Peak Of Combat Trailer

The Book of magic has been opened. Secrets that should have remained hidden have come to the light. The darkness hidden within the small corners and shadows, comes out to show it's ugly face to those who will see it, and those who would enjoy it's company. Granted titles that symbolise their location in the spirit world, the Mages battle to the death, for the sake of obtaining Power greater than any man.

KINGDOM(EARTH) HEARTS(WATER) 3(LIGHT) MEMORY(TIME) ARCHIVE(TIME+EARTH) 5(FAMILY) DARKNESS Organization 13's true goal is to divide Xehanort's heart among 13 vessels; 13 Xehanorts, what is? The Real Organization 13; now Master Xehanort has warned of a 3rd attempt to start his War; All of this was decided. My 12 selves would welcome me here on this day when I would return as a complete person. It is the future that lies beyond my sight. Let us finish this at the Fated Place when your Lights and my Darknesses have joined together. Even Time itself cannot contain Xehanort's ambitions. 7 Lights; 13 Darknesses; The End is coming.

Cultivators cultivate to reach immortality but even Immortals and gods have lifespan then what is true immortality To Defy the heavens and live forever or to follow the Cosmic faith of life and death ... ... lin huo a transmigrator from earth who transmigrated to another world of cultivation where the strong rain supreme. he awakens the future counter system Which can see the future and help him combat the future enemys before they become a burden to the progress Of the host ... (note:it does not mean future enemys can't be changed emotionally , it's those who are ubsolute in their lives to be the enemy of MC no matter the circumstance) ...

Asher, after trillions of years of cultivation from an ordinary human in a small world, he managed to transcend universes with countless galaxies, then transcended the Great Universe with countless universes and then reached the peak in the Infinite Void, becoming one of the most feared experts. How was his life as a peak cultivator often the end of a story? Follow his journey as he explores the Infinite Void and helps countless geniuses in the Great Universes. *** (Everything written in this novel is fiction!)

Tales of Gods: Shards of Dominion is an epic fantasy tale set in a cosmos created by 20 gods who once ruled with harmony, shaping the stars, planets, and life forms with joy. Their greatest creation, the people-ten unique races made in their image-thrived under their divine influence. But one god, dark and ambitious, grew discontent and devised a plan to shatter the balance. Seducing nine other gods, they became the Liberators, seeking dominion and ushering in an age of conflict. The war between the Liberators and the Nurturing Gods raged for 500 years, leaving the world in ruins. Exhausted, the gods fell into a deep sleep, bound by the toll of their battles. Before slumber claimed them, the Nurturing Gods bestowed blessings upon five races, instilling gifts of strength, wisdom, and resilience. The Liberators did the same for their chosen people, fostering ambition, cunning, and power. Centuries later, a young hero, driven by prophecy and an unwavering sense of justice, rises from among the people to seek the Echoes-ancient artifacts said to hold the essence of the gods' powers. Alongside allies, including a silver-haired warrior with unmatched resolve, he embarks on a journey that uncovers secrets of betrayal, sacrifice, and survival. As the old gods stir and the echoes of war resound, the fate of the world hangs in balance. Tales of Gods: Shards of Dominion themes of heartache, vengeance, survival, and hope into an epic tale where gods and mortals collide, destinies intertwine, and only those willing to defy fate can stand against the dark tides of history.

In a world where dungeons were an essential part of it, Rein was trying to conquer as many as possible. They were the key to gain powers in the fastest possible way. So, to reach his full potential and to become the strongest, he became a great dungeon conqueror. With his trusty friends and lovers, he was definitely going to reach the peak alongside everyone. Join Rein and see how he went from strong to stronger and then the strongest. __________________ 1. The harem would not be too large(I'm not sure how many but probably just 4-5 main and few other here and there). All the girls would be getting their time and story. 2. The story is starting when the MC is in the middle of his growth stage and not at the very beginning. But his beginning will be mentioned in the story in some form. 3. I don't think I need to mention this, but obviously it will not have any NTR, rape or that kind of stuff. It is actually quite a wholesome story focusing mainly on adventure, action and bit of romance and slice of life. _________________ https://discord.com/invite/7cgm7cDupM you can join the discord if you feel like it. You will be able to found the character illustrations there. The cover does belong to me. Please enjoy reading.

