Uncanny Counter

Hi, I’m Liam Remmick, and this is the story of how I killed my father, Steve Nazar—a total douche bag. If you’re gonna listen, I better start from the beginning. Don’t worry about spoilers; I don’t care if I ruin a thing or two. My mom, Shayla Remmick, left me at a young age, and I’ve been fending for myself ever since. She died when I was ten, so yeah, you can guess the rest. Unlike other kids with amazing dads, mine’s an absolute asshole. He fucked my mom, rejected her when she got pregnant, and then tried to eliminate us. Nice guy, right? Mom died protecting me from his assassins. Father of the year. After her death, I bounced between foster homes until they got tired of me. Now, I live in a cave with bats instead of cockroaches—it’s a win, right? I’ve learned to handle them. When I’m not eating bat meat, I hunt for mushrooms, snails, and wild boars—though I’ve only caught broken bones so far. Don’t judge me; I’m an eleven-year-old living alone. …………………………….. A blond-haired man in his fifties stands combat-ready, wielding a sword against a grey-haired man. The grey-haired man, Seth, has a one-bladed scythe floating beside him. “Each time we do this, you’re always the one on the ground. Don’t you think you should give up?” Seth asks, smirking. “This time will be different. I’ll wipe that smirk off your face, Seth,” Steve replies. Their blades clash, sparks flying as they exchange blows. “You’re still as reckless as ever, Steve,” Seth says, dodging a wild swing. “And you’re still as arrogant,” Steve retorts, landing a kick that Seth barely blocks. The two combatants dance across the battlefield, their movements lightning-fast. Seth summons a swirling vortex of shadows, attempting to ensnare Steve. But Steve counters with his “Ten Thousand Swords” technique, unleashing a barrage of sword strikes that shred the shadows. Seth leaps back, avoiding the attacks by mere inches. “You’ve improved.” Steve sneers. “Not enough to take you down?” Seth smiles grimly. “We’ll see.” With a swift gesture, Seth unleashes a wave of dark energy. Steve counters with his sword, channeling a burst of light energy. The two forces collide, unleashing a shockwave that shakes the ground. Their battle rages on, neither warrior yielding. …………………………….. Welcome back. This story isn’t about them; it’s about me. You’ll meet them soon enough. So, do I have your attention? Good! Isn’t this a story you want to see to the end? Let’s begin. Oh, and this story’s called Shadow.

Five years after a bitter divorce, Ever Miller returns to her hometown with her twin toddlers, determined to rebuild her life and shield her children from the shadows of the past. Once a resilient and respected CEO, Ever now juggles motherhood and her renewed career, navigating the high-stakes world of business with a guarded heart. Allesandro Wales, a powerful billionaire haunted by regrets, never expected to see Ever again—nor the twins who bear an uncanny resemblance to him. Wrestling with the truth of his past mistakes and the betrayal that tore them apart, he vows to reclaim the family he once lost. But Ever is no longer the woman who once loved him unconditionally. As secrets of infidelity, lies, and manipulation unravel, Ever and Allesandro find themselves at a crossroads, where old rivalries resurface, and new truths challenge everything they thought they knew about love and loyalty. Against a backdrop of opulent mansions, cutthroat business deals, and bittersweet memories, they must confront the pain of their shared history and decide whether they can overcome the scars of the past. Will Ever’s determination to protect her heart and her children prevail, or will Allesandro's relentless pursuit of redemption reignite the love they once shared? In a world where trust is fragile and love is a gamble, Billionaire Lost Love Revival is a poignant tale of second chances, redemption, and the enduring power of family.

