Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition

In the competitive world of academia, Ryan and Maya are rivals turned reluctant partners, their office rivalry simmering beneath a surface of professional politeness. When a tangled mix of personal grudges and unexpected attraction throws them together, they find themselves locked in a game where the stakes are not just their careers but their hearts. As they navigate their intense chemistry and unresolved feelings, the line between professional and personal blurs, making it hard to distinguish where the rivalry ends and love begins.

The grand tournament of mages to become will take place in the world of AinVeil. 250 contestants chosen from earth will participate in this competition for the ultimate prize- the strength of a god and a wish granted by the grand wizard himself. No chapters on Sunday :)

Li Yi, a powerful business tycoon, is suddenly reborn in 1991, just before the IT revolution. But this time, fate has given him a second chance. His wife, who once left him, is by his side again, and the dark shadow of his daughter’s kidnapping is gone. Armed with future knowledge and an unyielding will, he sets out to rewrite his destiny. Starting with a humble meat processing factory, he battles through relentless competition, ruthless enemies, and unpredictable market shifts. With each move, Li Yi turns the tide of fortune, creating one legendary business empire after another. Will he rise to the pinnacle of power, or will his past mistakes haunt him forever? Join him on an electrifying journey of ambition, wealth, and revenge as he reshapes history and takes on the world!

(This is my entry for WSA 2025) [...you, among others have been chosen to become a member of the "Interdimensional Assistants"...] Have you ever found yourself in a tight competition? where there are many participants, but few chosen? Meet Tudor, Kiitan, Soo-ah and Esmeralda, four people from different parts of the world, chosen among many others to join the Interdimensional Assistants; an organization created to stop the destruction of worlds where possible. witness them as they embark on the journey to become representatives of their desired powers and bring balance to where ever they are sent...

Born into a dirt poor mining family, Karl only had one chance to get ahead in life, the annual elite recruitment day. On their final day of middle school, every student in the Golden Dragon Nation was given an experimental injection to awaken their affinity with magic. Those few who succeeded would become the Elite, the leaders and idols of the nation, blessed with incredible magical powers and respected by all. Those who did not would return to their normal lives of hard work and low wages, just doing the best they could. But with the nation surrounded by enemies, both humans and monsters, how long would these peaceful days of magical idols last? Follow the story of Karl as he awakens a unique power and strives to become the world's first Legendary Beast Master. Want to join the community for updates and upcoming news? Check out the discord. https://discord.gg/aokiaku

A man with a lifelong martial arts background, raised in Asia due to his family's profession, moves to the US for education and work. He discovers Historical Medieval Battles through a colleague and becomes deeply passionate about it. He trains hard and becomes skilled enough to represent his country. During a competition, his armor fails, and he's struck in the head with a two-handed axe, seemingly dying. But is this truly the end?"

In a world rampant with anthropomorphicism, colliders face each other in competition in order to determine who is softest. Who will win? Probably not the titular character, but hey, you never know. Marshfellow begins his quest to achieve 66 victories in a row at the very beginning of this story. Despite plenty of goofiness throughout, his epic quest to be one of the best unfolds in an exciting set of unpredictable matches.

Noah finds himself in the body of Wang Jian in the cultivation world after his death. In this world, power was in the hands of cultivation experts. Noah would suddenly find himself in a competition with experts who had dedicated their entire lives to cultivation. He use the Crafter System on the path to immortality. ************************************************************

They say power is everything in this world. The more you’re feared, the more respect you command. But what happens when you find yourself in a place where you don’t fit at all? One moment, I was gasping for breath in an alley, bleeding out after making the most excruciating—and yet noble—choice of my life. The next, I wake up in a realm ruled by monsters, where power is the only currency, and I’m the sole human graced with an invitation to the Annual Harem Ball. A brutal ceremony where supernatural beings form their packs and claim mates to boost their influence. I know my position in this hierarchy. Humans are at the bottom. Weak. Overlooked. Disdained. But bending the knee isn’t in my nature. With peril lurking behind every polite grin and a past I can’t fully grasp, I’ll need to tread carefully, think strategically… and be unforgiving. In a world where only the strong thrive, I refuse to become prey. But the shadows murmur secrets, and some monsters—beyond anything I can fathom—have set their sights on me. And I’m torn between fleeing or succumbing to their chaos.

