Cult Infiltration

Transcendent awakening, Eternal Night is coming. Pei Jinye transmigrated into a Federation-controlled world as an ordinary high school student, starting off destitute and with a gloomy future. Luckily, he could pick up Attribute Light Groups and synthesize Transcendents. 【Spirit·Blood Spear】: Transform spiritual power into a spear, capable of Devouring the opponent's memories and stripping away their Transcendent! 【Body·King Kong】: Blood energy flourishing, King Kong with Furious Eyes, an invincible Physical Body! 【Power·Savage Mountain】: Unmatched stamina, a force that could swallow ten thousand miles! …… In the Year 404 of the Star Calendar, the divinations were extremely ominous. That year in the Eastern Continent, divine prophecies descended, and disciples of the old gods walked the earth. In the Western Continent, a vile flame shot into the sky, and a Taoist set off with his Golden Lotus. Swordsmen from the North Continent threw down the gauntlet, aiming to be the best in the world. Priests from the Southern Continent, in the name of the new gods, hunted the disciples of the old gods. And Central State became the central battlefield, embroiled in chaos, too preoccupied with internal strife to care for anything else. It was also this year that Pei Jinye agonized over whether he should infiltrate the Federation as a disciple of the old gods or hunt down the disciples of the old gods as a Federation enforcer... "How did everyone end up being my people in the end?"

The stark-naked, handsome, young man looked intently at a winged reptile creeping in front of him, His lips, closed tight since setting foot in this new realm, began to move as words echoed in the shadowy realm of awareness. "It has been determined that the leaders of the plan and all related individuals are dead, communication with Earth has been completely severed. Transitioning to autonomous operation mode. Updating log-in name to the fully planned 'Li Lin'. Given the current situation, autonomous task B4 is selected." The boy, now known as Li Lin, paused briefly, his voice taking on a chilling edge as if from the depths of hell. "Infiltrate and invade the low-level civilization, colonize it, Earthify it." The ultimate weapon in the form of a young man, in this magical alien world, sensed a familiar scent - war. And so, he continued his mission.

In a world where dungeons are a common threat, the demand for those capable of clearing them has never been higher. Those who survive these dungeons and sign contracts to work for the government are known as infiltrators. Infiltrators are revered like idols, with the strongest among them at the top of the hierarchy. Even those who survive their first dungeon gain instant fame, their names whispered with awe and admiration. Xerxes, however, has always felt like an outsider in this world. But when he unexpectedly finds himself trapped in a dungeon, he defies the odds and emerges alive—becoming the leader of the only infiltrator team with a perfect 100% survival rate. Now, Xerxes must navigate the dangerous world of dungeon clearing, where survival isn’t guaranteed, and his newfound powers could either be a blessing—or a curse. ___ [The dungeons are inspired by real life books and occurrences.] [You can guess which book the dungeon is based on I leave a lot of hints out so someone might get it right] [cut open my right hand but will try to publish a chapter a day]

Elena Cassirer, the "Angel blade" on the battlefield of the Empire, was once a symbol of glory and faith, but because of a plot by her beloved ex-husband, the prince Reynold, was framed as a traitor and fell into the abyss. Stripped of her angel's blessing, her honor and faith shattered, she was banished to the barren land of the abandoned son, a stain on the empire. In the midst of despair and hatred, Elena discovers her true gift - a forbidden power hidden by royalty. She was no longer the loyal warrior who believed in light, but an avenger who walked between light and darkness. The undercurrent within the empire, royalty struggle for power, demons infiltrate, abandoned son rise. Former lovers, now enemies; Once the faith, now the shackles. Elena embarks on the road of revenge and rebirth, burning the conspiracy with the fallen star, and reshaping the fate with the broken faith. The price of betrayal is to shake the power foundations of the empire. The light will fall, the darkness will rise, and her sword will decide!

