Starving Competition

In the magical world of Aetherus, Damon Grey is the weakest student at Aether Academy, relentlessly bullied and ridiculed for his lack of power and defiant personality. Yet, he endures the torment, clinging to his scholarship—the only thing providing him with the funds to keep his sick sister alive. After a brutal attack leaves him near death, Damon encounters a dark viscous entity in the forest that fuses with his shadow, awakening the Living Shadow System. This strange power grants him unimaginable abilities but comes with a grim cost—a relentless hunger for souls and flesh to feed his shadow. Now, with his shadow alive and insatiable, Damon faces a terrible choice: feed it to grow stronger or starve it and die with it. In a world ruled by ruthless nobles, deadly monsters, and power-hungry demons, Damon must decide if his newfound power is a curse or the only way to survive. With the Living Shadow System, his fate is clear: devour or be devoured.

*Synopsis:* Vanta, a loner, begins his journey at the prestigious Blueblood Academy, only to discover that the entrance ceremony hides a sinister secret. Alongside other students, he's thrust into a mysterious exam that requires acquiring the elusive Xue sense, a heightened awareness that grants battle instincts. The exam takes place in a deadly, unknown realm where students must survive for six months and face monstrous creatures. Vanta soon realizes that death is not permanent, as he respawns after each demise. With no one to return to, he's determined to press on. As Vanta navigates this treacherous world, he discovers that others have also gained the Xue sense. With 862 participants, the competition becomes fierce. Vanta must confront his limitations, forge alliances, and unravel the secrets behind the exam. But this is just the beginning.

After a mysterious gas was released into the planet's atmosphere, the population suddenly found themselves with mystical powers. Ranging from superhero abilities known only in comics, to incredibly specific and hardly practical. When your worth is now decided by birth, how does one live? When talent merely becomes a word to explain a fortunate ability, how do you stand out? Heroes, Villains, Vigilantes. Stories and myths of such beings became commonplace. Governments requiring powerful abilities to keep order. The Hero Association attempting to keep its influence through monetization. Villain groups abusing their powers. Vigilantes attempting to fight against such tyranny and unfairness. Corruption rampant as always. Like stated, these stories are commonplace. Mass produced even. So what about a narrower focus? A lawless city ruled by an order of Street Gangs. This isn't the story of a selfless uprising Hero, or a Villain who wreaks destruction, or even a Vigilante who wants a better world. Rather it's a story of the struggle of the strong. People who gather others underneath them, and fight against rivals. All to rise to the top and rule this city. Would you care to join? This isn't a grand story, it might not be to your taste. Can you stand beside those who struggle, without a guarantee for a satisfying end? As they fight to stand at the top, or be consumed? If so, allow me to tell you this story. (WARNING: THIS VOLUME CONTAINS VIOLENCE AND STRONG LANGUAGE. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED)

In a world where magic shapes society, Sosuke Estrella and Rin Sakurai are thrust into the prestigious Astralis School of Magic, where talent and ambition collide. Despite their reserved spots at the academy, they must prove themselves in a competitive environment where friendships and rivalries form quickly. Ren Natsume, a driven student with his own burdens, becomes both a rival and an unlikely ally as their paths intertwine. But beneath the surface of their studies lies a world shaped by the enigmatic High Council, a body revered for its role in guiding magic’s use across the realm. As Sosuke and his friends uncover the depths of their powers, subtle cracks in the Council’s façade begin to show—hinting at a far greater battle waiting beyond the academy walls.

Aaron Sanders, a 24-year-old computer science graduate, is struggling to make ends meet in bustling Los Angeles. Orphaned young and isolated, Aaron’s future seems bleak as he faces rejection after rejection in the competitive job market. But everything changes in an instant when he discovers an astonishing balance of $100 trillion in his bank account. Initially believing it to be a glitch or prank, Aaron is stunned when a holographic screen appears, introducing him to the Fortune Ascended System. [English is not my 1st language. So pardon me for any grammatical mistakes.]

