Smoke Signals

In a gaslit city where time is currency and memories are traded like coins, Linden Hawthorn, a reclusive archivist, inherits a broken pocket watch and a blood-stained journal after his father vanishes. The watch doesn’t tick—it feeds. With every cryptic vision it offers, it devours fragments of Linden’s past: the scent of his father’s pipe smoke, his sister’s voice, even the reason he began his search. The journal leads him to a drowned barge filled with corpses clutching coins from the future, a porcelain doll that whispers of a faceless figure called the Woundless Man, and a hidden underworld where aristocrats trade seconds of life and cultists worship gears instead of gods. As Linden uncovers his father’s sins—a legacy of stolen time and mechanized horrors—he must decide what he’s willing to lose: his memories, his morality, or his very soul. But the watch hungers, and the shadowy Tockmen who pull its strings demand payment in blood. Time is running out. And it’s taking Linden with it.

【You can skip the Prequel chapters which won't affect your reading】 He cradled an incense burner in his hand and lit thirty minutes of incense. Wisps of blue smoke swirled around, and in that instant, his Divine Thought pierced heaven and earth, all worldly fetters dissolved into nothingness. Such was the Immortal.

In the Ancient Era, the Demon clan vanished without a trace. In more recent times, the Dragon Clan disappeared. The age when the divine way flourished had faded away like smoke, and the pinnacle of the flying swords era eventually fell into decline… What has happened to this world? Who will listen to the historical truth buried in the long river of time? Bodies were strewn over a thousand miles of mountains and river; the harrowing hunger of tigers depicted across a hundred years of heaven and earth. The impartiality of the cosmos is as heartless as ever, Yet I possess a burning red heart—one that patrols the heavens! —————— Welcome to the Immortal Sword World, where emotions run deep. ——————

Rain stained the neon skyline, dripping off rusted houses as she checked her wrist—no ID, no signal, no past. Liora doesn’t exist. At least, not officially. But the encrypted memories digging at the edge of her mind tell a different story. When The Clan pulls her into their war, she realizes the city didn’t forget her. Whispering her name like an old wound, it's just waiting for her to wake up. And when she does, the world might be rebuilt. Or burnt down.

There are 7 dimensions controlled by a Universal Government. Each dimension is governed by its own unique universal laws. There are a few things they have in common, there is always 1 the strongest and 1 the smartest. Except for the Universal Government, it’s forbidden to travel between dimensions. Interdimensional gates don’t close on their own and if left open, creatures that dwell in the darkness between the worlds will find their way through. Without warning, one of the dimensions disappeared without a trace. The remaining 6 in panic did all they could to find the reason why. They never found an answer. 12 years after the dimension vanished, a signal started appearing in the empty universe. Perhaps the answer is in that signal. Tsugi No Level

"As the Supreme Commander of The Wall, my duty is clear: to hold back the threats from the south—mutant monsters, ogres, cyclops, or... hopefully not... the return of the orcs. The kings and lords of Middle Earth do not care. To them, we are just a bunch of 'Outcasts,' exiled criminals and soldiers pushed to the margins. That’s fine. It's better if they stay out of our way. Corrupt politicians rarely care about real security." He looks down at the Outcast barracks below, where the central headquarters commands the entire Wall, separating the south from the main continent. Wisps of smoke rise from the kitchens, carrying the scent of salty, stale soup. The Outcasts atone for their sins or suppress their grief through dangerous missions in exchange for a few gold coins, following the rigorous standards set long ago. Such is life at The Wall. "I, Oldman, am not a religious man. But I interpret the legacy of past eras as a reminder: The world has never truly been at peace. The evil forces of all ages—fragments, orcs, or dragons—will always lurk. Humans, dwarves, elves, whoever they may be, could end up killing each other, driven by cunning deceit. And now, the only barrier holding back the southern threat is The Wall... and us, the Outcasts. Perhaps history will remember us as nameless heroes, or perhaps it will forget us. But as long as I stand here, I will not allow the monsters from the south and other darknesses to spread across the continent again." "I am Oldman... In a world that has cast us out, we stand amidst the darkness. We have no land, no name, only this path. We are the shadows behind this wall. We are the forgotten guardians of the world. We are the Outcasts, and we will endure, or die on our path."