In a world governed by the balance of mana, where people’s powers are defined by their birth, those with the least are often dismissed, pitied, or persecuted. But there exists a rare few known as the Walkers of Chaos—individuals who, despite their low mana, wield the mysterious ability to bend the very fabric of reality. Ren is one such Walker, born with a curse as much as it is a gift. His powers make him a target, forcing him into a life of isolation and fear. Hunted by the Order of the Pure Flame, a fanatical cult bent on eradicating anything they deem “impure,” Ren finds himself caught in a web of ancient conflict. But when he’s saved by a mentor named Kieran, a rogue Walker, Ren learns to embrace his chaotic powers—and discovers a hidden strength he never knew he possessed. Joined by his loyal friend and blossoming love interest Lira, the enigmatic Wanderer Hana, and Kieran, Ren’s journey becomes one of survival and resistance. Together, they face off against the relentless Order, risking their lives to protect not only themselves but a world that fears and misunderstands them. As he battles overwhelming odds, Ren will uncover the true depths of his powers—and a destiny that could shatter or save the world. In a tale of love, struggle, and rebellion, Walker of Chaos explores the cost of freedom, the bonds that transcend fear, and the resilience of those who refuse to be bound by destiny.

Who is Aether? Wasn’t he Leonardo just a while ago? No way… the Museum, him? He can’t survive in there. The number of beings and phenomena are absurd. A mere miner couldn’t possibly— From Leonardo to Aether, he is now a tour guide. Knock. Wake up. He is here to guide you, from the highest realm to the lowest era. He knows every hole, every cult, nothing too small or too hidden in a realm brimming with mysteries. His story—his original story—has brought together hundreds of races. His vision awakening in the Museum, his eyes shining as bright as stars upon opening them—was it heaven at first? It’s more like hell now. He’s diverged from his original path, now fully entangled in the Museum, no longer just an era, a mere thought, or a simple story. He is a practical officer among the five tour guides. The eras continue to form, the copies continue shaping concepts, and the sages continue to watch over 21 realms. But his story has only just begun. From floor to floor, wonder to wonder—he is lucky to be the son. From the brightest city to the farthest reaches of the 20th realm, evolution, an impediment to the term "growth," this is Aether. Your, yes, your, uninvited guest. https://discord.gg/Pjz9taHPjs. [Discord guys!!}

The world as we know it changes as energy evolves and begins to interact with matter directly. Energy flowed through people's veins making them achieving unimaginable things, one of this is rectrix, a force that distorts mater and energy. Many people call it magic and it changes the world. But being from other parts of the universe appear on Earth and destroy that system taking advantage of one thing, electricity. Humans win the war after many years and managed to salvage civilization but things aren't the same. Fantasies like sages and monsters are now everyday affairs, and electricity is but a fantasy. This is the world Rilan was born too. With an unknown father and powerful sage mother, his life is nothing but normal. But his love for adventure is tested when strange attacks and infiltrations are happening all over the kingdom and he seemed to be the cause of some. It doesn't help that the Royal palace gave him an arduous task with their sassy princess. But he investigates anyway but it drives him into a hole he didn't know exist. And it seems these recent attacks has spurned up an aspect of humanity forgotten... Soon, he's on the run working as a spy for a flame deity...

Ayda did everything in her power to kill Prince Iason for Prince Andreas just as she was about to succeed she found it that the woman in Andreas’s heart was not even her but her scheming manipulative step sister. She infiltrated the enemy camp as a renowned army general which was true but Andreas told her to retire so she could become queen after killing Iason. Ayda got pregnant for Andreas in one of their secret meetings and when he found out he had someone get rid of the child. Ayda didn’t manage to kill Iason, Iason killed her instead but she woke up again on the day she married Iason. How will she get her revenge on Andreas? Will she be willing to start afresh with Iason? Will she be able to get her Sweet Revenge?

For twelve years, Xie Tian served as the Namgung Clan’s deadliest assassin, ruthlessly hunting the remnants of the unorthodox faction and demonic cults. In his years of service, he witnessed the hypocrisy and cruelty hiding behind the righteous faction’s banner of justice. When his work was done, the Namgung Clan repaid his loyalty with betrayal, leaving him for dead to protect their secrets. Surviving against all odds, Xie Tian uncovers the inheritance of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, a power thought destroyed after the Great Purge. With vengeance burning in his heart and a newfound path to strength, Xie Tian embraces the cold truth: only the strong survive. He will rebuild the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and crush the Jianghu under his heel. The Heavenly Demon rises, and a new era begins.

