Velvet Crowe

Below the nine setting suns lies the remains of the Golden Crows. By chance, a young man arrives in the world of Journey to the West, attaining enlightenment using the bodies of nine Golden Crows, leading to a different journey. Summary for this book: "Living in the Journey to the West, I started off by roasting nine Golden Crows." Yet another summary is, "My days of collecting bodies in the Journey to the West. When it comes to body collection, no one's better than me. Three hundred years of professional body collection experience, skilled at cooking braised meat, and never adds sugar in it."

Gary Smith arrived in a peculiar world of beastmasters, where an ancient taboo was reborn from the depth of time, and an evil god was lurking. In this world, birds and beasts, rivers and mountains, even elements could spawn spiritual power and turn into pet beasts. Among them, the powerful ones became ecological niches by themselves, radiating secret realm ecosystems such as the Yellow Spring, Skeleton Kingdom, Succubus Nest, and Kingdom of the Sky Tree, nurturing countless followers. The beastmasters make contracts with the pet beasts, nurture them, and control the spiritual power. After witnessing the "Taboo Sun" event, Gary Smith obtained the ability to extract materials from everything in the world and compile "Secret Food". Through the Evolutionary Secret Food, the combination of "The Shattered Dusk World" + "Ancient Dragon’s Dead Egg" results in the Feast of the End. When the pet beast consumes it, it evolves into the Dusk Dragon God. The Dusk Domain erodes the world, turning into the God at the end of time. The Skill Secret Food allows the pet beasts to plunder skills from everything, becoming omniscient and omnipotent. The Sacrificial Secret Food snatches the taboo time, sacrifices the ancient beings, and blasphemes against the gods. His style of beast control also started to become peculiar. There is the Spider Shadow that devours ancient dragons and weaves dreams of all lives with its threads, the Red Master that pollutes the multiverse, and the Devourer of the Realms, who consumes worlds... In response to this, he explained, "My pet beasts are just a bit peculiar. They really are not evil gods!"

Patient: What is a mental illness? Doctor: Are you in love? Patient: Yes Doctor: Then you have a mental illness. Patient: Which textbook says that? I don't believe it! Doctor: "No book, but you can refer to 涼宮ハルヒ."

In the depths of Tobaballe, Nin Urtuan is working as hard as he can to rise up. But with so much competition, it seems like only luck will get you a better life. One day, in a seemingly unfortunate turn of events where he runs into the voluptuous and mysterious Spire-Lord, Iishar Ho. Taking Nin with her, she shows him a secret within the Crown, a means to get ahead. The path of least resistance is so enamouring.  Setting out for the shores of the Molten Sea, at the base of the holy Anvil-Peak Mountain, Nin loses himself in the wonder of it. Behind his back, another deal unfolds, luck not for him, but for those high above in the Crown. A slaver of an unknown, spine-quilled race shoots him unconscious. The slaver loads him up, ready to ship Nin and so many others off to Jherikra.  A land of towering mountains, emerald winds, arcane beauty and monstrous horror! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No rewrites going on right now. (Multi-PoV, 1st Person) For reference: (If a chapter is marked with a ---- before Base, Incline or Peak, it means it is being edited throughout the day.)

Feng Fan, a high school senior with dreams of becoming a successful Xianxia web novelist, never imagined his life would turn into the very story he aspired to write. Summoned to another world alongside his entire class, he finds himself thrust into the White Crow Sect, a place for cultivating immortality. However, his talent for Qi Cultivation is deemed the lowest possible. Just as despair threatens to consume him, Feng Fan discovers his unique cheat ability: Mind-Reading. Armed with this secret ability, he maneuvers through schemes, outwits his enemies, charms beauties, and ascends the heavens! “Feng Fan, do you dare to steal my legacy?” Third rate-villain 1 “Feng Fan, you bastard, you stole my wife! I’ll erase your clan from existence!” Third rate-villain 2 “Please, improve your plans, I can see your schemes from miles away!” Feng Fan.

Makkot had been known throughout his life to carry beasts inside of him and when the enchanter kills his master ( the crow lord) and steals the crow's pendant, he seems to lost that power. And now he chases the enchanter for six months. The enchanter seeming hard to get, makkot enters the bat mockers games in hope to win the bat mockers dragon - another beast he hopes to tame and use it to go after the enchanter. Entering the game together with a new friend devon, he is put in TeamF5 together with devon and voilee. He soon learns the game is corrupt and that you can never win the dragon. A plan B takes face, he decides to steal the dragon. He is also shocked to discover that the enchanter is in the game. And that plunges him into a battle and race of worlds and places him with different beasts. coupled with the difficult tasks of the the bat mockers as he is now their slave. He battles to survive, while controlling the crow's beasts in him.

