Lantern Rite

Lucinda Perry, une recluse sociale et une travailleuse acharnée, fait le serment de se lancer à fond pour son vingt-cinquième anniversaire et d'avoir même une aventure d'un soir si elle obtient la promotion qu'elle mérite depuis longtemps au travail. Quelques jours avant son vingt-cinquième anniversaire, elle est promue à un poste plus élevé, jusqu'au siège social dans une autre ville. Devant passer la nuit de son anniversaire dans une nouvelle ville, elle se rend au club où elle rencontre un très bel étranger, Thomas Hank, qui propose d'être son aventure d'un soir après avoir aperçu sa liste de défis à relever, qui incluait d'avoir une aventure d'un soir. Thomas Hank, après avoir été utilisé par plusieurs dames dans le passé, est résolu à obtenir la dame de ses rêves qui l'aimerait pour ce qu'il est et non pour sa richesse. Alors quand il rencontre la mignonne et naïve Lucinda Perry au club, il décide de cacher sa véritable identité et de découvrir si elle vaut la peine d'être gardée. ***Extrait*** Qu'est-ce qui est plus divertissant qu'un personnage secondaire fou ? Dites bonjour à Sonia et Bryan. Le cœur de Sonia s’arrêta de battre pendant une seconde, puis différentes pensées commencèrent à se bousculer dans sa tête à ce même moment. Bryan Hank ? Son coup de cœur de célébrité était à genoux devant elle et lui demandait de devenir sa femme ? Se trompait-il de personne ? Était-il possible que ce soit une mise en scène, ou peut-être s'agissait-il d'une de ces farces de célébrité et qu'il y avait des caméras autour, prêtes à la filmer en train de faire l'imbécile ? Ou peut-être rêvait-elle ? Sonia se le demandait en regardant autour d'elle, mais tout ce qu'elle voyait n'était que des spectateurs curieux. "S'il te plaît ! Sois ma femme et fais de moi l'homme le plus heureux de la Terre," Dit-il d'une voix très forte qui attira l'attention de tout le monde. Son éditeur, qu'elle attendait depuis plus d'une heure parce qu'il essayait de conclure un accord avec un producteur de cinéma intéressé par l'une de ses histoires, apparut à ce moment-là, "Sonia, tu connais Bryan Hank ?" demanda son éditeur avec une véritable surprise en regardant la scène devant lui. On aurait dit qu'une heure s'était écoulée depuis que Bryan s'était mis à genoux, mais cela ne faisait qu'une minute. Bryan savait qu'aucune dame ne serait assez folle pour accepter une proposition aussi folle, et même si l'une d'entre elles l'était, la payer et annuler le tout serait facile puisque tout ce qu'il voulait était le scandale qui pourrait en découler. Les gros titres seraient soit sur sa proposition de mariage refusée, soit sur son faux engagement, ce qui serait suffisant pour libérer Sophia de la situation. "Oui !" répondit Sonia en hochant la tête avec enthousiasme et en tendant le doigt pour qu'il lui enfile l'anneau. "Oui ?" demanda Bryan, confus en entendant sa réponse. "Oui ! Je serai ta femme et je te rendrai l'homme le plus heureux du monde !" répondit Sonia en riant et en remuant les doigts jusqu'à ce que Bryan glisse l'anneau sur son doigt. Etonnamment, la bague était exactement de sa taille et elle s'ajustait parfaitement à son doigt comme si elle avait été faite juste pour elle. Les applaudissements éclatèrent tout autour d'eux alors que Sonia se levait avec un grand sourire sur le visage et embrassait Bryan avant de l'embrasser directement sur les lèvres. Bryan fut légèrement pris au dépourvu par son audace, mais se reprit rapidement puisque c'était son jeu et qu'il devait jouer le jeu. Après tout, c'est lui qui avait approché Sonia en premier. Alors, quand elle essaya de rompre le baiser, il lui tint le menton et mordilla doucement sa lèvre inférieure avant de séparer ses lèvres avec sa langue et de la suçoter d'une manière taquine, provoquant un gémissement chez Sonia. Sonia se sentait étourdie. C'était trop beau pour être vrai. Ce devait être un rêve. Comment pourrait-elle expliquer qu'un instant, elle était assise dans le hall d'un hôtel en attendant son éditeur, et l'instant d'après, elle était fiancée à son coup de cœur de célébrité et l'embrassait ici même en public ? (PS : Photo m'appartient. Art par @imagineTishaD)

