Shoulder Pauldron

In the world of Elverio, three great nations—Solmaria, Eldoria, and Vermire—struggle for power, survival, and dominance. Solmaria, the mightiest kingdom, is known for its military strength and royal bloodline. Eldoria, a technological superpower, excels in innovation and space exploration. Meanwhile, Varinth, the weakest nation, is disregarded and treated like an outcast. After the assassination of King Reinhart Solmaria, the future of Solmaria is uncertain. The weight of the kingdom now rests on the shoulders of Kairo Solmaria, a prince raised in the royal family but overshadowed by his older brother, Sirius Solmaria. As political tensions rise and secrets unravel, Kairo finds himself caught in a web of deception, betrayal, and fate itself. As Kairo embarks on his journey, he begins to question everything—the truth behind his father’s death, the nature of his enemies, and the mysterious visions haunting his dreams. But one thing is certain—his choices will shape the future of Elverio forever.

Born into the ruthless world of the Mafia, Rose knew power, wealth, and loyalty-until betrayal shattered her home. When her father chose his new wife over her, she walked away from the empire, rejecting his fortune and forging her own path as a commoner. But fate is never kind to those with bloodstained legacies. A chance encounter at a grocery store brings her face-to-face with Julian Morano-a man who radiates danger, power, and an intensity she can't ignore. He carries the weight of the underworld on his shoulders, yet his hands are full of teenage trinkets. A contradiction. A mystery. A storm waiting to consume her. In a world where love is a weakness and trust is a gamble, Rose must decide-will she fight against the life she left behind, or embrace the darkness that's always been in her blood?

A fourth chance at life. The last chance. One would think that Rebirth came with a get out of jail free card, but not when you weren't the only one. Thrust into a world with other Rebirthers hidden in plain sight, the reset button wasn't as convenient for Zarek to use. Worst yet, this comedic system attached to his hip didn't seem as friendly as its banter suggested. Almost like a lurking demon breathing over his shoulder, it steered things from the shadows, pulling on his life in ways even his sensitivity to twists in time couldn't allow him to account for. Even so, Zarek pushed forward. With his third Rebirth Talent used up, his Talent Slots were empty and his other stats had regressed as time ebbed away at who he was little by little... But he had a plan. Somehow, he had to keep it hidden from the other Rebirthers, taking paths they would never expect, and adjusting when their Rebirths interfered with his own. This time, though... on his final shot... he would definitely succeed. For the sake of finding out the truth behind this antagonistic system... For the sake of protecting the girl that had given up everything to remain by his side... For the sake of himself.

Dr. Hairo Kisaragi is the best general surgeon in the business, devoted to helping others no matter who they are. A prodigy in examining, dissecting, and repairing the human anatomy, there is no medical expert in Japan that could possibly live up to his name. But when it comes to the undead, just how much will his skill and philosophy carry him forward? When his heart of gold is replaced by a heart of death in a medical disaster, he is thrust into the world of the paranormal, forced to carry the burden of a new past, present, and future on his shoulders.

The haunting silence left by Ray's vanishing act echoes through Aquacriddle Rein's life, forcing him to shoulder the weight of their family's legacy. Driven by a desperate hope and an unwavering resolve, Aqua enters a renowned academy, a crucible where he must forge his own strength. Here, amidst relentless trials and the forging of deep friendships, Aqua's journey becomes a testament to resilience. He must not only master his skills but also confront the haunting absence of his brother, proving that even in the face of loss, the human spirit can endure, and that even silence cannot extinguish the hope of reunion.

Follow the captivating journey of Ken Takagi, a high school baseball prodigy whose dreams were shattered by a devastating shoulder injury during a crucial match. After being forced to quit baseball and become a regular office worker, his life turns sour upon seeing his teammates compete on the professional level while he wallows in pain and self-pity. However, fate has other plans for Ken when he's granted a second chance, thrust back into his middle schooler self with a powerful ally—the Major League System. With a newfound opportunity to rewrite his destiny, Ken embarks on a quest to reclaim the glory he once lost. Armed with the Major League System, he navigates the challenges of adolescence, friendship, and the pursuit of greatness. As Ken strives to overcome the mistakes of his past and shape a future he can be proud of, readers are taken on an exhilarating ride through the world of baseball, where dreams are made and broken. Will Ken be able to rise above the setbacks, hone his skills, and fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a professional baseballer? With the Major League System at his disposal, the journey is fraught with excitement, setbacks, and unexpected twists. This is a tale of resilience, redemption, and the pursuit of excellence—a story that will keep you eagerly turning the pages, yearning to see if Ken can hit a home run in rewriting his own destiny. Get ready for a thrilling exploration of passion, determination, and the unwavering spirit of a young athlete chasing greatness.

