The Reapers Mass Effect

Gods and Myths rule over the lands on Earth. They give their citizens food, security, abundance, and most of all…Immortality. In exchange, humans went over the 4th Dimension and killed Canzers, the monsters that threaten the sanctity of the God's dimension. They are called Saviors. At 18yrs old, Atlan finally gained a chance to become a Savior. But…he inadvertently gained the powers of the God of Death. Was it useful in a world of immortality? Yes. Nobody knew that when Atlan overthrew the Grim Reaper, an apocalypse would doom the world. Humanity lost its immortality. Ordinary people, Saviors, and even Gods could die now. [You have witnessed the extinction of Angels] [10-star rarity Angelic Genus acquired!] [Your Bloodline has evolved to Angelic Reaper of Gods] [You have reaped the deaths of 10,000 Angels] [You have gained 1,000,000 Upgrade Points] [You have gained 10,000 experience] [Lightspeed Angel Wings body mutation acquired!] [You have reaped the death of the First Savior] [10x Level Booster trait acquired!] [SSS class Apocalyptic Hellfire acquired]

Taurus faked his death, stole the world's artifacts, and committed heinous crimes to achieve his goals and travel back in time so he could fix the past, save his lovers, family, and reshape the future. Right at the most important moment, his spirit devours the world artifacts, and time intervenes and fucks with his calculation, forcing him to travel back to his birth. Upon reincarnating, Taurus finds his talent mutated, his evaluation sky high, and most importantly: enough time to abuse the system, become overpowered, and guarantee a bright feature! [Notes: 1. The story is slow at the start, mostly a slice of life. 2. Taurus is extremely overpowered, you might as well envision him as invincible. ] ############################## Schedule: 1 ch/day until Feb Goals (January): -4 Reviews/Top 10 Power Ranking [Reward: +3 Chapters Mass Release] -6 Reviews/Top 5 Power Ranking [Reward: +5 Chapters Mass Release] -8 Reviews/Top 3 Power Ranking [Reward: +7 Chapters Mass Release] -10 Reviews/Top 1 Power Ranking [Reward: +10 Chapters Mass Release]

Shohon Usher, an ordinary parentless teenager, one day as he was returning home from his work, met a mysterious woman, who was standing beside a road. The woman was a otherworldly beauty. Seeing her for the first time anyone would get a crush on her. So, Shohon too was charmed seeing her. Moreover, the woman herself the next day mysteriously asked Shohon out on a date, which seemed obviously odd to him. But little did he know that he was already being mind controlled to say yes. When he said Yes, everything changed for him...Shohon, a ordinary boy living in a ordinary world, was brought to another world with magic and vicious monsters. Moreover, as ill luck would have it, he was injected with a monster's blood which offers him monster power and let him transform into monster itself. Thus, Shohon life was now completely changed, and now he had fight with the monster by becoming one of them to save the magical world against his will. After all, The "Horrid System" that provides him with power also happen to possess a dark side which has restraint him from defying the ones whom he works for......

