It'S Among The Darkest Omens

Mages, swordsmen, gods, demons, and prophecies. The Heavenly Games is a tournament where myth and man meet, a purgatory where the dead arrive to fight for their one true wish. Amongst the reborn are Dasha Pang and Kazi Hossain; one a professor from the west whose cold-hearted intelligence has surpass the gods; one a traveller from the east who has come to appreciate humanity. A villain and a hero. The boy born unwanted and the guided one. A martial artist and a mage. Gods amongst men. Expect battles of epic proportions, stories ripped straight from mythology, interactions between gods of various pantheons, and duels humanity has debated for centuries. Expect the Strongest Among The Heavens. *** + Dual Protagonists. Overpowered geniuses. One MC that is villainous and manipulative. The second MC that is heroic and kind. + Detailed power system that includes Western Magic & Chinese Cultivation/Martial Arts (Xianxia) + LitRPG, dungeon crawling, fantasy guilds, and more!  + Abrahamic religions, Hinduism, Indigenous (Americas & Australia), Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and Japanese mythology  *** Daily Chapters

[WARNING: MATURE CONTENT]. I, Lily, thought I had it all: a loving boyfriend, a close friend, and a normal life. But it all came crashing down when I discovered the unthinkable: my boyfriend, Lu Chen, was using me to hide his secret relationship with my best friend. Heartbroken and enraged, I confronted them, but things took a deadly turn. Pushed off a cliff, I should have died. Instead, I awakened in a bizarre beast world where I'm the ultimate prize: a peerless beauty. In this strange new realm, beastmen are gorgeous, while their females are gruesome. The rules are simple: men can have only one wife, while women can have multiple husbands. And if a man is abandoned? Death awaits. A strange rules that supposed to belongs to the men like Lu Chen in my world. Now, I'm the target of powerful beasts vying for my attention. But I'm not interested in their affections; I'm driven by a burning desire for revenge against those who wronged me. And I'll stop at nothing to get it. As I navigate this treacherous world, I'm forced to confront the darkness within myself. " Why on earth did no Males here value their lives, willing to throw it away just to please the female they fancy? One of my husbands said he's going to get me the star from the sky which is nearly impossible but he somehow made it possible, another one willingly sends me all his powers and became useless almost got eaten up by his own, another one will die for me and protect me even when facing an opponent stronger than him". With these faithful husbands beside me, will I still go back even if there's a chance? What of my heart?. read to get more experience, author Gold love you all readers. also don't forget to give me your support, your support means everything to me. Happy Reading

My name is Scarlet Jones, and I'm a witch... sort of. At least, that's what I've come to believe. Growing up, everyone saw me as the spoiled brat nobody wanted around. Sure, I broke things on purpose, stole a few items, and maybe set half my school ablaze, but can you blame me? They were too hard on me! In a family of powerful Blood witches, my peculiar magic always felt out of place. I thought I was the only one like me-an undeniable freak of nature-and I relished the uniqueness. I lived independently, hunting mindless creatures that drained my magic whenever they got the chance. I even threw a party for them, hoping to teach them some manners. But my plans unraveled when four strangers crashed the party-people who were just like me. Suddenly, I didn't feel so special anymore. With four unconscious bodies at my feet and no clue about what had just happened, I figured things couldn't get worse. I was dead wrong. Now, my journey is just beginning, and it looks like it's going to be anything but smooth.

"Sa ngayon mananatili ka sa palasyo ko bilang isang prinsesa hanggang sa dumating ang araw na sumapit ka sa wastong edad, saka kita gagawing aking reyna. Mamili ka, dito sa poder ko at maging aking asawa, o ibibigay kita kay Vincent para maging pagkain niya? Madali akong kausap Elysia, alin man diya ang piliin mo ay buong puso kong ibibigay sayo," saad nito sa mababang boses na nagpatindig sa kaniyang mga balahibo. Buong buhay ni Elysia ay sunud-sunuran lamang siya sa mga utos ng kaniyang pamilya, ngunit dumating ang araw na makakawala siya sa pagmamalupit ng kaniyang itinuturing na kamag-anak. Ngunit, ang kalayaang iyon ay kapalit naman ng buhay niya. Buong puso niya iyong tinanggap kapalit naman ng mga alaalang iniwan sa kaniya ng kaniyang mga magulang na hawak ng kaniyang tiyahin. Subalit ang inaasahan niyang kamat*yan ay hindi naganap, sa halip ay isang kasunduan ang inilatag sa kaniya ng inaakala niyang tatapos sa buhay niya. Si Vladimir na siyang hari ng mga bampira na matagal nang nabubuhay sa mundong ibabaw. Ang kasunduan bang iyon ang siyang magbabago ng buhay ni Elysia o ito rin ang siyang magpapahamak sa kaniya? Sa mga buhay nilang binabalot ng lihim, magkapuwang kaya ang pag-ibig sa pagitan ng dalawang magkasalungat na angkan at lahi?

