Venutius Tomb Artifact

Adam, a struggling artisan in the modern world, unexpectedly gains access to a mysterious "Artifact Creation System." This system allows him to craft artifacts—objects imbued with supernatural powers—starting with basic, random creations and evolving to deliberate masterpieces. As Adam discovers the hidden truths behind the nature of artifacts, ancient histories, and the system's purpose, the modern world begins to crumble under the strain of portals unleashing beings from other realms. Armed with his unique powers and an unshakable resolve, Adam must navigate missions, form alliances, and confront threats while shaping the destiny of two worlds.

Carn wakes up from a vivid dream where he spent a thousand years as a gargoyle, guarding a demon lord's tomb. In this dream, he possessed supernatural powers, including the ability to teleport and instantly kill anyone within range who broke eye contact with him. Heroes, saintesses, adventurers, all fell before him. When he returns to his normal life, things take a strange turn. Carn realizes he still has the gargoyle’s powers, and the world he has woken up to seems different. But adjusting to the new reality is not the real issue. Carn brings back something nobody in this world has imagined. Not only he imports his powers to this alternate Earth, but he also carries over his gargoyle instinct and his hobby. He loves snapping human necks. Whether it's ordinary humans, explorers, super soldiers, cyborgs, mutated beasts, monsters, or mysterious entities from other dimensions, Carn eagerly anticipates snapping their necks, one neck at a time... In secret, of course.

In a world where ancient secrets and advanced technologies collide, Dr. Sophia Kim, a brilliant Korean archaeologist, uncovers a hidden civilization deep within the Amazon rainforest. As she delves deeper into the lost city, she discovers eerie ruins, mysterious artifacts, and cryptic messages hinting at an otherworldly origin. *Main Characters* 1. *Dr. Sophia Kim* (Protagonist): A determined and resourceful archaeologist driven by curiosity and ambition. 2. *Kael*: A rugged, skilled warrior with an unknown past, who joins Sophia's expedition. 3. *Dr. Henry Lee*: A rival archaeologist with ulterior motives. 4. *Aria*: An enigmatic, technologically advanced being from the lost city. *Conflict* 1. *Treacherous Jungle*: The team faces deadly creatures, treacherous terrain, and ancient traps. 2. *Rival Expeditions*: Henry Lee's team threatens Sophia's discoveries and claims. 3. *Ancient Technology*: Unsettling powers and machines awaken, posing existential threats. 4. *Internal Conflict*: Sophia's obsession with uncovering secrets tests her relationships and morality. Action-Packed Plot Twists 1. *Lost City Revelation*: The team discovers ancient structures, artifacts, and writings. 2. *Technological Marvels*: Advanced technology and energy sources are uncovered. 3. *Alien Connection*: Aria's true nature and purpose are revealed. 4. *Battle for Survival*: The team fights against rival expeditions, creatures, and the lost city's defenses.

In the fractured world of Eronth, two primary forces dominate: Elemental Flux and Void Flux. Elemental Flux grants users the ability to wield powerful artifacts that can be strengthened through the Dominions, ancient forces tied to those artifact wielders. However, these powers are bound by bloodlines, with the purity of one's bloodline determining their strength and status. Over time, the once-pure bloodlines have diluted, causing artifacts to break into fragments, making the restoration of these powerful relics impossible. In contrast, Void Flux users draw power from dark beasts that roam the wilderness. They infuse the corrupted energy cores of these beasts into their artifacts, enhancing their strength at the cost of corruption, twisting both the artifact and the user. The hierarchy of power in Eronth is defined by the purity of bloodlines and the mastery over either fragmented Elemental Flux artifacts or the corrupted Void Flux-enhanced relics. But not everyone was on board with tradition. Three thousand years ago, there was a Goblin emperor from the Pureblooded Line of Eros who was overly ambitious for power. He began to engage in some seriously forbidden practices. In his wild pursuit to become the most powerful ruler ever, he abandoned the traditions of the world and opted for a life full of excess and debauchery. He was using some unethical methods to collect artifacts from many women, each one holding a fragment of their artifacts passed down through their bloodline. There is a saying—everyone desires power, and if they can't get it, they try to make sure the one holding it is erased from existence. All the Empires around him banded together against him, calling his actions a total blasphemy that could tear reality apart—Dragons, Elves, Dwarves, and Humans—stood against the Goblin Race. This sparked a huge war where his enemies went all out to take him and his whole race down. If he had actually done something wrong on his own, they wouldn’t have gone and killed off his entire race—some of them definitely survived—a handful of them. In the end, they captured him—destroying his tainted artifacts and burying his legacy under the rubble of a fallen empire that had now turned into broken and barren land. Time flowed naturally, and after three thousand years, when the world had changed so much, He came back. Different from before. He is the Leader of Goblin Debauchery—the sole holder of EROS FLUX. >>> NO NTR, NO YURI....