In a world where shadows govern the light, the President of the United States, John Carter, discovers a chilling conspiracy tied to the Illuminati—a secretive organization rumored to control global politics, technology, and entertainment. When a quantum satellite owned by Ethan Lyle, the world’s richest tech mogul, is hacked and used to broadcast a mysterious signal, the global communication grid collapses, leaving nations vulnerable. Meanwhile, Claire Starling, a beloved pop star, begins to suspect she is being manipulated as part of a mass mind-control experiment orchestrated by the Illuminati, who are secretly allied with a hidden reptilian race. As Carter, Lyle, and Starling uncover connections between the Illuminati and America’s forgotten political past, they realize the organization’s ultimate goal: to erase human free will and establish a New World Order. With time running out, the unlikely trio must expose the Illuminati’s agenda, infiltrate their Alpine fortress, and battle forces beyond human comprehension. But as allies turn into enemies, and truths blur into lies, they must confront one question: How far would they go to protect humanity’s freedom?

Accursed Immortal In the decaying city of Red Blossom, where shadows are as lethal as steel, young Yao Qin is no stranger to suffering. Orphaned, betrayed, and trapped in a relentless cycle of survival, his world is one of cruelty and despair. But Yao Qin harbors a secret: the memories of a life already lived—and lost. When a fatal betrayal sends him back to his youth, he vows to rewrite his destiny, no matter the cost. Bound to two ancient forces—the Gravewalker, a cosmic entity tied to the cycle of reincarnation, and a Shard of the Blood God, a remnant of a primordial being of destruction—Yao Qin walks a perilous path. His journey takes him deep into the underworld of the Great Sin Gang, to the dark rituals of the Black Phantom Cult, and into the heart of Red Blossom’s power struggles. As he hones his deadly skills and forges forbidden pacts, Yao Qin’s ambition grows: to dismantle the corrupt powers that robbed him of his family, to ascend the treacherous cultivation realms, and to unravel the mysteries of his bloodstained lineage. But power comes at a price, and the forces he wields may prove as dangerous to him as they are to his enemies. With allies who may become enemies and enemies who may know the truth of his past, Yao Qin must tread carefully. For in a world where strength is survival and weakness is death, even immortality can be accursed. Release Schedule: From 06/01/25 Monday 1 Tuesday 1 Wednesday 1 Thursday 1 Friday 1 Saturday 0 Sunday 0

[Warning: Mature Content!] Check out my other book: Hellish Desires and Soulbound By You. In a world of ancient grudges and hidden magic, Angela Meadowbrook, a fiery and skilled archer, finds herself at the center of a deadly game of revenge. Her father, the ruthless and cunning Meadowbrook, has made many enemies - including Zayden, a wealthy and mysterious young man who has been secretly plotting his vengeance for years. Zayden, driven by a burning desire for retribution, infiltrates the Meadowbrook household by becoming Angela's bodyguard. As they spend more time together, Angela finds herself falling deeply in love with the enigmatic Zayden, unaware of his true intentions. But Zayden's feelings for Angela grow stronger with each passing day, threatening to upend his carefully laid plans. Torn between his loyalty to his family's memory and his love for the daughter of his sworn enemy, Zayden must confront the darkness within himself. As the truth about Zayden's past and his connection to Meadowbrook begins to unravel, Angela is faced with an impossible choice: forgive the man she loves for his deception or turn her back on him forever. Will Zayden and Angela find a way to overcome their differences and be together, or will the weight of their families' secrets tear them apart forever?

