Paragon Competitions

Academy novels. If you take notice, most of them are about nameless characters, professors, and villains. And another aspect is that there is only one academy or that same academy is declared the strongest. However, Aestrea, a successful award-winning actor, actually gets transmigrated into one of those novels. Instead, he finds himself transmigrated into the body of the most powerful student at the Weakest Academy. Just at the time of the academy's competition...

Journey of the Common Cultivator In a world where cultivation determines one's fate, Huang Wei finds himself reborn into a low-ranking noble family. Without any memories or skills from his past life, he must rely on his slightly above-average talent to navigate the complex world of cultivation. With no golden finger or exceptional abilities, Huang Wei embarks on a monumental journey spanning decades, centuries, millennia, and eons. Through diligent practice, perseverance, and strategic decisions, he gradually rises through the ranks, facing challenges and setbacks along the way. As Huang Wei advances in age and cultivation, he must also navigate the complexities of becoming an elder, ancestor, and revered figure. This includes confronting the concerns of lifespan, legacy, and the weight of responsibility. Witness Huang Wei's transformation from an unknown youth to a respected elder, as he: Grapples with the physical and mental changes of aging Adapts to shifting social dynamics and generational expectations Balances personal ambition with responsibility to family, clan, and community Confronts the impermanence of life and the importance of legacy Moreover, Huang Wei's journey is marked by: True cultivation bottlenecks: facing plateaus, stagnation, and the struggle to break through Fierce competition for resources: scarce materials, limited opportunities, and rival cultivators Deep exploration of cultivation: uncovering hidden principles, understanding spiritual energies, and mastering arcane techniques Set against the backdrop of a traditional cultivation world, Journey of the Common Cultivator eschews typical tropes of instant success and instead focuses on the slow, arduous process of self-improvement. Genre: Fantasy, Cultivation, Adventure Themes: Perseverance, Self-Improvement, Strategy, Character Development, Exploration of Cultivation, Aging, Legacy, Competition, Resource Management Key Features: No instant success or overpowered protagonist Gradual, step-by-step progression Emphasis on cultivation techniques, strategies, and philosophies Realistic portrayal of time passage (decades → centuries → millennia → eons) Focus on character development, relationships, and legacy Deep exploration of the cultivation world, its mechanics, and spiritual principles Nuanced portrayal of aging, generational change, and the concerns of lifespan Authentic cultivation challenges: bottlenecks, resource scarcity, and competition

When a game becomes reality, what would you do? Lionel never imagined that playing a VR game would become the most dangerous decision of his life. On his third login, he was forced into a choice he couldn’t refuse: [Do you want to recreate your character?] [YES OR YES] What began as a reluctant adventure turned into a nightmare. Trapped in the game world, Lionel discovered he had been turned into a vampire—but not just any vampire. Crippled, powerless, and reduced to a blood slave, Lionel was nothing more than prey in a world built for hunters. Survival seemed impossible. But when all seemed lost, Lionel awakened a hidden, game-breaking power: SSS-ranked Blood Affinity—a gift so rare it had been recorded only twice before. With this newfound strength, Lionel begins to rewrite his fate, unraveling the secrets of the world he’s trapped in. Staying in this world means more than just surviving. Armed with the Crimson Bloodline, a legacy of mysterious and powerful abilities, he discovers he’s capable of bending the game’s rules in ways no one else can. But this game isn’t just for fun anymore—it’s a fight for survival. And Lionel isn’t content with just staying alive. Why follow the game’s path when he can rewrite the rules?