In a world where humanity struggles to survive against rampaging beasts, Reid Fletcher, once a member of the powerful Fletcher family, has been cast out and abandoned. Born with pitifully low soul power, Reid’s future seemed doomed in a society that values strength above all else. Forced to live in the scrapyards, a forgotten wasteland where the outcasts scavenge and survive, Reid discovers a hidden potential—an ancient artifact known as the Evolution Codex. Read to find out how Reid's journey will unfold. Will he rise to the top or remain a nobody forever?

In a future where Earth is ruled by megacorporations and intergalactic syndicates, humanity has developed advanced martial arts that merge technology with the ancient art of combat. Amidst this dystopian chaos, Kairo Zenith, a skilled anti-hero with a dark past, finds himself at the center of a conspiracy involving a mysterious artifact known as the Shadow Nexus. This artifact grants unimaginable power, but it also draws the attention of dangerous factions across the galaxy. Kairo’s journey thrusts him into a chaotic mix of high-tech battles, mysterious interdimensional realms, and an unwanted harem of quirky yet powerful allies, all while grappling with his own inner demons. With his cynical demeanor and brutal fighting style, Kairo walks the fine line between hero and villain as he pursues his own selfish goals—until he’s forced to make a choice that will shape the fate of the universe.

Keys of Deception For Zara, life has always been about fitting in—navigating the chaos of high school while balancing the memory of a father she barely understood. But when her father's sudden death leaves behind a series of cryptic artifacts, Zara’s world spirals into a web of secrets, lies, and impossible choices. The artifacts are more than relics—they’re keys to a conspiracy with international stakes. As Zara unravels the mystery, she discovers allies in unexpected places and enemies hiding in plain sight. Every step she takes reveals more about her father’s shadowy past, and she’s forced to question whether he was the protector she believed... or the villain everyone feared. When messages from a "phantom caller" warn her of danger, Zara is drawn deeper into a world where trust is a deadly game and betrayal could cost her everything. And the more she tries to escape, the more she realizes the artifacts aren’t just the key to unlocking the truth—they’re the bait that could destroy her. In a battle of deception, where nothing is as it seems, Zara must decide: Will she safeguard the legacy left to her, or will she dismantle the very foundation of her father’s empire? High school drama meets international intrigue in this suspenseful coming-of-age mystery. Packed with twists, betrayals, and a hint of danger, "Keys of Deception" will keep you turning pages until the final shocking revelation.

In the frozen kingdom of Aquindor, mysterious fissures erupt across the land, releasing deadly creatures and an ancient, malevolent energy. These anomalies shatter the fragile peace of the realm, forcing the Frostguard—Aquindor’s elite warriors—to confront a threat they scarcely understand. Amid the chaos, strange shards are uncovered near the fissures, artifacts that pulse with enigmatic energy and whisper of a long-forgotten war. As the Frostguard grapples with the growing menace, they reluctantly join forces with Kaelen and his band of adventurers, outsiders whose motives are as murky as the fissures themselves. Fragile alliances form and fray as philosophies clash and the stakes rise. Yet, even as the fissures spread and more artifacts are uncovered, it becomes clear that these events are part of something far larger—a system of chaos tied to ancient forces. Far from the kingdom’s view, a lone figure stirs, his solitude broken by the echoes of the fissures. Memories of an ancient war and the burden of his past haunt him as he senses the growing disturbance. Though unseen, his role in the unfolding events grows ever more inevitable. When a massive fissure tears through a key location in Aquindor, the kingdom faces a peril unlike any before. With alliances tested and truths unearthed, one question rises above the fray: Are the fissures a curse to be contained, or a warning of something far greater—something that threatens not just Aquindor, but the balance of the world itself?