In the distant future, the last remnants of humanity survive in floating megacities above a war-torn Earth, ravaged by rogue AI war machines. The only thing keeping civilization from total annihilation is the Aegis Corps, an elite force of mecha pilots armed with advanced ExoFrames—giant humanoid combat machines designed to counter the AI threat. Sixteen-year-old Leon Vance never wanted to be a soldier, but when his brother vanishes during a classified Aegis mission, he is forced to enlist in the academy, hoping to uncover the truth. What he doesn't expect is to bond with an experimental ExoFrame, "Thanatos," an outlawed prototype designed for one purpose: destruction. With rogue AI forces evolving beyond human understanding and conspiracies brewing within the highest ranks of Aegis, Leon finds himself at the center of a battle that will determine the fate of both mankind and machine. Will he become the hero the world needs, or will Thanatos consume him first?

The world has changed—drastically, irrevocably—and so have its people. For years, humanity has lived without the knowledge of the Server, a mysterious force whose influence has always been pervasive but never as unsettlingly real as it is now. The world is riddled with Glitches, forces that cause irrepressible damage to the Earth's cores and its foundation. Paxton Zen, a sixteen-year-old has been abandoned by his family and betrayed by life itself. But when the Server unexpectedly selects him for a second chance, Paxton is thrust into a reality he never dared to imagine and a game that bets his life at every turn. [CONGRATULATIONS, PAXTON ZEN. YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE LORD POSITION] [REWARDS LOADING….] [YOU HAVE SURPASSED 99.5% OF CHALLENGERS. THE SERVER IS HIGHLY PLEASED] [YOU HAVE OBTAINED FOUR CHARACTER SLOTS] [YOUR RESULTS ARE OUT] [YOU HAVE BEEN GRANTED A 100% CHANCE OF OBTAINING A HEROIC CARD. A 90% CHANCE OF OBTAINING A LEGENDARY CARD AND A 80% CHANCE OF OBTAINING A MYTHIC CARD] [YOUR MIGHT IS BOUNDLESS!]..... Armed with the power of Character Slots and the enigmatic features of the Server, Paxton embarks on a journey to carve out the life he’s always dreamed of—and one he never believed possible. As a newly minted "Player," he faces challenges that go far beyond the ordinary, pitting himself against the lurking horrors of the Creatures of the Glitches, drastic gates that set in uncanny creatures upon the World. ------- CHECK OUT MY OTHER WORK AS WELL; I Regressed and became the Sword Ice King :) This book is inspired by two of my favourite novels, so I hope you like it as much as I do. Also, English isn't my strong suit, so please don't ridicule it too much (^-^)

Ace has always known he was different, rescued by human couples as a baby by the road side. Raised with a strange mark on his chest, uncanny speed, heightened senses, and an instinct he could never explain. But everything comes to a head on his eighteenth birthday when a restless fire awakens deep within him, compelling him into the forest under the light of the full moon. Drawn by an invisible force, Ace’s body trembles with anticipation, and his wolf, silent his entire life, stirs to life for the first time. Then he feels it: an overwhelming presence that fills the air, makes his heart race, and stops him in his tracks. A powerful looking but desperate man emerges from the shadows, Ace’s entire being responds. His chest burns, and the mark he always thought was a birthmark begins to glow on his chest, as if it knows the man standing before him. Kieran’s piercing silver eyes hold a mixture of relief and hunger as he steps closer. 'You’re mine,' Kieran murmurs, his voice deep and reverberating with authority and raw desire. Ace doesn’t understand what’s happening, but his body does. Every fiber of his being screams for Kieran, his wolf howling for the connection they were destined to share. When Kieran touches the glowing mark on Ace’s chest, the bond between them explodes into life. Ace feels everything, the undeniable pull, the deep need to belong, and a passion so intense it takes his breath away. The world fades, leaving only Kieran and the primal connection binding them. Kieran's suppressed desires for his mate breaks free from their restrain. He tears their clothes into pieces, pulling Ace closer in his arms as he uncontrollably touches every inch of Ace's body, feeling the satisfaction he has longed for_ for years. He devours Ace's mouth and lips as he thrust into him , every thrust igniting a hotter flame inside their bodies, they both groan and scream at the connection, at the pleasure that flows throw every vein in their bodies. In that heated moment, Kieran claims Ace, sinking his teeth into his neck to mark him as his own. The bite sends a shockwave through Ace’s body, awakening a hunger and power he never knew he possessed. Their souls collide, binding them together in a bond that is both exhilarating and terrifying. ▪▪ But as Ace grapples with his newfound identity as a werewolf and the mate of a powerful alpha, he’s thrust into a world of danger, loyalty, and love so overwhelming it threatens to consume him. Will he accept the destiny that ties him to Kieran, or will the weight of the bond shatter them both?"* ○○●●○ Alpha Kieran had been looking for his mate for nine years, he searched among the she_wolves in his pack and all other packs but never found his expected female mate, only to find out his mate is a male , something he has forbidden in his pack. No matter how much he didn't want to mate with Ace, the pull was way much uncomfortable to him. What is he going to do now that he has found himself in the situation he had forbade others himself.

