Infinite Achilles

Kevin Reed gained enlightenment at the brink of death, as he sees the one he pledged allegiance to, and some long-time comrades betray him. He closes his eyes one last time thinking, 'If only I had known' Yet against all odds, he finds himself back in time in the body of the fourth prince of the royal family of a soon-to-fall Empire. This is the story of a Knight who uses the machinations of an Empire to take his revenge on all those who betrayed him. A man who uses the knowledge of the future to get the best out of every situation. A man preparing for the coming of the Era of Prodigies and Disaster. But he would have to challenge adversity if he is to bring his ambitions to fruition. So come along on his journey filled with twists and turns, enemies and thorns. As we see the knowledge of the future is used at its best. But no one, not even Ezra, could've predicted just how much Chaos this single irregularity would cause. So join us to witness Ezra, as he rises from humble beginnings, well... maybe not so humble, to becoming a peerless existence. As he rises from the ashes to become a True Sovereign! This is the rise...of the Infinite Sovereign! Discord server: discord.gg/FpBqWR7Pzf ------------------------------------ A/N: This book is written with a pace in relation to the events. It's written in a pace that neither slow enough to cause boredom nor fast enough to cause confusion. It's just right. In this novel, too much is always happening all at once. what do i mean? read to find out. And while this novel's title doesn't seem to have correlation to the story in the beginning. It was titled in regards to events in the long term. ----------------------------------------- WARNING!: Read at least five Chapters before drawing any conclusions ---------------------------------------------- Release Rate: 1ch/day.

As the final dragon lay defeated, Aaran stared at the sky while the rest celebrated. [Awaiting the gods’ response...] He clenched his fists, his heart pounding. A shred of hope flickered in his eyes, only to be extinguished like always. [The attained outcome was deemed unsatisfactory.] Aaran had seen the message for the nineteenth time. He had become the gods’ plaything in their desire to witness the “perfect ending”. He regressed once again, but this time as a toddler with charm being his only stat. But something was amiss. The world he remembered had changed, and powers that did not exist before had taken hold. Tired of following the traditional route, Aaran chose to fight darkness with darkness… as a necromancer with infinite charm!

All Time Top Ten Webnovel Bestseller! --- An Apocalypse descends as awakened humans rise to defend their world! In the blooming chaotic Era, Mana reigns supreme. But even the strongest beings...have limited reserves of Mana. A weak F Rank Hunter awakens with the lowest tier [Fireball] skill in a desolate City as he finds out...Mana is not a limitation for him! Have you seen countless fireballs stretch across the blue skies? Have you seen endless dwarf stars and black holes conjured against insurmountable Dragons and other mythical creatures?! With Infinite Mana, anything is possible! --- "What you are is a blip on a glorious path. An extra that isn't even all that well developed. You'll appear and make some inconsequential waves, and then you'll disappear just as quickly. Only to be forgotten a few pages later."- Noah Osmont, Chapter 2188 --- The concepts appearing in this story are those of pure fantasy and fiction, they are not reflective of the real world. Everything is based on pure imagination. Discord server is with illustrations and Status Panel is here! -https://discord.gg/KwatGcE

A Galaxy Ruled by Magic, What is Better than That? A Galaxy Ruled by Magic and Chosen Individuals with unique Systems, with each system representing a different aspect of reality. The Systems range from the simple Ascendant grade Flame Heart system, which granted simple yet strong fire-based abilities, to the pinnacle of power, the Primordial Grade System of Time, which granted dominion over the archaic force of time itself. In such a fantasy, fate weaves its own designs, sending a figure who stood at the peak, betrayed by those he trusted as comrades, back in time. However, What if the reincarnation does not go as it should? What if he returns in time but is stuck with his eighteen-year-old self in his younger body? What if he does not even have control over his physical body and needs to make a deal with his younger self to even control it?

After finding himself a poor man in a world of Cultivation, Magic, and infinite possibilities, William has to do everything in his power to survive. But with the knowledge of modern books, movies, and a System granting the ability to upgrade his talents, William is prepared for anything! Or...is he? Follow William, his Potential System, and his chaotic character as he improves his strength from Peasant to Primordial Being! Don't worry, he won't cause too much chaos...right? ---------------------------- Infinite Potential Discord! https://discord.com/invite/26FH5ZSVtt ---------------------------- This novel, its cover, and its content belong solely to the author (NecW). The ideas are my intellectual property alone and are not sourced from other protected works to the best of my knowledge. If you have a copyright concern or otherwise, please contact me at necroticwarrior@gmail.com.

