Ludonarrative Dissonance

At the heart of a wish lies an attempt at completion, a human desire to become our true and final selves. Wishes are fuelled by regrets and are bound eternally to the past, serving as approximations of what once was. We all experience regret and nostalgia, leading us to make wishes and find despair, but can we become our true selves despite this all? That's where the story of a girl who struggles to control her desires begins... Two souls sharing the same body and memory are living in Kyoto 2031. Tang-Ji Shizukesa, a girl who's grown up in her previous life with a hardcore passion for gaming, is now a bookworm in her new life who has no interest in video games. Along with her, Kazami and Hoyeon, the three childhood friends who separated 7 years ago due to an accident, have now been reunited again in a VRMMORPG game known as Dusk Protocol. The game has a unique combat system known as "Leere," a physical manifestation of an individual soul that can be conjured into deadly weapons. As Tang-Ji navigates this virtual world, she confronts the echoes of her past and the dissonance between her former self and her present identity. How will she cope with the rediscovery of a life she thought she left behind? How will Kazami and Hoyeon react to the new Tang-Ji? In a world where reality is malleable and death is just a click of a button away, the boundaries between past and present blur, forcing everyone to grapple with the truth of who they truly are. Disclaimer: This novel contains explicit language, violence, racism, and sexual scenes. There are also scenes that deal with various traumas, from physical to emotional to mental. (THE CHARACTERS’ CIRCUMSTANCES , TRAITS, AND BELIEFS IN THIS NOVEL ARE ALL BASED ON A TRUE STORY.)

Madness engulfs one, disconnecting from all. Granting the one’s wish, it is uncontrolled, lurking in the beyond, bringing its dissonance, for the one’s wish wanted. Bringing it, all will shatter like glass, as if everything was nothing but just a bad dream…

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In a world where shadows blend with the whispers of the night, Kabel, a ruthless 23-year-old assassin from the modern era, meets his untimely end — but death is not the conclusion for a man steeped in blood. It's merely an intermission. Awakened in the clutches of the enigmatic deity Frejai, he finds himself plunged into a medieval realm woven with magic and deceit, a pawn in a game of divine might and mortal survival. Bound by a resurrection pact sealed with a deity's command, Kabel is thrust into a sinister vendetta against the "false gods," beings of immense power masquerading in human flesh. With each deity's fall, the threads of this new world reveal a tapestry of treachery and hidden truths. Frejai's promise dangles before him—an alluring chance to return to his previous life, yet the whisper of her intentions crackles with a sinister dissonance. As Kabel stalks his prey, the hunter becomes the haunted. Unlikely allies and dire nemeses cross his path, entities with their own tangled webs and obscured ambitions. The deeper Kabel delves into the heart of this fantasy realm, the more he questions the motives of the divine puppeteer orchestrating his bloody waltz. With a blade forged in mystery and a heart armored in skepticism, Kabel's trust frays at the edges with every revelation. A war rages within his soul—faith against doubt, loyalty against autonomy. Yet, amidst the clash of gods and the rally of steel, one resolve remains steadfast: Kabel will not surrender his fate to the whims of a deity, be it in this world or the next. His journey becomes a crucible, a path wrought with adversaries to be vanquished and secrets to unshroud, all with the promise of a second chance dangled on the edge of tomorrow's blade—a promise that could be salvation or his ultimate undoing.

"I have one fear. Public Bathrooms." Iori Teriere is a young man in high school who is completely ordinary. Except for the fact that he was nearly killed by a half-demon ogre on his last trip to the toilet. For as long as he can recall, his bathroom experience has been otherworldly with all kinds of results. And it just so happens that one day, he ends up in a sequence of bizarre events, even by his standards that may lead to the destruction of the multiverse...or at the very least, the multiverse's bathrooms.