Shadows and heartbeat I can't help falling for you. you've unraveled me in ways I never thought possible... -------------- Natasha, a rebellious and sharp_tongued woman accidentally saw something she was never supposed to see, she comes across an agent of death, an immortal grim reaper cursed with endless existence and no emotions. Drogen is convinced that Natasha holds the key to ending his curse, and because of that, he does something forbidden, he revives her after death. Bound to him by a blood pact that he made with her out of impulse, she begins experiencing flashes of a forgotten past that tie her to him in ways she can't explain, and their connection deepens into something forbidden. A meeting that started with fear and death soon transforms into a sweet, passionate love experience that neither of them could resist. She finds herself helplessly falling in love with this mysterious being. As fragments of their past becomes clearer, Natasha and Drogen must piece together the truth about their connection—a truth that holds the power to either break Drogen's curse or plunge both realms into chaos. With time running out, their choice becomes the key to saving themselves and preserving the fragile balance between the living and the dead. Excerpt: Drogen's expression softened as he stared down at her lips, a rare glimpse of raw desire shining in his eyes. "You know," he began, his voice dropping to a whisper, "I've been desperately wanting to do this since you hugged me." Before she could protest, his lips claimed hers, soft but insistent, catching her completely off guard. Her breath hitched as his tongue teased hers, coaxing a response. She froze for a moment, her heart racing wildly, but as his warmth enveloped her, she gave in, kissing him back. Her hesitation melted away as his touch deepened, slow and gentle, yet ignited sparks through her whole being. His hands found her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. She gasped softly when she felt his bulge pressed hard against her, her cheeks heating in response. He didn't seem to care—if anything, it turned him on even more. His grip tightened as though he couldn't get enough of her, his kisses growing bolder, more demanding, yet still carrying an undeniable tenderness. Her fingers gripped his shirt for balance, holding on as the intensity of his touch left her breathless. He kissed her like he was savoring her, like every second mattered, and it sent a thrill through her. Every brush of his lips, every press of his body against hers, made her forget where she was. All she could feel was him. Finally, he pulled back, their foreheads resting together as they tried to catch their breath. His voice was low and rough, full of longing. "You're driving me crazy, Nat." Her lips were still tingling from his kisses as she met his gaze, her own voice trembling but steady. "Then don't stop." His dark eyes blazed with desire, and a faint smile touched his lips. "You don't know what you're asking for," he murmured, his hand slipping lower, his touch firm yet careful, as if she might disappear if he wasn't careful. "Maybe I do," she whispered, a small smile playing on her lips despite the way her heart pounded in her chest. Something in his expression softened, but the hunger in his eyes remained. She had undone him completely, and for once, he didn't want to fight it. Whatever this was, he wasn't letting go, and neither was she. For fans of forbidden love, a rebellious heroine, steamy romance, dark fantasy, a tragic past life and happy endings, this book is for you TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains R18 scenes, detailed descriptions of violence, cruelty, murder and death.

Two centuries ago, the world was turned on its head. From the depths of the unknown, monsters called Azars emerged, wreaking havoc across the land. No one knew where they came from—perhaps the fabric of reality itself had frayed, giving birth to these nightmares. But humanity was not defenseless for long. Soon, people began awakening the power of elements, and they were called the AetherBound. These gifted individuals could wield their chosen element—whether fire, water, or something more exotic—to battle the Azars and shape the course of civilization. At first, the elements were basic—fire, water, stone, etc. But as decades passed, stranger and more complex abilities began to manifest: acid that corroded everything it touched, steel that could be conjured and molded like clay, and countless others that defied the imagination. By the age of 12, most people discover their element. For some, it's a joyous moment of purpose; for others, a bittersweet reminder of their limitations. But for Zeran, it was neither—because he didn’t awaken anything. Even at 16, long past the usual age, he remained an ordinary boy in a world of extraordinary people. Labeled a "Boundless", Zeran was ridiculed, shunned, and treated as less than human. The weight of rejection became unbearable, and one fateful night, he made the decision to end it all. But death was not the end for Zeran. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in an endless, suffocating void. There, an enigmatic entity called End appeared—a being of unimaginable power. "Your despair has brought you to me," End intoned, its voice a chilling echo. "I will grant you an element unlike any other: Death. But in return, you must feed me souls. Human, animal, Azar—it matters not. The debt must be paid." Gifted with the forbidden power to command mortality itself, Zeran returns to the world, no longer the boy he once was. But his new abilities come at a terrible cost. As he collects souls to fulfill his bargain with End, Zeran must confront the darkness growing within him. Watch as Zeran transforms from a broken soul, teetering on the edge of despair, to something entirely different—perhaps a beacon of hope, or perhaps a harbinger of chaos. Will he rise above his pain to become a hero who fights for others? Or will the darkness within consume him, shaping him into a ruthless psychopath? Who knows what he will become? The only certainty is that his journey will change everything—and everyone—around him.