Hector Saverin (the maker and breaker of dreams), heads Red Zone, the Greatest Football/Soccer Academy in history. Over time, he has consistently failed to deliver and now, things look very grim for him but there’s a last chance. The best footballing youngsters all over the world are selected to participate in a tournament, victory assured them of a perfect footballing career start, failure however meant that they would never succeed professionally. Watch as the competition tightens in the unpredictable, daring and high stakes sports thriller. As the teams fight to survive Red Zone to save their football careers, we get an exceptional sports novel that balances action, emotion and strategy. There are high stakes matches and well developed characters in this polyphonic tale that is a must read. Give it a try, you’ll love it.

Mech battles are the lifeblood of Megacity 14. Overseen by the city-nation’s government, hundreds of gangs, corporations, and independent teams compete to be the best in the annual battle royale. Eighteen-year-old Marvin Yao is a prodigy, a mech pilot who is quickly rising in the ranks. But right when he has the championship in his sights, he is murdered. Now, with his consciousness inhabiting the very mech he used to pilot, Marvin must work alongside a ragtag team to uncover the truth about his death and prepare for the impending tournament, where much more than a few million dollars are at stake.

Marcel Ndonga, a 14-year-old football prodigy from Cameroon, dreams of surpassing Samuel Eto'o and becoming the best player in the world. His ultimate goal? To lead Cameroon to its first-ever World Cup victory and make history for Africa. From playing in local youth competitions to earning a place in the MTN Elite One, Marcel’s journey is filled with challenges and opportunities. With unwavering determination and the heart of a lion, he strives to rise from the streets of Yaoundé to the grand stages of European football, all while chasing his biggest dream: winning the World Cup for Cameroon.

In the Kingdom of Orlos, only those who have any kind of talent will receive fortune and glory. In a competitive society, only those considered strong would survive, but their strength will be determined by the star that shines on their birthday. The archdukedom of Felnatus has four heirs, all born into wonderful and auspicious stars, but one hidden heir is treated like a lowborn in the family.

The Story Is Set In An Alternate Reality Where The Women-Only Participate Competitive Sport Keijo Becomes A Fad In Japan The Rules Of Keijo Are Simple The Match Is Held In A Swimming Pool Dtadium Participants Must Stand A Top Circular Platforms Floating In A Pool Referred To As Land And Fight To Defeat Their Opponents By Knocking Them Off Their Respective Platforms Into The Water Using Only Their Sumo Technique The Sport Attracts Millions Of Viewers Across The Country And Boasts A Lavish Prize Pool This Prompts Many Aspiring Athletes From Different Sports To Try To Succeed In Keijo

After enduring the wreckage of a toxic and broken relationship, Hisashi Tsuchiya finds her confidence ignited in the adrenaline-fueled world of street racing. In a sport dominated by fierce egos and relentless competition, Hisashi must carve out her place and prove herself on the unforgiving asphalt. A chance encounter with the enigmatic leader of the DFurious Team offers her an unexpected opportunity to rewrite her story. Follow her electrifying path as she takes on challenges, overcomes obstacles, and drives toward a future fueled by determination, strength, and the pursuit of victory.

Synopsis: During the vibrant Annual Summer Festival, where glowing lanterns illuminate the night and the aroma of delicious street food fills the air, Zeyu, a young man enjoying his summer vacation, unexpectedly meets Kailu, a kind stranger who helps him in a moment of need. What begins as a simple act of generosity—paying for Zeyu’s forgotten meal—quickly turns into an unforgettable night of laughter, games, and deep conversations under the dazzling fireworks. As their bond grows stronger, Zeyu and Kailu embark on a journey of friendship, trust, and personal growth. Through shared experiences, challenges, and moments of joy, they discover the true meaning of companionship and loyalty. But as life moves forward, will their friendship withstand the test of time, distance, and the unexpected twists of fate? A heartwarming bromance novel filled with summer adventures, heartfelt emotions, and the beauty of an unbreakable bond, Friendship In Togetherness is a story about finding a lifelong friend in the most unexpected places. Collaboration of novel characters from several countries: China, Japan, France, USA, Indonesia

