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Steve Barnes Mastermind

The Dragon's Shadow

In the church's prison, a man looked at his shackles. 'Little girl... is this the ending you wanted to see?' Thinking back to that resolute and pretty face in his memory and that golden hair like the blooming sunset, Lister sighed. 'If I had known that my end will be like this, I might as well have abandoned that little useless princess, opened a small tavern, and found a woman to spend my life with.' "Man, how unlucky am I..." Lister remembered that while he was playing with these little fluffy monster girls, he used to often tease a certain witch that she would accidentally end up on the stake, making her puzzled, but he didn't expect that he would be the one to go up first. "If all this could start over... I should have chosen the monster girls after all." "Oh? Really?" A cold yet teasing voice sounded beside him. As he turned his head to look, powerful magic energy gathered and swirled, and finally, a tall female figure walked out of it. She wore a tight black dress that showed off her curvy, mature figure. Lister knew her... or rather, should have known her. 'The Sinful Dragon Demon Lord, Priscilla' "Did you really mean it when you said you'd choose monster girls?" "...I wonder if the mighty Demon Lord has decided to grace me with a heart-to-heart in this cozy little prison." "As expected of the mastermind who single-handedly helped that incompetent woman to the throne. Even now you have the energy to crack jokes?" "You flatter me. I think it's quite humanistic for a Demon Lord who has children for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to chat with a dying man in prison." "Tsk, getting upset over a little teasing already?" "Sigh, alright, I don't have much time either. Let me get to the point with you. What are you still waiting for here, waiting to die?" "I don't know, maybe waiting for a female Demon Lord to come swoop in and save me?" "You know Aurola has abandoned you. What are you still hoping for?" "...So what does this have to do with the Demon Lord? We only have a very shallow cooperative relationship; I don't think it matters if I die or not." "Of course it does." Priscilla smiled and pressed the blunt end of her dragon horn against his forehead. "Because I want you, but I'm different from Aurola. What she gave you, I can give. What she couldn't give you, I can also give. Didn't you want to choose monster girls? In the Demon Capital, there are all kinds of monster girls. You can pick whichever you like." "Then, are there fluffy and warm ones?" "...I think the ones with hard scales and slender, elegant physiques are not bad either." "Ahem, I digress." "Anyway, I understand you better than you think. As long as you come with me to the Demon Capital, I will satisfy your everything within my power. As long as you promise me one thing..." "I know." Lister picked up where Priscilla left off, smiling back at her. "You want me, right?" "What a smarty~. So, you agree?" "Mm. I'll go with you." 'And come on, it's fluffy monster girls' 'I can't refuse.'
haytham_ · 498.4K Views

Hero of Darkness

Elric's life had been nothing short of a nightmare since his childhood. He was constantly bullied at school, detested and ignored by his family, and left with nobody to care whether he lived or died. The accumulated loneliness and suffering from decades pushed him into a severe depression, and he ultimately decided to take his life’s final decision… Suicide. One day, Elric's soul heard a voice calling out to him. "Wake up, Elric. I am the God of Darkness, and I'm here to give you another chance at life." To the God of Darkness, Elric replied with only two words… "Fuck off!" Now forced with the possibility of a new life despite his unwillingness… Elric must decide whether to become a puppet or forge a new destiny with his own hands. Will he overcome his traumatic past, or will he squander yet another chance at life? Join the Protagonist on his journey as he is given an impossible task while striving to become one of the strongest beings in a world full of Magic, Mythical creatures, Dragons, and Gods. ---------------- [[Author : The protagonist of this story is a scheming mastermind who doesn't trust anyone and plans everything based on his present strength, knowledge and circumstances. No Romance, Harem, or Fan-service here. The main character is also not an Edgelord or a Psychopath who kills people without reason. Character development is a gradual process as the Main Character learns to acknowledge and overcome his flaws. This is a story for those who appreciate a psychologically well-developed character. The protagonist is an Antihero character who exists in the gray area between good and evil. This is a story for those who enjoy complex characters, greatly improving and expanding World-building along with intricate plots. If you are looking for a story with a nuanced and morally ambiguous yet humorous protagonist in a mature and gritty world, then this is the novel for you.]] ---------------- Note : Character Reference Arts available in chapter comments. Discord Link : https://discord.gg/xR7vUzCYx9 ---------------- Note : Vote for the Novel for extra weekly chapters. 500 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter per week 1000 Power Stones = 2 Extra Chapters per week 2500 Power Stones = 5 Extra chapters per week 500 Golden Tickets = 2 Extra chapters per week 1000 Golden Tickets = 3 Extra chapters per week 1500 Golden Tickets = 7 Extra chapters per week
CrimsonWolfAuthor · 9M Views

