Sharp Gaze

Selwyn Carter, a reserved and sharp-witted student at the prestigious Ashford University, navigates the trials of academia, friendships, and personal growth while grappling with the shadows of his past. Alongside his loyal friends—Jason, Sofia, and Raven—he faces not only the pressures of college life but also the relentless taunts of Ethan Ford, a bully with his own insecurities. As secrets unfold and relationships deepen, Selwyn must confront his fears, reconcile his growing feelings for Raven, and uncover the strength within to stand tall against the challenges that threaten to define him.

The Directorate, a sprawling, Authotharian Regime, driven by meritocracy, expansionism, and cold-hearted Pragmatism, everyone is expected to serve their role with unwavering Precision. Phillip "Kyle" Henschels has to navigate his overburdened life, filled with impossible expectations, moral conflicts, and the harsh, ever-expecting gaze of the Commissariats.

# SLOWPACED # WORLDBUILDING Since the beginning of times, the Thearch of Gods, the “true creators”, have existed. They were benevolent and made the worlds, and did not rule over the mortals with an iron fist. They even allowed non-believers into the Paradise of Gods. However, the evils that lurked amidst the lands, born from the sins of the old, created a fierce environment for those who wanted to leave peacefully. But, there would soon be one to cast those sins away and start the beginning of a new world. “…” “I have learnt my purpose. To create the foundation for a new world, under the gaze of the Gods.” “With my Quill, my Thorn Crown, and my Scholar’s Armor… I shall become “Lord.” In Their will.”

When five souls, bound by loyalty and sacrifice, awaken in a new world, their past lives are but fragments of memory. Found as infants beneath the fading gaze of an ancient god, they bear marks of divine purpose—a gift, or perhaps a curse. Raised in a world of prejudice and peril, their connection will be their greatest strength as they navigate a fractured land ruled by the whims of new gods and ancient monsters. Together, they must uncover the truth behind their marks, their bond, and the cost of their reincarnation. But in a world where even the gods have forsaken their promises, the path forward is as treacherous as the bond that ties them. Their journey is not just one of survival—it is a fight to reclaim their place in a world that seeks to tear them apart.

'What is my purpose?' He thought as he gazed at the carnage that surrounded him. With every step he takes countless perish, with every action countless mourn. Behind him legions so vast they cover the horizon and blot out the heavens. His soldiers, servants, friends, children. 'That's right.' He remembered with a tinge of melancholy, 'This is my purpose.' Author's note: High fantasy setting, with a heavy emphasis on action, army tactics, political schemes and world building. No harem and very little romance.

The moonlight spilled through the canopy of the dark forest, casting an eerie glow on the man lounging against an ancient tree. Morris was impossibly handsome—too handsome to be real. His sharp jawline, framed by tousled black hair, was shadowed by the flicker of firelight in his golden eyes. He swirled a goblet of wine lazily in his hand, his lips curved into a devilish smirk. Elowen froze, captivated. He looked like a prince from a forbidden story, but something in the air warned her he was no mortal. “Lost, little lamb?” His voice was velvet, dark and smooth, wrapping around her like a spell. “I was...just—” she stammered, but he stood in one fluid motion, closing the distance between them. “Just wandering into my domain,” he interrupted, his tone teasing yet dangerous. “How bold of you.” His gaze raked over her, and her heart pounded under the weight of his attention. “You shouldn’t be here,” he murmured, stepping closer until she could feel the heat radiating from him. “Do you know who I am?” She shook her head, her throat dry. “I am Morris,” he said, his voice dropping to a low, seductive growl. “The devil. The one your kingdom fears, the one your priests curse. And now,” he leaned in, his golden eyes glowing like embers, “you’ve wandered straight into my hands.” The shadows around him seemed to ripple with his amusement as a smirk played on his lips. He extended a hand, his voice both a command and an invitation. “Come closer, Elowen. Let me show you what happens when innocence meets the devil.”