After reincarnating multiple times over several centuries, Klaus has finally returned 50 years into the apocalypse that descended on Earth, bringing with it the infamous spiritual Qi. He is a paragon, a being so powerful that the heavens want nothing more than to kill him. He doesn’t play by the rules, and he most certainly doesn’t care what the heavens think. He just wanted to live his life, make money, and keep a smile on his mother’s face. However, when memories of his past incarnations began to resurface, he was forced to resume the life of a paragon once more. Maybe for the last time. Read along as we explore the amazing and twisted lives he has lived and how they will shape his current incarnation as Klaus Hanson, the Last Paragon. ==================== 50 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapters 100 Power Stones = 2 Bonus Chapters 200 Power Stones = 3 Bonus Chapters 500 Power Stones = 4 Bonus Chapters

*Synopsis:* 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.

DESTINY GAMES. It has been 85 years since Earth-11 became aligned with Yggdrasil and 73 years since Icon became the first demigod from Earth. Icon, as the first demigod, was privileged to weave the thread of fate for everyone. He was supposed to cut off Yggdrasil and free Earth-11 from the grasps of the other Earths and their god kings. That's why everyone helped him climb the tower of Destiny. But instead of ridding earth of Yggdrasil, he turned the destiny of mankind into seven rings of immortality.  The first ring was for the immortality of power. The second was for the immortality of the knowledge. The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth were for the immortality of the mind, energy, body, and soul. The last ring, the ring of the paragon, was made to rule them all.  Icon kept the ring of the paragon for himself and became a dictator. He ruled with an iron fist for many years. His was a reign of terror. But he was eventually vanquished by the collective effort of the world.  It has been 62 years since then. Icon is no more, but the damage he had done still remains. Earth-11 is still connected to Yggdrasil. The deadly games of the Tower of Destiny still remain, and the fight for the seven rings of immortality still continues.  Kelvin Thorn has just awakened his ability. It came at a good time too since he is running for his life. The ability he awakened saved him, but it came with a cost. He must climb the tower of destiny under the witness of the whole world and accumulate destiny, or he will die.  His situation is not unique. Everyone that awakens, which is mostly everyone, must climb the tower of destiny. It is one of the curses that Icon left behind before he died. But Thorn is different because the seventh ring found him.  The tower of destiny is where everyone granted power by destiny, be they humans, non-humans, or otherworlders, must fight in games of might, skill, and knowledge to gather the power of destiny. They will either die or eventually overcome death. Kelvin will be one of the latest in the line of billions of others in this struggle. Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/yRbtBYsf Reddit Community: r/DMadLord/

Xenos, a stranger, comes back home to Earth after an accidental space wrap to the True universe after billions of years of reaching a peak in cultivation. As he returned to his home universe, he saw that the whole universe had been destroyed, all lifeforms killed, and planets destroyed. So, he used the power of Paragon to travel back in time to January 1, 3038, to change the course of history. After travelling back and seeing that using his power will cause more variables, he selects a few humans to instruct them from behind the scenes to change the course of history. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The novel will be published once a week; please look forward to this novel. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From the Author (Comedic Edition): Let’s be real, we’ve all had that “Oh, it’s good, but I’ll bookmark it later” moment. Spoiler alert: you’ll forget. Just bookmark it now, save yourself the regret—and me the anxiety of wondering if you’ll ever come back! #Reincarnation, #TimeTravelAdventures, #PowerfulProtagonist #SectBuilding, #ParallelUniverses, #DifferentRealms, #MultiverseJourney, #AncientMysteries, #AncientRaces, #CosmicBattles, #FantasyWorlds.

If you had the opportunity to be granted one wish, what would your wish be? All humans on Planet New Earth were given such an opportunity. A translucent screen appeared in front of every human promising to grant any wish to the humans of new earth. You want to be a god?- Granted You want to be a devil?- Granted You want to have powers like Gojo or Naruto or Sasuke or Saitama or Goku?- Granted You want to be the richest man on the planet?- Granted You want the world to end?- Granted You want... Wait, what?!!! Granted?!!! Any wish a human wished for was granted to them!! And then it happened, the apocalypse!!! And our average MC, Corey Junior Zane, due to circumstances wished for wisdom, not just ordinary wisdom though. Unlimited Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding. Would our MC be able to survive in such a dangerous world without having the ability to defend himself. Would he be able to survive in his school where the common enemies are Smileys? Read to find out! NOTE: There are some wishes that would not be granted like wishing everyone to die and some other things. Just read to find out more. You'll definitely enjoy it. *P.S: Cover Art was not made by me.* *ALSO, READ MY REVIEW BEFORE READING THE BOOK*

