Fell Seal Arbiter'S Mark

Born into darkness, Lucius is marked by an infernal curse—the Mark of the Abyss. This unholy sigil endows him with powers that defy mortal comprehension, yet seals his fate: servitude, rejection, and a grim demise. Embark on a journey with Lucius as he unravels the hidden truth behind the Marks, battles to carve out a destiny of his own, and strikes back against the cruel fate imposed upon him. In a world that shuns him for his cursed existence, Lucius will forge unlikely alliances to challenge those who scorn him. He is driven by a relentless desire to claim a place for himself and his loved ones, no matter the cost. Prepared to plunge into the darkest depths of depravity, Lucius is poised on the brink of a harrowing journey. The ultimate enigma remains: what awaits him in the abyss of his ambitions? Content: -Includes R18 Content - gore - death - NO NTR - NO YURI/BL

Orphaned and hunted, Reina discovered she was the key to unlocking an ancient power. But when Roshan, the devil, finds her, he's taken aback by an unfamiliar sensation - his heart beating for another. As Roshan's darkness gives way to an unexpected tenderness, Reina finds herself drawn to the one being she should fear.

"Long ago, the Cursed Supreme , Zorthaal was sealed away, his soul bound to a newborn child—Layron. He was meant to die, but a warrior saved him. Years later, weak and ridiculed, Layron longs for strength. That’s when he hears the voice—a whisper of power and revenge. Zorthaal has been waiting, and with every desperate wish, the seal weakens. Now, hunted by the Protectors and manipulated by the darkness within, Layron faces a choice: resist the voice or become the monster fate intended. Because once the seal breaks—Zorthaal will return.

Many years after the era of immortal cultivation, one day someone carelessly asked the Demon Queen, “I heard that the First Lady of the Demon Realm is your dear sister-friend?” Upon hearing this, the Demon Queen's eyebrows shot up and her almond-shaped eyes widened, “Dear sister-friend my ass, she stole my man!” No sooner had she spoken these words than the exceptionally handsome man beside her slowly shifted his gaze from the book in his hands and cast her a fleeting glance, making the inquirer feel as if the temperature in the hall had suddenly dropped, and their body had plunged into an icy cavern... The Demon Queen glared at the man nonchalantly, “Did I say something wrong?” It later became known that the Demon King's wife and the Demon Queen were once close friends who became enemies over a man, a scandal that spread across all realms. Then someone with a death wish approached the First Lady of the Demon Realm, who always looked gentle and kind, and asked, “Madam, I heard that it was the Wolf Clan's Demon Queen who brought you to this realm back in the day, and that afterwards you both ventured through various realms together, facing life and death side by side as sworn sisters. But later... I heard that you and her... had a falling out over a man?” With a slight smile, the Demon King's wife gently sipped from her white porcelain teacup and said, “Did she say I stole her man?” After nodding in acknowledgment, “That is indeed the case!” The listener was taken aback, internally exclaiming, “So the rumors are true, did our Madam Wang actually have an affair with that Demon Queen?” While lost in thought, the listener heard the tea-drinker add another sentence, “But... she also stole my man after all!” The questioner's eyes widened, and their mouth gaped open. Before they could even take a breath of cool air in shock, So you two were swapping partners? At that moment, a sudden loud bang came from outside, and a voice bellowed like a mighty bell, “Boom...” “You said... who is your man?”

[COMPLETED] She believes in true love. He doesn’t believe in love. But what is love, really? She is the epitome of success—a star people look up to and admire. To him, however, she is merely a business transaction, a partner chosen to enhance his status. To his friends, she is just a fool in love, a pathetic figure begging for affection. Then shocking news emerges: her first true love returns, throwing him off guard. He realizes he has been nothing more than a substitute for her first love. He should be angry, but instead, he finds himself overwhelmed by emotions he can’t express or understand. Is this possessiveness, or is he finally learning to love her? She is determined to return to her first love, but inside, she is torn. Did she really treat him as just a substitute, or did she actually come to love him? What are they supposed to do when love is a question mark?