In a world where gods have abandoned mortals, an ancient prophecy foretells the rise of a warrior who will either save or destroy the empire. Riven Kael, once the exiled prince of Astra, now walks as a cursed warrior feared across the land. Branded with the Eclipse Seal, his fate is intertwined with a power so great it could reshape the world. Hunted by the empire that once betrayed him, he roams the battlefields as both legend and nightmare. But when he crosses paths with Lyria Vale, the empire’s deadliest assassin, everything changes. Sent to kill him, she instead finds herself drawn to the truth hidden behind his cursed eyes. Torn between duty and a growing forbidden bond, Lyria must decide: betray her kingdom or fight alongside the very man she was sent to kill. As war looms, dark forces rise, ancient secrets unravel, and the crimson eclipse signals the beginning of the end. The world watches as Riven and Lyria stand at the center of a storm that will either forge a new destiny—or burn everything to ash. The prophecy has awakened. The Eclipse has begun.

# 1V1 # AFFECTIONAVECLETEMPS La belle-mère de Shi Qian l'a piégée et forcée à épouser un homme dans le coma. Il avait trois qualités : il était riche, séduisant... et incapable de se réveiller ! Fu Sinian, qui était dans le coma depuis plus de trois ans, s'est réveillé et a découvert qu'il avait soudainement une épouse. Sa petite femme était claire de peau, belle et avait de longues jambes. « Si tu ne m'aimes pas, je n'ai pas besoin de toi ! » a dit Fu Sinian en jetant froidement les papiers du divorce.***Peu après, la célèbre Shi Qian a été prise en photo dans la luxueuse voiture du grand ponte, Fu Sinian. Fu Sinian a publiquement clarifié la situation en disant, « Mademoiselle Shi et moi nous connaissons. »Les internautes : « Vous ne faites que vous connaître ? Ils se déplacent tous les deux dans la même voiture ! On attend que tu nous gifles avec tes mots, Jeune Maître Fu ! Neuf millions de fans regardent et attendent ! » Peu après, Shi Qian, qui était populaire dans le cercle, a été de nouveau photographiée entrant dans un hôtel en même temps que Fu Sinian et n'est sortie qu'après trois jours. Fu Sinian a de nouveau clarifié, « Mademoiselle Shi et moi n'entretenons pas ce genre de relation. Nous ne sortons pas ensemble. »Les internautes : « M. Fu a dû échouer dans sa conquête ! S'il y avait une fille que le Jeune Maître Fu ne peut pas gérer dans ce monde, ça doit être leur déesse, Shi Qian ! »Trente millions de fans ont continué à manger du pop-corn et à regarder le feuilleton ! Plus tard, Shi Qian, qui avait deux cents millions de fans, a eu des nausées matinales pendant la cérémonie des récompenses de la Meilleure Actrice ! Fu Sinian est monté lentement sur scène et a enlacé la taille de Shi Qian en disant, « Merci à tous pour votre attention. Mme Fu est enceinte de notre second enfant ! »Les deux cents millions de fans étaient perplexes. La belle Shi Qian était enceinte de son deuxième enfant ? Ils suivaient le feuilleton à la trace ! Quand est-ce qu'ils avaient manqué un épisode ?

In a city veiled in oil-stained mist and the dim glow of gaslight, where the grind of steel and the hiss of steam never cease, a man awakens in a body that is not his own. Victor Holloway, an ordinary man from Earth, now walks in the skin of Elias Vayne—a detective whose reputation is built more on deception than achievements, a man who was just murdered for reasons unknown. With fractured memories and an identity that doesn’t quite fit, Victor is drawn into a case stranger than anything he has ever encountered. A murder wiped from existence, with witnesses who speak only in riddles. Yet in this world of secrets and shifting allegiances, greater powers loom beyond mortal schemes. The Churches of the Four Original Gods—ancient institutions of faith, influence, and hidden agendas—watch the game unfold, sometimes as allies, sometimes as immovable obstacles. The deeper he delves, the more he realizes—this world is nothing but a stage, where truth is fluid, and masks are worn by all. There are no certainties, no absolutes, only the game he must now play. Beneath the blackened rain, the whisper of turning gears, and the ever-present haze of smoke, Victor Holloway must embrace the role thrust upon him. A Detective. A Victim. A Liar. A Saviour. A Pactmaker. This is a tale woven from lies and deception. The tale of a Trickster.