Journey of the Common Cultivator In a world where cultivation determines one's fate, Huang Wei finds himself reborn into a low-ranking noble family. Without any memories or skills from his past life, he must rely on his slightly above-average talent to navigate the complex world of cultivation. With no golden finger or exceptional abilities, Huang Wei embarks on a monumental journey spanning decades, centuries, millennia, and eons. Through diligent practice, perseverance, and strategic decisions, he gradually rises through the ranks, facing challenges and setbacks along the way. As Huang Wei advances in age and cultivation, he must also navigate the complexities of becoming an elder, ancestor, and revered figure. This includes confronting the concerns of lifespan, legacy, and the weight of responsibility. Witness Huang Wei's transformation from an unknown youth to a respected elder, as he: Grapples with the physical and mental changes of aging Adapts to shifting social dynamics and generational expectations Balances personal ambition with responsibility to family, clan, and community Confronts the impermanence of life and the importance of legacy Moreover, Huang Wei's journey is marked by: True cultivation bottlenecks: facing plateaus, stagnation, and the struggle to break through Fierce competition for resources: scarce materials, limited opportunities, and rival cultivators Deep exploration of cultivation: uncovering hidden principles, understanding spiritual energies, and mastering arcane techniques Set against the backdrop of a traditional cultivation world, Journey of the Common Cultivator eschews typical tropes of instant success and instead focuses on the slow, arduous process of self-improvement. Genre: Fantasy, Cultivation, Adventure Themes: Perseverance, Self-Improvement, Strategy, Character Development, Exploration of Cultivation, Aging, Legacy, Competition, Resource Management Key Features: No instant success or overpowered protagonist Gradual, step-by-step progression Emphasis on cultivation techniques, strategies, and philosophies Realistic portrayal of time passage (decades → centuries → millennia → eons) Focus on character development, relationships, and legacy Deep exploration of the cultivation world, its mechanics, and spiritual principles Nuanced portrayal of aging, generational change, and the concerns of lifespan Authentic cultivation challenges: bottlenecks, resource scarcity, and competition

[Grand Void] - where every pocket of unbound space leads. Cities form around its entrances and delvers journey through its depths chasing fame and fortune. Follow Neto as he embarks on a journey to become one of these delvers in order to change his fate! This story was originally written for a competition, but is going through a complete rewrite due to lack of quality. RIP 32 chapters.

The Citizens of Ottawa, Illinois were your average, friendly Midwesterners. However, when seemingly insane things begin to happen, as any Patriotic American would, they answer the call. From the New World Order to the Total Collapse of Society, the Ottawans following the lead of the Ghost of Ottawa struggle and try to survive even the most impossible of odds stacked against them. But is their American Heritage and Midwestern Grit enough to survive? {Rated R due to profanity and the nature of the violence portrayed in the novel.}

"If you eat ass, you'll never starve." - King Barric Ironstorm the Vth In the land of Siriuhs sat a little southern Kingdom known as Ol' Tameria. Prince Barric Ironstorm always dreaded the day he would become King of Ol' Tameria as it meant the end of his playboy lifestyle, but on the day of his coronation a mysterious demon messenger would arrive just as he was crowned. The demon warned the king that the armies of the Demon Princess would arrive to conquer his beloved kingdom within a years time. The newly crowned King Barric saw this as his last opportunity for adventure before a boring life of royal duty. With his adopted elf sister Layla, The King would set out on adventure to stop the demon army!... (and seduce every thicc ass baddie monster girl, boy, they/them, etc. on the way!) All Rights Reserved

Main Characters: Describe the protagonists’ roles and relationships briefly. Highlight Zoe, an ambitious actress navigating fame, and Song, a skilled director or successful actor, as her main love interest. Setting: Place the story within the glamorous, high-stakes entertainment industry, mentioning filming locations, award shows, or exclusive events. Conflict and Romance: Introduce the tension between Zoe and Song—whether it's a misunderstanding, competition, or their reluctance to pursue love due to career pressures. Twists and Growth: Mention any surprising revelations, career challenges, or personal transformations each character goes through, making them reconsider their priorities. Resolution: Wrap up with a hint at how the relationship and their personal growth resolve in the end—perhaps they realize they’re better together than alone, balancing love with their careers.

An ordinary man who want to enter the world of writing novels, trying to take part in a novel writing competition, but suddenly his soul got transmigrated into the world of novel writing contest themes.

Academy novels. If you take notice, most of them are about nameless characters, professors, and villains. And another aspect is that there is only one academy or that same academy is declared the strongest. However, Aestrea, a successful award-winning actor, actually gets transmigrated into one of those novels. Instead, he finds himself transmigrated into the body of the most powerful student at the Weakest Academy. Just at the time of the academy's competition...

A man with a lifelong martial arts background, raised in Asia due to his family's profession, moves to the US for education and work. He discovers Historical Medieval Battles through a colleague and becomes deeply passionate about it. He trains hard and becomes skilled enough to represent his country. During a competition, his armor fails, and he's struck in the head with a two-handed axe, seemingly dying. But is this truly the end?"