In a world where cosmic forces battle for supremacy, the balance of creation is held by the Seven Seals of Shakti, divine artifacts of immense power. These seals, scattered across realms, prevent the rise of absolute darkness. However, an ancient prophecy foretells the return of Varunastra, a fallen celestial warrior, who seeks to shatter the seals and reshape reality in his image. The story follows Rishi, a young warrior blessed with the power of Shakti, who embarks on a perilous journey to protect the seals. Alongside him are his trusted allies—Anaya, a fierce archer gifted with divine sight; Aarav, a relentless swordsman driven by vengeance; and Guru Vedanata, their enigmatic mentor. As they traverse mythical landscapes, they face off against monstrous entities and powerful adversaries, including Naga, a shadowy serpent-warrior; Dhumra, a master of illusions; and Kali, a ruthless force of destruction. With every battle, Rishi unlocks deeper secrets about his destiny and the true origins of the Seven Seals. But as darkness rises, will he be able to harness his divine strength in time, or will the world succumb to chaos?

Gabriel, a dominant omega, is caught up in a complex web of intrigue and danger at the royal court. After uncovering the truth about Olivier, a member of the royal family, and inciting a rebellion, he is marked by an unknown alpha. As the rebellion overthrows the old order, a new empire emerges, driven by a ruthless ruler whose rise Gabriel inadvertently enabled.Haunted by the weight of his actions, he flees from his family, his past, and the dangerous ties of the court. On the run, Gabriel must deal with shifting alliances, hidden enemies, and the growing power of the mysterious alpha whose mark he carries. As the empire's grip tightens and ghosts from his past resurface, he must decide whether to confront the forces threatening to engulf him—or risk losing himself completely in a world that regards him as either a pawn or a weapon.

Aryan, a dedicated scholar who spent his life striving for academic excellence, meets an untimely demise after achieving his dream of securing a seat at IISc Bangalore. His karmic balance, weighed by both selfless deeds and personal flaws, deems him neither deserving of eternal peace nor punishment. Instead, he is granted a second life—not in his familiar world, but in the universe of Naruto. Reborn without any cheat systems or divine advantages, Shumuku must navigate the harsh realities of the shinobi world with only his intelligence, determination, and fragmented glimpses of his past life. As he trains, builds relationships, and finds himself entangled in the conflicts of the ninja realm, he questions fate, morality, and the very essence of power. With no system guiding him, will his knowledge and perseverance be enough to carve a path of greatness in this new world? A journey of reincarnation, self-discovery, and survival begins—this time, without the comfort of equations and exams, but with kunai, chakra, and the will of fire.

The silver ring was the bridge he never knew existed, a silent thread weaving his fate with the devil’s. It didn’t choose him by chance—this was destiny, set in motion long before he ever slipped it onto his finger. Each night, as sleep takes him, he crosses the threshold into a world of dark allure, where Hell isn’t just fire and torment but beauty laced with danger. And waiting on the other side, with a smirk as haunting as it is mesmerizing, is the devil himself—Lucien. Luca doesn’t know why he was chosen or what Lucien truly wants, but one thing is clear: the more he resists, the stronger the pull becomes. Fate has marked him, and the devil never lets go of what’s his.