"I'll never share a room with him!" The beautiful campus belle pointed at me... I came from the wilderness and was raised by five grandparents who had extraordinary means. In order to uncover the truth about my parents' murder, I returned to the city and stayed at the home of the beautiful campus belle. With just myself and a dog, I embarked on a journey of shameless swindling. I crossed the river on a single reed and made a live-streamed appointment to fight at the South Heavenly Gate; To save my beloved one, I surrounded Taihang Mountain all by myself; I swindled a powerful figure seven times and made three entries and exits to the noble families in Kyoto; With a single sword, I crossed to the east and forced the strong men from the island country to retreat and bow their heads; I explored all the geomantic omen of the mountains, rivers, and lakes and deciphered the secrets of the martial arts path... I walked step by step towards the peak of the mountain, only to find that there was still more truth hidden within the truth...

Sequel to Lord of Mysteries

A once in a millennium event is currently being anticipated by all the people of Vesmir. They are outside of their own homes waiting for a special phenomen to happen. They gaze above the skies and saw the one of the two moons of their planet, slowly covered the sun. Suddenly the azure colored sky of Vesmir was hastily change its color into a dark crimson. When the sky of Vesmir became dark crimson, the people of Vesmir was amazed by the phenomenon they are seeing. After a while million of stars twinkle around the moon, slowly turning the dark crimson sky to its original azure color. Among those millions stars there were less than 0.0001.% star that shines brightly compared to the other stars. However, if you look closely as if the dark crimson sky was fighting the million of stars they get a stalemate. People then saw the second moon covered the sun. Suddenly the whole world was casted by shadow and darkness. All of the people of Vesmir suddenly felt feer and safe at the same time. Then after a while the sky returned to its original azure color because it was still in the afternoon. There is no million of stars. There is no dark crimson sky. In a old hut at the top of the mountain, an oldman with a white clothes. The oldman looks like a benevolent and you can see a white aura flickering on and off out of his body. He witness all this phenomenon at the hut's window. The catastrophe that was delayed are happening.The seal of the world are slowly weakening. That race will find this world. No, they already find it. The sacrifice that they made to hide this world from them this is lonely weakening. Alas it would still happen. Are all those sacrifice they did, are for these generation to face?" He asked weakly. No one answered. The oldman looks at his body. He saw his body was very slowly turning into dust. "I do not have much time. I need to inform the guardians of all the races about the impending storm that is coming. They need to focus to armed the new generation especially the Chosen Ones. They would be the the sword that would purge the chaos and shield that would protect it's people of this world from the chatastrophe that would happen. Those who have been sealed cannot do anything, the only solution is to train those new generation." Looking at the window, as he gaves at the sun. "The structure of the universe is gonna completely change in this era. Can this world survive?" The old man did not include the shadow in his premonitions and just bypass it. The old man stands weakly, get his walking stick then go wherever he plans to do. *** Argus Orpheus an orphan who survive from a Gate break. He lives for 10 years alone. "Argus Orpheus, Unique Class Awakener, Type: Summoner." A class that is said to be average by many. Argus was also walking a path of summoner no one has succeeded thus far. Argus awakened a power that was no being should possess. As he begins his journey, Argus slowly uncovers the truth of this mysteries about himself. Watch as Argus embarked his chaotic journey.

Shadows of Blood Valley" weaves a tale of intrigue and mystique. Haizen and Nova, two brothers bound by blood and burdened by their past, find themselves thrust into a world of darkness and deceit. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of Blood Valley, they uncover a web of secrets that threatens to unravel the fabric of reality itself. From hidden enclaves of sorcery to forgotten ruins steeped in legend, every step they take leads them deeper into the heart of darkness. SOBV I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad too

