Plywood Circles

Sequel to Lord of Mysteries

(1v1, pure and sweet) Xiliang's Prince Residence. With a tiger-like energy and at just 5 years old, Little Prince Xiao Moxi saw his mother dash off to the fields again, and his steamed bun-like face scrunched up in frustration. Looking grievously at his father beside him, he complained with an air of worldly wisdom, "Father, how did you fall for my mother, who likes to run off all the time?" Xiao Yeyang gave his precociously mature son a sidelong glance, then pretended to ponder the question. Indeed, why had he fallen for that woman? After a long silence... "Who knows? Maybe I got my head caught in a door!" Sharing a look of mutual commiseration, father and son let out a helpless sigh in unison. What do you do when you're stuck with a woman who's never at home? There's only one thing to do with your own Princess Consort (mother)—spoil her, of course! … Transported to ancient times with a space filled with rice flowers, all she wanted was to quietly live out her life in the fields. Unexpectedly, with a father who was a county magistrate, she was forced to leave the countryside for the city! Life in the city was bustling with activities, and in order to have a say at home, she bought estates, grew flowers and medicinal herbs, and developed high-yield, high-quality grain varieties. Remarkably, she helped her father, who had been a county magistrate for nine years, to rise step by step, bringing the lowborn Yan Family into Beijing's elite circles! This is a story of a noble daughter from a humble family aiding her clan to thrive and prosper, and a sweet love story of mutual success and growing together! Male lead: In front of others, he is the prideful Little Prince, the domineering Prince of Xiliang. In front of the female lead, he is a soft and tender-hearted man. Female lead: Clearheaded in all matters, warm-hearted and self-reliant!

She is the newly crowned Best Actress of the Entertainment Circle as well as the long-lost second young lady of the Ye Family in the Imperial City, a fact everyone knew. The eldest daughter of the Ye Family was the Chairman of the Fenghai Group; the third son of the Ye family, a big shot in Imperial City; but the found second young lady was merely a decoration in the Entertainment Circle. Her father did not love her, her mother did not cherish her. However, nobody knew, behind the guise of a mere decoration, she was in fact an exceptional agent that international powers found troubling! Unexpectedly, she made a mistake, was tricked, and accidentally bound herself with a system to complete tasks and absorb energy. Since then, she dominated in all parallel universes, rewriting the tragic lives of others. In whichever world she was in, she thrived effortlessly. What she did not anticipate, however, was crossing paths with a big shot from a mysterious power… When she finally recovers her strength to return to her peak form, she could let go of her identity as the second young lady of the Ye Family; she could reject her family's estate. But, if she didn't give a good reckoning to those who plotted against her, how would she do justice to her hard-earned title of Chief Agent? Once her identity is fully revealed, it would be her time to shine! *** One a prodigious mystery youth, the other a world-renowned Chief Agent, this is a showdown between two formidable figures. *** The alternate titles of this novel include "The Heroine Is Really Amazing" and "The Hero Is Really Handsome". —【Refreshing】【Quick Transmigration】【1v1】

Jonady Kaya 19 years old loved literature and studying history books leaving university after obtaining his results he went to a store to buy an iPhone but suddenly successful invocation circle he was transported to another world this is the beginning of the adventure of our hero.

Fate knows that timid people won't amuse her, so she serves them plain death as a conclusion. But brave-hearted heroes like the sixteen year old Kanito Aramishi are often met by her appraisals. Returning home one night from his high school's farewell party, Kanito finds himself struck in an array of supernatural events. He is stabbed in the chest by a mysterious man, a red magical circle was drawn on the ground which now nourished by his blood is activated and will serve as a gateway for demons to infiltrate Earth. He sees a blue portal in the sky from where a man comes down to save him. In a desperate attempt, the man takes Kanito to a totally different world. Kanito never thought the night he will bid farewell to his school will also be the night when he will have to bid farewell to his own world. The cruelty of this new world and beyond slowly starts to manifest itself in many different devastating forms Being caught in the middle of this mayhem, Kanito finds his morals dwindling. Will he be able to maintain his principles or will he give in to fate? Those will answered as the march of time continues, revealing Kanito's and eventually the World's true purpose.