Kings Covenant: The Ashes of the Golden Cage unfolds in a world where ancient magic and advanced technology coexist, shaping a fragile peace amid ruins of once-great empires. The last known continent, home to diverse kingdoms and mysterious ruins, is teeming with powerful magical creatures and relics of a forgotten age. New technologies—born of both arcane knowledge and scientific innovation—are being rapidly developed, yet remnants of the past linger, casting long shadows over the present. At the heart of this world are two kings, Caelan Althar and Dorian Valen, once childhood friends who now find themselves at odds. Their bond shattered over the discovery of an ancient artifact known as the Golden Cage, a relic tied to long-lost powers. The artifact holds the potential to change the world, but its true nature is veiled in mystery, and neither king fully understands the consequences of using it. Years earlier, Caelan and Dorian, along with their companions, formed a club at an elite academy where they explored ancient ruins and uncovered relics infused with magic. They encountered mythical creatures—elemental beings, monsters, and guardians that once roamed freely. But now, as rulers, Caelan hesitates to use the Golden Cage, knowing that its power could bring disaster. Dorian, in a desperate attempt to save his kingdom from ruin, betrays his former friend and takes the artifact for himself. Unbeknownst to both kings, powerful forces—both magical and technological—are at work, manipulating their actions toward a catastrophic end. As war seems inevitable, the ancient world’s secrets begin to unravel, threatening to release forces that neither man can control. Kings Covenant: The Ashes of the Golden Cage is a tale of betrayal, ambition, and the unbreakable bond between friendship and power. It explores the allure of ancient magic, the dangers of rediscovered technologies, and the creatures that still roam the world—an epic journey through a land on the brink of rediscovering its greatest mysteries.

The white lotus, a legendary artifact rumored to contain the very secrets of the soul, granted its wielder otherworldly power. Countless powerful Magi from all across the universe waged an epic battle over it. When the dust settled from their fierce clash, the artifact disappeared, awaiting to be inherited by one with great destiny. Adam dreamed of breaking free from the grip of poverty, yearning for a life of riches and comfort. Yet, in a world ruled by arcane spellcasters, achieving such a dream meant becoming one himself. However, learning magic was an expensive aspiration. Not only did it require talent, but also vast resources, neither of which he had. But one day everything changed when he stumbled upon a mysterious white lotus... *** Join my discord: https://discord.gg/w4vACWwfSv

In a world where social status and success are determined by one’s Authentic Signature—a unique mark of talent or power each person develops in their lifetime—Kaylen Moore is a rare anomaly: a Blank. Labeled as talentless and invisible to society, he has spent his life on the fringes, watching others ascend to greatness while he’s left with nothing. But everything changes when Kaylen stumbles upon a forgotten artifact that allows him to mimic the Authentic Signatures of others. Armed with the ability to "fake" talents and powers, Kaylen quickly begins to climb the social ladder, infiltrating the highest echelons of power. From street-level thugs to influential elites, no one is safe from his deceptive abilities. However, as Kaylen rises, he discovers that the artifact comes at a cost: the more he uses it, the more it chips away at his sanity and blurs the line between his true self and the personas he creates. To complicate matters further, a shadowy organization that hunts down those who tamper with Authentic Signatures is closing in on him. Caught between the life he’s always dreamed of and the looming danger of exposure, Kaylen must decide: will he embrace his facade to become someone extraordinary, or will he risk everything to discover the truth behind his Blank status? Themes: Identity, deception, ambition, and the cost of power.

"The heavenly dog ​​rises from the earth and falls into the sunset. The sky is as red as blood, and the lucky star retreats into nothingness. In the vastness, a man stumbles forward, paving the way with difficulty, and blood is spilled with every step. Only a stalk of chrysanthemum withers behind him." This is a prophecy that no one can interpret, but some people say that this is my fate. Others say that the ritual officials are involved in yin and yang, are good at tombs, and cover up the secrets of heaven. The nobles of ancient times were all buried in their hands to protect future generations. In the end, they did not die well, and I could not escape it. But I don't accept it...