Fang Xi has transmigrated, and it's the second time! In the Cultivation World, I was submissive. In the other world, I struck with a heavy fist! Who would have thought that after thousands of years, I've become a big shot in the Cultivation World! (Pursuing Longevity + infinite flow - these are quality works presented by Wen Chao Publishing. Rest assured, these books are top-notch reads, so feel free to add them to your collection)

[Matured Content] Isadora Skaldwood was born a fae of impure blood “mannfae” deemed an inferior creation of the olden gods. However, at birth she was kissed by the goddess of light and blessed with the ability of a skin weaver, capable of healing any wound or affliction. Betrayed by her family, she's sold for gain and shipped across the world to a brothel, into the hands of a selfish businessman who exploited her abilities for years. Travelers come to this brothel not to lay with the rumored mannfae but to seek her abilities—the star price of the famous brothel in the countryside. But then everything changed when “He” appeared… Kraven Val Thrond “The Reaper” of the Raven Court, a terrifying warrior feared by those who dared to speak his name. Dangerously handsome with looks identical to a god, silver eyes like the crescent moon—but a mind dipped in madness. Isadora despised him, not just for stealing her away, but for thrusting her into his world of blood and chaos—taking her freedom just like everyone else does. He’s insane! But that’s only the cherry on top, his obsession is wicked. ~ (Excerpt) "You want to kill me and at the same time, you do not" Isadora’s features were stern and the cold look in her eyes almost forced a laugh out of him. She got more frustrated by his silence, choosing to insult him and be done with it. “Does a madman not know what to do with a mannfae?” “I can think of a thousand ways to kill you," Kraven replied in a velvety voice. "Like first throwing you off-board” Isadora's angry expression morphed into one of horror. “But that would be terrifying, wouldn’t it? Drowning in the dark sea, unable to breathe” he voiced as if he could vividly picture it—and him on board watching. "Tell me, Isadora" A cold chill crawled down her spine. "If I let you go, where would you run to, hm? I told you already this realm isn't kind to outcasts like us" "I'm not like you!" He chuckled lightly. "We're alike. What use could you be to this forsaken realm?" "What use could you have of me?" she asked shakily. “Oh love, I can think of many things but I’m not sure you’re ready… yet” ~ Cover is mine!

Seventeen-year-old Grayson has endured a harrowing childhood, leaving him with a dark and twisted philosophy. Driven by this painful doctrine, he imposes his skewed beliefs on everyone and everything around him. His malevolent actions catch the attention of an ancient evil. This being, shrouded in darkness and legend, sees in Grayson the potential for a successor. Seeing Grayson's potential, the ancient evil begins to groom him for a destiny filled with darkness. As Grayson is drawn deeper into this sinister path, he must confront the shadows of his past and question whether he has the strength to defy his foretold fate. Theós, an ancient deity whose origins are lost in time, rules over all, instilling fear in those who know him. "If it is not withhin Theós' plan, it cannot be done!" Will Grayson succumb to the darkness within, fall under the rule of Theós, or find the courage to forge a different destiny? The battle for his soul has begun, and the outcome will determine the future of all those around him.

"Winter Yoo returns to Seolbeop, Korea’s most prestigious law firm, after three years of exile. Once a secretary caught in scandal, she now stands as one of the top lawyers. Determined to correct the wrongs of her past, she faces old rivals and reconnects with Hugo Kang, a cold and captivating attorney. As Winter navigates the treacherous world of law, power, and hidden secrets, she must decide where her true loyalties lie. But when her past collides with her future, will she make the ultimate choice that could change everything? Find out what Winter decides in this gripping tale of redemption and romance!"

In the distant future where people have themselves replace body parts with cybernetics. These cybernetics can reduce their humanity which can plunge them into what's known as psychosis. These people are known as psychos due to them discriminately killing others for enjoyment. Strat is a mix between a psycho and a normal person because he can do normal things but in some moments he can turn into a psycho. And due to this, this is what caused his death. But he was regressed back into the past due to a god that granted him a system. Follow Strat as he traverse the past he regressed to with his system with the mission that the God left him with. { Word count per chapter: 800-1500 words } (any concerns or questions towards this novel please inform me about it and I'll respond accordingly to it) (I will be also posting this novel on Royal road)

This is the story of Natsu, a demon-dragon hybrid with unimaginable power and an undying rage against the gods for the murder of his little sister Kana. join him as his power grows from a planet killer to a universe-ender. (also he falls in love, so be prepared)

Elise Guttierez is a miserable woman in her 30s, who bore a son from a man who didn't even love her so she and her child are often the victims of abuse from her husband. When her husband died and her son began to suffer leukemia, she suffered depression and chose to end her own life by falling off the building. But she was stopped by a strange child who took the form of her dead husband's childhood and offered her a chance... "Poor girl, the sins you committed in your past hindered you from living a happy and successful life. Do you wish to be given a second chance and correct your mistakes?" the boy asked. Elise only nodded at his question. An evil grin began to plaster the boy's face and he gave her a mask. "From now on, in exchange for the power to reverse your time, your soul will be mine and you'll become my grim reaper." Elise slowly fell into a state of unconsciousness. But before everything went black, she heard the last sentence the boy spoke. "Don't worry, it seems that I already know who is going to be your familiar."