It's been a long time, but it's something that must be done

Witness the transformation of a jaded individual, a cynical man who has been beaten and abused by the world, as he finds himself suddenly inhabiting the body of a young, notoriously vile scion within a rapidly declining noble household. Awakening in this tumultuous world full of strife, marred by ceaseless conflict—where war surges like the tides, and alliances shift and waver as the wind, unpredictable and without a moment’s notice—the emergent man, once known as Virgil and now as Vhal, the young master of House Ashfell, finds himself thrust into a life befitting his past skepticism and pessimism, in some strange and twisted sense of irony. With his motives shrouded in shades of gray, he must navigate this treacherous new life. Unlike his past life, the ultimate form of currency here isn't any form of weaponry or economic strength, which in this case comes in the form of swords and coin—although they hold equal significance—but rather, it comes in the manipulation of forces he would have once deemed imaginary: Magic. A tangible power that is crafted and molded to suit the user, replenished boundlessly by the world, binding everything in existence. But with this power comes greater conflicts and greater threats, though conversely, this power comes with unprecedented opportunities as well. Balancing on the fine line between death, survival, and his descent into darkness, how will Vhal carve out his path? In blood, with magic, and as reluctant as his nature deems it, with support. Watch as Vhal progresses through a world beyond the scope of his beliefs, driven by ambition and passion. Watch as Vhal carves out his own piece of power, or rather, watch as Vhal disrupts the hierarchy of power to such an extent that historians will one day mark this age, like all others, with a name befitting it… THE DISSONANCE OF POWER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - - - - 100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter (3k words +) 1 Golden Ticket = 1 Bonus Chapter (3k words +) - - - - - - - Author's Note: I felt compelled to embark on a fresh project. My aim is to captivate and satisfy my audience with this new endeavor. I hope you enjoy. Happy Reading! - Spatial Devil, The Author. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - - - - Cover art is not owned by me. If the owner wishes for its removal, please do not hesitate to contact me.

What kind of shithole is this. Xu Nian grimaced. A crippled body of all things. Where does he even start to rectify things. "A crippled body would lead to a crippled mind," his sister Xu Li exclaimed. Eyes full of pity looking at him. Xu Nian was tired. This isn't what he hoped for. He grieved, looking at the dilapidated hut, his torn clothes, and a leafy soup bowl placed before him. It all was overwhelming. He looked at the malnourished figure of Xu Li and his. This lifestyle of celibate I need to come out of this. Most importantly, this body.

What if your nightmares became your reality and there was no way to tell the two apart? David, an ordinary man, finds himself ensnared in a world of unspeakable horrors and bewildering illusions, a world where nothing is as it seems. At the heart of it all is Samantha—a woman as captivating as she is mysterious—who leads him ever deeper into this labyrinth of dread. His life takes a turn for the worse when he begins to experience surreal events and malevolent forces close in. A haunting past resurfaces, and the line between what is real and what isn't becomes increasingly blurred. Is he merely a puppet in a cruel, elaborate game, or can he reclaim control? As David battles his inner and outer demons, he must decide whether to succumb to the chaos or confront it head-on. Will he decipher the enigma that ensnares him, or become another lost soul in this symphony of terror? "Dissonance" is a heart-stopping, spine-chilling tale that will leave you questioning the very fabric of your existence. Prepare yourself for a journey that is as mind-bending as it is terrifying—your next obsession awaits.

Friday 13th September 2019 was the Day of Doom&Destiny It was the Day of doom for many but also the day of Destiny for some. It was the Day when some lost all their fortune but it was also the day when some got powers transcending the Influence of wealth. It was the Day of Elemental Dissonance. ------------------------------------ Disclaimer: (1) : This is my first story and I'm not a native English speaker so yea please BNBR with your comments and some honest reviews would be very much appreciated. (2) : 3 Chapters/Week, I would try to do more if I get enough time. (3) : Beliefs and opinions shared in the novel by the characters do not represent the personal beliefs of the author. (4) The average chapter length is about 0.9k to 1k words. It would increase don't worry. Update: 1.5k words per chapter, chapter 31 onwards, please motivate me with your powerstones if you want more lengthy chapters. (5) : Story progression is slow, if you don't like slow-progressive novels then this story isn't for you.

Can Hana Takahashi, a disillusioned office worker, and Ren Nakamura, a passionate street musician, find love in modern Tokyo? As their worlds collide, will their differences tear them apart, or will they create a melody that transcends societal expectations?

Stuck with an arranged marriage and a bodyguard she can't escape from, princess Harmony does what she can to breath. Unable to handle the impending marriage she hires a thief to kidnap her. Aware of just how far that here bodyguard will go, it takes everything she has to stay one step ahead. Why did the chase become so thrilling, and why can't she wait to get caught? Updates MWF alternating with The Rainbow Sage and the Quiet Duchess.