Legacy of the Celestial Mark (A Tale of Gods, Betrayal, and Redemption) Volume I: Rise of the Fallen God In a world where divine rule shapes the fate of mortals and demons alike, Long Tian, once the celestial prince of the Heavenly Realm, is betrayed by his own brother, Long Xie, the ruler of the Demonic Realm. Framed for treason and cast into the Mortal Realm, Long Tian is stripped of his divine power and forced to live as a mere human. Yet, fate has other plans. Through countless battles, Long Tian slowly regains his lost strength, uncovering the truth of his past and his divine lineage. As he ascends once more, he unlocks the power of the Supreme Celestial Dragon, becoming the Emperor of Creation and the ruler of the Six Realms. Meanwhile, Long Xie wages a devastating war, determined to reshape the world in his own vision. Their inevitable clash shakes the heavens, culminating in a final battle that rewrites destiny itself. With the fate of existence hanging by a thread, Long Tian unleashes his ultimate divine power to defeat his brother, but Long Xie’s soul refuses to vanish. Instead, it lingers, finding an unexpected refuge—within Long Tian himself. Volume II: The Shadow Within With the war seemingly over and peace restored, Long Tian ascends as the undisputed ruler of the Six Realms, alongside his beloved, Long Yan, the goddess of the Spirit Realm. However, deep within him, Long Xie’s soul remains, whispering from the darkness, waiting for a chance to rise once more. During a high council meeting, Long Yu, ruler of the Phantom Realm, senses an eerie presence within Long Tian. To her shock, she hears Long Xie’s desperate plea for help from within Long Tian’s body. Realizing that his soul has not been destroyed, Long Yu keeps her discovery to herself, retreating in haste to uncover the secrets behind this impossible survival. As Long Tian begins to sense the change within himself, he wrestles with a shocking request—Long Xie asks to temporarily take control of his body in order to reclaim the Demonic Throne. The Demonic Realm, left in chaos after his defeat, has now fallen into the hands of a greater evil: Blood Tyrant Long Mo, the exiled elder brother of the Celestial Emperor. Ruthless and cruel, Long Mo has seized power, slaughtering Long Xie’s loyal generals and imprisoning his most trusted warlord, Tian Gui. Against his better judgment, Long Tian agrees. As Long Xie takes control, he returns to the Demonic Realm, only to find his former palace stolen, his people executed, and his most trusted warrior brutally tortured. Consumed with fury, Long Xie challenges the Blood Tyrant, only to realize—Long Mo’s strength surpasses even his own. At the brink of death, Long Tian intervenes, merging their powers into an unprecedented fusion of celestial and demonic might. Together, they unleash the ultimate technique—Heaven-Slayer Divine Annihilation—a forbidden power capable of erasing existence itself. Though Long Mo is gravely wounded, he manages to escape, vowing revenge. With the tyrant gone, Long Xie reclaims the Demonic Throne, and for the first time, his hatred toward Long Tian begins to waver. But peace never lasts forever. A far greater mystery lingers—Long Tian’s firstborn son, Tianhun, carries the Celestial Mark, but also bears the curse of the ancient Demon Lords. His very existence could either bring salvation… or the destruction of everything. Thus begins a new chapter, where the greatest battle is not fought with swords, but within the soul itself. Legacy of the Celestial Mark is an electrifying saga of gods and demons, brotherhood and betrayal, fate and defiance. In a world where light and darkness intertwine, where even the gods are bound by fate, one question remains— Can destiny truly be defied?

“ Tell me girl, how do you possess my mate mark?,what sorcery did you use?” His voice dull yet husky’s queries out, his marble eyes scan through her eyes that grants not a glance at him. “Listen, I’ve said this earlier, I don’t know who you’re or what you speak off. “ She said in rest of a sigh, exhausted her mind is at the triples questions being sent at her. More than anyone she’s in dubious , one moment she was caught on a mission to steal a gem stone and the next she’s being interrogated after an hour of torture. For all she knows she’s just a human girl with ill luck to have cross paths with lunatics like them. Ella is a human girl who gets entangle in the supernatural world due to a mark she possess , that just happens to be the mate mark of a royal alpha. In the depth of figuring the mystery of her possession of the mark, secrets are dig out ,curses are revoke and forgotten prophecy is reborn.

BLURB ; A MYSTICAL ROMANCE NOVEL (PARANORMAL ROMANCE) In the human realm, stands the dimension that cuts between the heavens and the hell and Sage happens to get entangled with hell itself. As a princess she has no right to what she wants and she gets entangled to the Devil's son. With no other choice she accepts to marry the dangerous and cursed third prince of crestthane but she is glad to finally leave the palace and she hopes to see her real mother again, and to find out whether or not she is dead… Imagine diving into a novel where you would get to see the devil himself, his wife, son.., and daughter in law. Have you ever wondered to hear the real truth about how the devil happened to become who he is now?, and why heaven often meets hell?, if yes.., then dive into this mystical romance novel between Angels and Demons…..

AUTHOR: Tang Jia San Shao TRANSLATOR: Totobro Synopsis : While the demons were rising, mankind was about to become extinct. Six temples rose, and protected the last of mankind. A young boy joins the temple as a knight to help his mother. During his journey of wonders and mischief in the world of temples and demons, will he be able to ascend to become the strongest knight and inherit the throne?

Story of a betrayed and lonely man, entangled in a complex web, he unseals a mysterious and dangerous world in his failed attempt at love....see how he navigates in a world filled with many danger with his last hope in his arms. Can he survive in such a dangerous world, you have to read to know.

