Jinx Clown

　　As a melon eater in the new era, Jiang Youtao is like a melon in the melon field. She is there wherever there are melons. So on a thunderstorm night with lightning and rain, she traveled through time and became a poor little girl with the same name in the 1970s. 　　The poor little girl lost her mother at an early age, and her scumbag father remarried. Not only did she not have enough food to eat and warm clothes to wear, but she also had to do endless housework and endure endless beatings and scolding. 　　The time when Jiang Youtao traveled through time was the moment when the poor scumbag father forced the original owner to go to the countryside to take over his stepbrother's place in order to have someone to take care of him in his old age and to smash a pot after his death. 　　Thinking about the environment of hunger and cold in this era, Jiang Youtao's eyes went dark. In the last second before she lost consciousness, a voice appeared in her mind: 　　[ Ding ~ The melon-eating system is at your service. As long as you complete the melon-eating task, you can exchange it for supplies~~] 　　In order to have enough food and clothes, Jiang Youtao tried hard, so she ran around in the bloody world that was a fusion of many contemporary literatures, either eating melons or on the way to eat melons. 　　A certain educated youth from the same educated youth point traveled through time with space supplies, but ended up being a poverty alleviation stepmother; 　　"The mission is here ~ Watch and mess up the first meeting between the male and female protagonists, and the rewards are: 3 meat buns, 500g beef jerky, 1kg butter melon seeds." 　　A young wife in the village who had just been married for one day woke up and wanted to divorce her husband and marry her ex-husband's uncle; 　　"Ding ~ Watch the famous scene of the heroine getting divorced and applaud in public to receive 5kg of rice, 250g of pork, 5 feet of cloth, and 1kg of salt and pepper melon seeds." 　　The accountant's eldest granddaughter is a well-known lucky bag, while the second granddaughter is a jinx who is plagued by bad luck; 　　"Ding ~ Watch the jinx star commit suicide and help her, and you will get 5kg of white flour, a chicken drumstick, and 1kg of green tea flavored melon seeds." 　　Jiang Youtao enjoyed eating melons, and the melon seeds in her hand kept increasing. She had to go out to sell them. Before she knew it, she had made a fortune by selling melon seeds and became a famous roasted food king after the reform and opening up. The courtyard houses in Beijing and the small houses in Haishi were no longer a dream for her. She could go wherever she wanted. 　　But while she was eating the melon, a figure suddenly appeared beside her. Jiang Youtao reluctantly grabbed a handful of melon seeds and gave them to him: "Big brother, do you want some melon seeds?" ♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤ One-sentence summary: There are too many melons, and the melon-eating crowd is very busy. Theme: Grow in adversity and strive to face the sun. ♤♤♤♤♤ Brief review of the work: This article has positive values, a fast pace, and never lets up on face-slapping stories, satisfying everyone's appetite for gossip. The author's writing is fluent, and he truly depicts the customs and style of the 1970s. The plot is compact, and it is a masterpiece of the era that is worth reading. ♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤ No. Of Chapters: 183 Chapters ♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤ Alternative Name/s: I Became Rich by Eating Melons in 1970s ♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤ Original Author: Rain Falling on the Curtains (Yǔ luò chuāng lián) ♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤ nerdygangster14's Note: This book is not mine. All the content are all credited to original author and the publisher of this book where I have read this book. I just want to share this story to you guys cause this book deserved to be publicized and loved by others. I'm a fan of this book and the author of this book.