At dawn. The light of dawn lingered, hesitant to arrive, while the remnants of the setting sun had long faded into darkness. Within the city shrouded in thin mist, the hidden churches in the shadows, veins clinging to the cracks in walls, the gnawing sounds echoing from the sewers, and the murmuring shadows... A lantern bearer strolled forward.

【Pure Immortal Heroic Fantasy, infused with both immortal intent and gallant spirit, refining insights on human relationships, seeking immortality, more than thirty thousand reservations, averaging nine thousand】 Forever reminiscing rivers and lakes under silvery hair, desiring to return to the cosmos in a simple boat. Peach and plum blossoms in the spring breeze, a cup of wine; rivers and lakes in the night rain, a lantern for ten years. Chen Dengming stepped into the chaotic world of rivers and lakes, only reaching the Innate Realm in his twilight, but Innate Martial Arts wasn't the ultimate destination of his heart's rivers and lakes, it was to cultivate for longevity that marked the beginning of his dreams. If practicing Kung Fu can prolong life, then cultivating the Dao can certainly point directly to immortality. Practicing martial arts, refining Gu, cultivating Dao, seeking longevity... This is a story about an ordinary traveler stepping into rivers and lakes, into the World of True Cultivation, seeking the path to immortality one step at a time. Read about cultivation in the twilight years, savor the vigorous life! Young reader, you truly understand cultivation! ...This book was formerly titled "Late Bloomer: My Immortal Life"! (The author has previously completed a nearly five million word, eighty thousand high reservation three-star martial arts masterpiece, "Indestructible Mighty Fortress Leader," rest assured and enjoy)

*Destiny’s Keeper: The Art of Beast Bonding* is a tale of courage, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between man and beast. It’s a journey into the heart of destiny, where every choice shapes the fate of a world on the brink of ruin. In a world where tamers forge sacred bonds with powerful beasts to protect their lands, 17-year-old Kieran has always longed to follow in his father’s legendary footsteps. But when his father mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind whispers of betrayal and danger, Kieran is thrust into a destiny far greater than he imagined. During his Rite of Bonding, Kieran forms an unprecedented bond with Nyx, a shadowfang beast of extraordinary power—and fearsome reputation. Their connection defies tradition, marking Kieran as a Keeper, a rare kind of tamer destined to wield immense influence over both beast and fate. As Kieran and Nyx navigate the challenges of their bond, they uncover ancient secrets tied to the cursed Riftlands, a realm where chaos reigns and beasts of unimaginable strength dwell. Haunted by visions of his father and driven by a growing sense of purpose, Kieran embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth about his father’s disappearance, the Keeper’s forgotten legacy, and the dark forces threatening their world. But destiny is a double-edged sword. As Kieran’s bond with Nyx deepens, so does the danger surrounding them. With the balance of power shifting and enemies closing in, Kieran must decide: will he rise as the Keeper his world desperately needs—or fall, consumed by the very forces he seeks to master?

In Ogun's Kingdom, gods once walked among mortals, their presence leaving echoes of power, mystery, and ambition. Now, only the masked bearers of divine blessings bridge the gap between humans and the forgotten pantheon. Thorne Ironhold, a blind boy born into the prestigious Ironhold fief, stands at a precipice. Blessed by an unknown god during the sacred mask rite, he is labeled a "Stray"—an outcast marked by powers beyond mortal comprehension. Yet beneath the shadows of his failure lies an unimaginable secret: Thorne's mask holds the power to defy the natural order. As Thorne ventures from his father's forge to the treacherous Garden of the Gods and the rigorous academy, he seeks not only to carve his own path but to uncover the truth behind his destiny. Every battle tests his limits, every limit surpassed brings him closer to the power once lost to men—and closer to the chaos lurking within. In a world where dances summon divine might and masks conceal more than they reveal, Thorne's journey becomes a quest to challenge the gods themselves. But as he walks the path they once tread, he must ask: Will he rise among the embers of forgotten legends, or be consumed by them?