Luciel Ashford was a powerful vampire hunter who fought for humanity's survival in a dystopian world that was being overrun by supernatural creatures. After being sent on a simple mission to eradicate a vampire nest that appeared near one of the human colonies, no one expected one of the most powerful beings to appear - the vampire king, Alukah. In a big showdown that was thought to be the start of a new era, Luciel faced off against Alukah. He won the battle but at a price. That night marked the fall of humanity's hero. Turned into a vampire, discriminated and hunted by the humans he fought for, he is going to answer their call for help once more to protect the people he cares about. Torn between the two worlds, he is going to climb back to the top, forging his own path while still trying to keep his morals intact. "Well, I have a message for you, god. Screw you!!!" _______________ !!!WARNING!!! For those who came for the system, you can expect it to see after ch80. Reason being is that the focus is more on cultivation. The system is just a tool for better understanding of the story that's about to come! _______________ Update schedule: • 9 am UTC +2 (currently not active, they are random until I stabilize my stock again) • 1-2 chapters per day • Uploading between 1500-3000 words daily! _______________ Mass release milestones: • 50/150/500 power stones = 2/4/10 chapters • 10/50/150 golden tickets = 3/5/10 chapters • Castle/Spacecraft/Gachapon = 5/10/15 chapters _______________ DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. It is not intended to be offensive towards any kind of people, group, religion, culture, country, etc. Any possible resemblance in the book to other people or other pieces of work is a pure coincidence. The novel is written using only my imagination.

Going out at night in this world guarantees a painful death! An era of peace and prosperity reigned over Earth until a macabre event turned everything upside down. That tragic night was marked by the moon transforming into a giant redish eyeball. A simple glance at it was enought to trigger the appearance of the Kalamities — monstrous beings whose sole purpose was to annihilate the human race. Fortunately, the Kalamities disappeared with the rising of the sun — only to reappear the following night as the Red Eye came out again. However when the monsters showed up for the first time, about one in five people developed supernatural abilities, and some of these Chosen Ones managed to neutralize them by using their new founded superpowers. In order to keep people safe, governments quickly established units formed of the world's most powerful Chosen ones. Thus, the Kalamities's Reaper Federation was created as humanity’s ultimate response against the tragedy threatening its existence! A teenager named Muden finds himself drawn into this fierce struggle. Today, he is driven by one sole objective: Unravel the mysteries of the Kalamities and eradicate them once and for all! Warning: This story contains scenes that may shock sensitive readers!

After gathering a billion souls and completing her duties as a Grim Reaper, she anticipated a peaceful retirement through her reincarnation into a new life with all memories blissfully wiped clean. But thanks to her boss's blunder - swapping the drink of forgetfulness for spirit wine - she stumbles into the queue of transmigration with a hazy, alcohol-addled mind. She awakens not in the peaceful new life she expects but in the body of Elora Raven, a short-lived queen who died three days after her coronation, in a magical world where betrayal lurks around every corner. But thanks to her new mind-reading gift. She now navigates through assassination plots, court politics, dangerous creatures, and rival kingdoms eyeing her kingdom- all while trying to carve out the retirement she craves. Update Time: Tuesdays and Fridays with two chapters each. (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

Crippled by the loneliness of life and now the sudden death of the only person that treated her as a human. With strong feelings, Megumi scorn's life end abruptly as she wished to re-join her friend Eric, in death... Only.... She wakes up in the same room feeling an eerie change to her surroundings. Behind her stands a Reaper! Revealing her death to be true, she now finds herself separated from Eric in the world of Purgatory. A world of death where demons are born, the reapers sow and the sins of man become alive! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art by: Sikeseeing https://www.royalroad.com/author-dashboard

Prequel to the original series: My Soul Card is a Reaper. *** Set 100,000 years before the events of the original series, the story follows the life of Azrael Orkney Garcia, the founder of Death Clan, as he embarks on a journey from a rebellious child of Garcia House to the protector of the world, shaping the future.