It all began from an OH SHIT moment. Retired field agent Era decides to escape her past by running away to an Italian Monastery, basking in the sun and sipping on Gods Blood all day. Until she’s relocated to a backwater covenant in rural Yorkshire, and thrust into a new world. And NOT the one you might expect. This tale drags her through trials, pesky Gods, blood fueds, academies and cults, all begrudgingly i might add, as Era transforms from a reluctant participant interested only in her own survival to the last hope for humanity. This novel is a action packed, fantasy thriller meeting the criminal underworld, all wrapped in a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Kai and Hannah, two of Germany’s most elite spies, have built a flawless record at CIZA, the country's top intelligence agency. By the age of 18, they had completed 50 successful operations, cementing their reputation as the best of the best. However, their world shatters when they unknowingly cross paths with a criminal syndicate far larger and more dangerous than they could have ever imagined. What begins as a routine mission to gather intel on a family tied to the syndicate quickly escalates when the two are taken in by the very criminals they’ve been investigating. Underestimating the family’s influence, they find themselves adopted, lured deeper into a web of secrets. Their moment of discovery comes when they steal a seemingly ordinary chip from the mansion of the syndicate's leader. But when they analyze its contents, they uncover a trail of explosive evidence tied to the death of Kai’s father — locations, data, voice recordings, and photographs. The trail leads them to Kyoto, where Kai’s estranged Japanese mother lives, making the mission personal. Disguised as students, they infiltrate a key school linked to the syndicate. But as they dig deeper, they realize that the family they’ve infiltrated has far more power than they could ever have anticipated, and the danger is only just beginning. --- Will Kai and Hannah’s bond survive when their loyalty is tested by the very people who adopted them? What lengths will they go to uncover the truth behind Kai’s father's death—and what will they risk in the process? How will the discovery of Kai's family ties complicate their mission and their sense of identity? Can they outsmart a criminal empire that is always one step ahead, or will they become pawns in a game much larger than they anticipated?

In a world torn apart by magic, war, and ancient history, the lives of three unlikely heroes intertwine in ways they never imagined. Celia, a girl haunted by her resemblance to the Queen of Curses, longs for a place to belong. Despite the hatred she faces, her unyielding compassion drives her to protect the innocent, even at great personal risk. Kaiser, heir to the Asura Kingdom’s throne, has turned his back on his royal lineage. Cunning and emotionally guarded, he hides a heart scarred by betrayal and loss. As the shadow of a cruel cult looms larger, Kaiser's thirst for revenge threatens to consume him. Lucas Reinhardt, the God's chosen sorcerer with a haunted past, is a beacon of humor and courage to his friends. But beneath his carefree demeanor lies a soul deeply wounded by loss, making him fight harder to shield those he holds dear. As their paths converge, the trio must navigate a world of broken kingdoms, unspoken truths, and a rising darkness. With demons lurking in the shadows and a cult bent on destruction, their choices will shape not only their fates but the future of their world. The Last Step is a tale of resilience, revenge, and the fragile bonds of friendship forged in the face of despair. In a land where magic can both destroy and heal, can these three stand against the tide—or will their pasts drag them into the abyss?

Adam was ecstatic when he first realized he had been reborn into a world that seemed to run on video game mechanics. He’d expected to go on to live an exciting life filled with danger and adventure. Instead, spent much of his new life living on the streets of Askar before eventually becoming something more. However, Just when he had given up hope of his life ever being exceptional, everything changed... This is my first time writing, so please keep that in mind and any mistakes please let me know and I will fix them shortly, Anyways I hope you thoroughly enjoy.

In a world of cool tech a pair of siblings Karun and Kathy, ordinary IT workers, receive a mysterious assignment from their company's chairman. They're tasked with infiltrating a groundbreaking 3D game located on a remote island, where players can physically enter the virtual world. The catch? Many people vanished within the game, never returning. With little information and no explanation for why they were chosen, Karun and Kathy embark on a perilous journey into the unknown. As they enter the immersive game environment, they confront a landscape of wonder and danger, where nothing is as it seems. But what secrets lie hidden within the game's code? And why did the chairman specifically pick Karun and Kathy for this mission? As they navigate through the game, they realize that the true challenge may lie not in conquering the game, but its motives. With each step forward, Karun and Kathy must confront their fears and rely on their bond as siblings to survive. But as they delve deeper into the digital labyrinth, they can't shake the haunting question: What awaits them at the heart of the game, and will they ever find a way back home? "Dare to enter the game, but can they escape its grasp?"

