The Ugly Duckling

"As the Supreme Commander of The Wall, my duty is clear: to hold back the threats from the south—mutant monsters, ogres, cyclops, or... hopefully not... the return of the orcs. The kings and lords of Middle Earth do not care. To them, we are just a bunch of 'Outcasts,' exiled criminals and soldiers pushed to the margins. That’s fine. It's better if they stay out of our way. Corrupt politicians rarely care about real security." He looks down at the Outcast barracks below, where the central headquarters commands the entire Wall, separating the south from the main continent. Wisps of smoke rise from the kitchens, carrying the scent of salty, stale soup. The Outcasts atone for their sins or suppress their grief through dangerous missions in exchange for a few gold coins, following the rigorous standards set long ago. Such is life at The Wall. "I, Oldman, am not a religious man. But I interpret the legacy of past eras as a reminder: The world has never truly been at peace. The evil forces of all ages—fragments, orcs, or dragons—will always lurk. Humans, dwarves, elves, whoever they may be, could end up killing each other, driven by cunning deceit. And now, the only barrier holding back the southern threat is The Wall... and us, the Outcasts. Perhaps history will remember us as nameless heroes, or perhaps it will forget us. But as long as I stand here, I will not allow the monsters from the south and other darknesses to spread across the continent again." "I am Oldman... In a world that has cast us out, we stand amidst the darkness. We have no land, no name, only this path. We are the shadows behind this wall. We are the forgotten guardians of the world. We are the Outcasts, and we will endure, or die on our path."

The story takes place in the Nine Heavens Realm, a vast world filled with sects, ancient clans, and powerful cultivators. The realm is divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Heavens, each with its own hierarchy of power. The protagonist starts in the Lower Heavens, where he is mocked and bullied for his ugliness, but through his journey, he ascends to the highest levels of power. --- Main Character Name: Luo Feng Appearance: Luo Feng is born with a hideous appearance—his face is scarred, his body is deformed, and he is often compared to a "monster" or "beast." His ugliness is so extreme that even his family shuns him. Personality: Despite his appearance, Luo Feng is kind-hearted, intelligent, and resilient. He has a strong will to prove himself and refuses to let his looks define his worth. "Cultivation Talent": Luo Feng possesses a unique cultivation talent that no one recognizes at first. His body, though ugly, is a rare vessel for an ancient, forgotten cultivation technique called the "Celestial Asura Scripture". This technique allows him to absorb energy from pain, suffering, and rejection, making him stronger with every hardship he endures. --- Cultivation System: The cultivation system is divided into Realms and Stages, with each realm requiring immense effort and breakthroughs. Luo Feng’s cultivation path is unique because his ugliness and suffering become the source of his power. 1. Mortal Realm - Qi Gathering - Body Refinement - Foundation Establishment 2. Earthly Realm - Core Formation - Nascent Soul - Soul Transformation 3. Heavenly Realm - Void Refinement - Dao Seeking - Immortal Ascension 4. Celestial Realm (Luo Feng’s ultimate goal) - Celestial Sovereign - Asura Emperor - Eternal Ascendant

As the overweight daughter of the Sutton family, Kelsie is an eyesore to everyone. Her father can't wait to get rid of her, his wife and their daughter daughter too. The man she's supposed to marry can't stand her and looks for ways to end their engagement, all to no avail. But on the day she's to get married, she finds out she's pregnant. Her fiancé finally uses the opportunity to break off his engagement to her and her father sends her packing to her aunt in another city never to return after she refuses to remove the baby like he asked her to. Seven years later, she returns to the city to claim her position as the heiress of her mother's fortune, which her father and his wife and daughter has been living off of all these years. But not as the overweight duckling everyone expected, but as a stunning, glamorous woman. Behind her are three children: a daughter who looks exactly like her, a handsome son, and another handsome son who looks too much like the most powerful man in the city. Unexpectedly, the dimwit, her fiancé who broke off their engagement comes begging for them to get married like they were supposed to. "So what if you're stunning now and lost all that weight? Everyone knows you used to be an ugly duckling. Who knows the underhanded ways you resorted to to lose weight. Forget our past and marry me again." The woman looked at him and snickered. "Aren't you the heir of the Baker family? Why would you marry a fatso like me?" The man huffed and said arrogantly. "Hmph! Do whatever you want. But I assure you that no one in Silicon Valley will want to marry a woman saddled with bastard children!" The triplets came up on his face and snorted in disdain. "Who's this? Where is daddy when a man like this harasses mommy?” “I told you he wasn’t worth her. Hurry up and call him quickly.” The man who was in the middle of a conference call ended it as soon as he heard the news and went straight to where she was. “Are you hitting on my wife? Bastards? Are you calling the beloved children of Jett Adler bastards?” “Eh-what? Jett Adler? The most powerful man in the city? How is that even possible!”

