Lotus Priestess. Bound by a sacred ritual that promises to restore the Priestess's spirit and save humanity from impending darkness, Agatha grapples with her own identity and worth. As the fated day approaches, she finds herself questioning everything she’s been taught: Is her existence merely a stepping stone for another’s resurrection? Haunted by visions of the Priestess’s past and filled with doubt about her fleeting existence, Agatha embarks on a journey of self-discovery that unveils hidden powers and long-buried secrets. With the world growing more dangerous, Agatha must confront the ultimate choice: embrace her role as the vessel and facilitate the return of the Priestess for the greater good or dare to rebel against her destiny, risking the balance of humanity’s future. With time running out, Agatha must decide if humanity's survival is more vital than her own existence. Will she uphold her duty as the vessel or forge a new path—one that could change the fate of the living forever?

After losing everything, Daron Lamb is consumed by grief and guilt, until he's recruited by the Special Magic Force, an elite unit protecting the balance between magical and non-magical worlds. Together, they uncover a secret organization determined to free the God of Chaos, a force sealed away to protect humanity. As Daron investigates, he uncovers a chilling link between the group and his tragic past. Driven by revenge, he joins forces with his new allies to stop them. But as the truth behind the organization’s motives begins to surface, Daron is forced to confront a disturbing possibility: freeing the God of Chaos, though orchestrated by his enemies, might not bring the destruction he's been led to believe. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daron's gaze drifted downward to his chest. Below, the stark contrast of a faint blue light against his white skin caught his eye—a soft glow emanating from his own chest. It softly pulsed, a gentle luminescence that ebbed and flowed with the rhythm of his own heartbeat. Baffled, he just sat there for a few moments, observing. As his fingers touched the source of light, he was surprised to find that everything felt normal, as if it had always been this way. It was like nothing had changed at all. Daron's eyes widened in disbelief when he noticed a strange black liquid seeping into the wounds on his chest—a substance like ink, flowing from within him. It moved with purpose, filling the gaps left by the fat butcher and stanching the flow of blood that had painted his skin red. "By the gods," he gasped, the sight both unsettling and miraculous. The black liquid quickly solidified, forming scars as black as the night sky. His eyes remained fixed on the eerie scene, his breath steadying to a normal rhythm. He was a magician now… it felt strange. He didn't feel particularly different. Sure, a mysterious substance had just mended his broken skin, but other than that, he didn't feel like he could do anything… new, anything special. He stretched out his hand, trying to summon a sharp wind to cut down his shackles. Nothing happened. Next, a flame, to burn down his cell. Nothing happened. “Figures,” he said to himself. “Why would it be easy?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For news and feedback, feel free to join the Vessel of Shadows Discord: https://discord.gg/dmCYCKNwx7

Executed for witchcraft, Seraphina awakens as the Demon Queen, her body a vessel of raw, insatiable power. To unlock her full potential, she must submit to the desires of her three fated mates: a fallen angel's cruel dominance, an incubus's seductive games, and a dragon shifter's primal hunger. Each claiming is a step closer to her throne, a dance of power and pleasure that will leave her breathless.

An old Earth is falling apart. A new Earth is rising together. The Spheric Embodiment finally reached their hands towards Earth, awakening the dormant mysteriousness that sleeps within. The result was palpable. An apocalypse descended. Abilities awakened. Animals became terrifying Spheric Beasts. Towers ascended into the surface. Those unable to withstand the wave of this mysteriousness became mindless, soulless husk with only a goal: Kill. Amidst this chaos, Damian, a fairly unpopular student of the Northernshire University from a normal background, after having his hope dashed by a girl he crushed on, turned out to be an unmatched genius of an extremely powerful House. Now, with this advantage at hand, he swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming an existence the entire cosmos had no hope to match. He became the Chaos Embodiment! ****" Cover is not mine.