Everything functions in a cycle, be it an ant, bird, lion, human, or even a celestial body. This cycle initiates with one's birth and governs one's end, yet there exists the potential to surpass it. Among the billions of planets floating in the cosmos, destined to merely occupy a void, some have the capacity to ascend, reaching new dimensions, standing shoulder to shoulder with realms like Heaven and Hell. --- Vlad, a young man, found himself ill-fitted in a world that scarcely offered him any luck, weighed down by a mysterious secret that initially seemed more of a burden than a boon. Yet, the powers he had dismissed as trivial eventually became his most formidable strength when the apocalypse broke, unleashing literal pandemonium as angels and demons walk among the human race. ---- Discord link: https://discord.gg/am5hkAdmhp Weekly updates: 14 chapters 100 Power Stones: 2 extra chapters 200 Power Stones: 4 extra chapters 300 Power Stones: 6 extra chapters.

Melanie Collins was the perfect wife—caring, strong, and dependable. For the last few years, she had managed her husband’s messy family, and business alone while waiting for her husband to return from studying abroad. But when he finally came back, Melanie’s world fell apart—he wasn’t alone. Along with him was his 'best' friend. Broken and confused about the change in her husband, Melanie didn’t know where to turn. And then she stumbled into another cold reality. Everything she had believed was a lie. Seething with anger and humiliation, as she tried to come to terms with the betrayal, an unexpected person steps into the picture, intent on seducing her and conquering her. The only problem? The man was her ex brother in law... And against her better judgment, she is attracted to this bad boy... But as Melanie tried to make sense of the changes, she discovered there was more going on than she ever imagined. Had both brothers loved really fallen in love with her? Or was she just a pawn in a bigger game? excerpt Since he had already been leaning against the table, he simply slid onto it, and with one swift motion, he hooked his boot around the leg of her chair and pulled it—pulled her—closer.The sudden movement made her jolt slightly, and when she looked up or rather when she looked ahead, she found herself staring directly at the zipper of his jeans... She looked up then and met his gaze. He caught her chin," Would you like to check if I am only pretending, sweet melon?"Melanie stiffened. And then pushed back her chair suddenly, so that Adam almost lost his balance, as she stood up. Before he could balance himself, she placed her hand on his shoulder, her fingers brushing against his neck.  Adam stiffened, his eyes glittering as he waited to see what she would do next. And she, of course surprised him as her other hand, slowly settled on the inside of his thigh. And then, the hand on his shoulder started to move. Her fingers tracing the side of his neck before lifting as she shot a glance to the corner of his mouth. The little piece of metal glinting there. She flicked at it lightly, barely a touch, but Adam could feel the heat all over his body, as she leaned in close, her lips barely a few centimetres away...so that they could both feel each other's breaths… She smiled slowly then. "Careful, Adam," she murmured, her voice playful, but carrying the unmistakable edge of a challenge. "Keep pushing, and I just might call your bluff."

Kaia never thought she'd die at the hands of a monstrous beast while protecting a helpless child. But death isn’t the end for her. After a miraculous regeneration, Kaia discovers she’s been granted immortality—yet with one catch: she has no magical powers, no mana to call upon. When a mysterious girl from a powerful magic corporation appears, Kaia is thrust into an impossible mission. A prophecy foretells a catastrophic event set to unfold 100 years from now, and Kaia is the only one who can stop it. The catch? She’s powerless, and the weight of the world rests on her shoulders. Will Kaia find a way to unlock her true potential in time to avert disaster, or will her lack of magic be the end of everything? Add to your library ;)

Riven was a young man with dreams as vast as the horizon, but life demanded sacrifice. To support his struggling family, he gave up his education and ambitions, shouldering endless work to keep them afloat. Yet, his loyalty was met with the ultimate betrayal by his own father. As his life slipped away, Riven awoke in an unfamiliar world brimming with magic, reincarnated by a mysterious system. Gifted with a peculiar mana heart that pulses with untold power, Riven is thrust into a realm of mages, monsters, and ancient secrets. Determined to rise above his tragic past, Riven vows to become the strongest mage in this new world, uncovering the mysteries of his strange mana heart and the enigmatic system that guides him.