Cameraman Never Dies

In the greed-filled world of corporate empires and magic knights, Min Jae was a king in business, with pockets so deep he could drown in them. That is, until his life deemed his playthrough unfair and gave him a red card. Poison was his family's best friend, as everyone had at least tasted it once, not twice because they never could. Death was never on his calendar, neither was an offer for a divine gig. Enter the Deity of Stories, a celestial being with a fetish for plot twists, who offers Min Jae a deal he can't refuse: become her divine cameraman. No, not the kind with a lens, but one who records the tales of mortals. In return, he gets a second shot at life, in a world where his dearly departed parents are alive and well, ready to dote on him from birth. Reborn as Judge (because “Min Jae 2.0” sounded too dull), he quickly realizes this new life is no gift. This steampunk utopia, filled with airships, clockwork gadgets, and an alarming lack of Wi-Fi, thrives on manipulation. But who needs the internet when you have a divine camera and the sharp mind to control it all? Judge isn’t just here to record stories; he’s here to write them, casting himself as the mastermind behind every twist and turn. Armed with his divine powers, he navigates complex schemes, power-hungry nobles, and ruthless industrialists, all while keeping his ultimate goal hidden: to ascend to godhood and rewrite his own fate. Of course, he generally makes a glorious mess of things, all while trying to keep his dear parents blissfully unaware of his less-than-angelic schemes. But as the stakes rise and the Deity of Stories watches his every move, Judge must tread carefully. Can he manipulate his way to the top, or will he become just another character in someone else’s plot twist? --- Just a quick disclaimer: The book steers clear of any unwanted adult stuff. However, it does feature a potentially disturbing amount of violence—enough to make you wonder about the author's mental health. So proceed with caution—and maybe a shield!
CloudCatcher · 176K Views

The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Draven is a magic professor in a fantasy world. He is also an earl, notorious for his evil deeds and mistakes since youth. His downfall is due to a curse that hinders his intellectual potential and his talents. Eventually, he becomes a villain, losing everything he holds dear: his siblings, fiancée, house, domain, and more. After a miserable death, he reincarnates in the modern world as Dravis Granger. In his new life, he grows up to be a highly intellectual individual oblivious towards his previous life, becoming a young professor in mechanical engineering and a researcher. However, he harbors a strange obsession with creating a game, fueled by vivid imaginings of another world. This obsession leads him to develop a game that mirrors his previous life. Upon completing his virtual reality world, he regains his past memories. Overwhelmed by intense emotions—rage, sadness, and the realization of his past ugliness—he suffers a fatal heart attack. In his final moments, he hears a voice, seemingly from the world itself, offering him a chance to return to his original fantasy world. However, he would only retain the memories of his modern life, not those of his first life’s mistakes. He agrees and is reincarnated once more, this time with the knowledge of a modern mechanical engineering professor. But one thing about the Dravis Granger, he's not just a mechanical engineer professor. Not just a straight, killer genius professor. He has his ideals, and the world is too full of villains for his great idealism. So he strived, with his great mind, he became a mastermind. But not as a villain, but as a person who has lost hope in police and justice, and decided to help the people by his own hand. Collecting victims and invited those handpicked talents to his side, making several insane stunts, assassinating, trapping, and eradicating the scums from the world. But now in this fantasy world, he has to survive from multiple factions trying to kill him, protect his domain, protect his siblings, protect his fiance, and the most important thing. Protect the world. But he hadn't lost the Dravis from the modern world. As a professor at the morning, an earl at the afternoon, and a dark knight at the night. _____________________________ "You've hurt my student." Draven stands still, no mana seems to emit from him, but just a single frown. A frown that is enough to make the room's heavy. "As a teacher, you think I would leave you unpunished?" "You seem to think that I care about your position, Prince Hermit. But believe me," Draven took a slow step. "Not even your father could protect you from me," _____________________________ Daily Update 2 Chapters = 14 chapters/week Some Friendly Rewards 100 Powerstones = +2 chapters in that day 200 Powerstones = +4 chapters in that day 50 Golden Tickets = +4 chapters in that day 1 Gift = +4 chapters in that day _____________________________ One of the King of Kings Series
Arkalphaze · 1M Views