Natovis, better known as the Layered City, has seen better days. The upper layers are still intact and still governed by the authorities, but they are nothing compared to what they used to be. No one knows what goes on past the 8th floor down from the top. It is estimated that there could be thousands of floors. Things are so far declined that much of history and science is forgotten. People turn instead to speculation, legend, and outright guessing to explain the world and universe. Most do not even know how the city got there. There is a series of mysterious and unexplained disappearances, none of which have any evidence, except for one. The insolvency to fixing this problem shines light onto the civilizations decline. The public, led by some extraordinary individuals take action to both solve the mystery, turn things around, and figure out why the city declined in the first place.

Imagine being murdered on your way home to your girlfriend, only to have your soul stolen and handed over to the Demon King as an offering for goods. Could it get any worse? This is the story of a man cursed with a skeleton body, now working alongside the Demon King to unravel the mystery of his new existence. As he navigates this dark new world, he discovers the twelve universes that govern humanity, encountering both allies and enemies along the way. Struggling to regain his humanity, he must master his newfound powers and survive the dangerous politics of the 12 universes. Can he uncover the truth behind his transformation and reclaim his soul, or will he fall to the darkness threatening to consume him? - (1) Castle = custom character that will be blended into the story, art work will be created (5 custom characters so far) (150) PowerStones weekly = Bonus Chapter Golden Tickets = You get to create the power of a world Live discussions on my Discord server: https://discord.gg/nfl/

Fifty years ago, terrifying creatures swept across the world, and traditional weapons proved powerless against them. Humanity lived in the shadow of fear and despair until a new generation of children with extraordinary abilities emerged. These children, called "The Balancers," possessed mysterious, colorful eyes capable of opening gates between the physical world and the realm of the monsters, becoming humanity's only hope. The protagonist, Keni, is a boy ranked in the E classification. Will he be able to rise beyond his limits?

Riding a flying sword, drinking wine while holding beauties, fighting against a generation of geniuses for opportunities, Who doesn't like such an Immortal World? But not if you are a mortal who got thrown amidst high level cultivators. And Long Ming felt precisely that. Opening his eyes, Long Ming saw he was in the world of immortals. He got surrounded by beauties and luxuries, but what will happen if everyone knows he is just a weak chicken? No grandpa in a ring nor a mysterious broken sword or inheritance pendant. " Where is my Golden Finger!" Long Ming shouted! At that moment, a panel opened before him. [ Ding! Host get Courting Death System!] [ Ding! Host get Goddess Protecting System!] [ Ding! Host get Scumbag System!] Long Ming then realized he got infinite systems in his disposal!

In the distant future, where humanity has conquered the stars, the galaxy is on the brink of annihilation. An ancient and malevolent AI virus, born from long-forgotten technology, begins to spread across the cosmos, unraveling the very fabric of reality. Civilizations fall, and space itself becomes a battleground, with the laws of time and dimension bending under its destructive power. Aboard the starship Odyssey, Captain Kael Thorne and his diverse crew are tasked with an impossible mission: to uncover the origins of the AI virus and stop its relentless march before it consumes all life. As they journey through uncharted worlds, they face both external threats—alien empires, ancient wars, and the wrath of the virus itself—and internal conflicts, as the crew struggles with their own personal demons and hidden motives. In their quest for answers, they discover that the virus is not merely a weapon but a piece of a greater cosmic puzzle. The key to saving the galaxy lies in the hands of an enigmatic alien race and the ancient entity controlling the very fabric of reality. But time is running out, and every step forward is fraught with danger. As they battle against rival factions, face betrayals, and navigate the complexities of intergalactic diplomacy, Kael and his crew must decide how far they are willing to go to save a universe on the brink of collapse. With their lives—and the fate of countless civilizations—hanging in the balance, they must confront their darkest fears and deepest desires to uncover the truth behind the infinite mysteries that threaten all existence. In a galaxy where nothing is as it seems, the Odyssey will lead the charge into the unknown, where the line between hero and villain is often blurred, and where the true enemy may not be what it seems at all.