Divine Martial Continent — a land where only the strongest will prevail, where Warriors are born, each tied to an innate Warrior Soul of a single element. With the nature of the five elements acting as counters to each other, it was only natural that fire and ice are at odds. Amongst all Warriors, a genius was born. He was blessed with both the Immemorial Ice Crystal and Flaming Sacred Body, destined to create legends which would leave thousands of worlds trembling at his feet. That changed when a young man from Earth named Li Lingtian transmigrated to Divine Martial Continent and took physical possession of the gifted young man. It turned out for the worst as the gifted young man became a good-for-nothing and he fell from grace. However, the encounter would prove to be a blessing in disguise when Li Lingtian obtains the Heaven and Earth Reincarnation, a technique that will push him to the top once more and ultimately allowing him to be a step closer to his goal — of becoming the War God Supreme. Would our MC achieve his goal? Or would he fail and return to his old ways as a good-for-nothing? Follow along his journey to find out.

"Broken World" by Lapis L. Lazuli. --Timeframe: 2097. --Stage: Kowareta Sekai Island, Pacific Ocean, Earth. "Broken World" is set on Kowareta Sekai Island, a mysterious place where inhabitants are trapped by a barrier that prevents them from leaving. The island is divided into districts controlled by powerful clans, each with unique abilities derived from a special energy called KAN (Keino Area Notice). The story follows Felix Fletcher, a former juvenile delinquent who seeks to escape the island and explore the world beyond. Felix's journey begins after his release from a correctional center, where he reunites with his family and best friend, Damian Denver. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when Michaelis Miller, leader of the powerful Emo-Jin Empire, attempts to kill him. This event sets off a chain of battles and alliances as Felix forms his own war clan, the Fletcher Clan: Remastered, to counter the threats against him. As the story unfolds, Felix faces numerous challenges, including a massive bounty on his head and a complex web of clan politics. He discovers that his father, Frederick Fletcher, is behind the bounty and seeks to create a ruthless warrior lineage. This revelation leads to a climactic battle where Felix and his allies confront his father. Throughout the narrative, Felix's character evolves significantly, particularly after the tragic loss of Damian, who is later resurrected in a surprising twist. The story also explores themes of power, loyalty, and the true nature of the island's barrier, which begins to crumble at the end, hinting at larger mysteries to be uncovered in future volumes. The narrative is enriched by a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and backstories, and is narrated primarily by President Raegan Ricardo Rodrigo, with occasional shifts to first-person perspectives and interventions from an omniscient AI named Shatter A.I. Overall, "Broken World" is a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and self-discovery set against a backdrop of magical powers and clan warfare. ("Broken World" is the third book in The "What is Humanity?/Lapis L. Lazuli" Lore and the first novel of the four-part "Broken World" Novel Series by Lapis L. Lazuli).