Kaiser, an orphan with modest expectations, thought life was simple. You study, get a job, and eventually start a family in a peaceful yet fiercely competitive world. As an ordinary student, he went with the flow—until his high school graduation arrived. That’s when everything changed. Due to the incompetence of the gods, all the graduates were summoned to another world, each blessed with unique gifts. But for Kaiser, things took a strange turn. "Why on earth do I have to take care of the very goddess who caused this mess?!" *** Advanced Chapters; https://www.patreon.com/Catsix?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/95652/immortals-journey-with-the-goddess

In a world where women outnumber men, Jin Hae-sol is transported to the planet Rakote, where gender norms are reversed and men are rare. Once an ordinary office worker, Jin is given a handsome appearance and youthful body by a mysterious entity named Pony. His mission is to become an idol and help repopulate the planet, which is facing extinction due to the severe lack of men. Hae-sol journey to stardom begins when he wakes up in a hotel room with the director of Honey Entertainment, a powerful figure who can secure his place in the idol world. As he navigates the pressures of fame and competition, Hae-sol faces the challenges of being a rare male in a female-dominated society and the moral dilemmas that come with his new status. • I didn't write this novel; I'm just translating it

Synopsis: At 15 years old, Mateo Alvarez is a struggling youth player in Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy. Overshadowed by more talented teammates and burdened by low self-confidence, his dream of making it to the first team seems impossible. But one night, Mateo gains access to a mysterious system that tracks his FIFA-style stats and offers him daily tasks to improve his abilities. As he diligently works through the system’s challenges, Mateo begins to see subtle changes in his game. From completing passes to mastering dribbles, every stat point brings him closer to his potential. Along the way, he must navigate the pressures of academy life—dealing with demanding coaches, arrogant rivals, and his family’s doubts—all while using the system to unlock new skills and scout his competition. Slowly but surely, Mateo starts rising through the ranks. But with every step forward, the stakes get higher, and the competition becomes fiercer. Can he use the system to transform himself from an underdog into a future legend, or will the pressure of La Masia break him before he ever gets the chance? Rising Star: The System's Player is a slow-burn story of grit, determination, and the journey to greatness.

Kenneth is the unfavored third prince of the Kingdom of Lucano, one of the largest kingdoms on the Avalanche Continent. A fierce competition is underway in his kingdom after the king issued an edict that he will appoint whichever prince can defeat the monsters that rule the Audoran Forest as the next king. As the son of a servant, conquering the forest is the only way he can save his loved ones from the harsh life in the palace. However, what happens if the monster he must kill is far different from what he expected? In the end, Kenneth must make a decision. Protect the 'monster' or betray and abandon the family he loves.

After 25 years of neverending work for clients with robotic prosthetics, a cloned laborer named Savan Forg thinks they could acquire some upgrades. The current norms won't allow someone like them to purchase them, and other markets don't want the hassle of selling to their kind. The only option that could work for them is to, voluntarily, take part in a competition held by the eight remaining mega-companies on the planet. Held once per year, Savan resigns from their current post and enters as a patient-competitor in the R.O.C (Robotics Operations Challenges) for the needy.

The Dragon Hunt, a competition that is only known to the Golden Circle, is a group of world legends. The purpose of The Dragon Hunt is to scout individuals with supernatural powers called Gifts and determine if they are useful to society or a threat. Eight percent of the population has supernatural abilities and it will continue to grow over time. The reward given to the winner is a healing potion that can heal any wound and illnesses. The potion even regenerates lost organs. Where did this healing potion come from? A DRAGON, that's right Dragon does exist!

Chayil, suffocating from a life of luxury with no freedom, suddenly gets yanked into a chaotic mess. He’s dropped into a magical world where everything - power, rank, and worth—is tied to the color of the Status System. Thanks to a god’s botched summoning, Chayil is handed the worst I.D. possible: A Verdant. Verdants are cursed. They’re auctioned off, forced into brutal labor, starved, and treated like filth. Some are bought for cruel amusement—forced to fight for their lives, tortured in experiments, or abused by nobles who see them as less than human. But Chayil didn’t mope around. To him, it is a challenge. With his sharp mind and raw strength, he’s ready to tear down this world’s twisted rules, rise through the ranks, and turn the system upside down, all while leading the other Verdants to do the same. Worst I.D. in the world? Doesn’t matter. He’s going to make it work, and he’s going to make them regret ever underestimating them.