A boy born into a poor family, with little talent in cultivation but a sharp mind and a mysterious past. Though he struggles against Heaven’s cruelty, fate still offers him a chance for greatness. In his journey, he discovers a new love while losing the old, as he uncovers secrets that could either make or break him. The path ahead is filled with challenges, but will he rise above it all or be crushed by the weight of his past.

Dropped into a world of enchantment, Corvinus awakens as a werewolf, a member of a proud and fierce tribe. Initially content to coast through life, dreaming of ascending to the rank of Wolf God, his plans take a sharp turn when his father, the chieftain, falls in battle. Thrust into leadership, Corvinus must navigate the treacherous paths of power, magic, and betrayal. As he rises to meet the challenges of his new role, he discovers that the path to becoming a legend is paved with more than just the howls of the pack.

Reincarnated into an eroge brimming with cunning and seductive women, Shia quickly learns this world is no paradise. His childhood friend? A manipulative beauty with a penchant for control. The maid? A silver-haired, venomous tsundere. Even the elegant motherly figures hide sharp fangs behind their kind smiles. Fortunately, Shia knows this world’s secret: a unique system that only he can use. From making alliances with snake-like in-laws to hosting wild parties in the elf kingdom, Shia takes charge as the self-proclaimed administrator of chaos. But taming bad women isn’t easy, and Shia’s life quickly turns into a whirlwind of power plays, unexpected friendships, and wild nights.

The protracted 'witch hunting' had faded into silence with the end of the Seven Years' War, and the mysteries of the East Coast had begun to conceal themselves, yet gunpowder was on a rapid rise. Mo Qishang, who should have been utterly confounded, stood at the crossroads of destiny in the name of Arthur. He stared in astonishment at the charging knights, the wizards atop the high towers, and the bizarre wilderness. He felt the sharpness of the longsword and the recoil of the firearm, both clear and unfamiliar. At last, he excitedly shook his robe and, with a smile on his face, said— "Do not believe what I say, for to believe is to exist!"

From that day on, secret realms descended upon the world. Bizarre creatures cried out for nourishment, and strange rules lay in wait for the fortunate. These individuals were lured by supernatural abilities and treasures, entering the game for wealth and power. Yet soon, they would go mad with the roles they played, consumed by the savagery. But he was different, always relishing the thrill of fear, savoring the joy of despair. In the razor-sharp twists of fate, "Fantastic, thrilling!" he exclaimed. Then he turned around, smiling and even more expectant— Striding towards hell. [Modern mysteries, rule replicas, heartwarming healing, Sbarazzi.]

Robin Burton is a young man who grow with everything anyone can hope for, immense talent for cultivation, sharp mind, a wealthy family that will stop at nothing to protect and nurture him. He had everything except the willingness to take them. "Why would I take the same route as my ancestors ? why should I become stronger? to beat this and compete with that..?! THAT IS NOT WHAT I WAS BORN FOR!!" Robin didn't want to compete with young masters, so he made an army and started invading planets.

Through time travel, she transformed into an ugly commoner, her noble identity being compromised. After her death and resurrection, she disguised herself as a harmless little flower, carrying a space for refining medicine and secret techniques, and instantly killed all the beautiful men in the world. Let's see the common women turning over, fighting against stepmothers, stepping on legitimate sisters, collecting treasures, practicing sharp weapons, and all kinds of killings coming in one after another, subduing demons and eliminating evil spirits, recruiting a basket of beautiful men, and thriving in the alternate world. Stepping on the green cloud road, one person with a sword laughing in the flower room!