"A world full of mysteries and interesting people, sure. But what if I wanted to go home instead?" Luka, a young man, is summoned by accident in a fantasy world. But his arrival isn't without problems: kidnapping, political betrayals, a sickly king, things that shouldn't be here, death is at every door and waits for him at every step. Will he survive? And at what cost?

When 75% of the world's population suddenly mutates to gain superpowers, the world is thrown into disarray and chaos. Order can only be found once kind-hearted people become the world's first superheroes, and a new age of humanity begins. Ayden Hayze is an orphan whose parents were famously known for their incredible prowess as healing superheroes. Hayze dreamed of following in their footsteps, but his abilities paled in comparison to theirs, and he had to face the reality that he could never become a hero. Hayze didn't give up, though, and he trained his mind and body day in and day out to triumph over his shortcomings. However, his efforts weren't enough to get into the school he always dreamed of attending, Generation Heroics Academy, the best superhero training institute in the country. After failing the preliminary entrance exam for the umpteenth time, a board member arrives at his home one day to inform him he only has one more chance to pass. The news forces Hayze to face his greatest fear: losing his dream. All hope seems lost when a doctor makes him a unique offer.

It was supposed to be a new beginning—fresh faces, towering mountains, and the promise of untamed horizons. But the world doesn’t always play fair. The snow-covered peaks held secrets, ancient whispers that pulled at the edges of reality. A frosted gaze, a frozen heart. A fleeting warmth that lingered, only to unravel. The air was heavy, the nights restless. I was unlucky. A quiet campus turned labyrinthine. Paths twisted into trails where footsteps vanished, and in the silence, shadows became more than just absence. Questions followed like echoes: What am I? What do I belong to? And why does the sky feel too close and too far all at once? A frostbite that never healed. A cliff's edge that wouldn’t let go. A hand reached out—divine or cruel? Each step forward pulled deeper into the unknown, where gods didn’t walk, but fragments of them did, fractured and wary, watching. The world isn’t broken; it’s just no longer whole. Beyond the mountains, among the clouds, lies a story unwritten, where reality bends and belief becomes the weight that anchors existence. But the question is simple: Can you bear the cold?

A serene night is shattered by a deadly virus outbreak, transforming the living into monstrous creatures. Celine, a young girl, finds herself thrust into a terrifying world alongside her younger brother, Avery. As they navigate this nightmarish landscape, they encounter Shilo, a former classmate, and together they forge a bond to survive. Their desperate search for safety leads them to Havenshire, a city walled by water rumored to be a sanctuary. However, they soon discover a darker truth: Havenshire is a corrupt haven, controlled by a tyrannical leader who sympathizes with the infected and believes they will be cured. Determined to reclaim Havenshire and create a true sanctuary for survivors, Celine, Shilo, Avery, and a new unlikely ally, Jacob, join forces with a charismatic leader named Sam and his resourceful crew. Together, they devise a daring plan to overthrow the corrupt Governor George and establish a real sanctuary for survivors of the virus. As they face overwhelming odds and confront the horrors within and without the walls of Havenshire, Celine must summon her inner strength and courage to not only lead the ones she's come to care for in the fight for safety, but also fight the battle that rages quietly within her. Because Celine has found love among the dead, but the question is; who will she choose?