After Yun Xiao's death, his soul flew into the sky, and he was shocked to find that the vast world he had lived in for sixteen years was shaped like a tomb! Under the tomb is an ancient copper coffin, as big as the sea, with a demonic aura, all the land is a piece of loess on the coffin, and trillions of living people are actually multiplying in the tomb soil! Inside the huge coffin is a fairy corpse with eyes like hell, mouth like hell, hair like a dragon, and body like a million mountains. I don't know where the immortal gods have been sleeping here forever! The youth's wronged soul is immortal, escaped into the immortal corpse and was reborn. Using the Tianzhu of the world as the sword, and the floating continent as the talisman, one person and one coffin will kill through the immortal road and pass through the heavens to prove the truth! (Disclaimer I don't own any of the characters and book elements. This is a english translation of a Chinese novel.)

When reclusive college student Riku Kiyomori dies investigating a cursed artifact, he awakens in Ætherion, a chaotic nexus where gods, demons, and mortals battle for dominance. Branded with the Aspect of Anomalies, a forbidden power that warps reality at the cost of his sanity, Riku becomes the target of the Chrono-Covenant, a faction sworn to eliminate beings like him. With no way back to Earth, Riku forges an uneasy alliance with Kaelitha, a rogue soul-hunter with her own hidden agenda. Together, they navigate a treacherous world of multidimensional intrigue, clashing power systems, and warring deities. As Riku’s choices ripple across dimensions, he must master his unstable abilities, confront his dark impulses, and uncover the truth behind Ætherion’s existence—before it consumes him entirely.

Feng Bowen, an ordinary office worker in bustling Shanghai, was drowning in debt and monotony when he stumbled upon an ancient jade amulet at a flea market. Little did he know, this artifact was no ordinary trinket—it was imbued with the spirit of an enigmatic financial sage who had mastered the secrets of wealth across the ages. Awakened by Feng’s desperation, the spirit struck a deal: it would guide him to unparalleled riches if he dared to walk the razor’s edge of fortune and risk. Armed with insider wisdom, uncanny investment strategies, and an ability to foresee market trends, Feng Bowen began his meteoric rise, transforming small opportunities into empires.

In the sprawling city of Cyrathis, the sky is a hazy violet, an eternal shroud that has hidden the stars for centuries. Stories of the "Forgotten Sky" are whispered in hushed tones—a time when the heavens were clear and full of light. Most dismiss it as a myth, but to Kael, a young orphan with strange dreams of a star-filled night, it feels like a memory. When an ancient artifact surfaces, its power disrupts the delicate balance of the world. Kael, along with an enigmatic scholar and a rogue skyship pilot, is thrust into a journey to uncover the truth of the Forgotten Sky. But as secrets unravel, Kael discovers his role in a prophecy that could either restore the skies or doom the world. Beneath the layers of forgotten history lies a chilling truth: the sky wasn’t taken—it was locked away to protect humanity from what lies beyond.

Jin Aneced is a victim of bullying when he still in middle school, he was always bullied by his classmates named Kyle Vermin. Kyle Vermin and his friends are all rich, handsome and popular, that's the reason they bullied Jin but one day, Kyle crossed the line by throwing Jin to a cliff. on the verge of death, something appeared Infront of Jin, a "SYSTEM"!? using this, Jin uses this to get his revenge and have an amazing adventure to a world and found new species, dungeons, artifact and discovee that some things that they teach in school is not actually true, is he gonna be able to discover everything? when another guy found him and become a best friend, will be able to have an amazing adventure and discover everything?

A miserable life, transparent and devoid of happiness, dreams, goals, or desires, with no aspirations for the future. Yet, his life was simple and quiet until the unexpected end came, causing him to fall to the gates of death, crying out in sadness and despair, refusing to die. "No...." "I don't want to die...." "No... I don't want to die like this...!" "One chance..." "One chance... one more chance... just one chance....!" "If I could just get one more chance, I would work hard to change it." [Notification!] [You have met the conditions to possess the royal ethereal artifact.] An old melody brought back memories to him, and the echo of a mysterious and enchanting woman voice resonated in his head, continuing the notifications. [Notification!] [You have received the ancient blessing as a reward for possessing the royal ethereal artifact.] [Notification!] [You have gained the right to receive one more chance at life in exchange for completing the mission of the royal ethereal artifact.] [Mission: Obtain the Throne of Ethereal Sovereignty.] [Mission Requirements: Three] [First: Reach the level of World Power.] [Second: Complete all system missions.] [Third: Subjugate one million women under your sovereignty.] [Do you accept the mission...?] [Yes or No] The young man eyes widened in shock when he saw the appearance of this bright green status window before him, resembling the video game windows he played in his childhood. He heard the echo of the mysterious and enchanting woman voice in his head and thought for a moment to himself that if he could get another chance at life, he would do anything for it. He had been helpless and silently dying in the deep darkness. Then he responded to the voice of the mysterious woman in his head.