Good day, Ever wondered what happens when you mix a self-proclaimed ugly duckling, a magical transformation pill, and a city that looks like Vegas on steroids? Welcome to my disaster life in Cerothine. Oh, and apparently I might get executed for being special. Just another Tuesday in paradise, right? At least I look like a Greek God now. - Sincerely Luke

¿Cuán masiva debe ser la riqueza de una familia que ha sido transmitida durante cinco mil años? ¡A veces, nunca sabrás cuán rica es realmente tu familia hasta que presiones un poco a tus padres! Solo después de heredar la fortuna de cinco mil años de su familia, Zhang Menglong se dio cuenta de que la alegría de los ricos es tan simple. Presidente del banco, "Señor Zhang, por favor, le suplico que deposite su dinero en nuestro banco, ¡y usted puede fijar la tasa de interés!" La segunda generación más rica de Huaxia, "¿Todo el mundo pertenece a su familia o qué?" La persona más rica del mundo, "¡Siento que soy solo un hombre pobre!" Familia Real Europea, "Señor Zhang, ¿le falta una novia? Si es así, ¿le importaría encontrar una? Si no, ¿le importaría una más? ¿Qué opina sobre la princesa de nuestro país?" Más tarde, Zhang Menglong descubrió que la universidad que sus padres le dejaron era lo más impresionante. ¡De hecho, ser decano resultó ser aún más alegre que ser la persona más rica del mundo!

Dream are special. They set you up for your goals, don’t they? Or do they just turn out like Issac’s dreams? Join Issac and his friends on their journey through the adventures, trails, and struggles they have in the new world they have created by their mistake. will they follow the path of light or will they fall to the darkness that try’s to devour them. “HEY! Author don’t you think that’s a little too dark, I mean I’m the main character after all” “You will do fine Issac just trust me”

Ellie Yeo thought she could escape her one-sided love for her boss, Simon Sa, by accepting an arranged marriage to Ethan Jung. However, just when she plans to leave Simon’s world behind, he pulls her back into a whirlwind of emotions with one last business trip together. Torn between her growing attachment to Ethan and her unresolved feelings for Simon, Ellie faces her deepest emotional conflicts. As secrets unravel and difficult choices arise, Ellie must decide whether to follow her heart or break free from the man who refuses to let her go. Will she finally escape Simon’s grip, or will their twisted relationship trap her once again?

"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!"

Shac’s life is as ordinary as it gets, waking up, rushing to school, struggling through class, repeat. But his routine shatters when he receives a cryptic email: "Don’t forget about the Duck." At first, it seems like a harmless prank. Then he starts noticing a yellow duckling appearing in the same place, and a suffocating unsettling nightmare begins to haunt him every night. Each morning, the email arrives again, the duckling crosses his path, and the world feels a little less… real. As Shac digs deeper, he realizes these aren’t coincidences but clues to a greater mystery, one that threatens to unravel his life and his very sense of self. To uncover the truth, Shac must follow the trail of the Duck, but doing so might lead him to a reality he’s not ready to face.