The sins of man had been cleansed off the surface of the Earth, thrown into a different world to manifest into a realm of unmistakable evil, malevolence and certain death... That was what the regular humans thought. Those bestowed with the keys to enter this desecrated realm, knew there was more to it. It was a realm of countless realities, possibilities, laws and stories. And each time the bestowed, the Prophets step into this Realm, they would experience fables and transmigrate into brand new worlds, to conquer these stories, so that the bad ones don't manifest on Earth. A strange boy found no place on Earth, but was bestowed with a key to experience these countless words as a Prophet, so that he may try again to find where exactly he belonged. But that was not his only motivation for traversing this Realm of wonder and yet, extreme danger. He also does it to find a cure for his misfortune. For you see, although humans were made from clay, he was created from countless CURSES.

In the edge of the universe there exists a planet, Earth. A planet inhabited of primal beasts, the flora and fauna all strive to survive. It was a perfect symbiosis all until the Orb of Crisis's arrival. It, together with its vilespawn, brought ruin to Earth's evolutionary process, forcing it to undergo an abrupt metamorphosis. Mountains split, the skies sundered, catastrophe once again ravaged the Earth's surface as it attempted to cleanse itself of the filth until a new life form emerged, the Humans. Earth's efforts to protect itself had been fulfilled and thus the Humans that was born was tasked with only one task, to rid the world of the Orb's Sins.

In a world divided into four powerful nations and teetering on the brink of chaos, a celestial deity named Lucien descends to Earth as a human, reborn as a young man named Elias. Bound by a divine taboo that seals his godly powers, Elias must adapt to mortal life, forming unlikely bonds with hunters, beast tamers, and misfit allies as he searches for a way to break his seal. Together, they must confront dark forces rising from the shadows and prepare for a prophesied war that threatens humanity’s survival. As Elias’s mortal strength grows, he faces the ultimate struggle—to protect a world that may never know his true nature.

Jason Reed, a 21-year-old felt lost in life as he couldn’t seem to hold down a job or find purpose in life. After being fired from his ninth job in three months; this time for ruining a bakery batch by mixing salt instead of sugar, he returned to his crumbling trailer home, the only thing his parents left behind before mysteriously disappearing years ago. Exhausted and frustrated, Jason skipped dinner and collapsed into bed, only to be pulled into a terrifying nightmare. In the dream, Jason found himself in a strange forest where the sky mirrored the ground, with upside-down trees stretching endlessly above. The forest seemed alive, constantly shifting and changing its shape and colors with weird sounds echoing all around, making him anxious to escape. As Jason finally reached a clearing, he discovered that he was at the edge of a cliff overlooking a battlefield littered with the bodies of monstrous creatures. Turning back in fear, he found himself facing the entrance of a massive cave that wasn’t there moments before. Now trapped between the cliff and the ominous cave, Jason has nowhere to run. A chilling tension fills the air as in the next moment a massive red dragon emerges from the cave. It had bright red, with odd rectangular scales and glowing yellow eyes that gave it a strange, digital appearance, like the final boss of an old arcade game. The dragon growled, releasing thick and massive amounts of smoke from its nostrils as it locked its gaze on Jason. Jason froze, hoping the dragon would leave him alone, but his slightest movement triggered the dragon to attack. Chomp! In a single horrifying moment, the dragon devoured Jason whole, jolting him awake in a cold sweat. Shaken, Jason tried to dismiss the nightmare and get on with his day. But his morning was about to take a bizarre turn when he found a small, red metal case on his bathroom sink. It had an intricate design around its border with a blank center that made it look like the design was incomplete. Inside, he found a deck of some type of cards. However, the moment Jason touched the deck, it glowed with a soft red light followed by a piercing ringing filling his ears. He clutched his head in pain, unable to make it stop. When the ringing finally subsided, Jason slowly picked himself back up only to look up at the mirror and freeze. Staring back at him was the same dragon from his nightmare, its terrifying eyes locking onto his once again. Jason’s life was about to change forever as he uncovered the truth about a dangerous experiment, the chaos it threatened to unleash on the world, and his own role in stopping it. Jason's life was about to change forever as he discovered the truth about a dangerous experiment, the chaos it was about to bring to his world, and his role in stopping something that should never have been created.