Alfred, a history teacher on Earth is suddenly thrown into the body of Prince Alfred Lindonfall, the twelve-year-old prince and heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Ammar. With the abrupt death of his father, the responsibility to rule a Kingdom falls on his shoulders. Having to navigate a medieval court and world, his journey to creating an empire and putting his knowledge into practice sees him become a man he never knew he could be, being shaped by the new world and unique circumstances he faces. There are many characters who get a lot of focus and can be called a lead in their own right, but I won't put their character descriptions in as it would be too much of a spoiler for chapters in future. Cover Art: not mine so here is the credit. https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/351912463658203/

"When the future of many hangs in the balance, one boy shoulders the weight of it. Oman, a 13-year-old with extraordinary abilities, must navigate treacherous landscapes and battle ruthless foes to protect his gifts and those whose fate depends on his victory or defeat.

Sixteen years ago, twin infants were left on a stranger’s doorstep, they grew up as brothers—unaware that their lineage would one day tear them apart. On their sixteenth birthday, everything changes. When Luca’s powers awaken in a storm of black flames, everyone recognizes him for what he truly is: the reincarnation of the Demon King who nearly destroyed the world. Branded a monster, he is forced on the run, pursued by those who see only the villain inside of him. Among them is Sacer, hailed as the reincarnation of the Hero, Gabriel. With the weight of prophecy on his shoulders, he is tasked with slaying his own flesh and blood. But the deeper he searches, the more he questions the truth- about their past, their fate, and whether Luca is truly the monster everyone paints him to be.

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.

The story follows Chen Yang, the legendary "King of Mercenaries", who returns to the metropolis after his comrade's sacrifice, shouldering the mission to protect the fallen brother's sister Su Qing. Set against the backdrop of modern urban landscapes, this saga weaves together traditional martial arts, high-stakes corporate warfare, and transnational conspiracies.

As dawn broke, the golden sun emerged from the east, pushing back the darkness. On a small hill near Limart, a young boy stood beneath an old tree, training intensely with his sword. Sweat dripped from his brow as he swung the blade with all his might. His dark hair, pale skin, and golden eyes gave him a striking presence. As the sunlight gradually reached his figure, he paused his training, resting his sword on his shoulder while gazing at the vast Great Therondia forest in the distance. "Whew… This view is the best." At that moment, an elderly man stepped out of the house nearby and called out. "Son, if you’re done training, come and eat breakfast." "Got it, Grandpa. I’ll be there soon." "Alright, don’t take too long. The food will get cold." The boy stopped admiring the scenery, walked over to the old tree, and grabbed a cloth he had set aside. Wiping his sweat, he headed toward the house and placed his sword on a corner of the door before stepping inside. --- This marked the beginning of the journey of a boy destined to bring light into the age of darkness—the disciple of the great wizard Merlin the Gray, and the one who would claim the hero role in the legends of the future… Arthur Rowan.

Once a feared criminal, now a forgotten prisoner. Yooji had resigned himself to rotting in his solitary cell, watching time slip away. But when Kamakura descends into chaos—four rival gangs turning the city into a warzone—the police turn to an unlikely savior. Chief Kurata, desperate and ruthless, offers Yooji a deal: freedom in exchange for blood. No laws. No consequences. Just one goal—erase the filth polluting the city. But there’s a catch. Kurata isn’t just a cop. He’s a man with nothing left to lose. And when Yooji challenges his resolve, he learns just how far Kurata is willing to go. Now, with the weight of a dying city on his shoulders, Yooji must make a choice—step into the fire, or return to the shadows. Either way, the bodies will pile up. The only question is: whose?