Agent Cullen Fletcher lives for his job at the FBI, and he’s more than ready for his next assignment—raiding a cult compound and putting their leader behind bars. But he isn’t prepared for Savannah and her knock you on your ass good looks. At nineteen, she’s too old for foster care and too damaged to live on her own. With nowhere else to go and against his better judgment Cullen takes her in. But helping her out won’t be easy. He comforts her through screaming nightmares and escaping the lingering fears of her past, but that’s the easy part. Her preference to sleep cuddled up next to his warm body, and her desire to please him in every way makes her harder and harder to resist.

The Venerable Xiang Yu, an eccentric villainous half-blood demon King was infamous in both the demon and human realm for being a cold-blooded ruthless devil that could kill with no remorse. Demons and humans feared him, cultivators wanted him as a trophy and the immortals saw him as a thorn in their side. The only reason he didn't get smote by the Heavenly King's searing lightning of divine wrath that could kill all mortals and immortals was because he kept the deadliest demons in check maintaining peace between the two realms. Despite his reputation, he had a small cult following in the human realm. They took him as their deity for his selfless acts of benevolence. Such rare selfless acts led him to rescue the fallen immortal Han Xin. But his benevolence became his downfall. Condemned to death, he faced an impossible choice: serve the Heavenly King or die with no marked grave. Xiang Yu: Hahaha... death isn't so bad after all. Heavenly King: You... Han Xin: Wife, you can't escape even in death. At least when you are alive you have a chance to run. Xiang Yu: QAQ...

Zhou Rui was reborn on the eve of the college entrance examination in 2009. He returned to his childhood sweetheart, the "last queen," and awakened the "Life Entry Synthesis System." By creating entry tasks and performing the corresponding behaviors, Zhou Rui could gain experience points. Most importantly, entries could be synthesized! - "Student" + "Self-Disciplined" = [Academic Hegemon] - "Academic Hegemon" + "Inspiration" = [Academic God] - "Martial Arts Enthusiast" + "Inheritor of Intangible Cultural Heritage" + "Strong and Strong" = [Ancient Martial Arts Successor] - "Proficient in Zoology" + "Mastering Multiple Languages" = [Animal Speaker] As Zhou Rui gained more and more entries, his life became increasingly exciting! Starting from a small-town high school, he ventured into the entertainment industry and fought against capital. Well... the best way to fight the enemy is to infiltrate the enemy, isn’t it

He did not flatter or fear anything; he was the highest of all, an absolute being who absorbed admiration from his allies and terror from his adversaries. But in the end, everything ended with an unidentified civilization infiltration, leading to his imprisonment in the invaders' cages. Years later, he made an audacious attempt to escape, only to find fate offering a different opportunity for him. As the Absolute Mage faced the harsh reality of his kingdom's downfall, a sense of resilience stirred within him. 'Adversity may have caged me, but it is within these confines that my true strength shall be revealed,' he whispered to himself, determined to seize the unforeseen chance destiny had presented him.

Fate knows that timid people won't amuse her, so she serves them plain death as a conclusion. But brave-hearted heroes like the sixteen year old Kanito Aramishi are often met by her appraisals. Returning home one night from his high school's farewell party, Kanito finds himself struck in an array of supernatural events. He is stabbed in the chest by a mysterious man, a red magical circle was drawn on the ground which now nourished by his blood is activated and will serve as a gateway for demons to infiltrate Earth. He sees a blue portal in the sky from where a man comes down to save him. In a desperate attempt, the man takes Kanito to a totally different world. Kanito never thought the night he will bid farewell to his school will also be the night when he will have to bid farewell to his own world. The cruelty of this new world and beyond slowly starts to manifest itself in many different devastating forms Being caught in the middle of this mayhem, Kanito finds his morals dwindling. Will he be able to maintain his principles or will he give in to fate? Those will answered as the march of time continues, revealing Kanito's and eventually the World's true purpose.