In a world where taming powerful beasts is both art and survival, young Fowad Benit is left alone to carry on his family's legacy after his father despaired. With only fragments of ancient knowledge and a mysterious technique known as the Taming Circle, Fowad must train and grow in the treacherous Sapling Forest, home to beasts of every rank and danger. Armed with a pendant passed down from his ancestors. As Fowad dives deeper into his family's lost techniques, In a race against time, Fowad must master his family’s ancient technique, tame new allies, and awaken the power within himself. But can he rise to the challenge before he becomes prey to the very beasts he seeks to control? "The Tamer’s Legacy" is a thrilling journey of friendship, courage, and untamed magic that will pull you into a world where the wild calls and only the strongest survive.

In the heart of Seoul, where the city's vibrant lights cast shadows deep enough to conceal even the darkest secrets, Hyeong Shin emerges from retirement with a single, unyielding purpose: to eliminate Michael, the most dangerous adversary he has ever faced. At 70 years old, Hyeong Shin is no ordinary assassin; he is a legend with 63 years of experience, honed by countless missions carried out with cold precision under the command of a shadowy organization known as "The SSS ranks."Michael was once the leader of The Circle, a brother-in-arms to Hyeong Shin. But the bond of brotherhood shattered when Michael betrayed the organization, seeking to seize power for himself. His betrayal left The Circle fractured, vulnerable, and desperate to reclaim control. Knowing that only one man could succeed in eliminating Michael, The Circle turns to Hyeong Shin, their greatest asset.However, age has taken its toll on Hyeong Shin. Though his skills are unmatched, his body no longer possesses the agility and strength it once did. Desperate to complete the mission and settle the score with the man who had betrayed everything they once stood for, Hyeong Shin undergoes a perilous ritual that restores his youth and vitality. The procedure is as ancient as it is dangerous, but the transformation is successful. Rejuvenated, Hyeong Shin is ready to take on the challenge that lies ahead.The mission is clear: track down Michael, who has established himself as an untouchable power in the underworld, and eliminate him. But this task is far from straightforward. Michael is no ordinary target; he is a mastermind with resources and connections that run deep. Every step Hyeong Shin takes is met with resistance, from assassins loyal to Michael to traps set to lure him into a deadly game of cat and mouse. As Hyeong Shin moves through the city’s dark alleys and towering skyscrapers, the narrative delves into the history between him and Michael. Flashbacks reveal a time when they fought side by side, bound by a shared loyalty to The Circle. Michael’s betrayal is a wound that cuts deep, driving Hyeong Shin not just to complete the mission, but to confront the personal betrayal that has haunted him for years.With The Circle backing him, Hyeong Shin is armed with the best intelligence and resources available. But the deeper he dives into the mission, the more he realizes that The Circle’s motives are not as straightforward as they seem. As he inches closer to Michael, he uncovers secrets that shake his faith in the organization he has served for so long. Loyalties are tested, and the line between friend and foe blurs as Hyeong Shin navigates a web of deception, all while keeping his eyes on the ultimate prize—Michael’s head. The climax of the story is a breathtaking showdown between Hyeong Shin and Michael, set in a labyrinthine fortress that Michael has turned into his stronghold. The battle is as much psychological as it is physical, with both men using every ounce of their training and experience to outmaneuver the other. The Circle watches from the shadows, their true intentions only becoming clear as the final confrontation unfolds.In the end, Hyeong Shin emerges victorious, but the victory is bittersweet. The revelations uncovered during the mission force him to question everything he has ever believed in. The Circle, once a beacon of loyalty and order in his life, is revealed to be as corrupt and power-hungry as the enemies they sought to eliminate. With Michael dead, Hyeong Shin is left to ponder his future—whether to continue as The Circle’s weapon or to forge his own path, free from the chains of his past. "The Return of the Greatest Assassin:Assassin's Chronicles" is a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between good and evil. It explores the complexities of power and the personal cost of a life lived in service to others.With heart-stopping action, intricate character development,and a plot full of twists and so,the pages unfold.