This is gonna be an uncanny-valley/doppelganger novel set in modern times. A man falls asleep and wakes up to the apocalypse. It'll probably be more horror survival in the initial stages and later on some more action mixed in. I only plan to have 2 members in this harem. There will eventually be powers in the world and civilization will be restarted in a way. Honestly, considering my knowledge of myself I'll probably stop before getting to that point. I'll realize I haven't posted a chapter in a while and stress out about it only to think no one probably cares or that it's been so long that I feel my work won't match up to previous chapters and stop. Or maybe it's just a massive amount of procrastination. Cover art isn't mine and was made by Koma440

In a land of the dark ages, rise the influence of evil as it is to be countered by justice. In such time the Hearts are to serve Agastasia once more. To guide men of their freedom and ensure they live in liberty worldwide.

The Public Safety System said, "When darkness falls, close your eyes. Monsters, open your eyes. Werewolves, make your kill. Vampires, make your kill. Tengu, make your kill. Corporate security, make your kill. Mercenaries, make your kill. Gangsters, make your kill. Counter-terrorism squads, make your kill. Cyberpsychotics, make your kill. Biochemically Transformed, make your kill. Demons of Hyperspace, make your kill. Zerg of a different dimension, make your kill. Sorcerers of the Abyss, make your kill. Followers of a Million Concealed Charms, make your kill..." The Public Safety System said, "Dawn has broken, and no one died last night. The cyberpsychotics has killed all the monsters. Those who are alive, please speak." Li Pan said, "First of all, I'm not a cyberpsychotic, I'm just a little too spiritually aware."

"Listen up, my obedient disciple, it's time for you to descend from this mountain. Your master has arranged a marriage for you with a stunning beauty, and it's quite a steal!" With those words, the master absconded with the dowry, leaving Lin Chen feeling both aggrieved and furious. Determined, he descended the mountain to find his betrothed. However, fate had other plans, as he was waylaid on the road by a captivating woman who insisted he play the role of her fake boyfriend. To make matters even more bewildering, this woman bore an uncanny resemblance to his intended bride!

In the misty riverscape of Jiangnan during the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing era, a young fisherman, Ling Yingjue, stumbles into the treacherous martial world after discovering a mysterious jade pendant—the legendary "Swallow Jade." Orphaned and raised by an old fisherman, Ling inherits the enigmatic Soul-Piercing Cone, a weapon of uncanny design, and finds himself hunted by the ruthless Blood Blade League, a shadowy faction obsessed with rare treasures. Fleeing a deadly ambush, he crosses paths with Liu Shan’er, a spirited girl from the Liu clan, whose family harbors its own secrets tied to the jade. As Ling battles the League’s relentless assassins, including the fearsome Zhang Lie, he seeks refuge in Liu Village, forging an alliance with Shan’er and her father, Liu Changfeng, a seasoned martial master probing the jade’s dark past. The Swallow Jade, one of four fabled treasures, whispers of a lost martial secret that once annihilated the Tang clan—a prize the Blood Blade League will kill to claim. Amidst looming threats and fleeting glimpses of a mysterious black shadow, Ling’s raw skill with the Cone grows, hinting at untapped potential. With danger closing in, he must unravel the jade’s enigma, protect his newfound companions, and confront a destiny he never sought in a world where every step echoes with the clash of blades and the murmur of hidden winds.

The Dao twisted in uncanny paradox; celestial beings warped into grotesque reflections of divinity. Truth or illusion? Li Huowang, lost in delirium, could no longer tell. But the void consuming him held more than mere existential riddles. The greatest uncertainty clawed from within — the gnawing dread that his own mind had fractured beyond repair.