Four Split Personalities

Battling an unusual form of personality dissociation, Motan admits to feeling the weight of immense pressure bearing down on him. Amidst this turmoil, he finds solace in a virtual escape called "The Realm of Innocence," a game that has become his sanctuary from stress. In the realm where ambiguity reigns, Motan's behavior is unpredictable and impetuous, making him the instigator and mastermind behind myriad events that spiral out of control. Yet, within the sphere of virtue, his resilience and courage shine through, earning him the admiration of many who see him as the epitome of a righteous knight and a fair judge. When dwelling in the balance of absolute neutrality, he adopts a demeanor of modesty and lethargy, mirroring the ordinary essence of every soul. Conversely, in the domain of chaotic evil, he transforms into a figure of madness and cruelty, embodying the very essence of a demon and deceiver, showing kindness only to himself. "Tan Mo is the most extraordinary Bard I have ever encountered, though he is... perplexing, to say the least," comments Countess Leisha, reflecting on his complex nature. "Mor is a man of distinguished integrity! Having met him just once, I am convinced that he is someone one can confidently turn their back to," declares Gwen, the leader of the Rose Rot, acknowledging his noble character. "If you're in search of the ideal neighbor, look no further than Hei Fan," recommends Alchemist Luna, suggesting his suitability for companionship. Yet, amidst these varied testimonies, a warning resonates, "Don't talk about that man!" indicating a mysterious, perhaps darker aspect of his persona that remains unexplored.
Micro-leaf Paulownia · 319.8K Views

Shadow's Gambit

In the grand city of Eldrath, where power is fought for in the shadows and alliances are as fleeting as the night, one man seeks to outplay them all. Aran Silas, a brilliant tactician and master manipulator, has no overwhelming strength or supernatural gifts. Instead, his genius lies in his ability to maneuver through the complex web of politics, crime, and treachery. Aran’s ambitions go far beyond wealth or fame—he wants control. Absolute control. As the illegitimate son of a noble family, Aran grew up on the fringes of high society, learning that intelligence and cunning were his only tools for survival. Now, as a man, he is determined to rise to power from behind the scenes, orchestrating the downfall of those who stand in his way. From crime lords to noble houses, no one is safe from his web of lies, half-truths, and carefully plotted schemes. But Eldrath is not just a city of ambition—it’s a battleground. Aran finds himself locked in a deadly game with two formidable women: Lady Nera, a powerful noble with her own dark empire, and Alara Sindel, a cunning seductress with ambitions that rival Aran’s own. With alliances shifting like sand and enemies lurking in every corner, Aran must stay several steps ahead, or risk losing everything. In a world where betrayal is as common as breathing and trust is a weakness, Aran plays the ultimate gambit—manipulating, deceiving, and outwitting everyone who crosses his path. But as his control grows, so do the dangers. His enemies are many, and even his allies may turn against him. And while he strives to shape the world in his image, there are forces at play far beyond his control. In Shadow’s Gambit, Aran Silas must balance ambition with survival as he navigates a treacherous world of mystery, intrigue, and deadly politics. His intelligence is his weapon, his mind his greatest asset, and in the dark, no one can see the strings he's pulling. But every gambit comes at a cost. Key Themes: Mind over muscle: Aran uses strategy and intelligence to defeat stronger foes. Anti-heroic journey: Aran’s morally ambiguous nature makes him both a mastermind and a manipulator, willing to sacrifice anyone for his goals. Political intrigue and power struggles: Noble houses, criminal syndicates, and rival factions all vie for control of Eldrath. Trust and betrayal: Friendships, alliances, and romances are all tainted by the looming threat of betrayal, making trust a rare and dangerous commodity. Aran Silas isn’t just playing the game—he’s rewriting the rules. But how long can he stay ahead before the shadows close in?
Kenway_Strider · 85.9K Views