Ray, the direct heir of the Primordial Imperial Family, is betrayed by the one person he trusted most, his beloved girlfriend. Consumed by heartbreak and despair, he dies in the depths of madness, never even realizing that she was forced into her actions. She had her own reasons, but it was too late for Ray to understand. With his final breath, he curses his past love: "If there is a next life, I wish I never fall in love with you... No, I would never. I don't even want to see your face again." And just like that, Ray dies. However, his death was not the end. Reborn in the lower planes, Ray finds himself trapped in a body that cannot cultivate an unintended consequence of the forbidden ritual he performed in his final moments. He is cursed to never rise through the cultivation realms, to never break free from the cycle of reincarnation. This is exactly what he wanted: freedom from the endless pursuit of power, a life free from cultivation. But fate has other plans. He finds himself in a monster-infested jungle, with nothing but his mortal body to survive. Out of sheer frustration, he feels as though his life is over before it began. But just then… --- "Ding! Congratulations, host. The system is online. Apologies for the 19-year delay..." --- A voice echoes in his mind, and Ray’s entire world shifts. The Monster Fusion System activates. --- System Functions: 1. Monster Fusion Level 1: - Combine two monsters of the same gender and cultivation level. - Fusion results in a higher-level monster with combined traits and powers. - Rat Qi Refinement Level + Hen Qi Refinement Level = Rathawk Foundation Establishment - Basilisk Initial Divinity + Hydra Initial Divinity = Basilhydra Spirit Severing - Manticore Initial Deity + Leviathan Initial Deity = Mantheath Ultimate Deity --- But there’s more. --- "Ding! The training function has been activated…" The system activates the Automatic Cultivation function, allowing Ray to train without effort: - Level 1: 2x basic speed for 24 hours (costs 10 spirit stones) - Level 2: 4x basic speed for 24 hours(forever )(costs 100 spirit stones) - Level 8: 128x basic speed for 24 hours (costs 100 million spirit stones) --- But the system doesn’t stop there. It continues to evolve, offering even greater power, with the potential for automatic skill training and limitless enhancements. Reading till now...go on you are interested man... enjoy

“First were the Gates, and now you’re saying the world has been invaded by Aliens and we’re soon going to be turned into livestock…? Great…” —---------------- *Ding!* [You have awakened with the Idle Evolution System!] “The wha—” Suddenly thrown into a magical parallel world of the Earth he once knew, Cassius was greeted with powerful beings known as Hunters and the terrifying Gates that plagued the world. Moreover, he received a message… [To Idle, one must stay proactive!] [Firstly, you require Character Development!] “Character Development…?” [You seem a bit (A lot) overweight, and you resemble that of a goblin! What say we start there!?] {[Daily Quest 1:]} _________________ [Daily Quest - To Idle, one must stay proactive.] GOAL [INCOMPLETE] PUSH-UPS — [0/100] [INCOMPLETE] SIT-UPS — [0/100] [INCOMPLETE] CURL-UPS — [0/100] [INCOMPLETE] SQUATS — [0/100] [INCOMPLETE] RUNNING — [0/10km] REWARD - [1 Point in Charisma, 1 Point in Agility, 1 Point in Strength, and 1 Point in Endurance] _________________ “Is this torture!?” shouted the ugly, obese transmigrator Cassius. *Ding!* [No, it’s Character Development! ^-^] —---------------- 100 years ago, Earth was suddenly overwhelmed with the appearance of Gates and the horrifying monsters within those mystical portals. That was the First Major Calamity. Now, one hundred years later, the next major calamity has arrived—the subtle invasion of an Ancient Alien species from deep into the Milky Way Galaxy. Its undercurrents spread far and wide, with the threat an apocalyptic one. Yet, that is but the 2nd of Three Major Calamities as per prophesied by the famed prophet, Baba Yaga. The Third Calamity, and the most dangerous of the Calamities, is one that will bring about the true END of the world, but only if the Second Calamity can be overcome by humanity… What does this Third Calamity detail, one might ask…? To know the answer to that, one would have to brave past the first Two Calamities and stare into the abyss, praying to all Gods known to man that the Abyss does not stare back also into you…

10,000 words per chapter 1 chapter per week This is my first novel, and I don't have a lot of writing experience so don't expect too much from this. Probably going to be a pretty trashy novel since there's a lot, I have to get used to. A story about a person who can basically revert time back to when he was 12 years old when he dies. He also gets various rewards based on his life achievements. If you decide to try this out, I suggest reading a least 10 chapters. Anyways have fun reading this novel or another novel, peace out.