Dive back in time, to the depths of the desert, and watch the old stories unfold before your eyes. A story of treasure hunting, betrayal, and destiny. When a gruesome future is all you see, how can you change it? When you're foretold to fail, how should you move on? Zarqa, the girl who saw beyond time, sought to find answers. -------------------------- Legend says that Zarqa had sharp eyes that could look far away in the distance. But what if that wasn’t the end of it, what if her eyes were seeing far beyond not only space, but time? What if Zarqa was blessed with a prophecy, one that could save her dying village from destruction? Just as they thought they had no way to survive, Zarqa learns of a way to protect her village from demolition. Naturally, no one believed her, for no one but the Almighty could see beyond the present. They forgot the Almighty offers knowledge to those whom he deems of worth. And Zarqa was one of them. Having to trudge an arduous path and go through a great adventure, Zarqa seeks to find the solution to all of their problems, a treasure said to have the power to change all. Pitted against magical traps and the mysteries of the deserts, she finds unexpected company in Ali Baba, the poor kid with the sticky fingers, and his crow Morjana... -------------------------- This is my first original long story here and is also a WSA 2024 Entry. I ask that you give it a try and hope you enjoy it :D Also, note that English is not my first language... And it's not my second either. -----------------------Media------------------------- This book has many openings, check them out: [General opening of the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVxnu5R3vws] [Baghdad Arc's opening: https://youtu.be/GwJIJ2Kn0FI] [Two Heavens Arc's opening: https://youtu.be/NO1C0ngBVjg] [Ending: https://youtu.be/1wQ_aJVFhx0] -----------------------Updates-------------------------- Updated weekly, 2 chapters on weekends. Please don't let the first paragraphs fool you. This isn't a story from the first person's POV.

Alex Crowe, the boy who lost everything and cursed with the powers of undeath now seeks vengeance, and he has taken it. Will he find the light strong enough to repair his soul? or will he lose himself to the darkness of his hatred. His path will be paved with those who sought to control or remove his existence. With his back against the wall, the fearsome killer must fight with all his strength, skill and power if he is to forge his own fate.

In a world steeped in darkness and ancient magic, Cyrus Nightshade is a child of prophecy, born with powers that even the most seasoned wizards fear. Trained by the secretive and deadly Crow’s End guild, he is a weapon forged in shadow, destined for a path of ruthless power. But when he is sent on a mission to the prestigious Ebonspire Academy, Cyrus finds himself torn between the life he was forced into and a destiny he never chose. In a place where secrets are currency and power comes at a cost, Cyrus must navigate dangerous alliances, hidden truths, and the haunting memory of a lost connection. Will he succumb to the darkness within, or will he forge a new path in a world that demands loyalty to the shadows?

My first novel yaey (⁠ﾉ⁠◕⁠ヮ⁠◕⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠*⁠.⁠✧ Guwuys I don't settle for 1.5k words per chapter but do tell me if I need to shorten them huhuwu Give this book a chance ples (⁠´⁠°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥⁠ω⁠°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥⁠｀⁠) ——— Furan Shi only wanted to be a cutie little princess. That's it. So when he died, nobody missed him. After his family and relatives, the next person to attend his funeral was his homeroom teacher and friends™, his murderer, and then a mysterious red-eyed crow. Said mysterious crow sucked his soul right out and offered him a better life than this. No, he still won't be a cutie princess, but he can be the next best thing after that. He was invited to transmigrate into different realities without any restrictions. It wasn't a Villain system, a Cannon fodder system... it doesn't belong to any category. Just experiencing the worlds should be enough to satisfy it. Furan Shi agreed with one condition. Filter: ‘Animal Characteristics’ System: Are you… sure about this? Furan Shi, pouting: Is that not possible..? System: … you're welcome to do as you like =͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪‧̣̥̇) [Yes, this is a quick transmigration novel.] [Yes, all cutesy cutie pie bc I am sad.] [Yes, the host is always a demihuman, more often than not part animal haha.] [No, the host isn't always an animal demihuman.] [And no, this isn't necessarily about furries. Eh, but I'm open to negotiations.. ╮(. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)╭] I do apologize in advance. I can only offer a small, squishy Furan Shi with ears and tail(/s). Also, I'm trying my best to make this as light-themed as possible for people like me who just wanted to relax, aka not much brain games... ehe..

*For entertainment only* Just another introverted teenage girl who faces unwanted yet surprising and sometimes enjoying adventures so hang in and know her. Since I want to tell someone about my life .