***READ THE DISCLAIMER FIRST*** Xavier a 29 year old man that has been transferred to another world after he finishes his favorite game. thinking that he has transferred inside the game he do everything he need to ensure that he find anything that he wants. but day after day every time he gets a happiness there will always be a misfortune waiting for him. no matter what he does, no matter his efforts, all of that will always gone because of his misfortune. he will become the Lantern Bearer and he will lead everyone that has an unfortunate live and make it into a very pleasing live. his name is Xavier and he is the child of misfortune. ______________________________________ •the cover of the novel is mine. •this story will full of lies, you cannot believe anyone and if you search a novel with an op MC don't read this. •your author here is not too fluent with English and doesn't have someone who can help him with the language, so if there's a word that was typed wrong just tell me, English is the 5th language that i can speak with so be patient with it. •you might hold a grudge after reading this story, but i know the best way to lead this story.

‘The First Kill’ is a significant rite of passage among vampire hunters. Successfully claiming your first solo kill proves your readiness to join the guild in eradicating vampires from our beloved earth. For Maya Anderson, achieving this milestone is crucial if she wants to stand alongside her family's legacy as a hunter. Her desire to kill a vampire becomes an all-consuming obsession. This obsession takes a turn when she meets Alexander Van Helsing, a complacent legacy-born vampire who considers himself immortal supremacy. His detestation is reserved for those he considers beneath him— pesty mortal hunters who want nothing more than to kill him. —Vampires who kill humans are monsters— —Humans who kill vampires are monsters— In their game of predator and prey, which will blossom? Maya's obsession over her duties, or the forbidden love between a human and a vampire?

In the world of Eden, turning 18 isn't just another birthday; it's a pivotal moment, a rite of passage that marks the transition into adulthood. It's the day a young citizen receives their very own System – a personalized technological companion interwoven with their very being, shaping their future and unlocking their potential. This year, the spotlight shines on Shawn, a young man who recently celebrated his 18th birthday and embarked on this transformative journey. This novel delves into the significance of turning 18 in Eden, explores the mysteries of the world of Eden, and examines the unique challenges and opportunities that await Shawn as he begins this new chapter.

Hadrian never expected to die—let alone wake up in another world as the frail, sickly son of a duke. Tasked by a god to unite humanity and destroy the monstrous races threatening its survival, Hadrian initially dismisses the divine mission as irrelevant. But when personal tragedy strikes, he embraces his role with a burning resolve, determined to forge a path of vengeance, innovation, and unrelenting ambition. In a fractured world where humans are teetering on the edge of extinction, Hadrian must navigate political intrigue, familial bonds, and the looming spectre of war. Armed with memories of his past life and a mysterious system that grants him knowledge and power, he begins introducing revolutionary changes to his dukedom—from crop rotation to matchlock muskets—all in preparation for the battles to come. [sorry guys, I did already rite 16 chapters for what I thought this story needed to be, but it was too slow paced for me, I could've called that a prologue that's how far away it was from the main story i had planned for this novel, so this is attempt two, it gets straight into the kingdom building, but don't worry, there's still a bit of tragedy, as that is life isn't it, hope u enjoyyy.]

The Peony Pavilion In a world where beauty and tradition reign, Lin Xiaohua is the obedient daughter of a noble family, her future carefully arranged to secure her family’s honor. Bound to a loveless betrothal with the ruthless General Wang, Xiaohua finds herself yearning for more than duty and appearances—a yearning for freedom, passion, and the chance to follow her own heart. When an enchanting encounter with a mysterious stranger at the lantern festival sparks a longing she cannot ignore, Xiaohua’s carefully structured life begins to unravel. His piercing blue eyes promise a life of possibilities, yet their connection remains as fleeting as the light of a lantern drifting into the night. As Xiaohua grapples with her duties and her dreams, the shadows of imperial politics and her fiancé’s dangerous cruelty loom ever larger. With her younger brother Jingwei offering innocent joy and the love of family, Xiaohua must decide whether to risk everything to defy the fate imposed on her—or resign herself to a gilded cage. A tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience, The Peony Pavilion is a poignant journey through the beauty and cruelty of a world where one woman dares to challenge her destiny.