The Northern Myanmar: Death Trap

Overview: "Northern Myanmar: The Death Zone" In a remote scam zone in northern Myanmar, innocent people from all over the world find themselves trapped in a dangerous trap. This place is a dark nexus where black-market trading, brutal torture, and human depravity intertwine, creating a life-or-death struggle for survival. Story Background: James Archer, the male protagonist, was once a soldier and later a private detective. After losing his job, he was deceived into a job offer and ended up in Myanmar. What he thought would be a simple employment opportunity turns into a nightmare when he is dragged into a global scam operation, becoming a pawn in a deadly game. Behind the scam zone lies a vast criminal network, controlling countless fates. James finds himself in a hellish environment, struggling not only against physical violence and death but also facing the conflict within himself as he grapples with moral dilemmas and a deep thirst for revenge. The female protagonist, Lily Harrington, is a young, intelligent woman who is forced to work as a croupier in the scam zone. Her life shatters in this hellish place after her boyfriend dies under mysterious circumstances. Struggling with both the trauma of her past and the emotional conflict between love and survival, Lily’s decisions become increasingly complex. She begins to form a connection with James, although their bond is tested by the harsh environment they are trapped in. At the heart of the story is the antagonist, Eunice Fabian, a charming and intelligent figure who secretly controls the scam zone. On the surface, he appears to be the mastermind behind the operation, but his true motives are much darker. He is part of a global criminal syndicate with far-reaching influence. His methods are cruel and calculated, and while he remains emotionally detached, his interactions with Lily reveal a side of him filled with inner conflict and moral ambiguity. Story Summary: Through a chance encounter, James meets Lily and uncovers more about the scam zone's dark secrets. As the investigation deepens, their relationship grows, but their developing feelings are tested by the moral and life-or-death choices they face. James discovers that behind the scam zone, there is not only a terrifying criminal network but also a personal vendetta that ties his past to the present. In pursuit of the truth, James must confront his desire for revenge and the ethical limits of his actions. As James and Lily’s bond intensifies, they are joined by a series of secondary characters, some of whom tragically meet untimely ends, while others switch allegiances. The story enters its climax as the dark forces behind the scam zone retaliate fiercely against them. Ultimately, James and Lily must confront the final pieces of the puzzle—who is really controlling the scam zone and why—and fight to escape before it’s too late. Conclusion: After a brutal struggle, James and Lily manage to escape the scam zone and bring down the criminal syndicate behind it. However, their victory doesn’t mark the end of their journey. As they expose the truth behind the "Death Zone," they realize that the darkness they’ve uncovered is just the tip of the iceberg. Their fight for justice is far from over. Themes: This novel is more than just an adventure about life and death, revenge, and love—it’s a profound exploration of human nature, morality, and justice. Through the protagonists' struggles and growth in extreme conditions, the story reveals how dark forces manipulate people’s minds, corrupt moral boundaries, and how one can still seek hope and survival in the midst of chaos. The line between good and evil is often blurred, choices shape destinies, and love and sacrifice become the ultimate form of redemption.
DaoistozAOHL · 2.6K Views

The Algorithm of Power - AI Generated

Isaac Hargrave was a forgotten man—a brilliant but invisible IT specialist, buried in the shadows of a world that never recognized his genius. While society overlooked him, Isaac quietly honed his skills in the one place he held control: the digital realm. But when his latest creation, an unparalleled self-learning algorithm, cracks the most secure systems on the planet, he realizes his power is no longer confined to cyberspace. With this algorithm, Isaac holds the potential to control everything—money, governments, economies, and even the truth itself. As his abilities grow, so does his ambition. What begins as a desire to be seen soon evolves into a quest to reshape the world in his image, eliminating those who have wronged him and consolidating absolute control. But power comes at a cost. The deeper Isaac dives into his newfound influence, the more he loses his humanity. Old friends and allies fall away as Isaac transforms from a reclusive genius into a ruthless mastermind. The world begins to crumble under his rule, but with each step, Isaac justifies his actions as the price of progress. In a world driven by data and dominated by machines, The Algorithm of Power explores the fine line between control and chaos. As Isaac rises from obscurity to the throne of a digital empire, the question becomes: How much power can one person wield before they destroy everything—including themselves? This whole book is written by ChatGPT!
CodeRider · 106.4K Views