Gazing lifelessly down at the thin Japanese sword in her clenched hand, the fifteen-year old's dull brown eyes followed each drop of crimson liquid hang off the tip of the sword and land soundlessly on the ground. "Celestia." The voice of a familiar creature reached her human ears. Her gaze trailed up to meet her masters pair and this initiated his anger but she remained emotionless as he began to complain. "What the hell was that just now? I've been training you for the last ten years and I don't remember you fighting with the speed of a snail. I wouldn't have been surprised if these weak demons killed you." The straight black strands of Celestia's silky hair sway slightly under her hood as she stepped off the pile of dead bodies. The sharp weapon she summoned earlier transformed into light, allowing itself to be absorbed by the tattoo on the palm of her hand. The male glared as she disregarded his last words and spun on her heels, intending to leave the sickening scene. "How many times have I told you to not act like that towards me?" His form materialised in front of her, this allowing his long fingers to wrap around her neck. Celestia choked as her body was driven back and smacked against one of the trees in the vast forest. He released her once her face grew pale and watched smugly as she coughed and desperately inhaled as much as oxygen as she could. She bowed stiffly towards her master as soon as she managed to sort herself out. "I apologize, Zerro." His lips formed into a cruel grin and he unexpectedly planted a kick in her stomach causing Celestia to hit against the rough bark a second time. "You are just a weapon…nothing else." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ During a majority of her life, Celestia suffered through misfortune after misfortune, thanks to the demon, Zerro, who tricked her into creating a contract with him. When Han, a new student transfers to her school, he makes it his mission to help lift away her suffering. Will he succeed or will Zerro stop him from doing so?

He married the daughter of the Lancaster family purely for revenge. He expected her to be obedient and submissive, not to resist or show emotions—a perfect pawn in his plan for vengeance. However, when his gaze locked onto the third daughter of the Lancaster family, the one who barged into the living room was her—disheveled and stained with blood. She seemed ordinary, but beneath the surface, she hid an unknown sharpness. "Do you love me?" he asked coldly. "You're crazy!" she rolled her eyes in disdain. In that moment, he smiled with satisfaction, believing he had everything under control. But she fought back. Marrying him was merely one step in her own plan. Four years later, with the Lancaster family completely destroyed, she threw the divorce papers in his face, smiling like the final victor: "Albert Wilson, have you finished using me? Thank you for making me think I once loved you. Now, never see me again, even in death." Just as she turned to leave in triumph, she accidentally walked into a gang's arms deal, and an explosion forever separated her from him. It was only when he found the two-month pregnancy test result among her belongings that he realized he had lost the only salvation of his life.

--WSA 2025 ENTRY-- The world doesn’t care about the weak. Eryn learned that young. No strength, no talent, no future. Just another forgotten face, another name swallowed by the crowd. Until the Illusionist System found him. It didn’t make him a god. He couldn’t crush mountains or lead armies. It gave him lies—fragile, dangerous lies. Illusions that turned nothing into something, weakness into strength, and truth into whatever he needed it to be. But lies are sharp things, cutting deep, even the one who wields them. Eryn’s lies bought him time, made him cunning, made him dangerous. They shaped him into someone the world couldn’t ignore. But every lie tangled the truth tighter. Kings watched him. Warriors hunted him. Gods measured him. And the system? Its secrets ran darker than he’d ever imagined. This isn’t about heroes or villains. It’s about survival. About a man with nothing who clawed his way out of the shadows. About lies sharp enough to topple kingdoms and truths heavy enough to crush a man. When the lies unravel, what’s left of him? My Skills Are a Lie: The Illusionist System is a story of ambition and survival, where illusions blur into reality, and every victory demands a price. A raw, unflinching tale for those who dare to see the truth hidden behind the lies.

His gaze slowly drifted up to her knees, and then her thighs. The soft white skin-it all looked so smooth. She watched him, marveling at how he seemed to memorize every detail of her. It made her feel so warm inside, to know that the sight of her body captivated his attention so much. When his gaze fell upon her pussy, he was taken aback. He cocked his head and met her gaze. She suddenly got self-conscious and sat up. "What? Is there something wrong?" He was staring at her bush, or more precisely. the lack thereof! There was no hair on her mons, just a thin strip of dark curly hair that started just above the hood of her clit, went up three inches, and stopped. He was totally confused. He had never seen any woman that had just a thin strip of hair down there. It was either all over and thick; or, if they were very young, not there yet, or just some fuzz. His head was cocked at an angle and his ears were fully forward, his forehead wrinkled as he tried to figure out why it looked the way it did. She saw his expression was one of confusion, not disgust as she had feared. She relaxed a little.