In the kingdom of Valkathar, every child dreams of the day they will summon their first familiar. But for Aelric Ignis, that dream has always felt like a distant, unreachable hope. On the night of his Summoning Rite, he is the only child who cannot call forth a spirit, leaving him branded as weak and worthless by his peers and family. Abandoned by all, Aelric vows to prove them wrong. Desperation drives him deep into the heart of the ancient forest, where he performs a forbidden ritual, calling upon forces far beyond his comprehension. In a burst of magic and darkness, Liora, an ancient and powerful dragon, answers his call. Bound by an ancient pact, Liora becomes his first summon, her immense power and knowledge reshaping Aelric’s destiny. But this is just the beginning. As Aelric delves deeper into the secrets of summoning, he discovers a terrifying truth: the key to true power lies not in summoning mere beasts, but in binding beings of unimaginable strength and darker natures—demons, elves, slaves, and otherworldly creatures. Through ruthless contracts and manipulation, Aelric begins to build an army of enslaved summons, each one bound to him by blood, magic, and desire. As his harem of powerful beings grows, so does his ambition. Aelric’s rise to power is not just about strength—it's about domination. He manipulates his summoned slaves, uses his power to conquer kingdoms, and bends the political landscape to his will. But as his influence spreads, so do the dangers. Rivals, enemies, and even the very beings he commands threaten to undermine him, and Aelric must use every ounce of his cunning and ruthlessness to maintain control. With each victory, Aelric becomes more than just a summoner—he becomes a force to be reckoned with, feared and revered across the continents of Keryllia. But his journey is not without cost. The more power he gains, the more darkness festers within him. And with every slave he breaks, every summon he enslaves, Aelric risks losing himself in the very shadows he commands. "Summoner of Shadows: The Binding of Power" is a tale of ambition, control, and the price of power in a world where loyalty can be bought, and strength is the only thing that matters.

Book 1 is now available for order! Volume 1: https://a.co/d/0ao1rdn0 The first volume has been taken down for the Amazon release. Published by Riverfolk Publishing. *********************************** My name is Tim or was that is until I died, there was no light at the end of the tunnel, no white room to choose any cheats from, nor was there any meeting with God. I didn’t die heroically saving someone, and I certainly didn’t get hit by a truck. My death was rather stupid and anticlimactic, I had apparently bumped my head while sleeping and passed away... That should have been the end of the road for me but like many self-proclaimed main characters, I joined the army of multi-dimension travelers and was reincarnated. Being an avid light novel and manga reader, I would have been excited at the opportunity, if not for my new siblings who tried to kill me as soon as I was born, or my mother who seemed to have something with throwing me off cliffs, and let’s not forget my murderous father who forced me to flatten a small country as my Rite of passage. Oh did I mention I was reborn as a Dragon? PS: Earlier releases on patreon: www.patreon.com/Simobimo Cover art by Instagram: Simplegray_owo Link to the discord: https://discord.gg/vCHrZB5xmX Release schedule: 1 day yes, 1 day no. Advanced chapters on Patreon.

In the grand kingdom of Eryndor, where power and status are determined by one's rank in the hierarchy of alphas, betas, and omegas, Prince Xavier Bloodthorne—the kingdom's fiercest alpha—stands at the center of royal intrigue. Groomed to be the next king, Xavier is pressured to choose a mate from noble alpha or beta houses to strengthen alliances. However, his heart is closed off, burdened by duty and a tragic past. Meanwhile, deep in the outskirts of the kingdom, lives Vale Rivers, a soft-spoken but fiercely independent omega who hides his secondary gender to avoid exploitation. Kael dreams of freedom beyond the rigid confines of societal roles, never imagining his destiny is intertwined with royalty. Their worlds collide during the annual Moonlit Rite, a sacred festival where fated pairs are revealed through an ancient bond. When Xavier is drawn to an unassuming stranger in the crowd, he realizes Vale is his destined mate—a bond unbreakable yet forbidden in the eyes of tradition. As the story unfolds, Xavier must protect Vale from political conspiracies, jealous rivals, and those who wish to exploit their union. At the same time, Vale challenges the alpha prince's notions of strength and leadership, teaching him that vulnerability and love are the greatest forms of power. Together, they must navigate a world that threatens to tear them apart while uncovering secrets about their bond that could change Eryndor forever.