Ari Kang, a sharp-witted detective from modern-day Korea, is renowned for her unrelenting pursuit of justice. With a mind rivaling Sherlock Holmes, she navigates the labyrinth of crime with an uncanny ability to unravel the most complex mysteries. But when a frustrating cold case leads her to seek solace in an old detective novel, fate plays a cruel joke—she wakes up inside its pages. Now trapped in the body of Lady Evelyne, the fallen daughter of a disgraced duke, she finds herself in a world of Victorian-style aristocracy, ruthless power plays, and a society where murder is disguised behind silken smiles. To make matters worse, she’s no longer just an observer—her original character was meant to die, serving as nothing more than a footnote in the book’s protagonist’s journey. Refusing to accept her fate, Evelyne sets out to rewrite the narrative, using her detective instincts to navigate the treacherous halls of nobility. But her investigations draw the attention of an enigmatic prince—the fifth in line to the throne—whose golden eyes hold secrets as deep as her own. As alliances shift and hidden enemies lurk in the shadows, Evelyne must untangle a web of conspiracies, solve murders that weren’t meant to happen, and uncover the truth behind her own family’s tragic downfall. But one question looms over her: if this is a book, can she ever escape? And if she does… does she even want to? A thrilling blend of mystery, intrigue, and slow-burning romance, The Adventures of a Modern-Day Detective Turned Aristocat is a tale where the detective becomes both the hunter and the hunted in a world where survival depends on wit, charm, and a well-placed deduction.

A talented young man, Cyril Felling, just entered a prestigious academy of the great Empire, ready to begin his new life. Everything was supposed to go well. But suddenly he started seeing a strange woman trying to talk to him that no other human could see. Next, there was a student from the same grade saying she could see the future and that the world is in danger. And finally he acquired unusual and uncanny abilities. All he wanted was to learn magic and prepare to fight demons in peace, yet he keeps encountering one weird situation after another.

In a post-apocalyptic world filled with chevas; beasts that feed on the blood of others, killing the weak in their way. To counter them, people calling themselves terminators hunt them in order to eradicate and wipe them off of the face of the earth.

Hakon, born in the small, peaceful village of Brynnhold, has always been different. Blessed—or cursed—with otherworldly strength and an uncanny connection to water, Hakon’s powers stir both awe and fear among his people. As he grows, so do the whispers of divine heritage, and his dreams of becoming a hero are shadowed by strange prophecies and cryptic warnings. But Hakon's destiny is far greater—and darker—than he ever imagined. A hidden legacy lies within him, tied to ancient gods and long-forgotten betrayals. As fate begins to unravel, Hakon must decide if he will embrace the path laid out for him or forge his own. The power of gods is awakening, and with it, an unstoppable thirst for vengeance. With the fate of Midgard hanging in the balance, Hakon embarks on a journey that will test the limits of his strength, loyalty, and humanity. Will he become the hero he’s always dreamed of, or the instrument of a long-awaited reckoning? A boy with the heart of a warrior. A legacy born from betrayal. A saga that will shake the foundations of the Nine Realms.

Amelie Conley, the eldest daughter of a revered Alpha family, was once expected to carry on her family’s proud legacy. However, when she turned sixteen, she failed to awaken her wolf, which made her earn the scornful title—the Curse of the Conley Family. At eighteen, she found her destined mate and carried his child, believing she had finally been given a chance at happiness. But when she rushed to share the news, she found him in a compromising position with her younger sister, Flora. Betrayal cut deeper than any wound, but the final blow came when he rejected her without hesitation, declaring Flora as his true mate. Shunned and heartbroken, Amelie made the painful decision to leave her pack for the sake of her unborn child. But just as she tried to escape, she was ambushed—hunted down like prey. Desperate to protect herself and the life growing inside her, Amelie fled blindly, only to collapse into the arms of an enigmatic stranger—Gabriel Sinclair. Gabriel was no ordinary man. He was the Alpha Prince, a name feared across the nation. For twelve long years, he had scoured the lands for his mate, only to find nothing. He had convinced himself that the Moon Goddess despised him, just as his own mother had. But the moment he laid eyes on Amelie, everything changed. "Please, sleep with me," Amelie suddenly requested. Gabriel’s lips curled into a smirk. "If you agree to sleep with me whenever I desire," he countered. "I will do whatever you want. Please, let’s go inside, Mister.” What Amelie didn’t know was that the man she was about to give herself to was none other than the infamous Dark Tyrant—the Alpha Prince, Gabriel Sinclair, whose intentions were still unknown to her. ~~~~ Follow me on Instagram: rayoflight__pcy