___Lost Notes___ In this age of superheroes, the public safety is at the hands of these all so powerful figures. Located in the metropolis of Condor is the worlds strongest hero, UltraMan. In his decade long carrier, he has destroyed multiple conspiracies started by the city's old elite, single handedly apprehended the mafias that encroached upon the weak and feeble and even stopped several alien invasions and infiltrations. It is safe to assume that such a man would have many enemies, but with skin that cannot be pierced by any earthly means and strength that puts the legends of old to shame, how can such a creature ever be defeated? If UltraMan wanted to, he could have conquered earth at any time. So why did he not? No one quite knows. '' In any regards, he is seen as the balancing force of the world. So what happens if he is removed from the picture? What if I removed him? How will the world live? How will "I" live? ....

The world has been devastated by Darkness. Help restore peace and tranquility. Stop the evil of the Zenshu Cult and learn what it means to be a Guardian. Only you can accept the darkness.

Blurb: Adopted into the wealthy Hargrove family, Charlotte believed she had found her place in the world. But the return of Evelyn, the rightful heiress, triggers a series of strange events: shadowy figures in the woods, whispers in the walls, and memories Charlotte can’t recall. Jack, a mysterious figure who claims to be her protector, warns her of a deadly ritual tied to a centuries-old curse. As the lines between truth and deception blur, Charlotte must uncover the family’s darkest secrets before the curse claims her life—or her sanity. Trope: Adopted into danger, unraveling family secrets, an immortal protector with ulterior motives, and a “chosen one” caught in a web of betrayal and destiny. Climax: The cult captures both Charlotte and Evelyn, preparing to enact the ritual in the family chapel. Jack, overcome with guilt, helps Charlotte escape, but Evelyn refuses to leave, convinced her death is inevitable. Charlotte confronts the cult leader, who reveals that breaking the curse requires the destruction of the family artifact—a mirror that binds the ancient force. The artifact can only be destroyed by someone tied to both bloodlines. Charlotte, realizing her connection to the Hargrove legacy, uses the mirror to unleash the trapped force on the cult. In a final twist, Jack sacrifices himself to destroy the mirror and sever his immortality, ensuring the curse is broken. Denouement: • Charlotte and Evelyn: Evelyn survives but leaves the estate, seeking a new life free from the family’s dark history. Charlotte continues to rebuild and redefine her identity without the shadow of the curse. • Hints of Lingering Darkness: Although the curse is broken, remnants of the ancient force linger in the woods, suggesting not all is resolved. • Final Revelation: Charlotte finds a hidden journal from Jack, hinting at deeper truths about her origins and the possibility that she may not have been adopted by chance.

In the kingdom of Nuralar, once a mighty land forged from the ruins of an ancient empire, a forgotten secret lies buried beneath its stone walls. For centuries, peace has reigned, but beneath this tranquility, shadows of a dark past stir. King Arlen, the last ruler of Nuralar, vanished mysteriously while searching for a powerful, ancient magic said to have been lost with the fall of the empire. With his disappearance, the kingdom's hope for restoring this lost power seems to fade. His son, Prince Kalen, now ascends the throne under the heavy burden of his father's unexplained vanishing. Determined to uncover the truth behind Arlen’s disappearance, Kalen embarks on a dangerous journey to find the ancient secrets that could save or destroy Nuralar. Along the way, he encounters old allies, treacherous foes, and hidden enemies, all while facing the truth about his father’s search for the lost magic that once sustained their kingdom. As Kalen unravels the mysteries of the past, he discovers that his father's search was more than a quest for power—it was an effort to prevent a dark and secretive cult from resurrecting the ancient empire. This cult, descendants of those who once controlled the lost magic, has long awaited the chance to reclaim their power and use it to reshape the world. Kalen must race against time to stop the cult from unleashing the same destructive force that led to the empire’s fall. But as he delves deeper into the kingdom's history, Kalen realizes that the true power is not just a force of magic, but an ancient curse tied to the royal bloodline. To save his kingdom, he must confront the darkest parts of his own lineage and decide whether to embrace or break the cycle that has haunted his family for generations. In a world where the past’s shadow threatens to consume the future, Prince Kalen’s courage and determination will be tested like never before. Will he restore his kingdom to its former glory, or will the fall of shadows consume all that he holds dear?