In a stormy urban night, Rogelio’s mundane life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a dying sage in his small apartment. The mysterious old man, claiming to be from the world of Zandora, entrusts Rogelio with a powerful artifact—the Ring of Time. As the sage performs a ritual to pass the ring’s authority, a portal opens, dragging Rogelio into an unknown world. Thrust into a fantastical land brimming with danger and magic, Rogelio must uncover the secrets of the ring and his newfound abilities.

18 Year Old, Kaito Takahashi finds himself transported to another world alongside his classmates. He’s determined to find an artifact to go home, but during his adventure, he will soon realize that he is something that the people fear. In a magic world with his new identity as Nizara, he will go through a lot, to the point where he will be recognized as “The Resurrected Demon Lord”

Summoned into a deadly arena of monsters and dungeon lords, Cid starts out as just another nameless outsider. Yet, unlike the common warriors around him, he commands an undead soldier pried from the remains of his slain enemies. Slowly, he gathers more creatures to his banner—skeletal knights, spectral mages, and horrors without pity. As he fights for artifact fragments capable of turning weak minions into top-tier forces, Cid inches closer to the peak of power. Can he outlast the competition and seize control of a realm where only the vicious thrive?

In an era omitted from history , there exists a forgotten fragment of fate, lost amidst the currents of time. It seeks to unravel the enigmatic mysteries of the world, plunging into the forgotten remnants of the obscure past that is shrouded in a layer of thick impenetrable fog, making it difficult to unveil and comprehend the encroaching future.... Divinations,revalations,ancient artifacts, potions,realms/domains,authority,hexes, scorned by the world reviled by society and condemned by the heavens themselves this is the tale of the forgotten fate

Luck of Gods follows Kain, an ordinary young man whose life is turned upside down when he accidentally awakens a powerful divine artifact known as the Luck of Gods. Marked by fate, Kain finds himself pursued by gods who seek to control or destroy him. With the help of Orin, a mysterious warrior, and Eira, a servant of balance, Kain must navigate a dangerous world where gods play with mortals like pieces on a board. As he grapples with the immense power now within him, Kain faces a devastating choice—sacrifice his past or risk losing everything to the gods' game. In a world where nothing comes without a price, Kain must decide what he’s willing to give up to survive.

He used his last hope artifact to travel back in time before his own father's family killed him. He had learned that he was naive and their kindness was just a facade to torment him. Hi's girlfriend had betrayed him and thanks to that they were able to capture and torment him. They also told him that the death of his mother and stepfather was their doing. -Now I,m back, now this lord will have his revenge. Will Paul embrace his second chance and get to avenge his family? Or will he die trying?

“Your mission is to retrieve an artifact that was lost a long time ago. But that artifact wasn’t here in our realm. You have to find it on Earth. Someone had stolen the item ages ago and escaped. It was time to search for it again and try to have it back. It is destructive for Earth. We know their world was much more fragile than ours. And I chose you for this mission, General Rizika, for I believe in you. The kingdom as well. Will you accept the mission?” The king announced. [System: Mission: Retrieve the Autonus artifact.] [System: Please confirm.] “System, confirm.” She announced with a hard tone. [System: Mission: Retrieve the Autonus artifact confirmed. The tasks would start upon reaching Earth.] When she crossed the portal. [System: Hello, Rizika. Welcome to Earth.] [System: Checking your body...] ‘Wait, your voice changed.’ The male robotic voice that her system had in Albria had turned into a girly voice with a high-pitched tone. It wasn’t robotic at all. It seemed like there was a teenager in her head. [System: Loading resources...] [System: Opening..] [Makeup: Cool, Chic, Vibrant, Natural, Hot, Sunny. Select which one.] Each one was showing an image of her face with the makeup. [Footwear: Flipflops] [Jewelries: Star-studded earrings, bangle bracelet, diamond pendant necklace] [Other accessories: None] [Gold chest: None] [System: This is a Goddess system. Start with the mission to earn and visit beauty shops.] “A Goddess system? What the hell?! This is a fucking scandal!” She wasn’t done rampaging yet. “An—” She was panting in furiousness. “An insult! A debauchery to my career!” She went to a nearby tree and punched the sturdy bark. She had never even touched any makeup in her life. She was solely focused on training, fighting, and drinking beer with the knights. She’s a respectable general in her kingdom. Never in her life did she even wear a girl’s clothes outside of her standard military dress robe uniform. Sure, she had suitors, for despite how manly her actions and status are, her natural beauty was remarkable in the entire kingdom. She did not even pay attention to it. “System, do you know what’s the freaking mission?” It was a sarcastic question. “It’s to ret—” [System Mission: Tame the Mafia Boss] "What the actual fuck?" AN: Be warned for cursing, vulgarity, and sexiness.