After a night of drinking, aspiring civil servant Ryu Geonwu passes out, only to awaken three years in the past in the body of a young man named Park Moondae. Before he can even assess the situation, he's given a mission: Debut or Die! Now, Moondae has one year to debut as an idol or face his doom. Luckily, he's able to snag a spot on the famous survival program "Idol Inc." but with his skills so low and the competition so high, does Moondae stand a chance at becoming a shining star? ---------- This story belongs to DS.Back. I am just getting all the chapters together for the people who couldn't find it. ^-^

In the enigmatic kingdom of "Tsukai," where shadows intertwine with secrets, a dangerous game known as "The Emperor's Shadow" unfolds. This game is unlike any competition; it is a perilous challenge held in dark, intricate halls, where contestants strive by all means to uncover the imperial secrets hidden among the specters of the shadows.

Salvie passes away by a hit by the very people she blackmailed exploited and controlled. She finds herself in a Game of the gods in a universe with a system, in a competition that was randomized based on her personality. Watch with the gods as they entertain us for our amusement. Warning the first few chapters are a bit rough since I had just started writing for the first time. Please Enjoy. The image is not my own and will take down if asked. Support me and my works at www.Patreon.com/Madjic

“Let me use your thighs,” a low, rough voice whispered in Rivian’s ear, every word full of intent. “Are you crazy, Rayden?” Rivian shot back, defiant. “I’m an alpha.” Rayden Jones and Rivian Hayes are strong alpha rivals, despite their families being close friends and their fathers being business partners. Since childhood, they’ve competed over everything, from toys and food to grades, sports, and omegas. After high school, Rivian studies abroad but later returns to work in the family business. Now that they’re side by side, their old rivalry resurfaces, forcing them to confront their competition and any hidden feelings that may have developed.

At Western Star University, Soren Mitaka, a gifted but unmotivated psychology student, conceals his intelligence to avoid attention. Despite excelling on the entrance exam, he lacks a sense of purpose. This changes when he encounters Raine Fukuyo, a mysterious girl with exceptional abilities facing a similar struggle in finding direction. Their shared intellect and unspoken competition foster a connection that leads to a transformative journey. Through their pursuit of self-discovery, Soren and Raine uncover meaning, companionship, and a renewed sense of hope.

Liu Zilang had a well-kept secret — he was a prodigy in competitive FPS eSports. His specialty? CSGO. He even entered the finals in the prestigious world tournament. Alas, his team fell short due to Liu Zilang's inexperience. Shattered by the fact, Liu Zilang vanished from the eSports scene. That was until his friends got him to play a new game known as PUBG. Liu Zilang's life turned around and he began to make his comeback. Follow Liu Zilang as he encounters difficult situations, all while learning to open up as a person, but more importantly as a brother.

In the prestigious Academe, known for nurturing geniuses, Aoi, an unassuming student with a knack for reading people, stumbles upon a hidden challenge known as "The Games." Orchestrated by the mysterious Puppeteer, these thrilling, mind-bending challenges test both intellect and courage. Aoi, fueled by a hidden competitive spirit, finds themselves drawn into the competition alongside a cast of intriguing characters. Through a series of cryptic clues and captivating puzzles, Aoi must not only win the games but also unravel the Puppeteer's motives.

"Pretty ladies stay away from me, I'm still just pretty trash. My ball is just a cute harmless beast." Ruben said to the pretty women with panic in his voice. He just wants to tame beasts and go back home, but why are all the pretty ladies after him? He was killed by an asteroid while playing football. He wakes up in another place and all covered in blood. He finds out he is now in the body of trash in a land where powerful beasts exist. In this tough world full of competition he is lucky to get a very sophisticated cheat. His ball that could disguise itself as any powerful beast. The power is as fresh as its form.

A group of wolves, a gathering of witches, a trio of bears. An engaging narrative... Alpha Yona is struggling with his emotions towards Chhaya. He is hesitant to pursue a romantic connection with someone who is not his destined wolf partner. Despite his reservations, does he harbor romantic feelings for her? Cedric, Colton, and Connor are formidable bears with a significant issue involving the wolf pack. Both groups are attempting to eliminate the demons and are feeling irritated by the competition. Cedric is infatuated with Saturn, the leader of the coven, who is fixated on Alpha Yona. Can Saturn maintain focus to lead the witches effectively? Will Alpha Yona be able to navigate this complicated love triangle while maintaining order?

Sierra Bennett’s world shattered when she returned home from a competition to find her family brutally murdered. Things got worse when she was accused of the crime. The police were sure she was guilty, and the oncesupportive public now viewed her with suspicion. Sierra vowed to find the real killer and get justice for her loved ones. As she dug deeper, she uncovered dark secrets linking the murderer to the underworld. Her search grew even more dangerous when a mysterious hooded figure began attacking her, keeping her constantly on edge. Will Sierra discover the truth? Can she confront those responsible and get justice for her family? And, amidst all the danger, will she find love? The answers lie hidden where danger lurks and the past holds the key.