(Warning: Mature Content - R-18) A group of college students ventures on what was meant to be a straightforward museum trip, only for their plane to crash on a mysterious, uncharted island. Stranded and desperate, they signal for rescue, but their calls go unanswered. As days turn into weeks, they confront a harrowing truth: they are utterly alone. But the island has its own dark agenda. An eerie, seductive energy permeates the air, penetrating their very beings, igniting a fire of lust and desire that none can resist. This isn't just survival; it's an awakening to the most primal, carnal urges. Their bodies yearn with a hunger that's both terrifying and thrilling, their minds clouded by a relentless, dark passion. The island bestows upon them not just survival skills but supernatural powers—fire, ice, telekinesis, immense strength. Yet, these gifts come with a sinister price. The island feeds on their darkest desires, their deepest lusts, amplifying them to monstrous proportions. Friendships dissolve into something far more intense, far more physical. Bonds are tested, broken, and reforged in the fires of lust. The island whispers temptations, urging them towards acts of unspeakable pleasure and sin. Every touch, every glance, is laced with a potent mix of seduction and corruption. Inhibitions shatter as they grapple with the choice to succumb to the dark ecstasy or to fight for what remains of their humanity. Here, the real battle isn't against nature but against the evil within, a battle for their souls amidst the throes of passion. Can they resist the seductive pull of this malevolent paradise, or will they be consumed by their own dark desires? Overpowered Mc Character Development - Peak [For the first vol(chapter 1-100) Mc is hero trying to save everyone but he changed when they betrayed him, protecting only those he care about now]

When Evelyn Perkins walks into his cramped office at Pacific Assurance & Indemnity, she brings more than just questions about her husband's supposed suicide. She brings trouble. The police say Randall Perkins, a quiet accountant, put a bullet in his own brain. His widow says otherwise. As Slade digs deeper, he uncovers a deadly web of lies that spans from smoke-filled jazz clubs to the highest offices of City Hall. With a seductive sister-in-law, corrupt cops, and a notorious nightclub owner all playing their parts in this deadly game, Slade will need more than his Army training and investigator's instincts to survive. In a city where everyone has something to hide, the truth could be his last case. THE PERKINS PREDICAMENT is a hard-boiled noir thriller that weaves murder, blackmail, and forbidden romance into a tale of corruption that reaches from the gutters to the penthouses of 1950s Los Angeles.

In a quantum-fused Shanghai of 2045, Lin Shen wakes to his 42nd life—a recursive prison of time he’s endured forty-one times before. Each loop begins the same: the hum of his smartwatch, the shimmer of Gu Li’s hologram smiling from a past he can’t reclaim, and the inevitable collapse at 10:47 AM when she dies—again. A brilliant physicist, Lin Shen has mapped every failure, every anomaly, chasing a single obsession: to save her and break the cycle. But this time, something shifts. A cryptic quantum signal from the Deep Space Intelligence Board pierces his lab, and Gu Li—his elusive partner—hints at a truth she shouldn’t know. As flickering lights and fractured data unravel the fabric of his reality, Lin Shen faces a chilling question: Is she the key to his freedom, or the architect of his eternal trap? In a race against a collapsing timeline, one scientist’s mind holds the universe’s most dangerous secret—and its only hope.

The seasoned player of "Abyss of Stars," the [Starfall Master] Li Zi, brings a system template and travels to the game's world, arriving in the era of the game's beta version. This is the worst of times. The cosmic forces and conglomerates collude, causing the doors to the universe to be closed, the planet's resources to be exhausted, and even sunlight to be monopolized. This is also the best of times. All the extraordinary systems are just beginning. In this era, he is the only [Starfall Master] with the final version patch. While people are enthralled by the smoke of plasma guns and cannons, Li Zi has already torn apart battleships with gravity. While superhumans are smug about their awakened abilities, moonlight has already become Li Zi's servant. While the interstellar fleet crosses the Milky Way, Li Zi has just ignited the forty-second star, illuminating the entire universe. "People have been trapped on the ground for too long; they've forgotten that this starry sky should belong to all of us." —Facing the unspeakable aboriginal evil gods, Li Zi, holding a black hole, gently said.