Eric had quit gaming, but then the whole world turned into a game. For past 8 years, daily 10 hours. Eric had grinded in his gaming PC. By the time he realised his addiction and quit gaming, it happened suddenly one night. A mysterious game merged itself with the fabric of reality on earth. 98.7% of the earth's population was disappeared in specks. The remaining 1.2% were made to play this deadly game of leveling & survival.  Clearing this game is the only way to bring back the lost ones. This game was filled with skills, quests, stats, cards and tons of monsters. There is no lack of formidable players either. Eric's joy knew no bounds, after all this is what he always wanted. The thrill, the tension, the excitement. He could finally put his gaming skills he honned for years to good use. He was no longer a nobody.  He was a Gamer Among Men. What to expect: LitRPG. Progression. Skills. Strong MC. Adventure. Sci Fi. Apocalypto etc

warning mature content. only for 18+ "You can take my body by force, Aron Fringe, but you'll never be able to gain my soul." "I'm not interested in your soul. Miss Grace, please slake my lustful appetite." He tied a rope around my hands and feet and sealed my lips with his before I could attempt to stop him. Words like "love" and "emotions" don't make any sense to him, and he has only one strong feeling in his life: lust. This is the first thing that 28-year-old billionaire Aron Fringe thinks of whenever he lays eyes on a woman anywhere in the world. When he's not busy overseeing a multibillion-dollar company, he enjoys indulging his libidinal desires. After reading the articles in the 18+ magazine, he gets so enamored with the author that his world comes to a complete stop. As a result, he finds it difficult to quench his thirst for other women. He thinks his life will be perfect if he can just track down the magazine's mystery author and try out the fantastical experience he read about, but then he meets Sara Grace. How emotionally Sara and sex offender Aron Fring will interact? Will Aron and Sara fall in love, leading Aron to see that there are other emotions outside lust, or will Sara develop a sex addiction similar to Aron Fringe? Find out who will prevail in this conflict between love and lust by immersing yourself in the story.

Naegi and 15 other crew mates trapped on a spaceship and try to find a way out, Suddenly, a stuffed cat appeared and claimed him as their headmaster. Will Naegi and the rest of the team survive the killing game?

The greed of men knows no bounds. They hunt for all the treasures of the world even ones they were never meant to possess. But greed is like a violent fire, it knows no friend and no master. The greed and desire for power of two men will lead the futuristic world of 2080 into calamities they would only wish were nightmares

Agent Black is a highly skilled operative of the Defence Corps, a covert organization dedicated to neutralizing the state’s most dangerous threats. But beneath her hardened exterior, she is driven by a deep, unyielding need for revenge. Years ago her sister was murdered brutally but never got justice. Now, the hunt for "The Dark"—the elusive criminal mastermind responsible for countless illegal operations—has become her only focus. The Dark is a figure whispered about in the shadows, a man whose vast network and ruthless influence make him nearly untouchable. Yet Agent Black knows that to find him is not only a mission but a chance to unearth the truth about her sister’s death and expose the corruption that has stained everything she once trusted. But as she dives deeper into a deadly game of cat and mouse, Agent Black must confront the demons of her past—haunted by memories that threaten her resolve and the recruits she is tasked with training. In a world where survival is the price of failure, she is forced to grapple with what she is willing to sacrifice in her quest for vengeance. Can she remain focused enough to take down The Dark, or will the shadows of her own history consume her before she gets the justice she craves? Note: The cover image isn't mine.

In the heart of the Joseon dynasty, Crown Prince Joon grapples with the weight of his royal duties until he encounters the skilled archer Minseok, whose beauty and talent ignite an unexpected passion. As their secret love blossoms amidst societal pressures and jealousy from rivals, they must navigate the dangerous waters of duty and desire. Together, they forge a path that challenges tradition, proving that love can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.

Elly was known as Smiley Girl because she was always smiling when she was with her friends, chatting with them and being nice to them. Unfortunately, the more she thinks positively, the more she feels distance from her friend. What makes she felt like this? Did she will lose her friendship? or Maybe along with her journey, she will finds someone who can be both of friends and love?