Warning! Really heavy on the slice of life. Enjoy! ================================== The Blackwood Barony, a lush paradise on the outskirts of the Kingdom of Naloria, is the home of the Balmore Household. Led by the skilled and powerful Sir Garret Balmore, the Forest's Warden, this group of formidable knights safeguards the kingdom's frontier. Living and training in the heart of the forest within the Blackwood Keep, a massive fortress, they have honed their combat skills to perfection, their might rivaling even the Barons' forces. The eldest son of Sir Garret is called Eldric and he was once one of the stronger knights in the household an even had the honor of saving the crown princes life. He basked in that glory, but that all turned awry as he was framed for staling the second prince's horse. He was to be sentenced to death, but luckily for him the crown prince came up for him. He was excused from death due to his military service at the border and him saving the crown prince's life Even though he was excused of a death sentence, his core was broken an he was exiled. Left with nowhere to go he travelled west. When he came a undiscovered area rich in life and sustenance he decided to build himself a home. When he was finished building his house a sound resounded in his mind. * Ding * Congratulations for building your Keep and awakened the Knight Household system. Thats right. Eldric has awaited 20 years for his golden finger without much hope and on this very day he has found his salvation. Join Eldric as he starts his journey and building his own kingdom. ------------- I created a discord server for those wanting to enjoy it in more detail? https://discord.gg/UYvHsZGhrC

In the world of Drasia, where diverse lands and cultures intertwine, the focus of attention shifted dramatically to the Olympus civil war, a conflict that threatened to reshape the balance of power across the realm. Amidst this turmoil stood the city-state of Draconia, a formidable and influential entity known for both its prowess in trade and its swift, decisive actions against any who dared to oppose it. At the heart of this turbulent landscape emerged the enigmatic figure of Alex, known as the God of Balance. With his keen strategic mind and unparalleled leadership, Alex led his armies not only in battle but also in the advancement of civilization itself. He provided them with the tools of war and the means to propel their societies forward. Yet, beneath his outward facade of strength and determination, Alex harbored a deeper understanding of the delicate equilibrium that governed the world. As the Olympus civil war raged on, Alex saw the need for intervention to restore balance. He marshaled his forces and intervened, aiming to bring about a swift conclusion to the conflict. However, as peace seemed within grasp, Alex witnessed a subtle shift, a realization that perhaps war itself was necessary to maintain the fragile equilibrium of the world. Join Alex on his journey as he navigates the intricate web of alliances and rivalries, leading the unofficially most potent nation in the world – the Empire of Draconia. Built upon the foundations of blood, sweat, and tears, Draconia embodies the vision and determination of its founder, Alex Luker Draco. As he grapples with the complexities of morality and power, Alex endeavors to ensure that his actions reflect the principles he espouses, shaping the destiny of nations and leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of history. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ This is my first ever written novel came from my imagination that started in highschool although im not a skilled novel writer this is my first and many other stories i wish to release Release dates: only on fridays other days depending on the reason or context

The son of the God of Darkness is known for his bad temper among the gods. The father, the God of Darkness, does not like that his son behaves too freely, which casts a shadow on his reputation." The God of Darkness decides to send his son to a world that he and the other gods rule without telling the other gods. It is difficult to predict what the son of the God of Darkness will do. How would he decide to show his father that he was in charge and that he was just a jerk?

If you like overpowered female protagonist's and faceslapping read this novel it will be everything you dreamed of an more. This story is about a young girl name Yuki Von Charlotte how she survives after the world is cut in half with on side containing monsters, humans, demons, demi-humans, elves dragons, etc. Yuki's story happens 300 years after the merge where all the races live in separate kingdoms. All the races except for the demons tribes under Nemesis, and the monsters/unintelligent races were in peace although they all mostly lived in their own separate territories except in the capital where all the races including the demons were allowed to live study and flourish. This is the story of Yuki and her journey to become the strongest and protect the people closest to her. BTW: This is my first novel so feel free to leave comments it will be much appreciated. PS: This does have Yuri and the MC is lesbian also there is no incest.

Rin, a demon, finds himself trapped in the Human Plane. He had fled the Demon Plane after being gravely injured by a god of the Heavenly Realm and flees to the Human Plane to recover. In the Human Plane there is relative peace. Demons and spirits still lurk, but are generally undetected by regular humans. As Rin recovers, he tries to maintain a normal human life in this strange world and even makes a few friends. However, his past eventually catches up with him as struggles with his identity, feelings and unresolved conflict with the Heaven Realm. King Constantine is a Heavenly god that rules over the Heaven Realm and begins to take note of this rouge demon who has appeared in the Human Plane. Together the Heavenly Realm, Human Plane and Demon Plane are in a vicious cycle. A story of gods, demons, and humans collide in this dark and twisted tale of love, betrayal and fate.