In Different Dreams, a group of tech interns juggles the demands of campus life and co-op placements, each experience shaping their personal and professional paths. As they tackle high-stakes projects, corporate politics, and shifting team dynamics, their ambitions pull them in different directions—but their dreams might not be as far apart as they seem. Amid deadlines and unexpected connections, they’ll confront not only the limits of their skills but also the bonds that define who they are. In a world driven by innovation and competition, they must decide what truly matters: their individual success or the relationships that keep them grounded.

The Interstellar Fleet from the game appeared before the ordinary youth, Bai Zhongqi, and the player became the Chancellor of the Empire, opening a new chapter for his brethren and Earth as they set out for the vast sea of stars. The nations of Earth were engaged in cunning and fierce competition for the future of the Intergalactic Era. Bizarre and varied alien civilizations were waiting for Earth's explorers to discover them. It was a cruel, dark jungle where only the fittest survived, and a world filled with opportunities and magnificent adventures. But for Bai Zhongqi, this was simply a laid-back story about leading Earth's friends, furiously climbing the tech tree, beating up aliens, and dominating the Galaxy.

Leon, who suddenly died from the wear and tear of his corporate drone life, got a second chance in America. This time he wanted to live a different life and incidentally find out just how far human limits could go. ---------- Featuring: Riding, Running, Arm-wrestling competitions, Titan Games, Slapping Contests, Strongman Competitions, UFC Mixed Martial Arts

In a world where magic shapes society, Sosuke Estrella and Rin Sakurai are thrust into the prestigious Astralis School of Magic, where talent and ambition collide. Despite their reserved spots at the academy, they must prove themselves in a competitive environment where friendships and rivalries form quickly. Ren Natsume, a driven student with his own burdens, becomes both a rival and an unlikely ally as their paths intertwine. But beneath the surface of their studies lies a world shaped by the enigmatic High Council, a body revered for its role in guiding magic’s use across the realm. As Sosuke and his friends uncover the depths of their powers, subtle cracks in the Council’s façade begin to show—hinting at a far greater battle waiting beyond the academy walls.

The Heavenly Dao exists. It decides what is right and what is wrong. To act against it is to sin, to act according to it is to be blessed by its graces. The world of cultivation is difficult, an unchanging principle. Yet there are those who are cherished by the Heavens, cuddled into rising above all and everyone else. How can this be? Why must this be? What is moral and just? What is evil and immoral?! WHY DOES IT GET TO DECIDE?! So we, the Sinners, we act against the Heavenly Daos, grasp our own fates in hopes of truly overturning them. This is a Journey of a young boy born Blessed, but turned Sinner. The greatest sinner of them all. ----- As some of you may know, I'm also the Author of Consuming Earths, Devouring Skies! This is my second project, and one I'm incredibly passionate about! I hope you all enjoy following the adventures of Wei Wuyin! And I hope that I can bring a fresh experience to you all. ---- Follow for Updates: https://twitter.com/KevinAscending Here's Discord if you just want to chat or meet some like-minded individuals! https://discord.gg/kevinascending If you want to support my novel, to increase the ratio of releases, or to receive monthly bonus releases! You can support here: https://www.patreon.com/KevinAscending https://ko-fi.com/kevinascending paypal.me/KevinJpl Or @Kevinjpl Any and all support goes to supporting me and my right to write!