Kyle never asked to be a hero. He never sought glory, power, or the burden of fate. Yet, when a cryptic email lured him into another world—a realm where banished gods, ruthless demons, and forgotten creatures warred for dominance—he was left with no choice but to fight. The Land is ancient, ruled by forces beyond mortal comprehension. Every action carries weight, and every choice shapes the future. Marked by a system unlike any before him, Kyle discovers a terrifying ability: the power to absorb strength from his fallen foes. With each battle, his body grows stronger, his instincts sharper, but the line between man and monster begins to blur. As factions rise against him and beasts of legend hunt his every step, Kyle must navigate a brutal world where alliances are fragile, enemies are relentless, and survival is never guaranteed. The strong rule, the weak perish, and the path to power is paved with blood. But strength alone will not be enough. If Kyle is to carve a kingdom from the bones of his foes, he must master his abilities, forge unbreakable bonds, and challenge the very foundations of The Land itself. Yet with every victory, the whispers grow louder. The Land watches. The gods remember. And some destinies were never meant to be written. Can Kyle survive long enough to claim his place as Warlord, or will he become just another forgotten soul lost to the chaos of The Land?

【WSA Newbie 2025 Entry】 I'll eat dog shit... Don't kill me... The above lines were solely for drawing attention. I'm sorry if it ruined your time. In a world plagued by unleashed horrors from the depths of hell, Earth stands on the brink of annihilation. The devil himself has swung wide the gates of hell for the reclamation of the throne of heaven, allowing monsters and demons to roam freely, spreading chaos and destruction. But hope flickers in the horror of darkness as God's unleashed the hidden powers within people of the world and marked worthy chosen few with supreme power to rise against the encroaching evil who are known to the world as: Avernus Slayer. Among them is our protagonist, who, along with a fraction of humanity, was granted extraordinary abilities, divided into four categories based on their unique powers, which are classified as • Miraculars • Berserkbleeders • Whisperers • Antitheusars However, amidst this struggle of power, a secret remains buried. There is a hidden demigod among the chosen few, blessed by all four categories yet he or she stays neutral avoiding conflict as a supporter but to whom? Read to know the fate of humanity unfolding through letters.

In a world where stories are written in blood and roses have venomous thorns, Jack Thorne—a reclusive thirty-year-old who once found solace only in books—awakens as Riven, the ill-fated butler of Evangeline Vossaire, a lethally captivating villainess destined to die betrayed and forgotten. But Jack remembers her story—every plot twist, every enemy, every tragic end—and he’s determined to rewrite it. Armed with modern knowledge and a heart scarred by loneliness, Jack navigates a gilded world of masquerades, poisoned politics, and whispered threats. Yet the more he unravels Evangeline’s secrets—her buried vulnerability, her razor-sharp wit, the ghosts of her past—the harder it becomes to see her as the monster the novel painted. Torn between survival and the dangerous pull of empathy, Jack must outwit enemies who know his truth: that he’s an outsider with the power to change fate. But in a realm where trust is a knife and love is a weakness, can a man who hid from life become the one thing a villainess was never meant to have—a reason to hope? The Thorned Rose of House Vossaire is a sweeping tale of redemption, forbidden chemistry, and the fragile beauty of second chances. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton’s dark allure, The Cruel Prince’s intricate schemes, and the quiet power of The House in the Cerulean Sea. Here, love doesn’t soften edges—it sharpens them.

Princess Azalea's life is shattered when Zaydon, the man she loves—a fierce and protective dragon shifter—makes a devastating choice. Bound by the ancient and cruel Dragon’s Bond, a spell that shackles a dragon to a princess at the cost of their own life, Zaydon seals their fates in a desperate attempt to protect Azalea from a looming, unnamed danger. The bond is one rooted in a barbaric tradition that demands the dragon’s death to prove the suitor’s worthiness to rule. This forces Azalea to confront the horrifying reality of Zaydon’s sacrifice. Once a source of safety and love, his actions now threaten to strip Azalea of everything she holds dear. Torn between her unrelenting love for Zaydon and the betrayal of his choice, Azalea spirals into heartbreak and fury. As the weight of the bond looms over them, she must grapple with the cost of his decision and the role she plays in this cruel fate. Her once steadfast trust is replaced by raw anger and sorrow as she searches for a way to save him—or to sever their bond forever. But danger brews beyond the walls of the castle. The political machinations of rival suitors and an impending war force Azalea into a desperate fight not only for Zaydon’s survival but also for her freedom. Caught between duty, love, and revenge, Azalea must summon her strength to defy a destiny written in blood and forge her own path forward—before it’s too late.

a world were the favoured rule while the unfavoured crawl across the ground. faith is a power in this world the heavens,hell or neutral all fight for authority and faith. Follow the protagonist as he finds a path to take control of his destiny away from the chains that cripple his life. a path of efforts,belief,truth and hope. pather: we hear what you say, hope you don't mind joining us in this interactive story.