What would you do if you were framed for crimes that you did not commit? And if I told you, you were framed by the very people you spent your life protecting? Would you feel anger? Hatred? Have a strong desire for revenge? This is the situation Luthor Dawn found himself in. Hunted by his own kind he now lives in a remote forest, alone with no purpose in life other then dying in peace. But soon he will have an encounter that sets him on a path he never could have imagined himself taking. Hello! Author here! I would like to thank all of you who decided to try this novel! This is my first work so please don't hold anything back when you rate the series!

Rowan sees beauty in death. The Order he has sworn to obey only sees defilement. As the reviled Caretaker of the Order, Rowan has accepted his role as a dutiful outcast because he believes it is the only way to prove his worth to the man who holds his sisters’ souls as collateral. With his magic and his voice, Rowan can absorb death and transform it, but only in ways the Order deems acceptable to maintain the stability of the reality it claims to protect Order must subdue Disorder. Reality must triumph over illusion. He is tainted and always will be. Rowan has never questioned those lessons, but that changes the night he harvests a crimson soul that is more than human and chooses to keep it a secret. When Rowan’s song transforms that soul into a beautiful and mysterious man he names Wren, he is forced to accept that sometimes duty is a lie and illusion is the only thing you can trust. As the fabric of the Order begins to unwind and a new kind of Disorder takes hold, Rowan will need to choose again, stand with the Order that held him down, or forge a new path with Wren at his side. He may be the only one who can restore balance to the worlds, but only if he can find balance within himself first. ************************************* Updates 3-4 times per week. Note: This story focuses on relationships. I promise an epic romance, lots of swoon-worthy moments, and a healthy amount of fluff. When it does get steamy…you might get burned. Fair warning for explicit content. I don’t shy away from my spice. There are lots of side characters and couples to fall in love with, in addition to the main couple. If you love the idea of found family, you will be happy. This book is set in a non-heteronormative world, so you will see various gender identities/expressions and types of love. ************************************* Excerpt (if you want the full steamy version, you will have to read the book!): Still reeling from the new magic that coursed under his skin and unsure of how to react to the desire that threatened to take control of him, Rowan froze. Wren's hot breath against his mouth sent a jolt of pleasure through his body, and he choked back a groan. A different kind of panic flared in Rowan's chest, burning him as if he were the one on fire. This was what he wanted, what he'd thought about every night since Wren left. But wanting more was one thing. Acting on it was another. He'd spent so much of his life hiding, he didn't know how to do anything else. One corner of Wren's mouth twitched as Rowan pulled away. When he attempted to free himself from Wren's grasp, Wren just hauled him closer. Rowan liked that he didn't have to think about what to do next. His bare chest thudded against Wren's torso, and the heat from Wren's body merged with Rowan's skin, melting him from the inside out. "What did you just do to me?" Wren's deep voice vibrated against Rowan's chest. "The Disorder of your illusion was holding you captive. I…I absorbed it." "Oh? Where did you learn to do that? Have I been gone that long?" Wren's grip loosened slightly on Rowan's wrists as if he was satisfied now that Rowan was practically sitting on top him. Rowan stared at Wren's lips. He opened his mouth to protest, but immediately closed it again. "I know you aren't going to say that I shouldn't touch you." Wren's free hand splayed over the small of Rowan's back. "Not when you started it." Rowan's breath hitched. "No. I'm not going to say that anymore. Not to you." "I thought you were afraid to be touched." Wren's fingers traced a circle over the curve of Rowan's spine as if testing for a reaction. "I know that I'm not afraid of you." Rowan waited for the panic to set in, but all he felt was desire. "With you, I want…" "You want what?" "I want more." Triumph flared in Wren's gaze before he narrowed his eyes. "Really? Then why are you still trying to get away from me?"

The fantasy VRMMORPG, Battle Worlds, is one of the most played games in the world. In this game, there's a legendary player that could defeat a "Boss" on his own. His name is Blood(In-Game-Name). Blood is a legendary player that surpassed all the players in the world. He completed hundreds of quests and dungeon raids alone. When Blood was going to log off, suddenly the virtual capsule that he was wearing exploded causing him to die. His soul didn't go to the cycle of reincarnation but it was sucked by something causing him to transmigrate into a body of Goblin. This is a story about a boy that was transmigrated in the body of a Goblin. Follow him as he rises through the ranks and become the most powerful monster in the world. ....... Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, World Travel, Sword and Magic, Late Romance, Tragedy, Game Elements, Non-human protagonist, System, Beast Companion, Gods, Demons, Hero, War, Modern, Slice of Life, Dungeons, Scheme, Conspiracy, Evolution, Cheat, Weak to Strong, Drama, School Life, ....... Photo not mine. I only found this on google.