The footsteps sounded closer, and closer, and closer, until he faintly heard Siri's voice welcoming someone into the house, but before he could open his eyes to see who it was, he felt a large hand gripping his neck, his legs were locked tightly between much larger ones, and, he felt the cold metal of a gun placed directly on his...gun. Zeno quickly opened his eyes from instincts, ready to fight off his attacker, but the moment he did so, he was met with mesmerizing dark grey orbs, staring dangerously at him. The face of his attacker was too close, he couldn't make out his features, but he knew they were sharp, even from a closed look. He didn't bother fighting, he didn't want to lose his junior member down there, and his Nana still expected grandchildren from him. He couldn't disappoint her. "Who. Are. You?" The voice of his attacker was so deep, dark, and commanding. Zeno was a fighter, but he felt a chill run down his spine from the sound of the voice. The hand around Zeno's neck tightened, but he endured it, he was a fighter. Judging by his attacker's looks and actions of confidence, this was his boss. ~~~ After losing his parents and being faced with an unbelievable medical bill, Zeno Evander finds himself working as a Manny for a mysterious Billionaire, but it doesn't last long; after almost being killed by the Mafia billionaire, Zeno swore never to return to that place again. But after a week of escaping the Mafia billionaire, Zeno finds himself kidnapped and Blackmailed into signing a year's contract as the Mafia's Manny and bodyguard. Could Zeno escape his evil and monstrous boss? Or would he be consumed by him? Consumed by the forbidden passion he felt build up between them? Would he risk his life just to experience the burn of forbidden love? After the betrayal from his family, ex-wife, and friend five years ago, Sebastian Orion became a totally different being. He became cold, aloof, and dangerous as he rose to become the most feared Mafia king of the underworld, and everyone who heard his name shivered from fear. He distrusted everyone and hated any form of human relationships, building a thick wall around himself. But, not until his son's manny came into the picture. Zeno irritated him in every way, he hated the mere sight of his bodyguard and would have chosen to kill him if not for the sake of his son. Sebastian always tried to push Zeno away by treating him in the lowest way possible. But when the contract was coming to an end, were his feelings still the same? Or did he suddenly realize that it wasn't only his son that needed Zeno? ~~~ "What are you waiting for? Leave!" Sebastian snarled bitterly. He would have to speak with Butler Nicole to find out why he brought back this stupid clown to his house. He had just returned from yet another trip, just to find this nuisance in his house again. He hated Zeno so much; he was classless and looked extremely dangerous to be near his son; who knew if he was sent as a snitch by an enemy? "I'm sorry, boss, but I can't," Zeno said and stood his ground. Leaving would mean he wanted his Nana to die; no, he'd rather stay here and take all punches that came his way; he was used to it. "What?!" Sebastian couldn't believe that such stupid people were still existing in the world. "I can't leave," Zeno repeated.

[WSA 2025 Entry] The apocalypse is here, and it’s so overdone. Monsters? Check. Burning sky? Check. Random system that gives you powers but also wants your firstborn? Double check. In the middle of this mess are two guys who couldn’t be more mismatched if they tried: The Fool: A guy who’s spent his life perfecting the art of doing nothing. His resume includes “professional procrastinator”, “class clown”, “expert nap taker”, etc... Now he’s got to survive an apocalypse that didn’t even give him a heads-up. How rude. The Regressor: A guy who’s lived through the end of the world more times than he can count. Literally. Because he forgot. Now he’s just a brooding mess with a leather jacket and zero useful advice. When the fool realizes his classmate is a regressor, he’s like, “Great. I’m stuck with the guy who’s seen it all but remembers none of it. This’ll go well.” Yet, they will still group up and face trials that test their sanity more than their skills. But as the so-called End demands more blood and the regressor’s memories start to resurface, they realize the real apocalypse might be their inability to agree on where to hide. Can a lazy dreamer and a forgetful hero save the world? Probably not. But hey, at least they’ll have a good story to tell—if they survive. ________ __ Please note that this story is a work of fiction and a product of the author's imagination. It contains scenes of violence, death, and may not be suitable for all readers. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Whimsical Author here once more. I've no words except I'm really really whimsy. take a look at my other works and you'll understand after taking in the common points.

"Doctor, it seems there's something wrong with my emotions." "There's a clown in the West City circus who can make everyone laugh. I think he can certainly help you." "But Doctor... I am that clown." "..." ...... Waking up in a strange room, Leonard Churchill finds himself lying next to a stunning woman. Assuming good fortune has come knocking, but the eerie part is, she's a corpse without any heartbeat or breath. Just when he thinks he's been roped into a bizarre murder scene, After a closer inspection, He realizes, Shockingly, she isn't human! This is a fantastical world after the Great Catastrophe, under the fog-covered land lies countless Underground Cities left by the ancients. A Treasure Hunter wearing a clown mask travels alone in the dark. He is Joker Leonard Churchill, the Catastrophe King! PS. If you're out of books to read, you can check out the already fixed 3 million+ sales old book "Mechanical Alchemist".