"You just had to swallow it didn't you ?" After Kai finds himself in the middle of a crossfire between Crimson Vanguard and Vortex Order over the last seal of Alzarel, he manages to get a hold of it and after persuasion from a voice in his head he swallows it. "Could you stop talking for once!" Kai eventually finds out the real truth about the seal, his actions forcing him to share a body with over a thousand year old sorcerer who can manifest himself but only under Kai's will. He now has to bear the responsibility of being the last seal of Alzarel with the guidance of Renjiro Kurozaki the original last seal of Alzarel. PS: Kai is short for Kyler

On the day of Sloane’s long-awaited mating ceremony, her world shatters. When the pack is attacked by vicious rouges, Her mate and pack alpha is forced to choose between his mate Sloane and his first love, Celeste. Sloane’s sister. Ryland doesn’t hesitate to choose Celeste, and Sloane’s left to die in the brutal attack. Sloane barely survives, only to wake up to a far greater nightmare. Framed for betrayal. Stripped of her title. Exiled. But the goddess is done with her yet.. As she’s dragged to the borders, Alpha Alexander returns. The true heir. The ruthless warrior and Ryland’s older brother. The moment he lays eyes on Sloane, his wolf growls one undeniable word. Mate. Alexander has returned to reclaim what’s his. His pack, his title, and now, her. But Sloane has learned the hard way that mates can betray, and this time, she refuses to be weak. Because if Alexander truly wants her, he’ll have to fight for her. ~~~~~~ “Help me..” Sloane slurred, she barely felt the pain, her body was numb, her hands trembled as she pressed them against her stomach. Something is wrong. Her vision blurred and then she heard footsteps, heavy and desperate. She lifted her gaze and saw him, her mate. “Ryland…” She lifts her hand weakly, reaching for him. He’s here. He can save her. Ryland’s gaze lands on her, his face pale as he takes in the blood staining her dress. His jaw clenches. For a second, she thinks he’s going to come for her. But then his eyes shift. Past her. To the figure trapped behind her. Celeste. Sloane watched in horror as everything about him changed. The tightness in his expression melts away, replaced with relief. Ryland rushes past Sloane like she’s nothing. Drops to his knees before Celeste. “I’m here. I’ve got you.” His voice is full of warmth—love. A love he never had for Sloane. Ryland grabbed her hand instantly, holding it like she’s his entire world. Sloane couldn’t breathe. “Ryland,” she chokes out, her body shaking. “Please… help me. Our baby..” He doesn’t even look at her. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Celeste. I should have chosen you from the start.” He picked her up, ready to walk away. Sloane tried one last time, her voice weak. “Ryland….please..” Ryland paused to look at her, his gaze flickered to the blood that trickled down her legs then walked away with Celeste clinging unto his arm.

The reason I am looking at death with my eyes... I want to escape a meaningless life, certainly a fake one. Also, what good is it to be born cursed if you can't pursue your curses fully?

On October 22, 2028, humanity collectively evolved—an event later known as the "Great Rending." With the resurgence of Ether Energy, countless individuals gained the power to topple cities single-handedly. It was an era of chaos and opportunity, offering mankind a chance to reach immortality. Among them was Shaayadh, an average man with above-average intelligence. He lived through the Great Rending but ultimately perished in 2037, never even knowing what caused his death. In his past life, he had been too weak, too ordinary to uncover the deeper truths hidden beneath the surface of this new world. Now, reborn in 2007, Shaayadh has a second chance. But this time, he is not ordinary. He possesses a rare and terrifying ability—the Subordinate Seal—allowing him to bind others to his will. As he sets out to change his fate, he realizes that Earth's past is shrouded in mystery, and the resurgence of Ether may not be as simple as it seemed. Secrets that eluded him in his past life now lie within his grasp—but only if he becomes strong enough to claim them. With the wisdom of his past life, a power that could command kings and monsters alike, and an iron will to break free from his former mediocrity, watch as he walks through fire and water, striving to seize the future and carve his path to immortality—while uncovering the forgotten truths of the world. ________________________________ [Cool Novel] [Light-headed Humor] [Subordinate Panel] ________________________________ Disclaimer: This book is a work of fiction. While real locations and brands may be mentioned, they are used fictitiously. The story and characters are entirely imagined.