It pays to look like the undead, when the paranoid emperor holds all first born nobles hostage in the Royal Academy. Particularly when the promiscuous crown prince treats the place as his own personal harem. That's why the infamous royal recluse, Lord Patric Siccus, doesn't mind that he looks like a dehydrated goblin, or that his eyes bulge out when he's too excited, and how his mouth fills up the rest of his face when he tries to smile. He went there for the library, after all. ___________________ !!! DISCLAIMER !!! This novel is a work of fiction. Any similarity to events, people, objects or places both real or fiction, are merely the product of an overactive imagination, unless specified. Copyright 2024 Gem Vecino All rights reserved No part of this online publication or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted in any way, form, or kind without the prior written consent of the author, Gem Vecino - aka - Alex Rosas - aka - Psynoid Al.

Hugh Rolien, the third Grand Sorcerer of Malediction, escaped his dark life from the Order of Somacht, taking his wife faraway and for a time enjoying the pleasures of life. However, in the race of life, his past caught up to him. An Arch Nightbringer contracted by the Order was sent to kill him and his wife who was pregnant with triplets. In a desperate attempt, he makes a deal with the Nightbringer to leave its seed in his children as long it doesn't kill or corrupt them, in exchange for his wife's and his life. A contract is signed, with the malignant entity vowing to reap the children at the end. The children are born, and Hugh splits them, giving them to his trusted friends to raise, away from the Order. They grow, each with his own agenda and power.... but the Order still pursues....

Every Cultivation transmigrator would begin their journey with ignorance. Ye Chen, who was originally from Earth, unexpectedly transmigrated to the Fantasy world after crashing with Truck-Kun. Of course, like every Protagonist, he had a gold finger with a female seductive spirit in an ancient ring. But he also had many mysteries hidden beneath him, as he discovered on his great adventure. This was our protagonist's first journey: every attractive female fell over him with simply his sight, but there was another person. This pig-featured man was maliciously reincarnated into this fantasy world with the appearance of a third-rate villain, and he snatched all of the heroines as our protagonist flirted with other females. This story will be the epic clash between the Transmigrator and Reincarnator....... Tags- #Netori #Dark

Shin Asakura is an ordinary high school student, known for his quiet demeanor and unremarkable appearance. By day, he’s just another face in the crowd, blending into the shadows of his prestigious academy. But by night, he’s something else entirely—an enigmatic figure who revels in crafting the most elaborate, dangerous personas for his personal amusement. His current alter ego? Abyss Reaper, a shadowy mastermind who plays the role of a villain in his own twisted game. However, Shin’s life takes an unexpected turn when, after an intense gaming session, he finds himself suddenly transported to a world that mirrors the very fantasy game he’s been playing. Now trapped in this new reality, Shin, armed with nothing but his wits and the persona of Abyss Reaper, must navigate a land of magic, danger, and intrigue, all while pretending that his delusions of grandeur are nothing more than reality. With his striking appearance—silver hair on one side and black on the other, pale skin, and eerie, mismatched eyes—Shin is forced to confront the harsh truth: he is no longer just playing a game. The world he’s in is real, and the consequences of his actions are far more dire than he ever imagined. Now, as The Reaper, he’ll need to weave his delusions into a legend, manipulating allies and enemies alike. Will his newfound powers be enough to survive, or will his ambition be his downfall? Only time will tell if the role he’s playing will be his salvation—or his undoing.

In the infinite universe composed of planes, the number of planes that had gained fame with their might and traversed millions of years was no more than the fingers on one hand. Among them was the Celestial Plane, inhabited by beings known as the Fatihs. A young Fatih named Ülgen had just graduated from the academy of the Celestial Plane and was about to take his first step towards becoming a true Fatih in the infinite universe. He knew that his journey would be filled with countless dangers, and he was ready!

In a world forever changed by Ragnarok, the release of the gods' powers has transformed the landscape, creating a place of danger, wonder, and secrets. From the ashes of the chaos, the World Government emerged, seizing control and imposing order. Its iron grip stretches across the seas, skies, and lands, while a mysterious military force upholds its rule. Yet, beneath this facade of stability lies a dark truth that the government is desperate to keep hidden.