"You," Augustine began, his voice firm and direct. "I'm making you an offer: we get married, immediately. This isn't a request, it's a demand." Augustine's uttered with a piercing gaze, his words a blunt instrument wielded with precision. Charles scoffed. “What type of bullshit is that?” He fired back. *** Augustine Wales is a cold CEO who is known as the most successful and influential business man in Country H. His name alone commanded respect, his steely gaze and cold demeanor strike fear into even the most hardened of hearts. He was a man of few words, each syllable weighted with the power of his position. On the eve of Augustine Wales 29th birthday, he received an unexpected call from his family, their demands clear and uncompromising: find a spouse, or forfeit your stake in the family's vast wealth and influence. In that very moment after receiving the phone call, the gaze of Augustine fell upon a young man named Charles Donald and without thinking twice, Augustine immediately made a proposal to Charles, but was met with a swift rejection. Augustine's proposal was rooted in desperation but little did he know that fate was drawing him toward a future he never could have predicted. "What will happen when Augustine Wales, the powerful CEO, finds himself unexpectedly falling for Charles Donald, a humble cleaner in his office?" "When Charles' deadly secrets rise to the surface, will their fragile bond shatter, or will their love prove strong enough to weather the storm?"

"Do you wish to know what will happen if I drink from your thighs?" Salviana drew in a sharp breath before she whispered, "I might die?" "No, It is I who will die if I don't," he met her eyes with a lustful hungry gaze, "Spread your legs for me, Fiery-wife" And that she did... ~~~{───────────────── ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}── Fiery is married to the demon everybody feared would destroy them someday. He is the greenest reddest flag but now she only sees white. A canvas to paint their love however she deemed righteous. ~~~{───────────────── ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}── The Dark Prince, the third prince, is no stranger to the fear and hatred surrounding him. Cold, distant, and possessing a gaze as dark as midnight, he is known throughout the kingdom as the demon prince. But the truth hidden beneath his pale skin is far more dangerous—he is a vampire, living among a royal family that barely tolerates his existence. Salviana, a divine lady of myth, never asked to be married to such a man. Forced into the union, she is thrust into a life where every corner holds a secret and every glance feels like a challenge. Though her husband’s cold touch sends shivers down her spine, Salviana finds herself drawn into his world of shadows and intrigue, struggling to understand the depths of his darkness. With royal enemies watching their every move and Salviana’s own hidden powers slowly awakening, the bond between her and Alaric grows more complicated. Can she survive the dangerous world of court politics, where even her husband may not be fully trusted? Or will the weight of the secrets they keep tear them apart before they can discover the truth about each other? Caught between fear and desire, Salviana can’t help but wonder: Will she uncover the man behind the darkness, or will the shadows consume them both? Married to Darkness is a seductive, tension-filled journey into the unknown, where love and power clash in a dangerous dance that could lead to either salvation or destruction. The cover is from Pinterest. Not Mine. ~~~{───────────────── ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}── Stalk me on social media! Discord: I_nanafirdausi Instagram: I_nanafirdausi Facebook: Nana firdausii X: https://x.com/NanaFirdausii Or Buy me a coffee @ https://buymeacoffee.com/nanafirdausi

In Arbordale High, Alishia White is the admired "it girl," hiding a lonely heart behind her flawless exterior, while Arthur Virelith is the quiet, overlooked boy with secrets of his own. But beyond school, Arthur transforms into a confident and captivating young man with striking white hair and crimson eyes—a side of him Alishia never expected to encounter. When a chance meeting over her runaway dog sparks a connection, their worlds intertwine in ways neither anticipated. As they navigate the complexities of first love, trust, and vulnerability, they discover that true connection often lies beneath the surface, where hearts meet in the quiet moments shared Beneath the Crimson Gaze.