Greg watched his world come to an end under the hands of the enemies supported by his fellow race. while blaming himself for not starting the game early or not investing time into it, or for awakening a trash talent he closed his eyes and embraced death but that was not the end of his story as he regressed to ten years prior to the unfortunate event. with knowledge of the future and determination he buys a gaming helmet and plunged into the game- Apocalypse that signalled the start of something more. with his knowledge of the future, his skills that made him shine even with his trashy talent and the awakening of an ex rank talent, 100% Dodge rate that makes attacking him impossible, read Greg's revenge and rise to the top protecting those he cares about while punishing his enemies.

In the year 2087, the asteroid Chimera crashed into Earth, unleashing a mysterious particle that fused human DNA with insect traits, creating a new breed of superhumans known as Hybrids. To control this sudden evolution, the world established Vertex Academy, a prestigious institution where gifted hybrids train to harness their abilities and protect humanity from the monstrous creatures born from the same catastrophe. Enter Kai Ashen, an unremarkable eighteen-year-old dismissed as a “Level Zero” hybrid. His ability? The power to produce smoke—a seemingly useless trait in a world of warriors with exoskeletons, venom, and devastating physical abilities. Ridiculed and overlooked, Kai is assigned to the academy’s lowest-ranked class, where failure means expulsion. But what no one realizes—including Kai himself—is that his ability is far more than it appears. As he trains under the enigmatic Professor Mantis, Kai discovers he can manipulate his smoke’s density, temperature, and chemical composition, leading to explosive reactions, sensory manipulation, and even short bursts of flight. When the academy is attacked by rogue hybrids, Kai’s unique talents prove invaluable, thrusting him into a deadly game of espionage, underground conflicts, and a looming war between Earth and forces beyond the stars. From a weak outcast to a legend, Kai’s journey is one of intelligence over raw strength, strategy over brute force. As he ascends through the Evolution Protocol, unlocking unimaginable power, he must navigate the deadly politics of hybrid society, the shadows of the Vespari Mafia, and an intergalactic conspiracy that threatens to consume the planet. In a world where only the strong survive, one overlooked underdog will rise—shrouded in smoke and destined to ignite a revolution.

It's 2050, Dr. DashPri and his team discover an **alien signal** through their AI, **PRIX**. The message: *“Prepare for contact. The experiment begins.”* They uncover a **mysterious artifact** on Earth, but a rogue faction seeks to exploit its power, risking global catastrophe. As the team races to stop them, the alien AI reveals Earth is part of a **cosmic experiment**. Humanity’s survival depends on passing its tests. Amidst the chaos, bonds deepen—DashPri and Lena grow closer, while Kai and Maya’s playful banter turns to affection. *PRIX Protocol* is a thrilling sci-fi adventure of unity, discovery, and humanity’s place in the cosmos.

A covert team unearths a secret war waged beyond human perception. Prometheus, once seen as the ultimate power, now stands on uncertain ground as an unknown force manipulates reality itself. A cryptic signal, a fractured timeline, and a hidden archive all point to something larger—something rewriting history in real time. As illusions shatter and enemies emerge from the shadows, the team faces a harrowing truth: they were never meant to see this. And at the heart of it all, The Core waits—holding answers that could either save them… or erase them entirely.

Kuroki Katsumi, a 14-year-old boy, steps into a low-level dungeon with his team. During the mission, an unexpected anomaly pulls him into a mysterious realm—the Abyss. Here, he experiences strange power surges, but when he wakes up, he finds himself back in the real world, unable to explain what happened. His body feels different, stronger, and he starts to experience unexplainable visions. These new abilities, connected to the Abyss, signal the beginning of a life-changing journey.

Tommy lived like most rebellious teenagers, drinking, smoking, and chasing fleeting thrills, until his world shattered with a leukemia diagnosis. But this was only the prelude to his descent. Desperate and cornered by fate, he signed a contract with the Devil, unknowingly binding himself to a shadow realm teeming with entities beyond mortal comprehension. Dragged into this hidden world of ancient devils, vengeful demons, and merciless angels, Tommy finds himself trapped in a war older than humanity itself. Here, every corner hides nightmares ripped from the darkest corners of myth, and survival demands more than courage, it requires unraveling the Devil’s cryptic bargain before it consumes his soul. Now, armed with nothing but wit and a flicker of defiance, Tommy must confront horrors that defy reason, forge uneasy alliances, and outmaneuver celestial schemes. Will he emerge as a pawn of the darkness… or rewrite his destiny in a realm where even gods fear to tread?