*From ancient times, the Devas—beings of divine power—protected humanity. But even gods can fall, and their corruption brought a terrible curse upon their immortality. Now, in a world where humanity has turned against divinity, ancient threats thought to be myths awaken in the shadows. *To combat this darkness, a new generation of divine beings is needed. Enter the Devangsh—fragments of gods living among humans. But are they free from the corrupt desires that doomed their predecessors, or will they fall as well? *Among them are five seemingly ordinary students balancing their lives among friends and loved ones while hiding their true origins. Their fragile peace shatters with the arrival of Akshay, a mysterious transfer student whose presence carries an unsettling aura. Is he a new ally or an ancient enemy? Calamities follow in his wake, shaking the foundations of their lives. *Loyalties will be tested, beliefs will falter, and as enemies rise, the Devangsh must confront their destiny. Will they rise to save the world—or succumb to the darkness within and around them?

Ken is a smart runaway with a dark past, who after a near death experience finds himself waking up in another world. Chosen by Lilith-a mischievous spirit-he's thrown into "New Oasis", a world of high risks where 10,000 players duke it out for a single, ultimate wish. In a land teeming with bustling cities, treacherous mountains, and unyielding foes, Ken has but 5,000 coins, his wits, and the unreliable guidance of Lilith. The goal is to obtain eight legendary gems via twisted games and players who are far more cunning, Beyond that wish, Ken carries the weight of his crimes, unsure what began it all. With redemption, revenge, and freedom hanging in the balance, Ken risks everything in the New Oasis, where only the strongest-or smartest-will survive.

After six years of marriage, Aziza Zara Ali finally became a mother. But she wasn't sure which surname to give the child: Ayman, Tariq or just Fahad. And little does she know that soon after her world is shattered, she will meet the third son of the family she dreaded the most, Omar Fahad.

Tahun 2025, disaat dunia sudah melewati masa pandemi yang terjadi pada tahun 2019. Kembalinya virus dengan nama "SARS-CoV-19" dinyatakan kembali lagi dengan mutasi yang dapat mengubah manusia. Dr. Riana Evelyn Mahesa, ilmuwan jenius dari WHA, menemukan pola mutasi aneh dan seseorang dengan darah yang sempurna dapat menyesuaikan diri dengan virus. Dalam pelariannya dari organisasi misterius yang ingin membungkamnya, Riana bertemu pria pemilik darah murni. Apakah ia penyelamat atau ancaman? Sementara organisasi rahasia yang memburu dirinya semakin mendekat, Riana harus memilih : mengungkap kebenaran atau tetap hidup...?

In the heart of a cursed forest, near the lonely halls of Blackthorne Castle, a hidden archer watches over Lady Evelyne. She believes he is a stalker, a phantom lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. But when night falls, monstrous creatures creep from the darkness, whispering her name. The archer is the only thing standing between her and them. As fear and mystery twist their fates together, Evelyne must uncover the truth—before the horrors beyond the trees claim her forever.

The fantastical tale of a Survivor, with fantasy mixed in. For those who like light reads, or simple narratives, turn away. Your heart will water, your eyes will break and vice versa. But if you like it hot and heavy, with plenty of drama and 'all-too-realism', we've got you! please note that this is a tale of someone real, with things changed, for privacy reasons, but with fantasy mixed in, because, come on, noone wants a straight sob story. so the story will suddenly, sharply diverge from reality, as it simply is what was felt at the time. but if you can handle that, and haven't been turned off yet, then I personally invite you to get a drink, grab a blanket, cuddle up to the fire, and listen carefully. For I am the Teller of Tales, and the Weaver of Dreams.

When the dark arts threaten to eradicate mankind, the heavy burden of saving the world falls upon the shoulders of the most unlikely pair of friends... The Pioneer, an excitable and adventurous young blonde hair-blue eyed twink from a family whose wealth knows no end. The Blackbird, a freed slave with a righteous anger channeled into his fists with only one purpose in life...