The Kingmaker System

"The masterminds are cooler than heroes," I mutter as I stare at the chess pieces before me. It is easier to be the one who sits in the shadows and moves the pieces, likewise deciding the flow of the game. Heroes will foolishly sacrifice their lives for the good cause and villains will sacrifice the world for their own gain, but masterminds will use both the heroes and villains to their own benefit. Why, you ask? Well, that's because I've lost my life once while trying to be a hero so, I don't want that anymore. I'd rather be a mastermind who molds the world as per my convenience and live peacefully. Because, why not? *** [Defender of Divine Glory says you are the hope of this world.] What? [Goddess of Wisdom believes that you will be the one to save the world.] Wait, what?! [Propose the Grand Duke the idea of a fake marriage.] And, why would I do that?! [Stop the assassination of Prince Eric.] Why would I save him?! [The candidates for the throne are:... Who will you choose?] Ah! I give up... It seems like a curse that anyone who wishes for a slacker life in Isekai will have to go through the most troublesome things. In my past life, I died because of one rookie mistake but after being transmigrated in the world of fantasy I've gotten an opportunity to start afresh, but unlike the protagonists who look for their love and glory, I'd rather make money and live a life of a slacker. I have magic, I have power and I have money, what else do I need? Well, that was the plan but this damn system is getting on my nerves. I mean who in their sane mind would want to mess with the complicated royal family and political affairs? But that's not all though. I've also become the saviour of this world. Things just can't be anymore worse! Besides, the penalty of failing this quest is... [Failure: Destruction of the World.] It seems like if I screw up in selecting the right person then the destruction that is going to befall the world won't be stopped. If I speak of my reward then it's this vague thing. [Reward: Fulfillment of any wish.] "If that's the case then, I'd rather choose the person who would be the best fit for the throne." And that's how I decided that I would become the Kingmaker.
AnimeVerseGirl · 164.4K Views

Omniscient Blade

"Omniscient Blade" In his past life, Ryuujin Kurogami was a genius of physics and mathematics, but his brilliance brought him nothing but pain. Bullied, betrayed, and eventually killed by his peers, he died a powerless man, haunted by his inability to fight back. Now reborn in a new world as the youngest member of the prestigious Kurogami Clan, Ryuujin is determined to rewrite his destiny. But life in the clan is harsh, and his inability to grasp their martial techniques leaves him an outcast, ridiculed and humiliated by his own blood. Fate changes when Ryuujin discovers an ancient cave filled with sword marks left by the clan’s legendary founder—a man who, like Ryuujin, came from another world. Using his knowledge of physics, Ryuujin deciphers the marks and begins to forge his own path, blending science with martial arts. This discovery unlocks the *Omni Eye*, an extraordinary ability that allows him to analyze and counter any technique. With this newfound power, Ryuujin dominates his peers, earning respect and sparking rumors of his unparalleled strength. But when pressured to attend the prestigious royal academy, he defies expectations and embarks on a journey of self-discovery instead. Along the way, he masters various weapons—katanas, daggers, whips, and projectiles—and learns to adapt his techniques to counter even the strongest foes. However, Ryuujin’s path is far from easy. The world is rife with challenges: dangerous beasts, rival clans, and mysterious villains with tragic pasts. Among them is a shadowy mastermind whose manipulations tie back to Ryuujin's first life, forcing him to confront his buried trauma. As Ryuujin grows stronger, he forges his ultimate weapon, the *Backhand Blade*, a masterpiece crafted by a legendary blacksmith. This weapon evolves alongside him, symbolizing his relentless pursuit of perfection. Yet, Ryuujin’s greatest battles are not just against enemies but against the limitations of his own body and the lingering scars of his past. Through relentless battles, emotional confrontations, and complex alliances, Ryuujin rises to become a warrior feared and respected across the land. But as secrets of his rebirth and the origins of his powers come to light, Ryuujin must face the ultimate question: Is strength alone enough to protect what matters most?
Harsh_Solanki_1350 · 3.7K Views
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