Luna Zhang leaves her family and dreams for her lover who later on disappoints and leaves her she meets another man who brings something new to her life an experience she can never forget but he only regards her as a possession

In the secluded village of Baiyun, nestled amidst misty valleys and towering cliffs, a young boy named Li Wei witnesses a celestial event that changes his life forever. A falling star, unlike any he has seen before, crashes beyond the eastern hills, its golden light pulsing with an otherworldly energy. Drawn by an inexplicable force, Li Wei, accompanied by his sharp-witted friend Mei Ling, ventures into the forest to uncover the star's secrets. What they find is a massive crater housing a mysterious golden orb, which seems to call out to Li Wei. As Li Wei touches the orb, he is engulfed in visions of a crumbling celestial seal, imprisoned demon kings, and a destiny he cannot yet comprehend. The orb bestows upon him a celestial mark, a sigil that pulses with latent power, marking him as the chosen one. But this power comes at a cost. The seal's awakening has drawn the attention of dark forces, including a fearsome Duskfang beast and enigmatic strangers clad in dark robes, who bear the same sigil as Li Wei. Elder Wen, the village priest, reveals the truth: the falling star was a fragment of the Celestial Seal, an ancient artifact that maintains the balance between heaven and earth. Li Wei is now bound to the seal, destined to either restore it or witness the unleashing of the Eight Demon Kings upon the world. As the village is infiltrated by the mysterious Watchers, who seek the seal's power, Li Wei realizes that his quiet life is over. With the weight of destiny on his shoulders and the threat of dark forces closing in, Li Wei must navigate a world of ancient prophecies, celestial power, and looming danger. The seal is breaking, the guardians have fallen, and the fate of the heavens now rests in the hands of a boy from a humble village. The journey ahead is fraught with peril, but Li Wei knows one thing for certain: this is only the beginning.

Elijah Drake’s body is the key to an ancient power—the Dragon’s Body. With the Great Dragon shattered into seven elemental dragons, Elijah is the only one capable of sealing them. As he hunts down these powerful creatures, he must navigate a dangerous world where enemies lurk in the shadows and secrets threaten to consume him. Hello everyone author here. Just like some of you who may be reading I am a fan of anime, manga, novels, and other fictions sources. As a fan I wanted to create a story that would be interesting to me and I’ve decided to share it with you guys. I have a lot of interesting ideas and plot twist in mind to keep the story interesting. I’m also one who’s open to ideas. if you see anything in the story you’d like to see I’ll try my best to incorporate. For now let’s just enjoy the story together and see how this story unfolds.

Lost in loneliness and regret, Steve finds solace in sleep. But this time, a young star falls into his dream, bringing warmth and light.

WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT. Lev is a dominant Alpha and the leader of a powerful Russian mafia. Valerian, whose Korean name is Park Eun-woo, is a confident and striking Omega. While he isn’t very well-known for his acting, he’s a celebrated model in Russia, admired for his captivating presence and charm.

Alana, a kind-hearted werewolf from the Moon Pack, stumbled across an unconscious stranger in the river and rushed to his aid, she nursed him back to health despite the pack's strict rules against harboring outsiders. However, Alana soon regrets her choice as the stranger awakens and wreaks havoc upon her pack taking total control over the pack, leaving Alana filled with hatred and an unwavering desire for revenge. The story takes another turn as Alana is forced into an unwanted marriage by him, the same man who killed everyone she held dear, torn with loss and grief, Alana vows to wreak vengeance on him and make him pay for all the pain he caused. Little did she know that the moon Goddess had other plans as her little plan for revenge would open her up to a new world of passion, emotions, restitutions, desire, and secrets. After all, fate always had a tricky way of doing things.