Yvienna Keith Mendoza is fearless and unapologetically bold, with a sharp attitude that keeps everyone at arm's length. After a painful betrayal, she lost all trust in men and vowed never to let anyone get too close again. But when a flirtatious man enters her life, his charm and persistence begin to challenge everything she believes. Will she let him break through her walls, or will her past keep her heart guarded forever?

Qi Yu is a sharp-tongued CEO who stumbles into chaos at a construction site, where shady deals and unpaid wages are just the beginning. Enter Rong Xuelan, a determined single mom with a feisty spirit and an adorable baby, Dou Dou, who instantly adores Qi Yu. As Qi Yu juggles fixing the mess, bonding with the giggling toddler, and uncovering unexpected connections, he starts to wonder—why does this little family feel so familiar? A hilarious and heartwarming tale of unlikely encounters, hidden ties, and a baby who might just steal the CEO's heart!

Eileen Daniels, a rising journalist, stumbles upon a dangerous secret while investigating a seemingly routine police case. Her sharp intuition leads her to uncover a pattern of violence, but her involvement puts her directly in the killer's crosshairs.

Artemis Starke has been burdened with the final wish of his father- that he might be married and live a happy life. But their noble family has no means to accomplish this wish. He seeks an audience with the King, that a gamble might succeed and his hand would be accepted. As he expects, this offer is surely granted. The Demon Spirit lurking in his gaze made it so. Shadows tremble in the depths, the Palace obscuring the many dangerous secrets of history. Might they be unraveled, their way of life may be threatened. But to climb higher requires risks, to seek the light requires a Gambit of Lifetimes. Only when one determines himself to risk it all, can all prosper.

I leaned forward and kissed him but he pushed me backward, sending me flying to the ground. Josiah rushed forward but I held an arm out, stopping him in his tracks. I could feel my bones solidifying, my flesh turning to metal and with a sharp blow, I slammed Tony into the fence behind us. "Let's go" Josiah said drawing circles on my shoulder and I followed him, my heart broken.

I was betrayed by the person I loved the most. Her cold gaze remains etched into my chest, a stinging memory that haunts me. Everything we once shared seems to have meant nothing to her. I often wonder: did it really have to come to this? The answer lies in the sword pierced through my chest, a cruel reminder as I face the empty gaze of the one who is supposed to be the love of my life. With every step I take towards her, kneeling and struggling to get up, pain courses through my body like poison. Every movement feels like endless agony; my senses fade and darkness begins to cloud my vision. I take what remains of my sword, a useless piece of metal, and get close enough to stab her chest. With my last strength, I whisper, “I hope that if there is an afterlife, I never fall in love again…” Two bodies lie slumped, a man and a woman, trapped in a tragic fate.