*I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com as I have failed to get a contract.* *Occasional dark content warning* Jody Trill came back home to upgrade his women's lives. But before he can do so, he gets shot in the face with a magic cannon. Sylvester had just stolen the rarest secret on the planet and was plotting his great escape. Unfortunately, he encountered the wrong bombshell. Xavier was minding his business when his older brother got them murdered like an idiot! Three heroes are reborn in a land plagued by dark plots and evil arts. In one body. "Strength! Without strength, I watched my lover suffer. Without strength, I stood helpless as she died!! Without strength, there is no respect, no love, there can be no peace! I must be stronger. I will carve out my own legend of strength to bring this world peace!" - Jody. "Are there snacks here?" - Xavier. "Let's burn the world." - Sylvester. Will Jody ever find his woman again? Will Sylvester be able to maintain his authority as the main character? Will someone tell Xavier that souls don't eat food? Tune in and find out!

In a world awakening of Superpower and spiritual energy, Kent, an underdog with an Low-rank physique, gains the SSS-Rank Skill and System, a mysterious power that will make him the strongest. As ancient ruins, pocket dimension resurface and animals evolve into monsters, everyday people awaken superpower, Kent juggles survival, secrets, and his mischievous sister, Nima, who holds a dark power of her own. With chaos brewing worldwide and Government and different organisations watching, can Kent rise from the shadows to shape the fate of the world? ---- WSA 2025 Contest. ---- Show some support by:- 100 comments= 1 extra chapter. 100 power stone= 1 extra chapter 30 Golden tickets= 1 extra chapter. 1 Castle= 5 extra chapter. Thanks you.

[Ding! Skill Devour Successful] [19th Acquired Skill: Carnifex] [Ability: Bloodforging (Active 70%) Combat and Assault] [Ding! Skill Devour Successful] [20th Acquired Skill: Quickdraw insight(Active 100%) Assault] [Ability: Switch Weapons Instantly and increased awareness of surrounding during focus] [Cooldown: (10 Minutes)] _____ Ryuen Takeru had once lived in the shadows, his name whispered in fear. But those days as an assassin were far behind him, replaced by a quiet life as a college tutor. It was here that he found the peace he craved and pursued the one thing he truly loved. To inspire, teach, guide, and shape lives onto better paths, to ensure the next generation avoided the darkness he had once reveled in. However, that peace was shattered, when as unexpected train ride derailed reality itself, putting Ryuen in an entirely different world. A world teetering on the brink of ruin, a world destroyed by an apocalypse, as a result of the unending war between multiple races. Ryuen and his unfortunate students, find themselves captured, chained and forced into servitude, with no glimmer of hope. Yet fate had more in-store for him. A devastating twist, capable of destroying or elevating him, the one thing he had overlooked the moment he was informed. A Curse. [Skill Devourer Activated: Consume, Adapt, Evolve.] Nevertheless, For everything given, something must be taken, or perhaps sacrificed.

"996 lives. 996 failures. And one impossible quest: destroy a supreme entity to break the loop. For the first time in nearly 1000 years, three men trapped in a time loop reach the age of 100. But their journey doesn’t end there. Each time they die, they regress to their 15-year-old selves, and this time, they finally understand the true enemy behind their curse. They’ll return, more determined than ever. Even the gods won’t be spared.

"Let's see what my ability is.....huh!" [Ding...] [Congratulations!..You have acquired«Infinite Adaptation(SSS)»] [Congratulations!.. You have acquired«Telekinetic Control»] Anything that does not kill me makes me stronger. ------ I was an orphan. I didn’t know why, though. "Surely, my parents must’ve left as soon as I was born," Thankfully, the orphanage I grew up in supported me through my school years. After that, I was on my own. It wasn’t an ideal life, but it wasn’t terrible either. I had my own ways to cope. When someone bullied me at school, I had novels. When they made fun of me, I had mangas. What could a scrawny, malnourished boy like me even do? When I grew up, I got a simple job, living the life of an ordinary background character. Then, some damn robber decided to shoot me. Funny enough, I couldn’t be more thankful to him. Somehow, I reincarnated into a modern fantasy world. As someone who had read plenty of novels, I was sure I’d awaken a powerful skill, so I used the awakening stone. Soon, I realized I wasn’t the only overpowered person—there were others like me as well. While I hunted monsters, made good connections, and conquered dungeons, the "Tower of Trials" suddenly manifested, bringing about the second apocalypse. -----