Have you ever been forced to work with someone who makes your skin crawl? That one person who chews too loudly, breathes too close, or just exists in a way that irritates your soul? Congratulations—you’re about to learn the fine art of not losing your mind while dealing with them. Sleeping with the Enemy: The Awkward Art of Working with People You Can’t Stand is a hilarious, painfully relatable guide to turning conflict into collaboration (without throwing a chair). Through real-life stories, unexpected humor, and moments of pure chaos, this book walks you through the rollercoaster of engaging with your so-called "enemy"—whether it's a coworker, classmate, or that one neighbor who always parks in your spot. From awkward first interactions to shocking moments of teamwork, you’ll discover how even the most unbearable partnerships can lead to surprising (and sometimes hilarious) results. Because, like it or not, life doesn’t always let you choose your allies—but it does give you the chance to turn enemies into the best teammates you never saw coming. Perfect for anyone who has ever sighed deeply before a meeting, debated sending that passive-aggressive email, or wondered if faking an illness was an acceptable escape plan.

As someone who wants to live a quiet and relaxed life. Kai von Salvador, the son of Count Salvador, is forced to enter the academy due to the principal's sudden invitation. A person who was considered a failure by other nobles because he didn't have any elemental magic and sword talent unlike his older sister who was a magic swordman, suddenly entered the academy through special admission. Kai did not mind it and lay down to sleep leisurely. Just like his motto ‘Whatever your problem is’. Just sleep. What is Kai's story at the Academy? Just Sleep...

(A/N: Not Your Normal Type Of Female Lead) When the moon reaches its peak, madness shall walk the face of the earth. In a world teetering on the edge of mysteries and sanity, the moon's crimson glow heralds an age of nightmares. Everyday objects twist into monstrosities. Nature turns savage. And humanity? Their darkest emotions awaken something far worse.... Jian, a mysterious average writer, lost in the pages of countless stories, until the day, the era she once knew is plagued by horrors. Bloodthirsty monsters born from corrupted humans and everyday items roam the earth. This is the fight for survival. A battle against madness itself. This is the legend of the last survivors of PARADISE. Together, they unravel dark mysteries, face gruesome monsters inspired by soulslike games, and awaken powers forged from their deepest emotions. But every step forward uncovers a heavier price: the fragility of sanity and the haunting question. Who is the real monster? . . . . . . . Are you ready to step into the crimson glow? Madness awaits. Quote: " Only In the the darkest depths of the soul, can the chains be broken..... Cause we are humans fighting Madness! " Theme: Redemption...

Cyrus Blackthorn is a young man marked by a cruel destiny: he is the vessel of 11 gods, each controlling one of his personalities. While seeking to understand his power and purpose, he faces both internal and external battles, being trained at Divine Glory Academy, where the greatest heroes are forged. But in a world where the gods fight for control and dark forces lurk, Cyrus will have to learn to harmonize his identities and discover if he can truly choose his own destiny.

Isle Calamitas is one of the only humans in hell, He doesn’t know who his parents are or where he originates from. He was found in an alleyway with his self proclaimed brother when he was 5 before they were taken in by a few orphans of the Home of Pandora. He stayed in the orphanage with his brother shortly before they were adopted by the boisterous Lucillia Calamitas. He is a member of the bounty hunting Island Company. One day he went on a seemingly harmless bounty. In an unlucky twist of events he obtained a coveted ancient book, Instantly making himself and his friends an easy target for all that desired it.

I thought nothing of my past until me and my mother abruptly began moving into a completely different state. I can't believe it all was a lie. Sometimes you have to take someone else's job and do it for them.