Lila Hayes has always found peace and inspiration in her coastal town, where she creates beautiful lanterns that light up the annual Lantern Festival. Her lanterns are not only a local tradition but also a symbol of hope and renewal. Despite her success, Lila feels a sense of loneliness and longs for a deeper connection. Ethan Lawson, a historian and writer, returns to the town where he grew up after spending years researching and writing about various historical events. He arrives just in time for the Lantern Festival, drawn by its enchanting reputation and the town’s rich history. Ethan is particularly interested in a local legend about a hidden romance tied to the festival. When Ethan visits Lila’s art studio, he is captivated by her lanterns and the stories behind them. Intrigued by the legend, he convinces Lila to help him uncover the truth behind the old tale, believing it could provide the perfect inspiration for his book. As they delve into the town’s history and the legend of a lost romance, Lila and Ethan begin to spend more time together. Their research leads them to uncover hidden places and old secrets, and their collaboration gradually turns into a deep and meaningful connection. Their journey is filled with charming town festivals, late-night lantern crafting sessions, and moments of introspection. Lila and Ethan discover that their own stories are intertwined with the legend they are unraveling, leading to unexpected revelations about their own desires and dreams. As the Lantern Festival approaches, Lila and Ethan face their fears and insecurities. Ethan grapples with the possibility of returning to his life away from the town, while Lila contemplates opening her heart to someone new. Together, they must confront their pasts and make a choice about their future. In the end, “Whispers among the lanterns” is a heartwarming story about love, history, and the magic that happens when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and open to new possibilities.

In a world where magic and divine power collide, the youngest son of Lucifer, a demon boy born with unimaginable strength, was chained and sealed away by his father to prevent him from destroying Hell itself. At the age of eight, his power became so uncontrollable that even the King of Hell feared his existence. Desperate to keep the demon's destructive potential contained, Lucifer made a pact with the great Merlin, who trapped the boy in the human realm, binding his powers with enchanted chains. Years later, with Merlin dead and a kingdom still fearful of the demon’s release, an elite group of knights, blessed by the gods, take it upon themselves to guard his prison. However, when a war between the mages and knights erupts, chaos provides the perfect opportunity for the young demon to break free. Hidden among the knights, disguised within their ranks, the demon plots his next move. But his escape is just the beginning. Hunted by both the mages and the knights, he must navigate a world where ancient gods, wizards, and warriors clash. As he travels deep into enemy territory, sneaking into the heart of the kingdom, he is driven by one purpose: freedom. Now, with his powers still sealed but his physical strength unmatched, the young demon embarks on a journey that will shake the foundation of both realms. Can the knights stop him before he regains his full strength, or will the demon's wrath bring both Heaven and Hell to their knees? As the demon hides in the shadows of the human world, a new chapter in the war between gods, magic, and demonic power begins. discord server https://discord.com/invite/7SR7DSYc

Audience Here's a synopsis for your novel, "Awakened Among the Stars: Legacy of the Shadow Walkers": In a future where humanity has expanded beyond Earth to conquer the galaxies, Aarav, a gifted student at the prestigious Interstellar Academy, is hiding a powerful secret. Despite his seemingly ordinary life, Aarav possesses a unique system that grants him master-level engineering skills and blueprints for advanced technologies far beyond current human understanding. But this gift comes with its own mysteries, tied to a forgotten legacy of the Shadow Walkers—guardians who once defended Earth against unknown, powerful civilizations lurking in the stars. Unknown to Aarav, his own bloodline is the last remnant of these legendary protectors. As he begins his journey, navigating political intrigue, fierce rivalries, and intergalactic dangers, Aarav must uncover the truth about his heritage and the system bestowed upon him. Guided by the cryptic clues of his past, he realizes he is not just a student but a key player in a cosmic battle that could shape the future of humanity across multiple galaxies. Facing civilizations a hundred times more advanced than Earth, Aarav must use his wit, courage, and the mysterious system to outmaneuver enemies and uncover the hidden truths of the Shadow Walkers. But with every step he takes, the stakes grow higher, and he soon finds that his choices could mean the survival or destruction of not just his world, but countless others. Will Aarav rise to become the savior of humanity, or will the shadows of the past consume him?

You say, I killed your family and executed your nine generations? Do you have any proof? You claim I murdered your only love and stole all your treasure? Let me ask you this: what do you expect me to do? I can't just make all your troubles magically go away! And you say I destroyed the righteous path, unleashing criminals who have committed countless heinous sins, letting them wreak havoc while I supposedly plundered the ancient clans amid the chaos? That sounds like a skill issue to me! Truth to be told, I have this voice in my head telling me to do all these things. Do you see me complaining? No? Exactly! Matter of fact, I'm the real victim here... - - - What comes to your mind when you hear the word 'Villain'? Evil, cunning, cruel? This the reality Ling Ming faces after being reborn into Another World. And not just any World, but one from a fantasy novel he had read in his previous life. Starting anew as one of its characters, Ling Ming lacks the extraordinary status or overwhelming talent typical of many tropes. Destined to perish, he realizes his path will be paved with the blood of innocents, just like the original. However, he didn’t mind getting his hands dirty to achieve his new, profound ambition. "Life is but a fleeting moment! If one can't achieve Eternal Life, what is the point of living if the mark you leave in annals of time is through your ashes? I refuse these heavenly arrangements!" .... Note: The MC has no morality or bottom line_ I have No rightful ownership over the cover, all rights belong to its original owner.