Every 10 years 15 students are chosen to play several deadly games for the amusement of vile, destructive and deadly forces. Failure to do so was situation worse than death, some were dismembered body part to part, some were eaten alive, or boiled or worse fried. No one has escaped the death game and to prevent the circle from repeating every 10 years the chosen students must complete 15 terrifying steps with malicious consequences and prices that either take you to the next step or kill you. Meanwhile Alexander a class nerd and a victim of several bullying got entangled in a bigger mess, being hated and despised wasn't enough he was publicly humiliated by half of his classmates. But fate has another plan for him hearing of the final gathering of the seniors of Sunshine international school he eagerly decided to join but it became his doom. Creatures beyond human comprehension, twisted and deformed appeared from the shadows and 15 students were taken forcefully. Those that were not chosen were brutally killed leaving the chosen ones to a fate worse than death.....

The Soulwheels govern the essence of every existence, with each wheel representing a step toward unlocking one's true potential. As the number of wheels grows, so does a person's power—each step closer to greatness, each step harder than the last. Those who master the Wheels of their existence and comprehend the runes that program the universe are said to control not just their fate, but the very fabric of existence itself, ascending to divinity as a Runeweaver. ..... Kael, having never realized the absurdity of his cheat-like ability, watched his classmates struggle to comprehend even the most basic Rune. Meanwhile, he glanced at the intricate patterns of the Rune Circle he had created effortlessly. Their teacher, a Grandmaster Runeweaver, stared at him in utter disbelief. “Holy—! You’re done comprehending the Rune Structure?!” the man exclaimed, his voice filled with shock. “But it’s barely been an hour!” The others froze, their eyes darting between Kael and the glowing Rune Circle in front of him. Their expressions ranged from astonishment to sheer terror. 'Monster', everyone thought in their hearts. Looking at the faces of disbelief in front of him, Kael thought helplessly, 'It didn’t even take a second.'

"I strengthened my body to run there. I grabbed the brush, and the blood on my hand soaked it. But I didn't care about that's all. I started drawing a summoning circle on the altar of the sun temple. My blood dripped between my drawings. And what is this... Is my tears also dripping? Please... hold on... hold on to all this, Elena... I begged to my weary body. My circle was finished and I knelt in front of it and began to chant my spell. "O deus totius lucis, da mihi gloriam tuam! Nuntium mitte ut populum tuum salvet!" (Oh god of all light, give me your glory! Send a messenger to save your people!) The blood flowed more rapidly in my hand, soaking my body. But I didn't care about all that. I have to hold on... I must! "Pandite portas mundi... Venite heroes... Portas Heroum!!!" (Open the gates of the world... Come heroes... Gate of Heroes!!!) Then the light came, shining very brightly, giving me a glimmer of hope. And there appeared a figure of a man in clothes like a blanket wrapped around his body. He was holding a sword in his hand. Hope... a hope has arrived!" This novel tells the story of Elena Fearis, a Priest (light mage), who uses forbidden magic to summon a hero from another world to save her village from the savage attacks of orges. The one she summons is Ryuji Honda, a samurai from the Edo period of Japan. How does the adventure of Elena Fearis and Ryuji Honda continue? This is my second light novel, blending fantasy, action, and romance. Hope u enjoy it!

A young man, Luca, lives in a world where every individual gets one chance to live. However, after a near-fatal accident, Luca wakes up in a mysterious organization called The Circle, where he learns that certain individuals—known as Loopers—are granted the ability to live multiple lives, each in a different reality or timeline. Each time Luca dies, he is reborn into a different version of the world. Some lives are filled with war and famine, others with peace and utopia, but in every reality, the same core group of individuals, including his lost love Elara, reappears in different roles—sometimes as allies, sometimes as enemies, and sometimes they don’t recognize him at all. The twist? Luca discovers that someone is manipulating these realities, forcing him into these endless loops for an unknown reason. As he uncovers clues and conspiracies across each life, he realizes that he must stop this cycle before all realities collapse into one final catastrophic event.

In a world of mystical creatures, a young demon girl is brutally killed alongside her brother Zhang Li. Desperate to save her, Zhang Li obtains the body of a fox immortal and uses it as a vessel to revive his sister. However, the immortal body rejects the demon's essence, forcing Zhang Li to sustain her life by extracting human energy threads. His methods attract the attention of Su Ning, whose sister falls victim to Zhang Li's exploits. Seeking vengeance, Su Ning's kingdom dispatches him as a spy to eliminate Zhang Li. Under the guise of friendship, Su Ning navigates Zhang Li's inner circle, unaware of the darkness driving him to keep his sister alive.