Jian rue gazed back at the ugly gray alien while stumbling and running. he clumsily tossed a stone at it "Fuck just leave me alone!!!" Suddenly a warm pair of hand grabbed his waist and tossed him over a study shoulder. "Xing yu!! let me down! you fucker!!! The said man chuckled and playfully smacked his butt. "Honey, I'm saving your life~" "I had it under control. Now, let me go!" Jian rue bit his shoulders hard until the sweet taste of blood filled his mouth. "Hiss.. baby, you're making me hard~" Jian rue froze. "W-why are you following me! why me.." Xing yu stopped running, and with a swing of his sword, the ugly tentacle alien was slayed. He gentnly pulled him down and hugged him close. Peering into his eyes, he smirked, "Because you are my betrothed,"

As a field officer, Zach was assigned a mission by the IN Department of the Ola Corp to gather information about the new world—or rather, the surface. Little did he know that the moment he stepped onto the ruins of the old headquarters, he would meet someone who would change his life forever. But before he could express his feelings, a war broke out, threatening to destroy the Earth. Now, as the field officer assigned by Lincoln to lead the soldiers, a heavy burden falls on his shoulders. Would he finally live to confess his feelings, or would he die taking them with him?

"You, boy, shall take on my power and hide it," the beautiful woman declared, her white hair flowing like a cascade of silk in the wind. It was almost the same shade as the snow crunching beneath my boots—yet hers shimmered with a majesty that made it seem otherworldly. It wasn’t until I found myself flat on my back, sprawled in the snow, that I truly understood the weight of her words. I stared up at the woman, her piercing blue eyes now blazing with an eerie, glowing red. Fangs glinted as they protruded from her lips. Her cold, pale hand gripped my neck, pinning me down, while her other hand pressed firmly against my shoulder. I could feel the weight of her power, suffocating and undeniable. — Sebastian Gray is a vampire. Yeah, that pretty much sums up his life. A vampire pretending to be human—it’s easier that way. After all, who would believe him if he told the truth? Things were fine, mundane even, until Silas Gael showed up. The new transfer student claimed to be a “High-Class Mage from Scotland,” loudly announcing his purpose to anyone who would listen: to find the pureblood vampire hidden in Portland.

Astoria spent the first half of her life creating protagonists. Rags to riches, the ring grandpa, the reincarnated expert—there wasn't a troupe she hadn't written a story about or wasn't an expert on. However, what would happen if, after an unexpected death, some mysterious force suddenly took her away from her home world and into a world of cultivation during a protagonist's awakening? A stupidly talented youth whose family was exterminated? An unknown childhood sweetheart? A black ring he was unable to take off? Even a divine spirit beast who didn't leave his shoulder?? Was Astoria brought to this new world to witness the rise of this world's child of fate? She didn't know, but with her knowledge and the greatest blank slate she could work with, Astoria was sure this random youth would become something. She would bet her ex-career on it. ————————————————————————— If you like this type of novel or my writing in general, be sure to check out my other novels, Pay-to-Win Martial Emperor and Rebirth of a Divine Lord, or Transmigration: Children of the Plane. ————————————————————————— Personal Links. Discord Server: https://discord.gg/3ybfHXxxBg Support me here at Kofi! https://ko-fi.com/slarbi123

*Written well before current events with the pandemic. This a draft I’m publishing while I’m having trouble writing. It was dedicated to my deceased grandmother. *** Maverick is trying to escape fate and the devil of a past proverbially on his shoulder. He joins the Vigilantes under mysterious circumstances and at a pivotal time in the League’s war with the Legion. Years ago the world was rocked by a non-lethal disease that erased the mental functions of the Infected. Confusion fueled violence usually followed. Society is now divided by normal people, the previously infected and now those who have superpowers; side-effects of a vaccine only the elite could afford. Follow Maverick as he leads his team and learns his way around this military academy.

They called me an abomination. A wolf in sheep's clothing.... A witch gone mad.... But the truth was far more complicated. I was both, and something more. My blood, a potent mixture of witch and werewolf, surged through my veins, a power that terrified and enticed them all. Now, caught between two factions will never let each other have peace, I must choose: succumb to being hunted by both Witches and werewolves, or fight for a future where witches and werewolves can coexist because that's the only way I can get what I want; which is to have a world where anyone else like me don't have to always look over their shoulders. I must achieve that goal, even if it means sacrificing everything, including myself.