The Lantern of Lost Wishes Deep in the heart of Luminwood Forest, where the air hums with secrets and fireflies weave trails of forgotten dreams, there is a legend of an ancient lantern that can grant lost wishes. No one knows who made it or why, but those who go looking for it rarely find their way back. For Elyra, the lantern is more than a story. It’s a chance. Haunted by a past she can’t change and a future slipping through her fingers, Elyra sets out to find the lantern, clutching nothing but a faded map and a fragile hope. But the forest is alive. It shifts and listens. Creatures of shadow, known as the Wraithbound, follow her every move, feeding on the desperate wishes of others. Elyra’s only ally is a mysterious stranger with golden eyes and a grin that hides more than it reveals. He’s cursed, dangerous, and far too familiar with the forest’s tricks—and yet, Elyra can’t shake the feeling that he’s the only one who truly understands her. With every step deeper into the woods, Elyra discovers that wishes are never free, and some are lost for a reason. The closer she gets to the lantern, the heavier the cost becomes—secrets unravel, alliances shatter, and the forest itself begins to turn on her. Elyra must decide how far she’s willing to go to reclaim what she’s lost and whether some dreams are better left untouched. Because in the Luminwood, every wish carries a price, and once the lantern’s light finds you, it’s impossible to turn back. A story of longing, sacrifice, and the magic we hold onto when all else fades, The Lantern of Lost Wishes is a journey into a world where dreams flicker like fireflies, and hope is both a blessing and a curse.

Horror stories written by Joseph Kohtz The Ghoulish Haunted Mansion: On Halloween, a group of kids decides to go inside an old abandoned mansion to see if it's haunted and end up getting scared out of their minds by all sorts of monsters and ghosts. While inside, the kids meet up with a talking cat and jack-o-lantern who try to protect them from the spirits and try to convince one of them to read a spell from a book to get rid of the ghosts. Return to The Ghoulish Haunted Mansion: On a field trip, Susan Piper takes her class to The Wellington Mansion and tells them how it was haunted before she got rid of the ghosts a decade ago on Halloween with her friends' help. She also told her class how to re-haunt the house and warned them not to do so. The next day, on Halloween, six of Susan's students enter the mansion, bring the ghosts and monsters back, and get scared out of their wits. Jack, the jack-o-lantern who knew their teacher, protects them with help from Alvin, the ghost puppy, and tries to convince Victoria to read the same spell Susan read when she was in the mansion to get rid of the ghosts. The Spooky Halloween Sleepover in The Haunted Woods: After a few of their friends go missing, a group of kids investigates The Dead Woods to find them. While there, they run into monsters and ghosts that pick them off. Since their friends are disappearing, they decide to have a sleepover in the haunted woods until they find their friends, but they soon all go missing after the hauntings get worse. Fear Itself: After being told a ghost story around the campfire, a group of kids who go to a camp gets scared to death while ghosts and monsters haunt the camp and forest. They get scared, but some think it's all a prank by one of the counselors at first, even when the campers and the counselors start to get picked off one by one. Even though things look bad, some campers still think it's a fraud, at least until things get worse. Because the longer they stay and ignore the ghosts' warnings, the worse the hauntings get. Then they become convinced and start to get scared out of their wits.

in one day, her whole world tilted, this morning she had a loving mother and father, a home full and happy and in the blink of an eye she lost everything, she See's the body of her parents go up in flames as the last rites are performed. She is relegated to the background waiting for the day her life will shine anew, waiting for her mate, her alpha. But it all comes crashing down, when the person who's supposed to protect her the most ends up hurting her even more, the rejection too hard, she closes off her heart from any future possibilities but how long can she keep it that way, when a handsome new alpha appears at the doorstep of her heart, will she keep holding on to the past pain or let herself start afresh.