24 year-old Richter Maier stands at the pinnacle of Swordsmanship — a competitive combat sport, whose glory was stolen by the first-ever immersive VR fantasy game: Mirage. The game grew more and more popular, rising to a global sensation - leaving Richter at a loss as his disciples and competitors quit to pursue a career in-game... Until the line between fantasy and reality blurred. Earth was suddenly indoctrinated into the 'System', with dungeons and monsters and classes eerily similar to that game, Mirage. A game he never played. Now Richter has a chance to regain his fame, and even more ways to gain strength. But he'll have to combat betrayal, interstellar beings, revenge, and his own lack of knowledge before he gets anywhere close. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for reading!

Main Characters: Describe the protagonists’ roles and relationships briefly. Highlight Zoe, an ambitious actress navigating fame, and Song, a skilled director or successful actor, as her main love interest. Setting: Place the story within the glamorous, high-stakes entertainment industry, mentioning filming locations, award shows, or exclusive events. Conflict and Romance: Introduce the tension between Zoe and Song—whether it's a misunderstanding, competition, or their reluctance to pursue love due to career pressures. Twists and Growth: Mention any surprising revelations, career challenges, or personal transformations each character goes through, making them reconsider their priorities. Resolution: Wrap up with a hint at how the relationship and their personal growth resolve in the end—perhaps they realize they’re better together than alone, balancing love with their careers.

In a realm divided by darkness, the monstrous Ripper wreaks havoc across three warring kingdoms, each vying for dominance. During a Ripper attack, a young commoner named Akio stumbles upon a powerful true tear, granting him a fleeting advantage against the beast. Despite his efforts, Akio is ultimately defeated. On the brink of death, Akio is offered a second chance by The One, the Paragon of Creation. Accepting the offer, Akio is sent back in time to a world where tears are commonplace. And now prepared, Akio will challenge The Ripper once again.

Alex stood amidst the chaos, his fists blazing with the raw energy of three outerworld aliens attacking in tandem. His muscles tensed, eyes narrowing with predatory focus. Just as he deflected a bone-shattering strike, something shifted. The air around him stilled. A sudden, icy calm washed over him—danger. His breath slowed, and, almost instinctively, he snapped his head sharply to the left. His vision stretched beyond the battlefield, piercing through the fabric of space itself. There, on the distant horizon of his family’s territory, a shadow loomed. An entity—malevolent and monstrous—emerged.The realization struck like thunder: an invasion was imminent. Alex's heartbeat synced with the pulse of the world. Fury ignited within him, not as a blaze but a cold, focused inferno. His body surged with energy. Without hesitation, he became the weapon. And then—like a living nuke detonating in the heart of creation—his power erupted.

In the aftermath of the Great War, the competition to create the ultimate superhuman has become more cutthroat, intense, and deadly than ever before. Prototypes of these bioengineered humans have entered the market, tasked with ridding the world of its dangers — formidable monsters and humans alike. Then in comes Xerxes V, presumably just another prototype, but not quite. Disclaimer: This is a true story, based on events yet to come!

[Grand Void] - where every pocket of unbound space leads. Cities form around its entrances and delvers journey through its depths chasing fame and fortune. Follow Neto as he embarks on a journey to become one of these delvers in order to change his fate! This story was originally written for a competition, but is going through a complete rewrite due to lack of quality. RIP 32 chapters.

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.

An ordinary man who want to enter the world of writing novels, trying to take part in a novel writing competition, but suddenly his soul got transmigrated into the world of novel writing contest themes.