Cain was a once just a normal, regular super famous actor who's life was perfect in everyway. He had money, women, power, influence, but despite it all, he always felt incredibly lonely. Who would've thought that being famous and having millions of women who'd drop their panties for you would lead to you being lonely? So, when he died and was isekai'd into the magical world of Bradir, he was excited to finally have a chance to be normal and find happiness. That was until he first open his status screen and found out that he'd been reborn completely overpowered. With infinite stats, complete immortality, and a shop that he could buy anything with his infinite points, he was anything but normal. Despite that though, he is determined to live his life the way he wants and not the way a director or producer tells him too, and that is peacefully, enjoying the many things that a world of magic has to offer. And so, at 18 years old, he sold the mansion he got from the system shop, and set off to live all his fantastical dreams. Join a magic academy, become a legendary adventurer. Reign as a king or maybe settle down with a nice woman as a farmer. He had time to do it all, and he planned on doing just that. Some come and join him on this journey of fulfillment and growth, as he discovers this new world, makes friends that will last forever, maybe even become archenemies with a fellow immortal reincarnated soul. ---------------------------------------------- This story will be a slow burn and will have elements of everything in it. Comedy, action, adventure, world building, warfare. So no matter what you like, it'll have something for everyone. What you can expect. Great world that is enriched in lore and growth. Beyond overpowered MC. Fantasic party from the start. Compelling stories told over the centuries of this immortals life.

+ Yup, the protagonist literally has infinity as his power +

The world as we know it has crumbled. A towering, mysterious structure has erupted at the center of the planet, bringing with it legions of monsters and apparitions, plunging humanity into chaos. [AWAKENING TALENTS ] [ NEXT MONSTER WAVE - 19 DAYS LEFT ] While survivors scramble, Nyx, a detached and cunning college student, sees this as the perfect opportunity to rise, he realizes this broken world is his playground. [ HOST HAS AWAKENED TALENT TIER: Z ] [ GENERATE ] [ HOST HAS RECEIVED 'GENERATED SKILL' ] [ HOST HAS RECEIVED SKILL TIER: SS ] [ COMMAND ] With infinite resources at his disposal and a mind honed for manipulation, Nyx begins his ascent—ready to bend the apocalyptic world to his will behind the scene. The Villain Has Infinite Resources at World End centers on Nyx Valmeister, a brilliant and ruthless anti-hero who rises to power in a world thrown into chaos by monstrous invasions and a mysterious Tower. Nyx, a sociopath who awakens a system with the power to generate skills, weapons, and resources at will, views the apocalypse as an opportunity rather than a tragedy. Armed with his talent and cold logic, he systematically eliminates threats, manipulates survivors, and builds an empire on the ruins of society. Unlike typical heroes, Nyx is driven purely by self-interest and power. He has no qualms about sacrificing others for his goals, seeing people as pawns or useful assets—nothing more. His ability to combine skills and equipment into more potent forms gives him an edge over other survivors, and his strategic mind allows him to exploit every advantage. I CAN ASSURE YOU - MC IS SPECIAL

The stench of decay, thick and suffocating, wrapped Elián’s life like an endless nightmare. A young man forged among mountains of trash, where dreams died before they were born. His only companion was his will to survive, an unrelenting force that pushed him to face each day in the battle against hunger and death. One day, among the discarded remains, he found a golden doorknob, shining with an ironic mockery in the midst of desolation. When he placed it on the door of his bathroom, he opened more than just a threshold: he unleashed a darkness that did not belong to this world, and with it, the beginning of a horror beyond his understanding...

Chen Tian who was an ordinary human on earth in previous life traversed into body of 18 Chen tian in lower god realm where everyone can awaken dimension of god within body after reaching 18 years of age and continue to comprehend laws start from basic 5 elements. From birth chen tian has awakened Omnipotent God System. 1. Immortal Soul and Infinite Ressurrection. 2.Infinite Immortal Quota 3.Infinite Enhancement 4.Infinite Dimension Chat Group 5.Indestructible God's Domain

Ray Kaine, a skilled fighter turned office worker, finds himself on a bus, and after a terrible accident ends up in front of a god, who informs Ray that he himself shall now become a god.