The Ancient War looms over the continent of Turia yet again. Join Aron Raffal as he discovers his legacy as an Otherworlder and Starfolk, the race that was once Turia's strongest but was exiled from the world. "Bear her lantern, Walk her path, for when Polaris calls, Destiny falls. For when Polaris calls, annihilation befalls."

A story of how Bryan West established his monarchy in the modern world.

Dans un monde façonné par une mystérieuse énergie appelée l’Essence, zaza, le Créateur, a donné naissance au royaume de Pafiona, il y a des siècles. Après sa disparition soudaine, un arbre géant aux pouvoirs dévastateurs, porteur de secrets ancestraux, apparaît à la frontière de l’univers. Cet arbre, véritable relique de la création, marque le début d’un bouleversement imminent. Le fils du Créateur vit une existence tranquille, ignorant tout de ses origines et des pouvoirs qu’il hérite de son père. Pourtant, à mesure que le monde de Pafiona se déstabilise et que de puissantes forces s’éveillent, il commence à ressentir des changements inexplicables en lui. Lorsqu’il découvre l’existence de l’arbre légendaire et des pouvoirs qui y sont liés, il est confronté à la vérité : il est l’héritier du Créateur, destiné à porter la même lourde responsabilité. Accompagné de Kara, une mage mystérieuse capable de manipuler les éléments, et de Renn, un ancien guerrier doté d’une force surnaturelle, le fils du Créateur se lance dans un périple périlleux. Ensemble, ils affrontent des ennemis redoutables : des seigneurs de guerre, des créatures magiques, et des entités venues des ombres de l’univers. Tous convoitent le pouvoir caché dans l’Essence, dont Zaza est la clé. Le fils du Créateur doit non seulement maîtriser les pouvoirs hérités de son père mais aussi découvrir les sombres secrets enfouis dans les profondeurs de Pafiona. Au fur et à mesure de ses batailles et des révélations sur son héritage, il comprend qu’il est lié à des forces qu’il ne peut entièrement contrôler, et qu’il devra choisir entre suivre les pas de son père pour sauver le monde ou l’anéantir pour le reconstruire selon sa propre vision. Mais à chaque victoire, l’ombre du Créateur plane, et le fils découvre que des ennemis plus puissants encore, dotés de pouvoirs surnaturels et liés à l’Essence, ne tarderont pas à surgir pour contester son pouvoir et son héritage. Le destin de Pafiona repose désormais sur ses épaules.

In the forest village of Gizakini, where magic flows through the shadows and the balance of Void and Aether governs life, the Rite of Shadowbinding is a sacred trial that defines every elf’s destiny. For young Xa’el, the ritual meant to awaken his connection to the Void takes everything from him—his life, his identity, and the future his family dreamed of. But death is not the end. Xa’el is reborn, his soul fused with that of a human from a distant, unfamiliar world. Haunted by fractured memories of Earth and the weight of his elven heritage, he returns to a village that no longer recognizes him. Named a Chronicler, a role that binds him to the preservation of elven lore, Xa’el discovers he is more than a keeper of the past—he is a force for change. The awakening has left Xa’el altered in ways his people do not understand. With the knowledge of science and technology blending with the magic of Ro, Xa’el begins to see his world not as it is, but as it could be. Yet his vision clashes with centuries of tradition, and his pursuit of progress places him at odds with the elders who fear the erosion of the balance that has kept their people alive.

WSA 2025 Entry What can one do against inevitability? Fate? Circumstances out of one’s control? The answer to that, for a human, is not all that much. We toil under the designs of other, pawns in their sick games, moved around while we dance under the illusion of freedom. I had resigned myself to this reality, that it was just how life went, despite my yearning to do more, be more, be above my mortal constraints, above my humanity. Emphasis on had. Fate had now become all but a footnote. ……..………………………… I am writing this book for the sole purpose of sending myself to uni.