In a world where power reigns supreme and mastery in various talents determines one's place in society, meet our protagonist—a marksman with impeccable skills yet zero aim. Amidst fierce competition and towering expectations, he struggles to find his worth and purpose. This is a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in a society where only the strongest prevail. Will he overcome his shortcomings and carve his own path to greatness

In the heart of a bustling medieval kingdom of ancient China, Li Xiu Ying, a talented and ambitious chef, is suddenly transported from her own time to a mysterious new era. Equipped with advanced culinary skills and modern knowledge, Li Xiu Ying embarks on a mission to revolutionize the local cuisine and open a restaurant that introduces innovative flavors to the kingdom. As she navigates this unfamiliar world, Li Xiu Ying faces numerous challenges, from adapting to new ingredients and cooking techniques to overcoming the skepticism of traditional chefs and the royal court. Despite these obstacles, her determination and creativity shine through, making her dishes stand out in the crowded culinary landscape. With the unwavering support of Lady Mei Ling, a noblewoman who shares her vision, Li Xiu Ying's revolutionary restaurant soon gains widespread attention. Her culinary prowess and unique approach draw patrons from all corners of the kingdom, culminating in an invitation to participate in a grand cooking competition hosted by Emperor Zhao. This prestigious event becomes the ultimate test of her skills and ingenuity. Through trials and tribulations, Li Xiu Ying showcases her mastery by blending modern techniques with ancient flavors to create unforgettable dishes. Her success in the competition earns her recognition and respect, solidifying her place in the culinary world.

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.]

In the great upper realms where beings of long lasting lifespan and never ending youth and great powers of cultivation lived,there was one realm in particular that was most interesting and that was the 5th realm,but even though the 5th realm had 209 domains and unimaginable cultivatoring talents,one domain stood out the most and that was the number one ranked domain of the 5th realm,Azure domain. The azure domain was unlike any other as it's gorgeous days felt like being boundless and it's peaceful nights felt nothing short of eternity, it was a place of purity and longevity,a place for the most curios of cultivators and most importantly home to 7 clans. Now what made the azure domain was not the fact that it had great name,no infact every domain had it's title,one way or another. What truly made the azure domain was that it had dual clan leadership,unlike all the other domains which had only one ruling clan.At the begining,the ruling clan were the immortal clan but then the cellestial clan,felt that they were stronger to the ruling clan and called out a war. A war to determine the ruling clan of the azure domain once and for all but it ended In a called out draw at the last minute to save the cellestial clan.To stop this war from happening again the azure domain were given a special rule as to every hundred years,hunting competition would be conducted and the winner would get the ruling clan position until the next 100 years rolled around. Both clans had made an agreement and thus began the long and eternal enemity between the clans. In the 100,000 of years it had ran,not once,not even once did the cellestial clan win,the original ruling clan of the azure clan remained undefeated,one of the people that tipped the scale to the immortal clans side would be YANG FENG. Yang Feng,otherwise known as the prince of immortal's clan was a great figure among the 5th domain. As the heir to the god qi of lie shen,he had a free way to out cultivating all his agemates and broke everyone's expectations of him. Another person who kept the balance among the azure domain was Xiao mei,yang feng's rival as she was from the cellestial clan and was also a god heir,the heir to the gravity god,zhong li shen.Both Xiao mei and Yang feng had untapped potential but someway Yang feng always managed to be one step ahead of Xiao mei,which caused the scales tipping on his sides,but soon Yang feng would come to know that being all powerful didn't mean that you could do whatever you wanted. As the 100 year hunting competitions roll around,Yang feng and his most trustworthy of friends Ling bing,leave together for the competitions. As Xiao mei and Yang feng have their 100 year long awaited battle, ling bing goes and stirs trouble as he awakens di long, The mighty guardian of the ancient grounds used to conduct the competitions,everything goes out of control.Yang feng having the great sense of justice in him teams up with Xiao mei and decides to make time for Xiao mei to go and find the elixir of slumber,so that they could once more put di long to his eternal sleep. However it all ends when Ling bing betrays a tired and energy exhausted yang feng and kills him and tells him his true motives, but the plan wasnt his to begin with,it was Xiao long's,the real enemy of the immortal clan and brother to Xiao mei, the prince of the cellestial clan. Meanwhile Yang Feng's story doesn't end as he gets Reincarnated in one of lower realms and starts to cultivate once more, his only wish being to regain his immortality and return to his true home, the upper realm. In his search for power yang feng learns that power isn't everything and makes lots of new friends along the way. In his previous life he was treated differently but then he copes with living as a normal person and ultimately enjoys his new life.But doesn't forget his ultimate goal.