Humans with the best genes supposedly became mindless zombies in a single second all due to failed evolution. Zombies evolved from level 1 to 2 on the first day of the Apocalypse. Animals evolved to become intelligent and started a war against humans for oppressing them for ages. •°•°•°•°•° A world in which zombies, Intelligent Evolved Animals are just the start of the apocalypse as something far worse is heading humanity's way. "Can this world get any crazier??" Jason asked as he looked at the sky unknowingly jinxing all the remaining human population on earth... Follow Jason and his group as they fight against all odds and help humanity survive something far worse than a Zombie Apocalypse.

Emma is a smart teenage girl who is ostracized at school by her brother and his friends for something she did three months ago. She spends most of her time in Blackwood Forest until she encounters a sadistic supernatural clown boy who changes her entire life.

Michael doesn't like rain one bit, he didn't like the feeling of being cold and wet. he didn't like the aftermath of rain either, but with a certain girls wish, it seems like a 'little' rain is the least of his worries.

DON’T READ THIS BOOK! I ALREADY WARNED YOU. LIKE I SAID, THIS BOOK IS TRASH, AND I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO WRITE! My grammar’s terrible, my sentences are a mess, and honestly, I don’t even know why you’re still reading this synopsis. If you continue, you’ll probably regret it. Your eyes might burn from the sheer awfulness of this story. You might question why you ever thought picking this up was a good idea. So, take my advice: put this book down and walk away. Or, don’t… if you’re into strange, chaotic, and wildly unpredictable adventures written by someone who absolutely doesn’t know what they’re doing. Either way, don’t say I didn’t warn you! P.S. You’ve already read this far, so maybe you’re as curious as I was clueless when I started writing this…

COMING SOON!!! ~~~ When the most Infamous apocalypse boss transmigrates in a cultivation world, all she wants to do is live a peaceful life and stay away from the trouble. However, retribution came too fast and Gu Xinyue finds herself entangled with a group of eccentric people. A troublesome little thief who only knows how to trick people. A two-faced beauty who can't decide which mask to wear every day. A cold-faced mercenary who kills people without blinking. And an annoyingly clingy, paranoid fellow who gets jealous at every turn and won’t let go of her. As if that’s not enough, there are always some clowns jumping around in front of her! ~~ Clown No.1(Arrogant transmigrator): “Gu Xinyue, what rights do you have to compete with me? I am the heroine, I should be the one standing at the top, you’re just a villain!" Clown No.2 (Professional White Lotus): “I never meant to offend you… I only wanted to be friends. But why do you always misunderstand me? Maybe it’s just my fault for being born weak.” Clown No.3 (Perverted Demon king): “This king has lived for a thousand years, yet I have never seen a fool as ignorant as you! How dare you lay your dirty hand on this king’s beloved!” Clown No. Nth (Standard Young Master #27): Do you know who my father is? You better kneel now and beg for forgiveness before he kills you!" Gu Xinyue: “…” Heaven! Can’t she just live a peaceful life? ~~ Author's note: I will start publishing chapters soon!! - The credit for the cover image goes to its artist - I found it through Pinterest. Story style: I've always wanted to try writing a cultivation novel that has all of my favorite troupes. Might be different from your traditional cultivation. Romance will be a subplot in the beginning. If you think it's not your cup of tea, please refrain from entering :)

"Path of the Bladecaster" Aeron Drakenhart is no ordinary mage—he’s the first Bladecaster in centuries, a wielder of magic so rare and powerful that its true potential lies hidden within ancient runes. Trained in secrecy by his grandfather, Aeron’s unique bond with the elements and the legendary Bladecaster hilt sets him apart, even among the prodigies at the prestigious magic academy. But mastering this ancient art is only part of his journey. With his loyal spider companion, Obsidian, by his side, Aeron seeks the strength to uncover the truth about his missing mother while navigating the academy’s rigid expectations, rivalries, and the trials of tournament combat. Each fight pushes Aeron closer to unlocking his inner power while exposing the greed and corruption surrounding magical resources coveted by kingdoms. Alongside Jinx, a brilliant yet misunderstood inventor who sees promise in Aeron’s potential, he forges alliances with unlikely companions, including a stoic elven assassin with wind magic and a desire for self-perfection. Together, they face fierce battles, uncover ancient secrets, and challenge the balance of power in a world where innovation and tradition collide. When the kingdom’s demands threaten Jinx’s freedom and Aeron’s loyalties are tested, his journey as the Bladecaster will become not just a path of mastery but a fight for justice and self-discovery. In a tale of friendship, ambition, and elemental power, "Path of the Bladecaster" unveils a world where even the rarest of warriors must choose between upholding tradition or reshaping destiny.