*Spawns into existence with an overpowered past* Walks in an elegant and dignified gait, takes a seat on a chair as if he was a sovereign and gazes down at you. "Hello, ladies~" I spoke in an enchanting yet overbearing tone, gazing at the ladies, who were dazed gazing up at me in a near-revering state. "And to you guys too" I mumbled in annoyance as my eyes landed on men. "Hey, can't you just remove men, except for me, from my world?" I asked _Eshwar_. (*_Eshwar_ choks on the drink he was drinking and glances away*) "Tsk, useless!" I cursed at him and glanced away, ignoring his menacing glare, that spoke volumes on his urge to erase me out of existence. "Him and I have spoken and we have come to an agreement on him telling you guys my opus, and heh, I will, of course, be the main focus, so ladies~~ You'll be seeing me soon~" I spoke to the ladies gazing up at me, while I continued to ignore the men in the crowd. Glancing to the side, my eyes fell on the men, who flinched at the ominous foreboding feeling that abruptly chruned their stomach, "You better keep your ladies safe...... since they'll be mine soon~~" I said with a smile that made men shudder while charming the women at the same time. My gaze swept over the crowd beneath, "Since the world I am to transmigrate into is overwhelmingly futuristic, there are many things to adventure about, so we have decided on, not dwelling too much on politics and other shit, but instead focus only on women and me~" I stated with an enchanting grin. *In a distinct chatter* "Oi, tell them the truth!!" _Eshwar_'s voice yelled at, from a distance..... "No wait, isn't he right? But a bit of politics should be good....." _Eshqar_'s mumbled whispers trickled my sensitive ears, but I didn't like the words that left his mouth. "Oi, we discussed not to include politics and shit like tha-" But it was already too late..... _Eshwar_'s pen wielding hand flitted across the plot filled sheets, as a subtle exclamation escaped his mouth, and at that, I could instantly tell that he was up to no good! "Oi-" "With a bit of politics!" He yelled from a distance, as a ghastly silence descended upon me and the crowd gazing up at me, while the men grinned mockingly and women tilted their heads to the side in such cuteness that I almost forgot the plight at hand. Afterall, when I narrated my opus, I stated repeatedly that I don't like politics! "You added politics?" I asked with a forced smile. "Mhm" _Eshwar_ nodded his head innocently. ".....politics?" "Yeah" "Ohyoumotherfu-" *with the distinct sounds of crashes, both of them fled from the scene* -- [AN's Promise] "Well, let's experience as many beautiful love stories as possible~" [A lovely bundle of fluffy love stories] -- AN: I don’t know who the artist of the cover is, but if you want me to remove it.... you can ask me to do so (T-T). Credits to the artist. (Honest thoughts: Goddamn the art is goooood!! of course, I have edited it to link my novel to it, but DAYAM!!) •••• Golden Tickets [+5] = +1 Chapters Golden Tickets [+10] = +2 Chapters Golden Tickets [+20] = +3 Chapters Golden Tickets [+50] = +4 Chapters Golden Tickets [+100] = +5 Chapters

Alex, a 16-year-old with sharp wit and undeniable beauty, was known for her confidence and the way she walked with her head held high. She was the object of admiration for many boys at school, though she seemed indifferent to the attention, focusing instead on her studies and aspirations. falls in love with her class teacher

In a world that is defined by power, Lance stands out as the only enigma-nap, with no visible aim and a razor-sharp tongue. This lazy, sharp-tongued orphan, however, hides under the indifferent face a very sharp mind and single terrifying thought: 'Can I become a god?' He transforms that rather weird obsession into an obstinate path for becoming the controller of the very texture of society. Thus, in walking such cunning schemes, he really very well plans the things in a manner that all those who will be caught in the web don't know how they got entrapped. Ranging from the shadowy syndicates to ancient bloodlines vying for supremacy, everyone is just another piece on his board. Evelyn, heiress to a legacy now crumbling, has her own fights. Mysteriously, both parents vanished in relation to a top-secret research project. The thing preventing total destruction of the family's an ancient curse: utter ruin to any that lay a hand upon this bloodline-the protection has already started to fade. In a fateful meet with Lance, Evelyn would acquire an artifact capable of giving unimaginable superhuman powers. But one condition binds their uneasy alliance: equivalent exchange. Such were destined to forge alliances as well as betray and cut secret deals, and in such noise, Lance discovers the buried legacy of his own blod, a legacy that perhaps holds the key to his grand ambition towards godhood. Bloodlines are unveiled, as underground superhuman races come to light, and as secret organizations revealed their own conspiracy towards ascendencion. Lance sacrifices pawns in a larger game that only he can see in every moves. Even gods bleed. Will Lance maneuvers his enemies to rise to the throne of immortality or will his cold calculations be trumped by love, betrayal, and the unraveling secrets of his past?.

After dying unexpectedly, Ella is reincarnated into a fantasy world as Karina Goldbrace, the Empress of the struggling kingdom of Avugon. Given a mysterious system to guide her, she must navigate court politics, rebuild her empire, and uncover her true purpose. The system, however, is glitchy and often fails at critical moments. Complicating matters is Damian Frostfeather, the arrogant yet magnetic Emperor of the neighboring kingdom of Mitira. Their constant clashes, filled with sharp banter and undeniable chemistry, teeter between rivalry and romance. As tensions rise, Ella must decide if trusting Damian could lead to salvation—or betrayal—in her quest to secure peace and her kingdom’s future.