With every move of her hands and every batting of her lashes, Selene was able to captivate the world with her delicate beauty. She was the "Queen of Showbiz," the beloved of the Castillo family, unlike Keira, the ugly duckling of the family. It didn't matter the context or truth behind the issue, Keira was to be blamed by everyone. "Selene can do no wrong! How can such a delicate, fragile thing think ill of someone? It must be Keira who is making up lies!" "How dare you cause your sister to become sick! Receive your punishment!" Such words were a norm for Keira. The place she called home was Hell's Gate, and the people she called family were poisonous demons. Her life was filled with blame and abuse hurled by her sister's supporters. She was schemed against, attacked, and ruined to the point of no return. The last nine months of her life were the worst. Her insomnia had developed into Sporadic Fatal Insomnia, causing her to lose weight as she suffered consistent sleepless nights. At the age of 23, Keira Castillo passed away alone in her dingy apartment. Her final moments were filled with dread as she begged and prayed to whichever god was listening. "If only I had one more chance..." To her delight, she had regressed to when she was 18. 'The man you love? I'm taking him. The title 'Queen of Showbiz'? That's also mine. Everything you gained from stepping all over me, I will take. My dear Selene, I will play you in the palms of my hands and live my life the way I was supposed to.'

Lilith— a reject for her ugliness, got a panel, letting her level up her looks. No longer willing to cower, she reinvents herself. [ No Romance x Grinding x Ugly to Beautiful ]

The light is here because the darkness exists. Just like that, the human realm exists because the demon realm is here. And in the great palace of the Blade Empire, a crown touches the peak of its glory before it falls from its grace. Lush Von Blade was the royal crown prince of one of the greatest empires on the southern continent. He is loyal but betrayed. On the other hand, where even the Gods fear to set a foot on, a demon lord abides. His grace and cruelty have been unseen for centuries. He is the supremacy in the three realms. While Lush is the light, he is the darkness. Each exists because the other is here. *** Special Chapters Announcements! Per week- 8 Chapters [Regular] 50+Power Stones= 1 Chapter [Bonus Per week] 25+Golden Tickets= 1 Chapter [Bonus Per month] Super Gift= [Fan's requested chapters]

In the shadow of a cataclysm that has toppled the once-mighty pantheon of Olympus, the goddess Athena awakens to a world torn asunder. The grand halls of Zeus lie in ruins, and the gods of old are no more, brought low by the hand of Kratos—a demigod with a thirst for vengeance and power. With Olympus shattered and divine power scattered to the winds, Athena finds herself burdened with the remnants of Hades' strength, Erebus. Haunted by cryptic whispers of destiny and danger, she must unravel the mystery of Kratos' rebellion and his dark designs on the mortal realm. As Athena grapples with her newfound power and the daunting legacy of the gods, she must race against time to find Persephone, hidden among mortals, unaware of her true heritage. Together, they hold the key to thwarting Kratos' malevolent ambitions and restoring balance to a fractured cosmos. In a tale woven with betrayal, redemption, and the enduring struggle between light and shadow, Athena must rise from the ashes of Olympus to forge a new destiny. Will she succeed in protecting the mortal realm from the encroaching darkness, or will the legacy of the fallen gods be extinguished forever? Embark on an epic journey through myth and legend in "The Fallen of the Goddess," where the fate of both gods and mortals hangs in the balance.

Did you know Swans mate for life? Sure, they are ugly as ducklings but when they turn of age, they become beautiful swans and find their mate for life. Thats right, this story is about humans who are able to turn into swans (#tryingtobeoriginal) The royals are known as Titled; the royals are bigger and much more beautiful than others, also they tend to have more ducklings. The royals have blue blood and every year, they hold a gathering in effort to find and mate all the newly transformed beauties to find their mates. When the royals' mate, the mate's blood turns blue. The blue blood of a royal has to be earned before the gathering. The markings appear at the first transformation after their sixteenth birthday at night in the form of matching tattoos.

Dying once again, she was almost numb to the pain of death. "I have never regretted meeting you," she said, tears threatening to drip from the corner of her eyes. "I only regret that the heavens are crueler than hell." Meeting her once again, but unable to remember her, he could only try to make her fall in love with him again. "We separated again," he said. "But we'll meet again... I promise." Their history was there, but they could only miss each other once again. Would they once again separate and restart their history? Or would their life change, allowing them to start the romance that they so wish for?