A kingdom called vaelor is at the brink of losing its king, his son kaelen must face the trails of the veilwood,the storms of the obsidian spire to return the ashen crown, a crown made of dragon fire and magic but his cousin lord vaelin with some council of elders plan to take the throne and make lord vaelin its new ruler.The weight of the kingdom lies on the shoulders of the young prince and his associate lorien.

I ran so fast— my boots digging into the snow. There was nothing to protect me from the cold. When I no longer heard his footsteps behind me, I risked a glance over my shoulder. Relief barely washed over me before I turned back, only to freeze in terror. He was standing right in front of me. He stalked towards me like a predator watching it’s prey. His eyes dark and cold. I swallowed hard, taking a slow step backward. “I think you are forgetting something, Freydis,” he murmured. “What?” “That a wolven, a beast like me, can’t be killed by a single stab,” he said. “If you wanted to kill me you should have aimed for the heart.” In an instant, he was not standing in front of me. He’d moved so fast that it left me breathless. I felt his fingers trail across my soft skin. I swallowed hard, my mind screaming for me to run. Just before I could do anything, he struck, his sharp fangs pierce into my skin.

After an unremarkable life and an untimely death, a soul is summoned by Zurique, the enigmatic God of Elyria, who is nearing the end of his existence due to a divine punishment. He offers her a second chance at life with a monumental task: find his successor to prevent the collapse of his world. Reincarnated as Aria Zarek, the timid and overlooked daughter of a powerful duke, she is thrust into a world of magic and danger. Gifted with a mysterious system designed to guide her, Aria must navigate her new reality, master the intricacies of a magical society, and confront her host’s painful past. As she learns to survive and grow stronger, she discovers the weight of the responsibility placed on her shoulders. The clock is ticking, and failure will not only doom Elyria but also erase her existence forever. Can Aria rise to the challenge and uncover the true successor to save a world she barely understands, or will her second chance end in failure?

Lisa, a young orphan, finds love in the arms of Menzi, a brooding war veteran shrouded in secrecy. Their whirlwind romance is filled with passion and excitement, but also marked by Menzi's cryptic warnings and furtive glances over his shoulder. As their relationship deepens, Lisa begins to uncover the dark truth about Menzi's past. His past was filled with enemies who would stop at nothing to destroy him. Tragically, Menzi's secrets ultimately prove fatal, leaving Lisa alone and pregnant with his child. With no one to turn to, Lisa must navigate the treacherous landscape of Menzi's past, confronting his enemies and uncovering the secrets he took to his grave. Can she protect herself and their child from the dangers that lurk in the shadows, or will she become the next target?

Immortality is attained by living in the memories. But who will carry the voice of the world on their shoulders? To be remembered among one's memories is the greatest honor to the one's who no longer drift in time.

In a world where loyalty is fleeting and power is paid for in blood, Vincenzo Moretti stands at the crossroads of destiny. As the sole heir to the Moretti family, he is thrust into the brutal underworld, where alliances are fragile, betrayal lurks in every shadow, and only the ruthless survive. With the weight of his family’s legacy on his shoulders and the Alliance seeking to crush him before he can rise, Vincenzo must navigate a treacherous path—one where trust is a luxury and power demands sacrifice. But in a game where fear and respect walk a razor’s edge, can he outmaneuver his enemies, forge true alliances, and carve his name into history? The battle for sovereignty begins. And in this war, Mercy is weakness.

In a world torn apart by the relentless war between the radiant kingdom of Valoira and the dark forces of Arcanan, a young warrior named Zephyr carries the weight of destiny on his shoulders. Gifted with the sacred Holy Sword, he is Valoira's last hope to turn the tides against the overwhelming monster waves that threaten their lands. Amidst the chaos, Zephyr crosses paths with Elira, a fiery and determined soul whose secrets could either save the kingdom or doom it to ruin. As their fates intertwine, forbidden emotions spark, but the shadow of war looms ever closer. When a black dragon, the harbinger of destruction, emerges as the puppet master behind the monster wave, Zephyr faces a harrowing choice: embrace the role of a savior or lose everything he holds dear. With love, loyalty, and kingdoms on the line, will Zephyr’s light prevail, or will the shadows of Arcanan consume them all?