Tyren lantern has awoken with the knowledge of his world as a game. in said game he is seen as failure by his family and becomes a boss. believing this to be a dream he gets out of bed to unknowingly face the worst day of his young life. Uploads usually happen on the weekend

Ling Wugi, once known as the Heavenly Demon, was the epitome of evil. Feared across all realms, his cruelty knew no bounds—if he disliked someone, their death would be the most brutal imaginable. He had spent trillions of years wreaking havoc, conquering, torturing, and betraying, until the endless bloodshed left him numb. One day, as he rested in his immortal boredom, a strange flood of memories overwhelmed him. Memories of his past life on Earth—of a naive, bullied boy who never imagined the horrors to come. Then, in a surreal twist, everything around him began to glitch. In an instant, he woke up—back on Earth, but in a time long before he became the Heavenly Demon. A high schooler once more, facing the same old bullying. Yet, this world was different. Towers had appeared, massive structures stretching toward the sky, and hundreds of them now stood across the globe. At 18, people undergo the Awakening, a rite of passage that grants power. And Ling Wugi? He’s only a week away from his own. Just when he thought that this couldn't get any more shocking, a red, square shaped hovering screen comes up to him, showing him some text. [Ding, Killing System Initializing...] ### SuperGift - 5 Bonus Chapters

The moon goddess is shattered. Her children, the werewolves, have forsaken the sacred ways she once held dear. No longer do they honor the bonds of matehood—now they marry whomever they desire, forsaking the ancient rites. The chosen alphas, once revered, have lost their power as pack leaders; now, wolves pick and discard them at will, following whims instead of tradition. The goddess watches in horror as the very fabric of her creation unravels. She cannot—*will not*—let her children spiral further into chaos. A change is coming, and she must act swiftly. The delicate balance must be restored, no matter the cost. But time is slipping away, and the answer she seeks is slipping through her fingers like moonlight on water.

In a world where destiny is determined by the Arcstone, everyone’s future is bound by their stats. Strength, Speed, Endurance, Intelligence, and Potential—these are the pillars of life in the Statocracy. For Kale, a scrawny outcast from a small village, the Rite of Revelation was supposed to define his place in the world. But when the Arcstone reveals nothing—no rank, no Potential—Kale becomes an anomaly. Branded as “unfit,” he’s cast out into the Wastes, exiled to a life of despair and death. Yet, where others see failure, an enigmatic old man named Rheon sees freedom. Free from the system’s chains, Kale holds a power few can imagine: the ability to grow beyond limits. As Kale learns to wield his untapped strength, he uncovers a truth that threatens the entire Statocracy. In a world where power is everything, what happens when someone refuses to be bound by the rules? With newfound determination and unshakable resolve, Kale sets out to defy fate, shatter the system, and forge a destiny of his own.

In this conglomerate of stars in a distant galaxy, there exists a rich and advanced civilization. The empire of this star cluster is a perfect blend of the Persian and Roman empires, with elements of magic and highly advanced technology. Governed with a balance of justice and strictness, life in the imperial palace was surrounded by luxury, conspiracies, and conquests. For Prince Darius, everything was limited to that closed world of luxury, cars, spaceships, horses, and he saw nothing beyond it. But everything changes on the day he returns from a victorious military campaign, after an overt war. As the royal entourage arrives, he spots a young woman in the crowd that greets them—a beauty without equal, saving an elderly woman from being trampled by the royal cavalry. They exchange a look of enchantment and flirtation, leaving the young prince captivated. The time for his coming-of-age rite is approaching, and soon he will need to choose a bride. Carolyna Roxanna is a hard-working, dreamy, and poor young woman who dislikes the current state of the empire. With the soul of an artist, she writes, dances, paints, and sculpts, also showing talent for music. But her greatest passion is nursing: she works three part-time jobs to save up for college and support her family. Secretly, she considers the nobility useless. The impossible happens: she is selected for an intervention program and ends up working in a popular restaurant frequented by the nobility. The worlds of these two are about to collide. Could there be a romance between an elite prince, the future emperor of the world, and a young commoner, or will their different opinions and choices drive them apart? Carolyna is surprising—and she have many secrets...