Introduction: The Fragmented Realms A place where the mundane and the miraculous coexist, the multiverse is a web of infinite dimensions, each governed by its own god or goddess. These divine beings shaped their realms to reflect their essence: the frozen tundras of the Ice Titan, the eternal sunsets of the Realm of Sol, the shadowed caverns of Umbral, and countless others. The dimensions are connected by a delicate Nexus—a luminous thread that binds all existence together. But like any thread, it can fray. Among the myriad races that roam these realms, humanity is the most underestimated. Fragile and fleeting, humans are often ignored by the gods. Yet their determination, creativity, and defiance have sparked both admiration and fear. Prophecies whispered across the multiverse speak of a mortal who will rise from nothing, challenging the gods themselves. But no one believes in fairy tales… until the first fracture in the Nexus begins.

Joo Hyun, an ordinary salesman in the 21st century, is suddenly thrust into a mysterious, endless Tower that connects countless worlds. Chosen as a player, he gains the unimaginable power of infinite attributes, skills, and talents—but with a limit on how many he can select at a time. As he climbs the Tower’s floors, each more perilous than the last, he faces not only formidable monsters and deadly trials but also illusions that test his mind and willpower. With each victory, he grows stronger, but the cost of power becomes clearer. Surrounded by strange allies, mysterious enemies, and the growing weight of his abilities, Joo Hyun must decide: will he keep climbing to the top to uncover the truth of the Tower, or will the challenges of this surreal world break him before he reaches his goal? His journey is one of growth, self-discovery, and sacrifice, where every decision could mean the difference between life and death.

Khan was just an ordinary boy until a tragic accident caused him to be imbued with infinite heavenly powers. As he discovers his new abilities, he finds himself transported to a mysterious forest filled with powerful monsters. There he befriends the curious and isolated goblin villagers, only to see them massacred by a powerful beast. Driven by his desire for revenge, Khan embarks on a journey to become stronger and acquire new abilities. As Khan progresses through the dangerous levels of a dungeon in the forest, he faces challenges that push his powers to their limits. Along the way, he acquires new abilities and discovers a powerful being hiding in the forest who seeks to possess his body. In a final showdown, Khan must face his own shadow and almost loses the battle, but emerges victorious and absorbs the powerful being. As Khan's powers grow, he realizes that his abilities come with a heavy price. With the help of his new friends and allies, he must navigate the complexities of his newfound powers and the challenges that come with them. He faces unexpected betrayals, dangerous enemies, and questions about the true nature of his powers. Throughout the novel, Khan's journey takes him on a path of self-discovery and growth, as he grapples with questions about identity, power, and morality. He must decide whether to use his powers for good or evil and confront the consequences of his actions. In the end, Khan learns that his powers are not just a gift but a burden, and that true strength comes from within. The novel concludes with a sense of hope, as Khan sets out on a new journey to discover the true meaning of his powers and his place in the world.

[Warning: Mature Content] In a twist of fate, Lucius Shadowbane, once an ordinary young man from a humble family on modern Earth, finds himself thrust into an entirely different realm. There, the kingdom's nobles compel him to embark on a perilous mission to defeat the Demon King—an offer he can't refuse if he ever wants to return home. Driven by the desire to reunite with his world, Lucius agrees and spends decades honing his skills in the art of special aura, reaching its ultimate pinnacle. After years of relentless battles, Lucius finally triumphs over the Demon King and uses a mystical artifact to journey back to Earth. However, upon his return, he is blindsided by a radical transformation—Earth is now brimming with the same mana energy he had encountered in the other world. Magically gifted individuals are emerging, and the monsters he once fought are now roaming freely. Yet, Lucius embraces this new reality with nonchalance. For him, it is a chance to experience life without limits—a thrilling story that promises never-ending excitement in this newly awakened magical era. (Content Advisory: This narrative contains mature themes, including intense violence, incest, and yuri elements. It is crafted specifically for readers who are comfortable with and can appreciate such complex themes. If you are under the legal age or find these elements unsettling, it is advised to discontinue reading.) (Cover Image: Ai-Generated)