On a night when the stars realigned, a child was born, destined to alter the world’s fate. Lancelot’s birth was marked by celestial omens, signaling the rise of a hero. As he grows, he must navigate a world filled with ancient prophecies, hidden powers, and looming threats. Will he embrace his destiny and become the beacon of hope the world awaits?

"Well, listen up, I'm about to change your life!" Lucia grinned as she stared at me. "How?" I asked. After listening to her deal my mouth dropped. "No way! I'm not going to be some gods' entertainment!" But it was too late as a pink smoke engulfed the room sending Jade to another world. Jade has to spend a whole year inside the romance game she plays without anyone noticing she's odd. If she succeeds she goes home, if she doesn't? that's a different story.

In a world where human-insect hybrids have become the next step in evolution, the prestigious Keet Shakti Academy trains the strongest warriors to protect humanity from powerful threats—Kaiju, rogue hybrids, and the secretive Shadow Core, an organization seeking to reshape the world under their rule. Main Protagonist: Arman Arman, a seemingly weak Smoke Moth Hybrid, enters the academy as an underdog. Unlike other students blessed with powerful hybrid abilities, Arman relies purely on martial arts, intelligence, and strategy to survive. Unbeknownst to him, his true power—the Doom Clock Beetle Hybrid, an ancient and feared hybrid—lies dormant within him.

In the quiet, mysterious town of Caveroop, Terra Tunes, a high school student battling a tumultuous life, is forced to start over at the only school that would accept her: Caveroop High. Reluctantly, she tries to keep a low profile, but that becomes impossible the moment she’s assigned a room with Pink Spencer, the most popular girl on campus. Everything changes when Terra is swept into a world of dark secrets, supernatural beings, and ancient rivalries. After attending a party, she discovers that Jesse, the irresistible basketball star, is a vampire. What’s worse, The return of the school’s old nemesis, Nemus, signals a new threat to Caveroop High, while Jennifer Brown, a vicious werewolf with a relentless ambition to become the alpha, has returned to make everyone pay for past wrongs. As Terra grapples with these escalating dangers, she learns an earth-shattering truth: she is the last dark witch, a powerful being destined to end Nemus’ reign of terror. But with this revelation comes even more chaos, her newfound powers only complicate matters. Jesse, who was once cold and dismissive toward her, now reveals he has feelings for her, creating a storm of jealousy and rivalry with Pink, who will stop at nothing to tear them apart and reclaim Jesse's affection. With a powerful bond forming between enemies and allies alike, Terra must navigate a treacherous path of love, betrayal, and revenge. As secrets unfold, alliances are tested, and the lines between friend and foe blur, Terra must confront her destiny and face the darkest forces of the supernatural before Nemus and the deadly forces at his side can destroy everything she’s come to love. In a world where power, magic, and supernatural creatures rule, can Terra bring peace to Caveroop, or will the darkness consume her first? The fate of the entire school and perhaps the world rests on her shoulders. "Tunes" is a breathtaking supernatural thriller where love, betrayal, and revenge collide in a school full of vampires, werewolves, witches, and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

The action takes place on an alternative Earth, which is subject to a system similar to the game one. Here people create characters and bring them into the real world. Creatures appear that could not appear naturally. These are cute animal girls, creepy battle dolls, and also strange animals with antennas that spread a signal that can control other beings.

Dans un futur où l’humanité a conquis les étoiles, une énigme plus ancienne que l’univers attend d’être découverte… Kaël Draken, brillant explorateur et scientifique, reçoit un signal mystérieux venu d’un système oublié. Convaincu qu’il s’agit d’une trace des Anciens, une civilisation disparue dont l’existence même est remise en doute, il monte une expédition clandestine. Mais ce qu’il va trouver dépasse tout ce qu’il imaginait : des ruines colossales, une technologie défiant les lois de la physique… et une menace qui aurait dû rester enfouie. Pris entre la soif de connaissance et le danger d’une vérité trop grande pour être révélée, Kaël devra faire un choix : percer le secret des Anciens ou protéger l’humanité de son propre passé. Une aventure interstellaire mêlant mystère, exploration et découvertes qui pourraient changer le destin de la galaxie.