The story takes place in the city of Ari, the city known to be the city of witches and wizards. It is the safest city in the kingdom of Izea. The oglins and other dangerous creatures can not break down its walls, and even if they get into the city secretly, they are easily caught due to the abundance of people with magic in the city. It is also where deep within the Cera Witch clans forest lays the most dangerous being in the whole continent of Okea. It is said that even the most powerful witch clan the clan of Cera had to have help from other powerful clans all across the continent to put a sleep curse on the being when it went crazy and lost its rationality. He was once a loved king, but unfortunately, his body could not withstand the power. Deep within the dark woods high up in the mountain, he sleeps, but just with a whisper will he awake he the King Aragos of Izea and the most powerful being in the whole of Okea Alysia is adventurous and barely listens to her parents when they ask not to scout the dark areas of the inner forest. Her interest in learning about all there is to being a witch and how she can unleash her full potential to lead her to him. The sleeping beauty, but with his eyes open, he is a dangerously gorgeous animal. He is dangerous, wild and heartless with him awake, and nothing is thought to survive. The loss that comes with her mistake is so hard to bear that for her punishment, it is with him that she has to stay. Day by day, she wishes she could strangle him alive but not with the little power she has. Until the day when she learns of his secret. He has a weakness. Will she use the opportunity to kill him, or will it be a start of something they call..

15 year old Arata Hajime, find himself trapped in a game-like world with no chance of escape. He is presented with a trial. "Clear the game and you'll be able to return to your world". Without much of a choice, he ventures on a quest to retrieve all the legendary artifact needed to clear the game. His adventure takes many turns, ranging from intense battles to wacky detours. Will he beat the game or die in the process? I have things that may come up but I'll try to release it as periodically as I can. Enjoy.

Jack’s journey begins with a sudden crash on a mysterious, uncharted island after a violent storm. Struggling to survive, he discovers an ancient hut hidden within the jungle. Inside, he finds a glowing artifact and a diary written in blood. The diary reveals the artifact is a powerful “System,” a construct of energy designed to merge with and enhance its User. However, most Systems come with devastating risks, damaging the user’s soul beyond repair. Despite the danger, Jack decides to bond with the System, drawn by the promise of growth and survival. As the System begins to merge with his soul, Jack learns it is unlike any other—designed to protect him and ensure his future reincarnations. Trusting in its guidance, Jack steps into an unknown future, where he will embark on the path of cultivation, seeking to master the energy of life itself and rise to new realms of power.

Adam Chue, a penniless 20-year-old from China, discovers a mysterious virtual map etched into his soul—the same map his late mother stole from a secretive organization, costing her life. The map reveals the locations of treasures scattered across the globe, ranging from historically significant artifacts to supernatural relics imbued with locked powers. As Adam unlocks the map's abilities, he embarks on a journey to uncover hidden treasures.

In a world devastated by 24 years of demonic invasion, humanity fights for survival as nearly half of Earth falls into darkness. With the gods silent and angels seeking a powerful artifact known as Pandora's Box, hope seems lost. Minos, a devined being of vengeance, finds himself trapped in the Pandora's Box. As the Eternal Gods Caleon and Azarath wage war for control over Celestia, they both seek Minos for their own agendas, either to harness his strength or to stop his escape. On his quest for retribution, Minos must navigate through different realms and planets, filled with enemies and unlikely allies. In a race against time, he fights to break free from his prison, facing a destiny that could either save humanity or plunge it deeper into darkness.