Mal, a struggling actor working from gig to gig while working part time, finally lands a role in the film adaptation of a newly popular novel. One cold winter night, while trying grapple his character from the story he gets frustrated and he steps outside for a breather—only to see a car headed towards him. was he dead? or did he survive? Turns out the option is neither! He wakes up, he finds himself trapped in the body of the story’s villain, a character destined to die within a year. With no way to undo the crimes already committed, Mal now is stuck in a the most fantastical world he as ever seen and must try find a way to survive.

In the kingdom of Moon Aires, Kassandra Escalante. A bold and spirited lady general, shocks the court by asking the hand of the 7th prince Kalix Noah El Greco, known for being unlucky and cold-hearted. “As a reward, I will grant you a wish, General Escalante. Tell me, what is it?” “I want to be a wife, your majesty. I want the 7th prince to be my husband.” Despite their contradicting personality, Kassandra with her power of luckiness and optimism, dreams a peaceful life as Kalix’s wife. They find themselves drawn into a passionate enchantment fueled by their desires. Will their chemistry lead to the ultimate collision of luck and jinx? Or maybe… fate will have a different plan to two people who had promised not to fall with each other. Is there a happy ending when secrets were lurking around?

It was one thing to have my hands and feet securely tied, but why was my mouth also sealed? I should at least have been able to make a noise! Why was I confined in a mental asylum? Why did it seem like everyone was afraid of me? Why... do I feel like laughing?---------------- This is a story where Holmes and the Joker wreak havoc on the SCP Foundation. I hope everyone will enjoy it!

This story is a masterpiece. A true work of Art. (By me, obviously!) Honestly, I was this close to dropping it. I already did, but then I saw the data—one single, vivid reader. Just one. And you know what? Screw you. I’m going to keep writing this chaotic nightmare just so you have something to read. Updates? Every weekend. How many chapters? Who knows. One? Three? Depends on my mood. But if you’re really that one persistent reader, I guess you’ve earned this: Thank you. Truly, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart. You’re the reason this story lives on.

In her previous life, Ye Xiruo was betrayed by her husband and her best friend, meeting a tragic and desolate end. One day, she was reborn through time and space, only to find herself labeled as a "jinx" who was said to bring bad luck to her parents. Moreover, she had a fiancé who was hell - bent on taking her life. With heaven - defying talent, a mysterious system, and an ancient space at her disposal, let's see how Ye Xiruo cultivates immortality while farming in this otherworldly realm, stirs up a tempestuous storm, and ascends straight to the nine heavens. As for a certain scheming and unscrupulous immortal trailing behind her, Ye Xiruo would say, "I don't know this person!"

Venzel’s peaceful life as an alchemist was destroyed when Aron, the so-called hero, followed a path that led to the ruin of his family. But Venzel isn’t just a victim—he knows the truth. This world is a novel, and Aron is a reincarnator blindly following its script. Now, Venzel is done playing by the rules. Armed with forbidden knowledge and explosive potions, he’s determined to rewrite the story. Whether it’s sabotaging Aron's destiny or making unlikely allies, Venzel will stop at nothing to take back what was stolen. Can Venzel turn the hero's tale into his own, or will his revenge cost him everything?

DROPPED.