This is the second book from the Destined Mann-er series ------ "Where are you taking me?" Akat asked. "To a wedding." Prapit replied "Oh! Who is getting married?" Akat enquired. "I am." Prapit replied.. Akat's world collapsed. He had been madly in love with Prapit for over 8 years. He pulled himself together and replied, "Congratulations! Who is the lucky one?" "You are." ----- Twelve years ago, Prapit, a feared and respected name in the underground and the political circles, had accidentally crossed paths with a high schooler thirteen years younger than him. Akat was barely fifteen, with no place to call his home. He had no money, but a lot of pride and integrity, which reminded Prapit of his own younger self. Prapit decided to allow Akat to work for him in exchange for a place to stay. Akat left Prapit, when he realised Prapit would never love him. Now, after two years, when Akat was just trying to move on, Prapit was back into his life, with a wedding ring! Was Prapit really in love with Akat? or was there something more to it?

Dragged into the depths of Gehenna along with what was left of mankind, Adam finds himself trapped in a once virtual world of inconceivable horrors, living an existence where survival is a privilege to few and a cruel gamble to many. Within this depraved new world of demons, manic torment, and endless suffering, Adam must face not only the diabolical enemies that naturally plague him but also his own failing sanity. As Adam struggles to thrive in this world, he discovers an unsettling anomaly. Every time he dies, he stumbles back to life, but not within his own body but in that of another unsuspecting sinner down in hell with him, almost like lady death was granting him a pardon, a reprieve from the undesirable permanence of death. With each return to life, the lines between his own identity and that of those he takes over begin to blur, his own name and image eventually being forgotten and left to the cruel hands of time as he is drawn deeper into the chaos of the circles of hell's design. Bearing the name of the first man, made in God's own image, favoured by him, Adam finds his existence to be brutal irony, as his life is nothing short of all but favourable. While everything around him is condemned to the permanence of the judging hands of death, Adam remains a living paradox, a varied constant that is cursed with the means to remain persistent in a hellscape that allows none to escape. As the Atrocities of his now lived existence, Adam must make a decision: Is immortality in hell truly a blessing or damnation? -- It's worth it, up til chapter 16 at the very least -- add 'playing with hexes' on discord if you want to be added to the server

A group of friends were attending a cosplay convention for the sake of entertainment. They were having a tea break discussion as they watch their acquaintances perform on stage. But then, a sudden event of two gigantic magic circles materialized on both the floor, and the ceiling. Without any clue to what was going on, they lost their consciousness and were transported somewhere.

In a world where power and wealth dictate the rules of the game, a single twist of fate can catapult an outcast to the highest echelons of society. Our protagonist, struggling to make ends meet in a cold, unforgiving city, is thrust into unimaginable wealth and influence overnight. But with this newfound affluence comes a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and dark secrets. As they step into a world they never imagined, they must navigate the dangerous waters of elite circles, family feuds, and the price of hidden truths. Along the way, they will uncover powers they never knew they possessed, forge unexpected alliances, and face enemies both old and new, all while wrestling with a secret that could destroy everything. Their rise to power may be swift, but can they handle the fallout when the masks come off?

in my life I was considered trash my own family neglected me . when I woke up everything went back to twelve years ago. in this life I decided to be the writer of my own destiny those who look down on me, shall look up to me.............watch as she climbed her way up in the business circle

As an orphan, Jared Hale had no one to rely on except himself. His poor status made him the center of mockery in his circle of classmates in his Academy days. He worked in a small store to sustain himself as he attended the Academy. Even though he struggles to survive on his own, he studies hard and maintains his grades without failing, and he's able to graduate without fail. But life is not as easy as it sounds. He still struggles even after years. But just when he was about to give up, a blessing struck down on him as the System recognized him as a host. Now Jared has a generous Money-Maker System. He is out to splurge on his wealth as he pleases and gets revenge on the people from his past.