A story of a man in another universe who in his last breath cried out to Lord Shiva for salvation and is reborn in 16th century bharat with certain abilities as blessed by the Lord the story is fictional and has no relation to any real character or event ================= please note this is my first book I am writing it for fun so don't expect much

In a world where other races despise each other. War is being born for the conquest of power. A young commoner once known as the crying flame is taken in by a dragon goddess to be her maid.

Hi there. I'm Ruby, and I enjoy writing and reading. Dark fantasy is one of my favorite genres. I find the blend of supernatural elements and complex characters in dark fantasy novels to be captivating. The intricate world-building and unpredictable plot twists always keep me engaged. I was inspired to write this novel after reading a particularly gripping dark fantasy series and creating stories in my mind! I love exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the moral dilemmas that arise in these types of stories. The opportunity to delve into complex themes and create my own unique world is what drives my passion for writing dark fantasy. I aim to create a story that challenges readers' perceptions and takes them on a thrilling journey through a world filled with darkness and intrigue. Through my writing, I hope to evoke emotions and provoke thought, leaving a lasting impact on those who immerse themselves in my dark fantasy realm. As a new writer passionate about crafting captivating narratives, I believe collaboration and feedback are vital. Please support me by reading my work and sharing valuable insights to help refine my stories and reach their full potential in the realms of fantasy, romance, adventure, royalty, magic, and drama. Together, we can inspire a new generation of readers. Together, we can inspire a new generation of readers and create unforgettable worlds for them to explore.

Ascension of Zharok: The Predator of Stars” follows the journey of Zharok, an ancient dragon who awakens from centuries of slumber to unleash destruction upon the world. As he grows in power, a mysterious and malevolent force—the Void—takes hold of him, transforming him into something beyond a mere beast. With each passing day, Zharok’s hunger for destruction intensifies, and he becomes an unstoppable force of nature. The resistance, made up of brave warriors, mages, and rulers, rises to challenge him, but they must confront not only Zharok’s immense power but also the darkness that now drives him. As the dragon’s physical and mental transformations unfold, Zharok must grapple with his own identity. Is he merely the harbinger of annihilation, or is there a way to reclaim his lost humanity? His journey will test the boundaries of power, destiny, and redemption in a universe on the brink of destruction

The second part of Spectres of the Past follows James Spectre's son, Prince Spectre in 1962 as he, along with a small group of Manifesto users are tasked with going to Moscow to stop the Soviet threat before they unleash powerful new weapons on the world. During his journey, Prince must fight against new enemies, confront figures from his past, and learn for himself how he can keep smiling in an ever changing world.

After enduring a life filled with countless injustices at the hands of a merciless system, Alastor finally breaks free. But just as he begins to plot his long-awaited revenge, he finds himself thrust into a world far more perilous than he imagined—a realm shrouded in darkness, plagued by monstrous demons, where the only sanctuary lies within the hallowed walls of the Temple of Light. Alastor, sceptical to his core, scoffs at the notion of gods and blessings. Yet, without true faith, he knows survival in this treacherous land is impossible. His only solution? Brainwash himself into unwavering devotion. But Alastor’s mind proves more treacherous than any demon. The war between his rational side and his fanatically devoted persona spirals out of control, creating an inner battle as fierce as the external one. Irrational Alastor: “The God of Light is my guiding star and my life. I’ll protect his honour at any cost!” Rational Alastor: “Are you insane? The God of Light is a scumbag. Snap out of it!” Irrational Alastor: “Silence! He is pure and perfect and I won’t hear otherwise!” Rational Alastor: “Uagh! I want to kill myself.” In a world where enemies lurk both outside and within, can Alastor reclaim control of his own mind before he’s consumed by the divine madness he’s created? Or will his greatest enemy truly be himself? Alastor: You! God of light bastard, get your hands off me or else!