This is not about face-slapping or prideful MC or overpowered MC or Pokemon catching. This is about MC who does not possess any sort of Cheat power or talent in Cultivation World. This is about a normal guy who trying to survive in a Cruel world in his way. Bootlicking Check Selling everything Check Clown MC Check Scum MC Check " This is the young master's table. Get out everyone " I said with a proud smile . " Let me clean your shoes young master " I used my clothes and cleaned the young master's shoes. " You guys don't know, young master's fiance is the most beautiful girl on this plane," I said to the crowd with a proud smile while having a sexual relationship with young master's fiance in his back. .................. Our MC brought a present and a pack of Condon to celebrate the happy new year with his girlfriend to take her virgin and to lose his virginity. Happy New Year is not sweet for everyone. He died on the way to his girlfriend and reincarnated in Cultivation World. What awaited him is despair and miserable feelings. This is about Love, Lust, Tragedy, Resentment, Betrayal, and moving forward. -------------------------- As I already said this is about a normal guy trying to survive in the Cultivation world. English is not my native, please beware of that. I am a man of tags and No netorare. ------ I don't own the cover's art, Free feel to tell me if the owner wanted to take down the cover. I will do it immediately.

[Reasoning + Imagination + Simulated Crime] “Ladies and gentlemen!” “The simulated crime show, the ultimate battle royale of the final season, is here!” “A thousand contestants participate in the game and play as villains to simulate crimes.” “As long as you can survive until the end, you can win a billion-dollar prize!!!” The entire network is completely boiling! Under heavy rewards, there must be brave men!! This season is bound to be the most exciting season among all escape shows!! And Lin Bai, after being reborn, happens to be one of the contestants. But embarrassingly, for the items drawn at the beginning, others all get weapons. But Lin Bai drew a bag of deadly duck necks... Even the staff couldn't hold back and burst out laughing. But in the next second... Lin Bai directly holds a Sprite in one hand and a lighter in the other and rushes onto the high-speed train. “I declare that all of you are hijacked by me!” Audience: “???” Hijacking a high-speed train with a Sprite? Isn't this just a pure clown? However! As time goes by... One-click sharing. The audience gradually finds that things seem to start to go wrong... [The content is short and weak. More exciting content is all in the book.]

Lucius’s childhood was anything but ordinary—or easy. He dreamed of becoming a clown, like his father, whose laughter could light up a room. But that dream was shattered the day his father left to buy milk and never returned. Left behind with a struggling family, his mother took on three jobs to support him and his younger sister. Though his childhood dream faded, Lucius worked tirelessly, eventually securing a stable job as a manager. It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave him purpose and the chance to repay his mother’s sacrifices. For the first time, he was content. But the universe had other plans. Through a twist of absurdity, Lucius is thrust into a shattered, broken world—a place teetering on the edge of ruin. He awakens in the body of another Lucius, someone eerily similar to himself, burdened with a past just as heavy. Confused and desperate, Lucius rejects the call. He is no protagonist, no hero. All he wants is to return home to his family, to the life he worked so hard to build. But when the stakes rise and the weight of the broken world bears down on him, Lucius must make an impossible choice: will he rise to the occasion, reliving an old dream in a world abandoned by even its gods? Or will he turn away, leaving the world—and its people—to their fate? In a sea of suffering, happiness lies hidden at its depths. But who among us is willing to take the plunge?

Odelia Grace, a beautiful and smart woman, a secretary of a big company, had to give up the career she had at a young age for a marriage with the CEO of another company, Vincent Percy. The marriage was filled with love and support for each other for 4 years. However, they did not have a child. Vincent's family became furious, and continued to demand and pressure Odelia. A beautiful marriage turned into a nightmare because of their abuse. "You barren woman! My son is jinxed because of you, he shouldn't have married you in the first place!" snapped her mother-in-law. Until one day, Odelia was kicked out of her own house and went to a hotel for the night. She accidentally met a man who was drunk. Unintentionally, there was a hot night between the two of them. And after that night, Odelia finally realized that she was not barren and that she was carrying a baby. The baby of her ex-husband's enemy, Sean Osbert.

Blurb: Shirley Ryan, the clown of Greenmoss Pack, has always been looked down upon—a weak and poor werewolf whose only job is to entertain. But behind her forced laughter lies years of pain, secrets, and rejection, especially by her real mate, the powerful Alpha Eric Kane. Eric sees Shirley as nothing more than a mistake, a blight on his image. When he rejects her in favour of a stronger, more acceptable Luna, Shirley’s world shatters. But soon, a series of betrayals force Eric and Shirley together, and they must face their darkest fears—and each other. As Shirley finds secret powers, she becomes a force that could change Greenmoss forever. Will Eric understand what he’s lost before it’s too late? Or will Shirley rise without him, finding love, strength, and freedom on her terms?