Dalam dunia yang penuh dengan kekayaan alam yang melimpah, manusia hidup dan berkembang biak, memperluas pengetahuan, menciptakan teknologi, untuk terus bertahan hidup. Tetapi mereka tidak sendirian, terdapat beberapa makhluk buas yang menguasai berbagai habitat yang di sebut dengan Monster. Tidak ada yang mengetahui dari mana mereka berasal, mereka bahkan sudah ada sejak lama, mereka hidup, berkembang biak, dan berevolusi. Karena takut akan adanya serangangan dari monster, terbentuk lah beberapa kelompok pemburu berbakat dari berbagai wilayah yang dikenal sebagai Guardians of the Hunt untuk menjaga keseimbangan alam dan melindungi umat manusia dari ancaman Monster yang meluas. Di sebuah desa bernama Astoria, seorang pemburu muda dan bersemangat bernama Aria mendapatkan kesempatan untuk bergabung ke Guardians of the Hunt setelah menjalani ujian yang melelahkan. Bersama dengan rekan-rekannya, mereka berpetualang melintasi berbagai daerah, menghadapi Monster yang menakutkan, menguak misteri Monster kuno, dan memperkuat ikatan sebagai Hunter.

With this System I Hazel the Reaper will overcome all that confronts me and I will rule all the dimensions and protect does i love.

A flourishing kingdom called Valeria was known as the safest kingdom in whole planet of Leria, it was protected by four valiant general. One of the best known general in this kingdom is General Hagris also know as the "Red-eye Devil". He is known as the cruelest and most terrifying general in the kingdom , all his enemies were slaughtered without mercy. His bloody red eyes was enough to terrify one's soul and left you with nightmares your whole life. Unbeknown by others, this same terrifying general has the opposite demenure when he's with his family. His wife, Lady Shinye is a beautiful woman with blonde hair and golden eyes. She's a physician that has a golden heart who helps and cure anyone in need despite their status, weather a noble nor a commoner. She's is deeply loved by the people of Valeria. General Hagris and Lady Shinye have two offspring, their older son Master Shinri and the youngest Little Lady Shizuna. Shinri is an intelligent and brave young man, who is well known in the kingdom of Valeria. It was said that he is a mini version of General Hagris, with same black hair and bloody red eyes. He is full of vigor and called a genius for his age. Shinri is three years older than Shizuna and that is why he is overprotective and loves his little sister dearly. Contrary to his brother who was a mini version of their father, Shizuna is a mixed version of General Hagris and Lady Shinye. Shizuna has black hair heredited from his father and combined bloody golden eyes from her mother and father. She was raised as a carefree child, well protected and deeply loved by her family. Unfortunately, contrary to his brother's label as a genius, Shizuna is labeled as a spoiled brat and trouble maker. The kingdom believes that being pampered by the family made her useless which is ignorant to anything weather it was in fighting, strategising or politics. She is known as a Little ancestor who only do as she wish without thinking of consequences which tarnish the General's reputation and she's well known bully in their circle. But everything changed when a tragedy occurs in General Hagris household. While General Hagris is stationed to protect the kingdom's border and young master Shinri was in the academy, an enemies attack happened on their house that cause Lady Shinye's death and all of the servant of the family. Everyone died except one, the sole survivor of the attack was little Lady Shizuna. She was discovered kneeling in front of Lady Shinye's dead body. She was bathed with blood, reaped clothes , with battered and wounded body. She just kneels without a word, her eyes lifeless until she saw her father , General Hagris did she smile so bright like everything was fine, like no dead body scattered around her, like her mother was not dead at all. General Hagris was stunned , furious and doubtful seeing that smile from Shizuna, thousands of thoughts revolving in his mind. What exactly happened, no one knows. No one knows what happened except Shizuna. And from then on everything have changed. The once loved Lady Shizuna was looked at with contempt by everyone but the bright smile in her lips never fades.. A smile that hides the secret and mystery behind Lady Shinye's massacre.. The Smile of a Reaper.

Lunette, an Ichor Nun at the Ichorian Cathedral, has been studying the Grand Purge, working day and night to preach in the streets about saving as many souls as possible. The Star Plague has come, and it’s a matter of time until Blood Reapers start walking amongst them.