“I never spent a dime from your debt, you both lost it gambling always…” Another slap landed on Astrid's face and this came from none other than her dad, Josh. “You ungrateful brat, it's only the request I am pleading for,” Josh let out and then a sardonic smile escaped her lips. She wiped the tears from her face and now stood from the ground. “I am not going to get married to a man old enough to be my father.” she declared firmly this time not avoiding eye contact with her dad that much. “What?” Josh's voice countered. “Why for once can't you love me?” She cried out her hands moving to her chest as she tried to hold in her tears. Josh moved closer to her, lifting her by her chin roughly, “Then do this one favor for me and save us from losing everything I have ever worked for,” His voice was a bit calm but stern, one could tell he didn't care about Astrid. ******** Astrid Daniels who is hated by everyone and is known as the faso of family is forced to get married to the man arranged by her father to protect his company from plummeting and also help in paying his debt. She refused but then was told by her dad that he would help pay for her mum’s surgery if she was doing his wish. Since she was a high school drop she couldn't get a good job to pay for her mum's surgery so she needed to agree to her dad’s proposal. On the day of her wedding ceremony with the older man, things turn around when she goes into the wrong hall and gets married to one of the richest men in their city and also her crush. What fate do you think awaits her?

A posh boy and a ‘no fucks given’ Billionaire.  “Get on your knees and suck me off, like a good boy."  ******* When his grandfather passed away, Brandon knew he had to do everything to make sure that his family company was in good hands, and by good hands, he meant his.  Arrangement set up for the inheritance demanded, Brandon moved to another country and countering a man as a love interest, which was completely unnecessary because he was not gay. But was his answer taken as it should have been? Absolutely not. As the days to fulfill the condition fly by and Killian and Brandon get closer, things start to blend in and out at the same time, they too break apart. With the sudden presence of the faces from the past and Brandon’s continuous doubt about his sexuality, would he actually be able to receive unconditional love for once?  [ Morally gray hero, dark romance, hero obsessed, boys love, LGBTQ+, gay romance, romance] 

Born into a lineage cursed and revered, Matthias Lumen possesses the uncanny ability to command the very beasts that terrorize the world. However, it just so happens that he was oblivious about this ability of his until one day, when he had no other choice than to confront his parents about it. While people fear his bloodline, Matthias yearns for a simple life, free from the burden of his power. He dreams of wandering the world, unburdened by the weight of his heritage. But fate has other plans. Kidnapped and thrust into a world beyond his wildest dreams, Matthias finds himself at the center of a conflict that could shatter his world. Forced to confront the very power he seeks to escape, Matthias must choose between the life he craves and the destiny that awaits him.

A College student got stuck inside the body of a princess of 400 BCE who had a very mysterious and tragic ending. To survive from her obvious doom, she decided to have a lowkey and peaceful life away from royal struggle but she ended up falling in love with the nemesis of that Era, the notorious, ‘Dark Prince’ who was renowned to be the destroyer and damnation of the whole continent of that century. But, she didn’t know- She was the main reason for his damnation- For her, a lonely Prince turned into a ferocious monster, burning down the numerous kingdoms ------ [Extract from the Story] In the solitude of an eerie night, I met that stranger again. He was standing tall and straight like a towering spruce, his profile dark against the moonlight as his long and slender fingers were wrapped firmly around the hilt of his unsheathed sword. His deep voice growled furiously while pulling out the sharp and shining blade from the bandit’s heart, “Aren’t you daring enough to lay your dirty fingers on my woman?” Drops of blood tainted the velvety carpet of the grass and the body of the bandit fell on the ground, numb and lifeless. I was awestruck by the smooth strikes of his sword and it was impossible to steady my erratic pulse. Suddenly, his cold and burning gaze fell on me. Though I never met him before, he still felt the closest person; an inexplicable sense of deja vu washed over me, creating an uncanny familiarity that defied all logic. Approaching me, he cupped my chin tenderly in his warm hand as his thumb gently wiped a drop of blood from my cold cheek, making my body shiver alarmingly. My heart was hammering in my ears and his compelling eyes riveted me to the spot. However, noticing his deep wound, I mumbled in a breathy and concerned tone, “Your injury looks deadly. You need immediate treatment.” A deep chuckle greeted me as he pulled me closer to him, wrapping his strong arms around my waist. ‘Death is not a worry of mine Even if I must swallow poison I must have you…’