In the shimmering heat of an ancient desert, Dr. Eliana Sabri’s archaeological team unearths a temple unlike any recorded in history. Its stones bear markings that defy time and language, its foundations whispering secrets older than civilization itself. Soon, Dr. Markus Jovanic’s careful excavations and Dr. Sima Atiri’s cryptic analyses begin to unveil patterns that challenge everything known about human origins—and raise unsettling questions about who, or what, once guided our ancestors. Across the ocean, Dr. Mirianne Calwyn combs through forbidden manuscripts in a quiet European archive, parsing obscure languages that shouldn’t exist and drawing unexpected connections to distant stars. Religious leaders, scholars, and statesmen—Sister Anella among them—find their cherished truths shaken as encoded messages surface in scriptures and legends, hinting at a presence both familiar and unimaginable. Rumors spread among secretive circles; something grand and unknowable lingers just beyond the veil of recorded history. As President Daniel Porten and General Alvaris attempt to maintain global stability, unlikely alliances form. Dr. Elina Viran, Dr. Fabrice Leclair, and Tariq Abran race to interpret signals that seem to flow from myth into science with unnerving precision. A quiet tension grips the world—its faith, identity, and future all poised on a knife’s edge. What emerges from the past will test loyalties, convictions, and the very measure of human character. In dust-choked corridors, under watchful skies, a new chapter of our story is waiting to be told. The mysteries revealed will not simply rewrite what we know—they may redefine who we are allowed to become.

A SARA novel by Kasobazu Sumi (Kazu), all rights reserved. Peni Araka (AKA Sara), a high school girl from the Sakashi clan of the well-known Peni Family, found her place as an Intern Agent in the new SAIR Internship Program, the agency that was responsible for protecting people during dangerous supernatural incidents, investigating complex crimes and plots, and ensure the security and integrity of the nation. Carrying her gifted talents and the heart of saving people from danger, she overcame challenges and eventually made herself a place with the SAIR circle. While during her work term, she had came across people from different background with unique personalities and made many friends along the way. She also furthered her understanding of how the world functioned. However, as she dived deeper into the world, dangers and uncertainty were always awaiting her.

In the city of Novica, Nicholas's life begins to change when he turns thirteen, as he faces an intolerant society that does not accept his differences. Events escalate after his schoolmates discover that he uses makeup, which exposes him to brutal bullying, violence, and exclusion. The circle narrows further when he becomes involved in family disputes, and is trapped in the middle of internal and external conflicts, including a devastating war that rages in his city. Between the fires of war and the cruelty of society, Nicholas finds himself stuck in a spiral of pain, fear, and having to pretend to be someone he is not. But the ashes left behind by the devastation of war become a symbol of justice, as he finds in the burning of his old school the beginning of moral liberation. Nicholas decides to spend his life pretending, hiding his pain and dreams under a mask of coldness, intending to one day escape to the “Continent of Freedom,” where he can be himself without fear or shame. The novel combines pain and hope, and reveals the struggle of the soul in the face of harsh societies that do not have mercy on those who are different, in an exciting manner that puts the reader in front of the mirror of humanity with all its contradictions.

Luna Lethal, a name synonymous with fear and power, ruled both the underworld and the elite circles of society. Orphaned young, she rose through treachery to become a master of manipulation and skill. Yet, her reign ended in betrayal—a laboratory explosion claimed her life. To the world, her death was a tragedy; to her enemies, a cause for celebration. But Luna awakens in the body of Aurora Smith, a neglected and ridiculed child despised by her adoptive family. Stripped of her former strength but not her will, Luna faces a choice: seek revenge for Aurora’s mistreatment or forge a new path. As her sharp mind and unyielding spirit transform Aurora’s life, shadows of Luna’s past resurface. Loyal followers sense her presence, while old enemies seek to destroy her again. Torn between vengeance and a fresh start, Luna must confront her identity. Is she still the Devil of the underworld, or can she find peace in a second chance at life?

A young man is sitting out the pandemic along with his family in a town where people are scarce.  But one day, a strange magic circle appeared in his mom's bedroom and sent the whole family into a dark space.  There, they met a strange voice that said it was going to transmigrate them into a fantasy world with a surprise.  It gave them a little gift and sent them on their merry way.  Thrown into a strange world, the young man has to navigate carefully while protecting his sisters and mother.  But can he do it? In a world filled with powerful beings with egos the size of a world, will he be able to live peacefully and protect his family? Disclaimer: Contains incest, netori, and Yuri.  Yes, yuri! I know the hate that goes around for this. But guys, come on, two girls kissing each other is hot!  And I will also make the yuri chapters skippable, so don't avoid reading the novel just because of that.