## CONTENIDO MADURO! ## —¿Por qué tienes cicatrices? —De repente, Iris cambió de tema, mientras miraba a Cane directo a los ojos. Seguía aferrándose a sus mangas. —Tu padre me las hizo —respondió Cane. Pensó que Iris no recordaría esta conversación cuando despertara. —Debe ser muy doloroso. —Lo es. —¿Las cicatrices sanarán? —No lo creo. La noche de verdad te hacía vulnerable y te permitía decir cosas que nunca admitirías cuando estaba claro. La oscuridad ablandaba tu corazón. —Qué pena. Tienes una alma cálida. —Iris frunció ligeramente el ceño. —Ya no tengo alma. Había vendido su alma por la libertad de su pueblo. No quedaba nada de él en este momento. —Sí la tienes, pero estás sufriendo mucho. —Iris parpadeó. —Tu bestia está sufriendo. Tienes tantas cicatrices. —Las únicas cicatrices que tengo están en mi cara. —Iris negó con la cabeza débilmente. —No hablo de tu cara. Hablo de tu alma. Qué lástima, estás sufriendo tanto… lo que mi padre y hermano te hicieron debe ser doloroso… Y después de eso, Iris cerró los ojos y se durmió. ====================== Ella es la hija de un alfa que mató a su familia, arrasó con su manada y también convirtió a su pueblo en esclavos. Ahora, ha logrado vengarse después de diez años de ser tratado como esclavo y vivir una vida que nadie podría imaginar jamás. Vida similar al infierno. Y diez años después, el Alfa Cane logra tomar el control y matar al alfa que empeoró la vida de su pueblo más allá de la muerte. Era hora de que hiciera pagar a los hijos del alfa por lo que su padre había hecho. Solo que... Iris era un renacuajo y era muy diferente a su padre.

Lu Tianyu transmigrated to the Land of Divine Warriors. He sneaked to the Sleeping Palace of the emperor’s mother. But he didn’t expect that he would be caught red-handed! Yet because he was seriously too attractive, he turned into…...the person serving beside the pillow of this voluptuous beauty who had been widowed for years. At the same time, menacing threats lurked all around the empire. The Demon Taming Kingdom was glaring at the empire intently, the Dragon Tiger Clan peering from the shadows…… “Checked in successfully, received Grade Nine Upper-level Martial Art: Tathagata Divine Palm!” “Checked in successfully, received Supreme Worldly Treasure: God Killing Spear!” “Checked in successfully, received unparalleled divine ability: Sky-Earth Synchronization!” Facing the enemy army swarming him, Lu Tianyu yelled, “Fear not Empress Dowager! These are just ragtag rebels, I can wipe them out with a single slash of my sword!” A sword smote from the skies! All worlds lost their colors in comparison! The Dragon Tiger Clan exclaimed, “There’s a true master in the empire!” The king of the Demon Taming Kingdom shivered in fear, “Master, please accept my kowtow.”

The Ashwood Hotel is no ordinary abandoned place. It is a living tomb. In 1930, a mysterious fire claimed the lives of 23 people within its opulent halls—including a girl whose body was never found. Since then, the walls have whispered with silenced screams, ash rains from the ceiling, and anyone who enters the hotel becomes part of its eerie legend. When four young urban explorers venture into the decaying building, they have no idea that they are not only facing ghosts but the hotel itself. Sven, the anxious one with a knack for seeing the invisible. Natalia, the diva who feels her facade of sarcasm and lipstick beginning to crack. Jacob, the tough guy whose cool demeanor dissolves into smoke. And Lucas, the idealist who realizes too late that some spirits don’t want to be photographed. But the Ashwood is hungry. Its corridors shift, its victims return as shadows, and the stench of smoke becomes a choking reality. When the group realizes they haven’t ended up here by chance—that the hotel has called them—a race against an unrelenting past begins. But how do you fight walls that breathe? And what happens when the spirit hunting you... is your own reflection?

In a world where ancient powers slumber within chosen individuals, Kai Renji, an outcast in his own village, discovers that he is the host of an ancient force—the Dragon Vessel. But this is no ordinary power; it is both a gift and a curse, feared by those who understand its destructive potential. Once bullied and ignored, Kai’s life takes a drastic turn when he is nearly killed by one of his classmates. Just as he is about to lose consciousness, a surge of violet energy erupts from within him, marking the awakening of the Vessel’s power. From that moment, his once-weak body transforms, his wounds heal instantly, and he begins to feel an overwhelming presence guiding his movements. But this newfound strength comes at a cost. The world is divided between those who seek to control him, those who wish to eliminate him, and those who want to awaken the full potential of the Dragon Vessel—no matter the consequences. As Kai navigates through betrayal, hidden conspiracies, and a power struggle between ancient factions, he must master his abilities before they consume him entirely. With time running out and enemies closing in, will Kai harness his power and become the master of his own fate? Or will the Dragon Vessel turn him into the very monster the world fears? Themes & Elements: ✔ Shonen-style growth – Weak to strong progression ✔ Dark Fantasy & Action – Battles, ancient secrets, and conspiracies ✔ Mystical Powers – Energy manipulation, ancient runes, and supernatural transformations ✔ Mysterious Organizations – Factions fighting for control over Kai’s fate This is Dragon Vessel, a tale of power, destiny, and the struggle to remain human in the face of unimaginable strength.