In the grand tapestry of existence, where countless realms converge and the threads of magic weave through the very fabric of reality, the rite of passage is not merely a tradition—it is destiny. On the day of their 18th birthday, every youth in the land of Eldoria faces the sacred Altar of Bonds, where they forge a linkage with a mystical creature, awakening untold powers within them. This is not just a bonding but an awakening, revealing abilities that reflect the depth of their connection to their chosen beast. Elias, a young man with a keen sensitivity to the magical currents that bind the world, stands at the precipice of his destiny. Raised on the fringes of the bustling city of Eldoria, surrounded by ancient forests and the mysterious Serene Lake, Elias has always felt the pull of a deeper, unseen world. On his 18th birthday, he chooses to link with an underestimated creature—a choice that will unveil his unique gift: the ability to see the potential evolution of any beast. As Elias delves into the mysteries of his power, he discovers that his fate is intertwined with that of the Nexus, a legendary realm believed to be the source of all magical beasts and the cradle of ancient, ascended powers. With dark forces seeking to control the Nexus for their sinister designs, Elias must navigate a path fraught with danger and intrigue. With the aid of allies both human and beast, Elias embarks on a journey that takes him beyond the boundaries of his world into the Nexus of Ascended Realms. Here, the true test of his abilities awaits—can he unlock the secrets of the Nexus before it falls into the wrong hands, threatening not only his world but all realms connected by the magical threads of the Nexus?

WSA 2025 ENTRY

Lila Hayes has always found peace and inspiration in her coastal town, where she creates beautiful lanterns that light up the annual Lantern Festival. Her lanterns are not only a local tradition but also a symbol of hope and renewal. Despite her success, Lila feels a sense of loneliness and longs for a deeper connection. Ethan Lawson, a historian and writer, returns to the town where he grew up after spending years researching and writing about various historical events. He arrives just in time for the Lantern Festival, drawn by its enchanting reputation and the town’s rich history. Ethan is particularly interested in a local legend about a hidden romance tied to the festival. When Ethan visits Lila’s art studio, he is captivated by her lanterns and the stories behind them. Intrigued by the legend, he convinces Lila to help him uncover the truth behind the old tale, believing it could provide the perfect inspiration for his book. As they delve into the town’s history and the legend of a lost romance, Lila and Ethan begin to spend more time together. Their research leads them to uncover hidden places and old secrets, and their collaboration gradually turns into a deep and meaningful connection. Their journey is filled with charming town festivals, late-night lantern crafting sessions, and moments of introspection. Lila and Ethan discover that their own stories are intertwined with the legend they are unraveling, leading to unexpected revelations about their own desires and dreams. As the Lantern Festival approaches, Lila and Ethan face their fears and insecurities. Ethan grapples with the possibility of returning to his life away from the town, while Lila contemplates opening her heart to someone new. Together, they must confront their pasts and make a choice about their future. In the end, “Whispers among the lanterns” is a heartwarming story about love, history, and the magic that happens when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and open to new possibilities.

In the ancient city of Ionia, where tradition and progress coexist harmoniously, 17-year-old Hana Tachibana dreams of following in her late mother's footsteps as a revered warrior. Trained in the way of the sword from a young age, Hana's determination and skill set her apart from her peers. The annual Warrior's Rite, an ancient tradition designed to select the city's protectors, offers Hana the opportunity to prove herself worthy of her mother's legacy. On the day of the Warrior's Rite, Hana faces a series of challenges that test her precision, endurance, and combat skills. With each obstacle, she demonstrates her remarkable abilities and earns the respect of the city's leaders and fellow competitors. Her unwavering focus and courage carry her through to the final combat test, where she triumphs and is officially recognized as a warrior of Ionia. However, Hana's journey is only beginning. As she steps into her new role, she discovers that being a warrior means more than just mastering the sword. It requires honor, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to protect her city and its people. Guided by the legacy of her mother and the teachings of Master Kazuo, Hana embarks on a path filled with challenges, mysteries, and the promise of adventure. Join Hana Tachibana as she navigates the trials of her new life, uncovering hidden strengths and forging unbreakable bonds along the way. In a world where honor and courage define the true spirit of a warrior, Hana's story is one of self-discovery, heroism, and the enduring legacy of the Tachibana family.