Madness engulfs one, disconnecting him from all. Granting the one’s wish, an inevitable creature, from beyond this story, uncontrolled by any narrative perspective, lurking beyond even I, brings its dissonance, for the one’s wish wanted so. Bringing dissonance to all, all will shatter like glass... As if all was nothing but just a bad dream…

"For every choice, there's regret". the collapsing cinders of my last breath, Eclipse, one of the 8 hunters, said to me. Reality in dissonance... I can't change the past, and the future even harder. With this undying Darkness within me, who can set me free?

A dungeon, a demon, and way more than seven deadly sins... What if you learned you were living in a simulation? What if the gods decided you knew too much? What if they pulled the plug? That's how our hero woke up in a new world and a new body. Reincarnated as a dungeon core, he must build out his fortress and fight adventurers to survive in this new world. But it seems they didn't wipe the slate completely...When memories from his old life begin creeping in, will he be able to hold it together or will the dissonance tear him and the dungeon apart? Join the dungeon and his friends (I mean, slaves) as they level up, loot, and find love. Life as a dungeon core ain't all that bad when you get to play god... Read at your own peril...You might even like it ;) {Now Cross Posting On RoyalRoad}

Why the betrayal? Betrayal within the context of marriage constitutes a profound breach of trust, shaking the foundation of intimacy and commitment. This abstract delves into the intricacies of a wife's betrayal and its multifaceted impact on marital relationships. Through a synthesis of psychological theories and empirical studies, it examines the emotional, cognitive, and relational repercussions experienced by the betrayed spouse. The abstract highlights the complexity of emotions evoked by betrayal, ranging from shock and disbelief to profound hurt and anger. Moreover, it elucidates the cognitive dissonance arising from reconciling the image of the partner with the act of betrayal, leading to identity crises and existential questioning. Furthermore, the abstract elucidates the ripple effects of betrayal on the dynamics of marital relationships, including erosion of trust, communication breakdown, and existential threats to the relationship's viability. It also explores coping mechanisms adopted by betrayed spouses, ranging from denial and avoidance to seeking support and engaging in introspection. In conclusion, this abstract underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of betrayal within marital relationships and emphasizes the significance of therapeutic interventions aimed at facilitating healing, rebuilding trust, and fostering relational resilience in the aftermath of betrayal.

Beau, a talented artist, continues to drown in the dissonance between societal expectations and his internal struggles. Masking his turmoil with acclaimed artworks, Beau grapples with the paradox of his talents, seeking acceptance while feeling profoundly disconnected. The novel unravels the tension between artistic brilliance and the haunting shadows of Beau's splendid despair, offering a poignant exploration of identity and the toll of perfection.

I'm really just putting this up here for some feedback. I board this metal contraption dubbed an aeroplane, hurtling through the sky, for education’s farce—how foolish. Schools, like puppets, exploit minds, shaping them into acquiescent tools. Power lies not in knowledge, but in breaking free from the chains of rulers. But that is not my concern. Dissonance Affinity, an unjust curse by the Outer Gods, stains every existence, transcending understanding; earth appears to be its last trace. I will terminate it. I seem to be the only one that is willing to, after all.

Meet the strongest hero Ryuki, the only one who saved the realm from the threat of the most powerful Demon Lord! After defeating him and bringing peace back to his homeland, he's about to hold his wedding ceremony to marry the two daughters of the King. But then, something unexpected happens. During the ceremony, a mysterious ritual was perfomed on him , making our hero fall into a dark portal coming from below. He then fell into a dark abyss thinking that he's dead and that his life was all a lie. Ryuki, once hailed as the Radiant Hero, finds himself cast into an ordinary world following a betrayal that shatters the foundations of his existence. Stripped of his powers, he awakens in a hospital bed, grappling with the dissonance between the extraordinary life he once lived and the mundane reality that now surrounds him. After being reincarnated into a modern world without magic, he must fight to live his new life and return to his homeland, where he wants to take his revenge by killing the king. But Ryuki's quest for answers is fraught with peril, as dark forces conspire to prevent him from reclaiming his rightful place as the Radiant Hero. With enemies lurking in the shadows and allies found in unexpected places, Ryuki must confront the demons of his past and embrace the hero within if he is to stand a chance against the looming threat that threatens to engulf both worlds in darkness. But a strange encounter with a new girl named "Aria" is gonna change his life, forever...