Nineteen year old Jiayi Lin, a mixed Chinese-Jamaican aspiring singer, loses her parents in a car crash that leaves her with survivor's guilt, depression and a shattered voice. Two years later, her estranged Aunt Mei, a ruthless Korean entertainment scout, drags her to Seoul to compete in Starforge, a televised battle royale idol competition where 100 contestants fight for 7 debut spots. Jiayi resists- until Mei reveals her parents' debts will destroy their ancestral home in Jamaica. Trapped, Jiayi enters Starforge, but her raw, grief-stricken performances clash with the industry's polished fantasy. As she battles rivals, panic attacks, and Mei's manipulations, Jiayi rediscovers her voice by embracing her hybrid identity- but the competition's dark secrets threaten to break her completely.

Fenna and Duikang, two gifted teenagers on a mystical island, prepare to enter the prestigious Duel Academy, where card-based battles hinge on harnessing the powers of ancient gods. As Fenna’s natural talent outshines Duikang’s struggles, the siblings’ bond is tested, forcing them to confront formidable rivals and their limitations in a world where faith, family, and fierce competition collide. Little to their knowledge, a more profound evil is erected from the children's card game that would put the island and the world in extreme danger.

Salvie passes away by a hit by the very people she blackmailed exploited and controlled. She finds herself in a Game of the gods in a universe with a system, in a competition that was randomized based on her personality. Watch with the gods as they entertain us for our amusement. Warning the first few chapters are a bit rough since I had just started writing for the first time. Please Enjoy. The image is not my own and will take down if asked. Support me and my works at www.Patreon.com/Madjic

Kenneth is the unfavored third prince of the Kingdom of Lucano, one of the largest kingdoms on the Avalanche Continent. A fierce competition is underway in his kingdom after the king issued an edict that he will appoint whichever prince can defeat the monsters that rule the Audoran Forest as the next king. As the son of a servant, conquering the forest is the only way he can save his loved ones from the harsh life in the palace. However, what happens if the monster he must kill is far different from what he expected? In the end, Kenneth must make a decision. Protect the 'monster' or betray and abandon the family he loves.

Pulled into the Dungeon Core Battle Games, Cyrus faces a brutal reality: every year for seven grueling rounds, he must build his dungeon, bolster its defenses, and outlast rival cores and six formidable clans. The stakes are nothing short of eternal—loss means complete erasure from existence, while victory grants two wishes of unimaginable power. He nearly walks away from the competition—until he found out crucial information to his pain staking past Now representing the mysterious new Pink Core, Cyrus must transform his dungeon and wield powers born of creativity and unpredictability. The odds are stacked against him, but Cyrus is no stranger to fighting from nothing.

In a world where Dou Qi determines power and destiny, Fen Jin was once a prodigy, reaching the seventh rank at just ten. Hailed as the Fen family's pride, his future seemed destined for greatness. However, during a clan competition, an inexplicable force drained his Dou Qi, leaving him powerless and mocked as a cripple. During the clan's annual test, Fen Jin discovers a forbidden power within—Netherworld Ember, a dark flame born from death. This power consumes his remaining Dou Qi, but holds the secret of rebirth. With nothing left to lose, Fen Jin embraces this dangerous power, vowing to reclaim his strength and defy the fate that abandoned him. He refuses to remain a "waste" and will rise again, no matter the cost.

**Summary:** Elena, a beautiful and ambitious woman dreaming of becoming a model, finds her life forever changed when she saves two men from a car crash on the night of a modeling competition. Her heroic act garners widespread attention and introduces her to Nathan, a billionaire and one of the men she rescued. As their bond deepens, love blossoms, but their happiness is threatened when Nathan's presumed-dead ex-fiancée, Katrina, reappears, complicating their relationship. Amid revelations, betrayals, and struggles for truth, Elena rises above the chaos to become a successful model and businesswoman. what will be of Nathan and Elena? let find out in the story!