A Lonely Cultivator a being forsaken by the Creator, a Broken Soul Without a Soul, a mortal without a Destiny, not bound by Fate or Karma. A perfect anomaly who cultivates body, soul, and mind to imperfection. With the power to transcend Samsara, distinguish the illusions of Reality, shatter space with a palm and reverse time with a glance. Yet, what's the point of wielding such power if you can’t protect your loved ones from a dictator, who hides within the darkness controlling the lives of trillions across the Omniverse? Or the inevitable fate that awaits you the moment you try to break free of the shackles placed upon you by Fate and Destiny? Forged to stop anyone and everyone from uncovering the truth and halting the gradually collapse of the Cosmos. So join us as we unravel the secrets of Rin’s enigmatic past and the truth behind his persist pursuit of freedom from Elizabeth. While traveling through the Cosmos like a Wanderer without a path.

Set in Japan in the year 2022, the city of Tokyo faces mysterious nighttime events, caused by a group of masked people. As the police and military investigate, they receive a threatening message from an entity known as "THE REAPER", revealing the existence of a spy organization backed by the Japanese government. This organization becomes a key player in the midst of growing global tension that culminates in a Third World War, triggered by a series of devastating attacks blamed on THE REAPER. Twenty years later, during the war, each country develops magical abilities and establishes magic academies to train young people in the use of these powers. The spy organization, Grim Reaper, led by THE REAPER, mysteriously disappears, leaving uncertainty about its fate. At the Magic Academy, Raizor, an unknown character who returns to action after seven years of absence, joins in searching for his sister, involved in the war. Without revealing his identity, Raizor prepares for the entrance test, while detecting a weak surveillance charm and facing the uncertain future that awaits him.

The tale of a grim reaper who hates humans and a human who fell in love with him. From a really young age, Asahi Sato had always been beside Akira's side. They grew up together and faced all hardships together. Akira thought their friendship would last a lifetime but he didn't expect his life to be cut so short by that very friend. Logically speaking, their friendship did last a lifetime but only for Akira. As if having a secret affair with Akira's fiance wasn't enough, Sato also went ahead and killed Akira in order to steal the company. For the first and the last time in his life, Akira felt what it was like to be betrayed by the one you trust the most and the feeling was certainly not that amusing. Even after death, when the Grim Reaper who was in charge of him gave him a wish, Akira didn't hesitate to waste that wish on Sato. "Help me solve my murder." "I want to understand where everything went wrong.” "I want to know why Sato suddenly turned on me and I want to know why my fiance joined him.” Unfortunately, for the poor fellow, the grim reaper in charge of him was not a man who liked to be troubled and it seemed that nobody had ever taught him how to smile. "Tch- So much extra work! Can't you just pass away in peace?" "..." Read on more to know how Akira uncovered the mysterious circumstances behind his death and begged God to change his beloved Grim reaper's fate. __________________________________________ I hope you enjoy!~ __________________________________________ BL||Romance||Grimreaper||Revenge||Fashion||CEO||Secondchance||Fantasy||Fluff||Mystery|| Art by: Cherlyswan.

Hi some of yall might recognize the cover, this is the redo of my old novel that I decided to stopped writing, I felt horrible for months after disappearing. Now I decided to continue and finish it. I hope my old readers come and find this book again. Below is the synopsis. A story of a boy name Vesper Nine who lives in a magical medieval world, dreaming of becoming a dragon knight to protect the land of Astafel from abyssal creatures and wicked dragons but after awakening his true power, the reality between worlds began to collapse. What kind of power does this boy hold to be able to bring such chaos?

Rival clans who have been at each other's necks over centuries gain mysterious abilities from even more mysterious beings and have since then used their overwhelming power to garner wealth, influence and control the world behind the shadows. However following the death of both their clan leaders the two clans suddenly decide to co-exist in peace? and in marriage?

Guardians of balance, the children of Lord Mortis, the Grim Reaper, are bound by fate to bear the weight of preserving life and death. Their path weaves through shadow, where danger whispers and darkness thrives. As the Torva lurk and ancient evils stir, these New Reapers will face trials that test their strength, question their loyalty, and unveil forgotten secrets. In this war of shadows, humanity's fate rests in their hands. But if survival is victory, what price must they pay?