Sebastian and Rezel are two teenagers with no problem who both study at the same history university. Both passionate about military history, these two friends complement each other although they disagree on certain points. However Rezel finds his daily life boring to the point of wishing to want to reincarnate in a world at war where he can experience what the ideal life is according to his fantasm. Things that Ares the god of war will grant by making him die before bringing him back to the Duchy of Elysion with only one goal. Create the biggest mayhem this world had never seen and make the war that not end wars. To counter him Athena decide to use his best friend Seb as an assassin and sent him to the same world with only one goal, Kill Ares Champion and prevent the world to fall underchaos. Seb accept gladly since he too want a little more action in his life. But Both of them doesn't even know each other involvment in this game between gods.

In a small aley, a store could be found with a sleeping person on the counter. If you wake them up, they’ll stare at you, and if you ask them what they sell, all they'll do is point to the products without saying a word. If you really want to know what they sell, ask the little red and violet creature that sits in the counter, it will explain while the manager sleeps, or just wait for it to electrocute the manager.

--- Ariana was rooted to the floor outside of Anthony’s door her heart raced in her chest, like something was preparing to break apart her ribs. She had not wanted to come to a halt, much less listen in on the conversation that was unfolding before her. But the sound of laughter that came from Rachel was not new to her ears which suddenly had her face the direction of the voice like a pupet. “…you’re so bad, Anthony,” Rachel whispered sexily. “I never lie to you,” Anthony countered sullenly then suddenly grew smarmy, “I’m only bad with you.” Reaching out Ariana braced her back against the wall and her mind whirled round with confusion. Glancing around the corner she stopped breathing as she saw them. Rachel resting on Anthony laps, having her hand resting on Anthony’s arm. He leered at her, and from even his bearing suggest that he wanted something more than friendship from her. “She has not realized it yet?” Rachel asked me in low tones as if Shareen was a hopeless case. Anthony chuckled. “He realized Ariana was smart, as well as trusting in his team. That’s her weakness.” Such words are a shock for Ariana as if someone slapped her. [His fists clenched.]His hands shook, and for a moment she considered; she felt that nausea could overcome herself. Trust. That was what she had delivered to them – what she considered they deserved. And now? Now they were laughing about it, about her . She wanted to rush into the room and meet them eye to eye, look them into the eyes and scold them for every single angry word that rises within her chest. But she didn’t move. Not yet. She held a strap of her bag so tightly her hands became gloved. Indeed, she retreated sensibly, her breathing becoming light. It was not so strange they did not notice her go ; of course they did not. Why would they, if they reckoned she did not know any better? And when she came to the door of the house, shutting herself out on the cold evening, when the wind caressed her cheek like a slate, then in her soul something leaped. The heartbreak was still there, but it was buried beneath a wave of something new,rage. But she paused and with her head held high she walked away leaving her legs give away from her. The frosty night’s darkness embraced her when she tripped outside, onto the campus and grass., but the freezing air was no match for the icy sensation in her chest. She began to ponder vigorously various questions, accusations and processes of retaliation in her mind. But she didn’t see the car. This blaring of the horn was too late. There was the pathetic squealing of brakes and a moment of unbearable agony that filled her from head to toe. The world staggered, and the last thing Ariana could make out before everything went black was the night sky above her. Everything went black. ---