Kang Soo Hyuk, a 25-year-old CEO, protects his younger brother, Kang Min, a cheerful but competitive teenager. Their mother, Kang Min Soo, worries about the family's unresolved grudges. They live in a home full of memories, supported by close friends Lee Jong, Sung Jae, and Kim Hanna, as they navigate their past and face new challenges together.

In the bustling city of Verenthia, where the clang of swords and the murmur of betrayal filled the air, two rival families stood at the brink of destruction. The Arlan and the Vesperis, once united by friendship, had descended into a bitter rivalry that echoed through generations, staining their history with blood and resentment. Amidst this chaos, a chance encounter unfolded under a sky lit by a thousand stars. Elysia, the carefree daughter of the Arlan clan, yearned for freedom beyond the constraints of her family's expectations. Across the city, Layton, the bold son of the Vesperis, was driven by a desire to reclaim his family's honor. When their eyes met at the annual festival, time seemed to still, and the world around them faded. Drawn together by an inexplicable force, they shared stolen moments and whispered dreams, crafting a bond that defied the hatred of their kin. In a city where love was a forbidden fruit, their hearts dared to reach for the impossible. Yet, as the stars twinkled overhead, they knew the path ahead was fraught with danger and heartache.

Aaron Sanders, a 24-year-old computer science graduate, is struggling to make ends meet in bustling Los Angeles. Orphaned young and isolated, Aaron’s future seems bleak as he faces rejection after rejection in the competitive job market. But everything changes in an instant when he discovers an astonishing balance of $100 trillion in his bank account. Initially believing it to be a glitch or prank, Aaron is stunned when a holographic screen appears, introducing him to the Fortune Ascended System. [English is not my 1st language. So pardon me for any grammatical mistakes.]

Vanta, a loner, begins his journey at the prestigious Blueblood Academy, only to discover that the entrance ceremony hides a sinister secret. Alongside other students, he's thrust into a mysterious exam that requires acquiring the elusive Xue sense, a heightened awareness that grants battle instincts. The exam takes place in a deadly, unknown realm where students must survive for six months and face monstrous creatures. Vanta soon realizes that death is not permanent, as he respawns after each demise. With no one to return to, he's determined to press on. As Vanta navigates this treacherous world, he discovers that others have also gained the Xue sense. With 862 participants, the competition becomes fierce. Vanta must confront his limitations, forge alliances, and unravel the secrets behind the exam. But this is just the beginning.

By unknown means and for unknown proposes the planet Earth is ripped from its orbit around the sun and placed in a near perfect, synchronized orbit around a mysterious purple star. The Earth isn't alone; 16 other planets underwent the same ordeal. Dubbed the Papuru Star, the G4 sized ball of energy was viewed with fear and awe by the inhabitants of the kidnapped worlds. The leadership of the planets form an uneasy Coalition to understand what the star is and find a way to put the planets back in their original spaces. Now, over a 1000 years later, the 100th annual Coalition Carnage Competition is about to begin. Held every ten years, the year long, galaxy spanning martial arts tournament is the special event the inhabitants of nearly every planet eagerly await, cheering their planet's chosen champion. The tournament is fame and fortune for the superstars who compete, entertainment for the masses, and "blessings" for the winning planet but holds dark secrets within its shadows, secrets that if exposed, could lead to the destruction of all life within the Papuru Galaxy.

Terrence, the eldest son of the leader of the Dahlia pack, was framed for killing his stepmother and got cursed at a very young age, all thanks to the jealousy of someone near to him... but no one knows the truth While Terrence received the hatred of everyone after he was kicked out of his pack, his little brother Erick, received the love of everyone around him. When the annual tournament came Terrence's father asked him to return because it was time to marry him off to an Alpha and leave the family forever…. Without knowing that his arrival will bring with him many entanglements and surprises... ꨄ Book cover made with Pinterest's images Illustrations' rights to their respective authors.

A mysterious "accident" propels Di Tian into the vast cultivation world beyond Earth, but he soon realizes he's not the only one with newfound powers. Flight, telekinesis, elemental control—these are now common abilities among random Earthlings due to the incident. With his own gift shrouded in mystery, Di Tian must work harder than everyone else to rise above the fray, unravel his enigmatic powers, and carve out his legacy in this fiercely competitive new reality.