Bhoumik, a reserved and resourceful young man, reunites with his old friends for a long-overdue trip to the legendary Mount Kailash, a sacred site steeped in myths of divine power and eternal balance. But what begins as a casual adventure takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious old man gifts Bhoumik a strange pendant—a lotus-shaped relic brimming with secrets. As the group ventures deeper into the mystical terrain, the pendant begins to reveal its enigmatic power, connecting Bhoumik to the twin lakes of Manasarovar and Rakshastal, said to embody the forces of creation and destruction. Strange phenomena follow him, and an innocent moment of curiosity sets off a chain of events that traps the group in a hidden realm beneath the mountain. In this unfamiliar world of cultivators, ancient sects, and celestial conflicts, Bhoumik must navigate a path fraught with danger and intrigue. As he uncovers the truth about the pendant’s origins, he realizes it holds the power to shape the fate of both realms—a power coveted by allies and enemies alike. With his friends by his side, including the brave yet playful Riddhi and the gentle-hearted Sachi, Bhoumik faces trials that test not only his growing abilities but also his deepest emotions. Along the way, he forms unexpected bonds, even with those who start as enemies, and discovers that his destiny may be tied to the balance of creation and destruction itself. But as forces beyond comprehension close in, Bhoumik must decide: will he embrace the pendant’s immense power to protect those he loves, or will it consume him and the world around him? Supreme Ruler of Creation and Destruction is a thrilling tale of transmigration, cultivation, and the eternal struggle between light and shadow. It weaves intense action, mystical intrigue, and heartfelt relationships into an epic journey that explores the limits of power, fate, and human connection.

Hello, everyone. If you're reading this, you may have read my other stories. I'm starting this one as a bit of a "getting back into it" story. (The synopsis will be further down) Both stories I've written will continue in the near future. (I have to re-read them because I've experienced a massive bout of memory loss.) Apologies for those of you waiting, but I had unavoidable circumstances that impeded my writing experiences. The cover isn't mine but it's been lightly photoshopped. If you want it taken down, tell me. (Signed by Author on April 25th, 2023) Anyways, time for the synopsis: Lia was a simple girl in her previous life. Well not really, considering she was the hit woman for the largest mafia organization that operated within the United States. Over the years, her exceedingly high kill count, and overall success rate was something to be afraid of. Her personality was something akin to pure confidence, bordering on arrogance. She dealt with people the same way she did her enemies. By ruining their lives in the most horrific ways. IE: Setting them up for FBI investigations, having their houses repossessed by the government, or even having them framed for a serious crime. Lia was someone that no one wanted to ever cross. If you did cross her, you might as well have signed your own death certificate! That was until she was smacked in the head by a falling piano. While following through on a hit, no less! I mean, come on! A piano?! that's unfathomably crazy. Well, despite getting hit by a literal piano, she still managed to finish the job. But the very next day, she choked on a sandwich and nearly died! Her luck seemed to have literally bottomed out. This "streak of bad luck" had continued in her life for years! Literal years! She had come so close to dying so many times that she was genuinely confused as to how this could happen to someone! From falling down a flight of stairs to nearly breaking her neck during a cartwheel (despite having so much experience that she could do them with her eyes closed.) Lia had experienced so many near-death experiences that she had become entirely immune to the weird circumstances happening around her. Eventually, the bad luck did catch her. She was minding her own business, walking through the streets of Seattle when a coin rolled across the ground and tripped someone else, who dropped an umbrella, which she tripped over. Her fall had her land directly into the flow of moving traffic. She was then hit by a small square-body pickup truck. It had a small sticker of a smug smiling face attached to its front bumper. Lia had died because of what was essentially a coin. A coin had actually managed to kill a human being. Not just any human, but one of the most feared people within the US. Warnings for all readers: -This novel will (at some point) contain lesbian sex scenes. -System tag doesn't mean in the most literal way. (you'll find out more if you read it.) -This may become a Yuri harem novel (haven't decided.) -Will contain very strong LGBTQ+ themes

Dean and Sara, two seemingly ordinary people, cross paths in unexpected ways, their lives intertwining through moments of connection and unspoken attraction. As their relationship grows, both face hidden struggles and past traumas that shape who they are. What begins as a simple love story soon becomes a journey filled with challenges, mysteries, and questions about fate, time, and destiny