Alex isn’t your average high school student. While most kids his age are focused on grades, sports, or fitting in, Alex has a singular obsession: sleep. Not just any sleep—perfect, blissful, uninterrupted sleep in the most serene and quirky places he can find. Whether it’s under the bleachers, on a park bench, or in an abandoned bus, Alex transforms napping into an art form. But what starts as a simple quest for the ultimate nap spot soon takes an unexpected turn. When Alex accidentally creates a pillow—the Dozer V1 by SnoozeCloud—that delivers dream-like sleep to anyone who uses it, his life begins to change. Teachers, students, and neighbors who once chuckled at his sleepy demeanor now find themselves clamoring for his product. His bizarre napping habits transform into a full-blown business venture, where sleep becomes not just his passion but his path to success. Guided by nothing but his need for sleep and his uncanny knack for finding the perfect sleep ambiance, Alex’s journey unfolds with humor and innocence. His interactions, whether with his eccentric family, bewildered teachers, or the strict yet secretly impressed school principal, add layers of charm and laughter. As word of his magical pillows spreads, Alex stumbles into entrepreneurship, making deals with his school, creating nap zones, and even entering the business world—all without losing sight of his number one priority: nap time. His business empire, SnoozeCloud, grows not from ambition but from a simple, genuine desire to share his love of sleep with the world. "Can't Sleep. Why?" is a delightful blend of humor, innocence, and inspiration. It’s a story about staying true to oneself, proving that success doesn’t always come from chasing big dreams—sometimes, it finds you when you’re dreaming

When Bastion ran away from home at sixteen he thought he’d never care for anyone ever again, that is until he found a mysterious lamp on an unsuccessful day of treasure hunting. It soon turns out that this is no ordinary lamp but a vessel for Idriah, a powerful female jinn- a genie. Can Bastion face his feelings for her? Can he keep her from the clutches of the rest of the crew?

Two boys leading separate lives are told the story of two heroes abandoning their empires which leads to their fall. Leto, a young boy who inherits one hero’s power, becomes a vessel of a god, condemned to shape the world into the gods views. The other, Zachary, receives a revelation from another got to destroy him and prevent a calamity. Will Zachary, who is praised to be a hero, be able to subjugate Leto and prevent him from creating a world of misery? — Disclaimer: depictions of strong violence

Shreedha, a formidable gangster who runs business in twelve countries , is at the pinnacle of power when someone her own stabbed her back. In a shocking twist , she transported to a different world completely different from her ethnicity. But a queen is queen no matter the situation or world. What kind of challenges does she face? Would she be able to adapt to this new world while hiding onto the core of who she really is or will the trials of the new reality forces her to undergo a profound transformation? Join Shreedha on her journey of self discovery where she finds out what does it truly mean to be a queen unbound.

In a world where power shifts like the wind, one man strives to rise above it all. Once an ordinary individual scarred by loss and tragedy, he has made his choice—to become the strongest and protect those he holds dear. For everyone else, though, life is their own battle to fight. With his unique ability to tame the fiercest beasts, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and relentless pursuit of power. In this new world, where the rules are ever-changing, the only certainty is that anyone can become anything they want... if they're willing to pay the price.

A high school student named Eiji Lewyiin at the spade kingdom school, where there is a developed country and full of wealth of knowledge, but the rulers of the sky appointed the earth to be a scenario place for humans, making Eiji Lewyiin have to survive with his new friends, andbeing the vessel of the King of Darkness, they all must be ready for the changing era.