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 Nephalem Ascension,' embark on an epic journey alongside Aiden, our resilient protagonist. As the sun rises on what seems like any other day, the world shudders and trembles, and in an instant, every adult over the age of twenty vanishes, leaving behind only bewildered children, teenagers, and a handful of young adults. Even newborns are mysteriously whisked away, leaving only those between the ages of six and twenty to grapple with the sudden upheaval. A commanding voice reverberates across the globe, proclaiming an enigmatic challenge: 'Your world has been chosen to undergo a trial. Prove yourselves worthy, and ascend to godhood.' In this fantastical realm thrust upon them, where the rules of reality bend and twist, Aiden and his peers must navigate a landscape devoid of modern technology, relying instead on newfound magical abilities and elemental powers. As they strive to uncover the truth behind their predicament, they'll encounter daunting challenges, forge unlikely alliances, and confront their deepest fears. But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one thing remains clear: the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, and only those who can unlock the secrets of their own potential stand a chance at ascending to a higher plane of existence.

Kaiser, an orphan with modest expectations, thought life was simple. You study, get a job, and eventually start a family in a peaceful yet fiercely competitive world. As an ordinary student, he went with the flow—until his high school graduation arrived. That’s when everything changed. Due to the incompetence of the gods, all the graduates were summoned to another world, each blessed with unique gifts. But for Kaiser, things took a strange turn. "Why on earth do I have to take care of the very goddess who caused this mess?!" *** Advanced Chapters; https://www.patreon.com/Catsix?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/95652/immortals-journey-with-the-goddess

[Rich and low-key contemporary well-known painter × former skier, heiress of a wealthy family] [Older man with a sense of being a husband + loyal dog + mutual redemption + both chaste + 1v1 + realization of wild desires + healing + more on daily life] A mysterious new neighbor recently moved in opposite Qi Su. Except for the often piled-up takeout boxes and empty beer bottles at the door, no one can be seen at all. It wasn't until he became a volunteer in the community due to a lack of inspiration and visited that he found out that the person living opposite was actually... The talented snowboarder who suddenly announced her retirement a year ago and then disappeared without a trace. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and eight-time champion, the holder of the latest records of countless world-class competitions. Known as the "Ice and Snow Queen" on the ski slopes - Xue Zhien. Later: Qi: "Zhien, why are you willing to be with me?" Xue: "My name is Xue Zhien. My mother often said that I should be grateful and repay kindness." Qi: "...You just want to repay me?" Xue (pressing on him): "No, my repayment has a selfish intention towards you. So—" "You pervert, wake up! Don't give up being a human being!" "Woof!" "...Stupid dog." [Gloomy and indifferent × Warm sunshine］ [Lost lamb × Perverted stalker]

Synopsis: At 15 years old, Mateo Alvarez is a struggling youth player in Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy. Overshadowed by more talented teammates and burdened by low self-confidence, his dream of making it to the first team seems impossible. But one night, Mateo gains access to a mysterious system that tracks his FIFA-style stats and offers him daily tasks to improve his abilities. As he diligently works through the system’s challenges, Mateo begins to see subtle changes in his game. From completing passes to mastering dribbles, every stat point brings him closer to his potential. Along the way, he must navigate the pressures of academy life—dealing with demanding coaches, arrogant rivals, and his family’s doubts—all while using the system to unlock new skills and scout his competition. Slowly but surely, Mateo starts rising through the ranks. But with every step forward, the stakes get higher, and the competition becomes fiercer. Can he use the system to transform himself from an underdog into a future legend, or will the pressure of La Masia break him before he ever gets the chance? Rising Star: The System's Player is a slow-burn story of grit, determination, and the journey to greatness.