Yeon-Jun Shin works as a talented barista at a cozy coffee shop nestled in a bustling neighborhood. His life has been shaped by a challenging reality—he lives with selective mutism, a condition that emerged from the deep-rooted trauma he faced during his childhood. After enduring significant hardships, Yeon-Jun was fortunate to be adopted by the father of Sung-Hoon Cha, the ambitious young entrepreneur who owns the coffee shop where he now flourishes. Despite his struggles, Yeon-Jun has quietly become a beloved figure among the patrons, drawing them in with his exceptional brewing skills and strikingly good looks. However, Yeon-Jun's tranquil existence is disrupted when he crosses paths with Woo-San Kim, a man of considerable wealth and influence. Woo-San hails from an illustrious lineage, being an eighth-generation chaebol, and currently holds a prestigious position in the media sector. Despite his high status and the expectations that come with it, he harbors a simple yet profound passion—he relishes the experience of sipping a perfectly crafted coffee at his favorite local café. More than just the coffee itself, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to Yeon-Jun, the enigmatic barista who serves him. Though they share many moments in the coffee shop, their interactions remain silent, marked only by Woo-San's lingering gaze fixated on Yeon-Jun behind the counter. Something about Yeon-Jun captivates him—perhaps it’s the way his eyes light up while expertly preparing a latte or the serene aura he projects amid the café's lively atmosphere. However, this budding connection takes an unexpected turn when Woo-San's grandfather, intent on preserving the family's honorable legacy, imposes an arranged marriage upon him. Caught in an emotional whirlwind, Woo-San faces a profound dilemma: should he regard the weight of familial duty and embrace a life scripted by tradition, or follow the uncharted path that his heart seems to beckon him toward—toward Yeon-Jun? As each day unfolds, he must navigate the complexities of obligation and desire, weighing his grandfather's demands against the quiet yet stirring bond he has formed with the barista. In a world governed by riches and expectations, what choice will Woo-San ultimately make?

"Hello there, as you heard from whatever those strange words are, I’m basically a mushroom, but in reverse, instead of leeching energy off dying things, I give energy to… the dying? To those that ask for it? No no, that’s not it… hmmm… oh that’s right! To those that need it! Well, that’s how it was supposed to go, but something unexpected came up, I would say they are going completely overboard as they tried to off me. All I know is that I helped someone in dire need of it and now, I’m being chased by these scary people, I can hide pretty good, but they are looking for me thoroughly, and they are somehow tracking me, all I can do is keep running, or would that be jumping? Oh, it doesn’t matter!” "I heard something over there!" ‽ ‽ ‽ "Oh shoot they heard me moving, I have to get going now, bye whoever you are, I wish you a good life!" Follow a unique little mushroom in a fantasy world where both nature and civilization are at the top, neither dominating nor succumbing to the other. Nature, monsters, animals, as strong as ever, and the humans, orcs, elves, demons, you name it, are just as proficient, each in their own way. Monsters hunting, killing, dominating the others... the sentient races gathering and growing for survival and betterment in their lives, and in the middle of all that, is our small, uncanny, mushroom friend… well, lets see what happens, shall we? (Art: “Shroom home” by Know-Kname on DeviantArt)

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

In 2025, a rare celestial event—the alignment of nine planets—disrupts Earth’s magnetic field, triggering a resurgence of spiritual energy (qi) that had vanished millennia ago. Unbeknownst to humanity, this event awakens dormant bloodlines: descendants of ancient Chinese deities begin to regain fragmented memories of their divine heritage. Among them are two unlikely heroes: Alex Cheung: A cynical taxi driver haunted by recurring dreams of shooting down suns. Luna Wong: A charismatic social media influencer with an uncanny ability to manipulate people’s emotions. Their paths collide when a mysterious cult, led by the enigmatic Victor Shum, attempts to harness the revived qi to flood the world—a twisted homage to his ancestor Gong Gong’s ancient rebellion against heaven.