A class and their teacher that get transported to another world full of magic and monsters, however, due to issues during the summoning process the group is exposed to different stimuli during the transportation which begins to effect their bodies and souls gifting them with skills, magic or items

Kael was raised in the brutal world of mercenaries, an orphan forged in fire, betrayal, and blood. Taken in by the leader Kerric, Kael learned that survival is the only thing that matters, and those who fall behind are left to die. But even in a life of endless battles and shifting allegiances, Kael's loyalty to his mentor is shaken when a dangerous relic draws the attention of powerful forces. As Kael and Kerric face growing threats from the noble houses and the mysterious Iron Circle, Kael must decide whether to trust the man who raised him or carve his own path. With betrayal lurking at every corner and the lines between friend and foe blurring In a world where strength is the only currency, Kael will need to harden his heart even further if he wants to survive the coming storm. But every choice comes with a price, and in the pursuit of power, Kael may lose more than just his soul.

She had been attacked, raped and left for dead in the street, but the moment she woke up, she discovered she now had the combined experience of two very different people from very different lifetimes in her head, as well as a mysterious mark branded onto her body and power within her blood. Now, follow Nya as she navigates the strange new galaxy she finds herself in, encountering allies and enemies across the stars and amassing wealth, power and status as she aims to be ruler of it all

In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by war with demonic forces, civilization as it once existed is all but gone.  In its place, a new order had emerged, with humans developing magical abilities as each generation passed.  To ensure the survival of their species, society had been divided into Circles, with each member guaranteed a specific job once they reached the age of eighteen. Xylon Sinclair was an orphan with a limited affinity for magic, and he had been reincarnated as a punishment for his past deeds.  In a former life, he was Zephyr, a powerful demon who served the mighty Balthyrov, the Lord of Demons, until he became a perceived threat. He got killed mercilessly and got forced to reincarnate as a fragile human being as a punishment. Upon reaching the age of eighteen, Xylon was told that he will become a Soul Keeper, a role that he knew nothing about. Despite his confusion, he had no choice but to accept this position.  However, rather than following the status quo, Xylon experimented with the system, using his formal knowledge about the demon realm to resurrect demons from thousands of years ago.  What had started as a mere curiosity soon turned into an obsession for Xylon.  He was fascinated by the power that he could wield by bringing the ancient demons back from the dead.  It was as if he had discovered a new realm of possibilities that he had never imagined before. And then, he started to dream bigger... Xylon Sinclair wanted to rule over both realms, human and demon realm... //////////////// For those who wanted to contact me, here is my discord : Yoonaas#3976 p.s: the cover is purely mine , and it is made solely for this webnovel, it shows Zephyr. Well, i don't allow anyone to use it, it is purely made for "i farm demons" . + all the art you see in the comments is original and purely made for this book. my server :https://discord.gg/2X4kTvDUSu

Fu Youngchan is an award winning actor. He was known as 'The Multifaceted Genius' in the entertainment circle due to the variety of roles that he played in every movie or series. Every character that he plays, struck to the hearts of many people due to the genuine feeling that Youngchan was able to make them feel. He reached the peak of his popularity at the age of 31. And is currently receiving the Grand Slam title for winning all 3 of the major film awards. He said his carefully written speech on the stage accompanied by the claps and admiration of the people around him. He then left the stage carrying the trophies contentedly. When the awarding ceremony finished, he came home and slept with a smile on his face. But when he woke up, he was in an empty white room with an overly enthusiastic system with him. Eh?

I thought I could leave the past behind and avoid the packs, especially the ruthless Shadow-claws. But when I accidentally cross their borders one night, I find myself face-to-face with Damon—the one person I swore to despise forever. Damon’s not just any alpha; he’s powerful, relentless, and dangerously possessive. Our shared history is stained with rivalry and resentment, yet I can’t deny the intensity that crackles between us now. There’s something darker in his gaze, something that tells me he won’t let me go this time. But I can’t ignore the strange pull Damon has over me, even as I try to fight it. His obsession with me runs deeper than I understand, and each encounter only strengthens his hold. As his enemies circle closer, I realize that Damon’s need for me is no longer just about rivalry—it’s a craving, a hunger that threatens to consume us both. I know I should escape, but every time I’m near him, I find myself drawn deeper into his world, into his obsession. Now, I have to make a choice: resist Damon’s dangerous addiction or risk everything for a bond that might be my undoing.