In the heart of Paris, beneath the soft glow of moonlight filtering through lace curtains, an extraordinary tale of love, music, and healing unfolds. Aurelia Delacroix, a woman of grace and mystery, finds solace in the harmonies of the symphony orchestra, seeking refuge from the turbulence of life. Her world changes forever one fateful evening when her gaze locks with that of Dorian Emerson, a brilliant yet tormented composer. Scarred by a tragic past, Dorian has long resigned himself to a solitary existence, finding solace only in the language of music. Their unexpected meeting sparks a connection that transcends mere chance. Drawn together by the invisible threads of destiny, they embark on a journey through the labyrinthine streets of Paris, their hearts resonating with the echoes of a shared, unspoken melody. As they navigate the intricate dance of their relationship, Aurelia and Dorian find themselves unraveling the shadows of the past and composing a symphony of their own. Through poignant and lyrical prose, "Symphony of Souls" explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love. Aurelia becomes Dorian’s muse, inspiring him to confront his deepest fears and secrets, including the haunting guilt over his mother's untimely death. Together, they embark on a creative journey, culminating in a concert that will test Dorian’s resolve and illuminate the depths of their connection. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris, this novel weaves a tale of two souls finding harmony amidst life's dissonance. "Symphony of Souls" is a deeply moving story about the courage to face the music of the past and the hope that love can heal even the most profound wounds. Discover a world where music and love intertwine, where every note played is a step towards healing, and every whispered word is a promise of a future written in the harmonies of the heart. Dive into "Symphony of Souls" and let the magic of Paris sweep you away in this unforgettable journey of passion, pain, and ultimate redemption.

Amidst the enchanting hills of Harmony Grove, a small town with cobblestone streets and a charm that seemed to echo through time, unfolded the tale of "Infinite Serenade: Love's Melody Unveiled." The protagonist, Amelia, a violin virtuoso with a soulful spirit, found solace in the melodies that danced through the air. Fate orchestrated a chance encounter with Oliver, a talented pianist whose fingers moved across the keys like a poetic dance. Their first meeting, orchestrated by the serendipity of a local music festival, set the stage for a symphony of emotions waiting to be played. As the music of their lives intertwined, Amelia and Oliver discovered a shared passion for creating harmonies that transcended the notes on a sheet. Late nights turned into impromptu jam sessions in Oliver's cozy studio, where the language of their hearts spoke through the strings of the violin and the piano keys. In the heart of Harmony Grove, where the sunset painted the sky with hues of gold, Oliver confessed his feelings to Amelia. The serenade of love echoed in the air as he unveiled the melody his heart had composed, a sonnet of emotions expressed in every key and every carefully chosen note. Amelia, moved by the sincerity in his music, reciprocated with a cadence of her own—a love song that echoed through the hills, creating a melody only they could share. Their love story was like a crescendo, building with each passing day. They faced the challenges of life as a duet, supporting each other's dreams and weathering the storms that sought to disrupt their melody. The townsfolk of Harmony Grove, touched by the enchantment that radiated from the couple, became silent spectators to a love story that unfolded like a timeless sonata. Amelia and Oliver's journey was marked by notes of joy, harmony, and the occasional dissonance that only strengthened their bond. Together, they composed a life filled with shared laughter, whispered promises, and the sweet anticipation of every new sunrise. One winter evening, beneath a sky adorned with glistening stars, Oliver orchestrated a surprise for Amelia. In the heart of Harmony Grove's grand square, surrounded by the soft glow of fairy lights, he took her hand and led her to a stage bathed in moonlight. There, in front of the town that had become the backdrop to their love story, Oliver knelt and asked Amelia to join him in a duet for a lifetime. "Infinite Serenade: Love's Melody Unveiled" became a legend in Harmony Grove, a story whispered by the wind and sung by the trees. Amelia and Oliver's love, like a timeless serenade, echoed through the hills, leaving an indelible mark on the town and the hearts of those who witnessed the magic of their music-infused romance. And so, in the small town where love found its perfect tune, Amelia and Oliver continued to compose the symphony of their lives—a melody that resonated with the infinite serenade of their boundless love.