Minding my own business, as always. What’s my business, you ask? Keeping this little human on track. He’s sassy, resentful, and—let’s be honest—sometimes so mean. But overall? He’s okay. I’ve dealt with worse. Right now, he’s smoking a cigarette and wasting his charm on a girl who isn’t even interested. Wait till she finds out he’s broke. He’s got $100 to last the rest of the month—which, in theory, might be fine… if it weren’t the start of the month.

Software engineer Lila Vaughn at Starlink uncovers a mysterious alien signal embedded in the system, triggering a global chain reaction of volcanic eruptions, strange weather, and seismic activity. As tensions rise between the world’s superpowers, Lila discovers that the signal is linked to extraterrestrial technology—which Elon Musk has secretly used to advance his Mars colonization plans. But the tech’s true purpose is far more dangerous: it’s a weapon that could spark global war and destruction. Lila must decide whether to expose the truth or protect humanity from a devastating future. Signal from the Stars is a fast-paced, high-stakes thriller that explores the dark side of ambition, alien technology, and humanity's fate.

Cassian Vale was a hero—celebrated, trusted, and utterly betrayed. Accused of treason against the empire he once swore to protect, he was sentenced to death by fire, his body reduced to embers before the eyes of thousands. But death does not claim him. Buried beneath the ashes of his own execution, Cassian wakes in a ruined husk of a body, alive but forever burned. The world has moved on, his name whispered only in curses, his memory fading like smoke. Yet, something else lingers within him—a presence, a hunger, a power that should not exist. As he returns to the empire’s capital in search of answers, Cassian uncovers a horrifying truth: he is not the first to suffer this fate. Every emperor before him met the same fiery end, only to vanish without a trace. Their souls, twisted and bound to the empire, whisper to him in the dark, guiding him toward a destiny steeped in blood and ruin. But the deeper he digs, the less human he becomes. His body no longer obeys mortal laws, his reflection moves when he does not, and the world itself seems to bend around his will. He is evolving—but into what? Now, Cassian stands at a crossroads: Unravel the ancient curse binding the empire’s rulers to a fate worse than death. Burn the throne that betrayed him and forge a new path, no matter the cost. Succumb to the monstrous power rising within him and take his place as the true god of the fallen. In a world where history is written in fire and blood, Cassian Vale will either be its final ruler… or its executioner.

"Oga kpata kpata! Oga no na isisi! Oga no n' enu!" He greeted his boss who was sitted in the dimly lit spacious office with his back turned to him. "What's new?" The Boss answered with a cold emotionless voice. The smoke from his pipe engulfing the room. "The Alaye don show, he just touch down Chinua Achebe Airspace." The fellow answered, he being part of the activity his boss engaged in didn't flinch at the sight or breathe of the atmosphere almost two inches thick which he stood in the midst of, firm like an Iroko ready to wait on his boss' command. "Interesting! Get her to keep an eye on him, you, keep an eye on them..." And as he spun himself on the swivel to face him, he asked, "Is that clear?" "I dey for you Oga m, I dey for you, asap!" He replied with a slight bow. With a wave of one of his palms, both hands were now rested on the table, he dismisses him. He left with a bow and a final greeting as another guard armed with only a pistol hails the boss and proceeds to shut the door behind him. The boss spun himself repeatedly and when he had finally settled, he smirked as he released puffs of cloud from his nostrils...

The Sith was winning the war then something happens. Yes Murphy law or one his family members has rocked the Kraffed boat.Dark lord out of time and out of place after his flagship was attacked forcing him and his apprentice to use the escape pod ends up at a primitive planet...and boy he is ticked off...pray that he remembered to bring his smokes (do note that I do not own Star wars,WARHAMMER, DC,Marvel or other novels or games or animes that will be places and characters but my own OCs its a fan fic )(yeah needed to get the legal stuff done first lol plus I'm a new writer so construct criticism will helpful but be gentle)Do note I will be updating other chapters to make more grammar friendly from time to time.