After three years of secret marriage, she still showed no signs of pregnancy. Her mother-in-law scolded her for being a chicken that couldn't lay eggs, and her sister-in-law called her a jinx. She thought her husband would stand by her, but he handed her divorce papers, saying, "Let's get divorced, she's back!" After the divorce, Sheng Junlie accompanied his first love for a prenatal checkup, only to run into his ex-wife with triplets for a child checkup. He went crazy and shouted, "Whose children are they?"

Have you ever wondered how fate is a huge joke? - I mean it, like a literal clown trying to make people laugh at cold jokes that not many would understand.  Ivy Hui-Clover was told at a young age that she can live up to 25 years old. And the only way for her to survive is to find her Mr. Right and... - well that's for another time to continue.  "Is it wrong to want to sabotage my own blind date?" Ivy slurped her boba milk tea and focused intensely on chewing the pearls. As she savored the sweet flavor, her fraternal twin, Chloe answered her question. "What do you think?" Compared to her, Chloe had it easier when it came to looking for a partner.  "Then being a savage, it is." Ivy cupped her cheek, clearly in a good mood from having her favorite drink in her hands.  -- "Ivy went where?!" Selina's high pitched voice made her husband, Jason cover his ears. Rereading the note that Ivy had left behind, her left brow twitched unhappily. "Who told her Chloe was going there?! Nuh uh. No way! I need to send someone to get her back." She slammed the note against the table. At the same time, fate played a twist on Ivy.  After roaming around the unfamiliar mall, she finally purchased a new laptop for herself. Her clumsy friend destroyed her old one in the most peculiar way anyone can ever imagine. As she walked out of the store, she bumps into a young man, causing her swirled glasses to fall. The stranger gasped when he saw her face and she quickly took her glasses from his hands before heading off the opposite direction. Not long after, she found herself surrounded by guards in suits with a weapon in their blazer. "Don't move and follow us," the guard said. "Interesting," Ivy smirked at his challenge. -- "How did you get here?" His voice was so deep, causing ripples in her chest. It sent shivers down her spine, making her tighten her legs around his waist. Mark Williams was told that the girl he's been looking for might be found - his friend had run into her in front of the electronic store. However, she ran away like a frightened bunny. It was a game of tag at this point, and he had a time limit - to catch her before she leaves this mall. In the midst of looking for her, he found a girl flying towards his direction - yes, flying. He caught her, and one of her mustache swirled glasses lens fell off, revealing her energetically innocent puppy eyes. 'It's her' His heart beat against his chest rapidly. "I flew here." She replied. And this was the start of their twisted fate. What would happen when she learns about his profession and realizes he wasn't who she thought he was? Yet, it brought her such excitement as it dragged out her crazy fantasies from her private library of Mafia Romance books?

When a mysterious asteroid shatters in Earth's atmosphere, it rains down an alien virus that rewrites the rules of reality, unlocking psionic powers in random people across the world. Ordinary lives are overturned overnight as telekinesis, mind-reading, and abilities beyond comprehension become both gifts and curses. Governments rush to control these powers, twisted cults rise to worship them, and ordinary society begins to fracture. Red, a jaded retail worker, tries to keep his head down even as his own mind-reading abilities awaken. But his quiet life is shattered when he discovers a twisted ritual in the woods near his home—and realizes that humanity's newfound powers have awakened ancient, malevolent forces that hunger for chaos. Amidst all of this, he crosses paths with Jinx, a cunning and mischievous goblin girl with a murky past and sharp survival instincts, who's determined to make her way in this strange new world no matter the cost. As the two of them navigate a world turned hostile, Red and Jinx find themselves hunted by shadowy government agents, ensnared by cultists with their own dark designs, and haunted by monstrous entities born from psionic nightmares. With society unraveling and an unseen war brewing between powerful factions, Red and Jinx have only one choice: to become stronger, fight back, and protect themselves and each other—before they're consumed by the forces they've unleashed.