Nicole Frederick, the only daughter of Mr. Frederick and Mrs. Jane—two of the world's wealthiest individuals—grew up surrounded by unimaginable wealth and influence. But in the world of the rich, trust is fragile, and betrayal is inevitable. At 19, Nicole's life is brutally cut short in a ruthless struggle for power and control within her family and the corporate world. Yet death is not the end for Nicole. Miraculously, she is given a second chance—reborn as a newborn, in the same family, with all the memories of her past life intact. Now, with full knowledge of the events that led to her murder, Nicole faces a harrowing challenge: navigating the same dangerous world, where her enemies still loom, and her family's fortune remains at risk. Armed with wisdom far beyond her years, Nicole must outwit those who seek to control or destroy her family. But with betrayal around every corner, and enemies masked as friends, can she truly change her fate, or is she destined to fall victim once more to the deadly game of wealth and power? Nicole’s Second Life* is a gripping tale of revenge, redemption, and the ultimate quest for survival in a world where trust is a luxury and power is everything.

If It's Us is a heartfelt and gripping story about love, redemption, and the courage it takes to face your fears. Set against a backdrop of personal struggles and professional ambitions, this story weaves together the lives of Maya Larson, Steven Stone, Levi Thompson, and Shonn Turner in ways that will keep you turning the pages. Maya Larson is back in her hometown after spending over two years in the UK, still haunted by the memory of catching her ex-boyfriend, Emmett Owen, cheating on her. Though she wants to avoid all reminders of her past, Maya's best friend Kira convinces her to attend their college reunion. There, Maya must confront not only her painful memories but also reconnect with Steven Stone, a former classmate who has secretly loved her for years. Steven, now a prominent figure at VISHO, one of the leading companies in the country, has always been protective of Maya. Seeing her again stirs up old feelings and unresolved emotions. As Maya navigates her way back into her old social circle and faces her ex, Steven's feelings come to the forefront, creating a tension-filled dynamic that is impossible to ignore. Meanwhile, Maya’s younger sister, Sara, unexpectedly befriends Shonn Turner, a quiet and reserved young man carrying the weight of a traumatic past. Shonn’s life has been marred by loss and a complicated relationship with his stepbrother, Levi Thompson, who is the CEO of VISHO. Sara's warmth and determination to break through Shonn's tough exterior bring light into his otherwise dark world, offering him a chance at healing and redemption. As Maya starts a new chapter by joining VISHO, she finds herself caught between the professional challenges of her new job and the emotional complexities of her relationships with Steven and Levi. Each step forward requires her to confront her deepest fears and vulnerabilities. If It's Us is a story about real people facing real issues, from heartbreak and betrayal to the daunting task of starting over. It’s about the messy, beautiful process of healing and the unexpected places we find love and support. Join Maya, Steven, Levi, and Shonn on their journey as they navigate the turbulent waters of their pasts to find hope and a brighter future. This is a tale that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to overcome their past, seek out love, and build a new life. Dive into If It's Us, and discover a world where the power of forgiveness and the strength of human connection can transform even the most broken hearts.

When he returned to the World of Martial Arts, the game was filled with blood and battles! Chen Kaixin had chased after the footsteps of the one emperor, two empresses, three princes, seven dukes, and thirteen aces for three years, but during the eve of the Sword Among Us tournament in Mount Hua, he was ambushed by evil bastards, and was killed so much that his level dropped to that of a newbie. He completely lost the chance to join the ranks of the powerful players in the game! In great disappointment, Kaixin quit the game and got drunk so that he could forget his sadness, but during that stormy night, Chen Kaixin found that he had actually dreamed for a total of three years, because when he woke up again, he woke up to three years ago, when he was still a student.