In a world ruled by the iron fist of the Helvark Empire, freedom is a distant memory. The empire has conquered most of the known lands, wielding powerful ancient technology and forbidden magic to crush all opposition. Its ultimate goal? To awaken an ancient force that will ensure their dominance for eternity. However, in the shadow of oppression, a spark of rebellion ignites. A diverse group of outcasts, warriors, and visionaries—each with their own reasons to despise the empire—join forces to fight back. Among them are a disillusioned imperial tactician, a spirited rogue from a forgotten tribe, and a mysterious artificer who holds the key to the empire’s darkest secret. United by their hatred of tyranny but divided by their ideals, the group must learn to trust each other as they unravel the mysteries of the empire’s power. From infiltrating heavily-guarded fortresses to uncovering allies in the most unlikely places, the rebellion wages a desperate war to reignite hope in a world consumed by despair. But with the empire’s grip tightening and betrayals lurking around every corner, can the rebellion rise like a phoenix from the ashes—or will they fall like countless others before them?

In the heart of the Old Era, rising religions and cults clash in an unrelenting struggle for power, while the ancient force of magic wanes. The Ascended Ones—enigmatic and power-hungry—extend their influence deep into the lands of Yylagdris, seeking followers and territories for purposes shrouded in mystery. A new era has dawned with the rise of Beast Taming, a practice once limited to mages who bonded with Familiars. Now, it has become a prestigious profession, promising wealth and wonder to those who master its mysteries. The younger generation is divided: many dream of becoming Paladins, enforcers of the Ascended Ones' will. Others yearn to be Beast Tamers, uncovering the profound secrets of this evolving art. Yet, a third faction clings to the olden ways, refusing to abandon ancient traditions. Amid this turmoil, one pacifist dares to dream of changing the world—not through violence, but by ending the cycle of war and ambition. Yet, in a world consumed by conflict and conquest, where can such a dreamer find their place? ************************************* Rising Star II entry

In the ancient city of Caldera, a place where magic and technology coexist, Kael Straven is a hunter of rare artifacts. Once an elite Guardian tasked with protecting the city's magical relics, Kael now works as a freelancer after being dishonorably discharged for a crime he didn’t commit. When Kael is hired to find the Aether Key—an artifact said to unlock the lost city of Veridion, a source of untold power—he sees it as a chance to clear his name. But the job isn’t simple. A shadowy cult, the Veylos Covenant, also seeks the Key, willing to destroy anyone in their way. As Kael uncovers the artifact’s secrets, he discovers that it’s tied to his own past—and that its true purpose could either save or doom the world.

Intrigued by the possibility of quick earnings, Jay Garrick, a 23-year-old graduate student, impulsively accepts a dubious job offer. However, this decision takes a harrowing turn when he is abducted and transported to an undisclosed facility. Unveiling the nature of the task, he realizes he's bound to infiltrate a stranger's consciousness and extract concealed information—an irreversible commitment. Within the enigmatic realm of another person's mind, Jay encounters a mysterious entity named X, the gatekeeper of sought-after knowledge. Despite repeated attempts to extract the information, he fails, plunging into a desperate quest for escape from this mental labyrinth. To break free, he's forced to engage in a series of challenges and games orchestrated by X, revealing a fantastical world teeming with dragons, magic, cities, and spaceships—transcending genres. As the stakes escalate, Jay grapples with unraveling the enigma that binds him to this alternate reality. Hidden within the recesses of his mind lies a profound mystery, intricately linked to his past and present. Determined to escape the clutches of his own psyche, Jay must decipher the underlying reasons for this surreal ordeal, ultimately striving to expose the truth that holds the key to his liberation. The question remains: Will he triumph in extracting the vital information and conquer the illusions within, or will he be ensnared forever in this kaleidoscopic maze of the mind?