In a world where destiny intertwines with choice, meet Velvet Goon Kaiser—an ordinary adventurer who bravely left behind a life of privilege. Armed only with a goddess-bestowed passive ability of luck, he embarks on a solitary journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. As fate unfolds, Velvet finds himself not just battling foes and exploring uncharted territories, but also gradually attracting a captivating array of lovers who become his companions on this adventure. Join him as he navigates challenges and deepening relationships, where fortune smiles upon the bold and love blossoms in the most unexpected ways!

Within a desolate realm, where discarded worlds were stitched together, a rupture tore open, releasing a small child into the fragmented expanse. Above him, the sky revealed three eerie moons, while an ominous black mass loomed ominously in their wake. Disoriented and engulfed by a putrid stench, the child awakened amidst a swamp, its twisted trees groaning under an oppressive haze. In the distance, the echoing caws of crows intensified the sense of foreboding. A haunting figure emerged, laboring behind a cart laden with lifeless bodies. Fear and confusion gripped the child's heart as he began to grapple with the enigma of his own existence. Who was he, and what dire fate led him to this grim landscape? The grinning figure drew closer, exacerbating the boy's terror. Unbeknownst to him, his journey would unveil a profound transformation—an ascent to become the embodiment of fear itself, or perhaps... a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.

3 Crows find out what life is like 00351, 00359, and 00009 have spent their lives fighting for survival in the Facility, a cold, calculated prison where people like them—those with extraordinary powers—are forced to battle one another for the amusement and experiments of their captors. Teleportation, telekinesis, ice manipulation—each ability a weapon, each fight a reminder of the bonds they’ve had to break just to stay alive. But when an unexpected opportunity arises, the three seize their chance to escape. Beyond the Facility’s walls lies a freedom they’ve only dared to dream of, but their powers—and the scars left by their captivity—make blending into the outside world almost impossible. Worse, the Facility isn’t about to let their prized subjects go without a fight. As they navigate a world that sees them as both weapons and threats, the trio struggles to stay one step ahead of their pursuers while protecting others like them who remain trapped inside. Old wounds, fractured trust, and the weight of their shared past threaten to pull them apart just when they need each other most. Picture is not mine found it on Pinterest

I remember it like it was yesterday blinding lights hyped crowed and the the best gamer on stage performing live right infront of me. if you tell me right then that she'd be living with me I'd probably be overjoyed or dont believe you at all... but you know what they say. never meet your heroes https://discord.gg/UmYxRprzpJ join our discord where we share our interest in novels and other authors

As the young earl of Lordreign, Kimberly Cox must deal with the duties of his noble blood. The young man goes through many cases that lead to him questioning the true history of his family and himself whilst facing his own supposedly 'deceased' father with an ability that disrupts time whenever he pleases. Kim goes through peculiar and unfortunate events with Nia Hunter, a childhood friend, and Aron Patel, a knight's apprentice, to find his father and bring his company down from destroying the country of Abria.

In a simple village, where the love of his parents was his greatest treasure, Cauã always dreamed of great adventures. But his destiny, shaped by an unknown past, will drag him into an enigma he never imagined. As the blood of ancient secrets and shadows of death follow him, Cauã will be forced to confront a hidden truth about his lineage – and discover that the price of his destiny may be higher than he ever imagined.

In the advanced human kingdom of Becktham, technology and magic coexist, with powerful generals and elite soldiers guarding its secrets. However, beneath the surface, a hidden world of vampires exists, with humans mistakenly identifying them as "demons." Quinn, an independent vampire, is on a quest to reclaim her lost tenth relic—a silencer that shoots explosive magic bullets—hidden in an underground dungeon filled with deadly mechs and advanced robots. This relic is crucial for Quinn to gain the power needed to face and defeat the superior demons threatening her existence. Complicating her journey is the Crow Association, a terrorist group with its own dark agenda. Led by the enigmatic Sovereigns and Vanguards, the Crow Association has forged a secret pact with a high-ranking vampire, aiming to eliminate rival vampires by any means necessary, including the use of silver bullets and artificial creations.

Warning!!! Mature Audience Only! This a plot focused story, with some smut if it's needed for the char arc. Mc have ability to control people body, but have no power over their mind and heart. This is not like other control novel, were mc will just make everyone fall for him with his power. What you can expect from the book : Plot Mystery Crime Organization Building Character progression Three dimensional character _____________________________________________________________ Malacai is a result of an experiment. His parents created him from an embryo in the lab, their goal being to create a superhuman. At first, Malacai showed promise. He was the one with the attractive appearance and potential, but as he grew to five years old, his parents realized his growth was stagnant. After waiting one more year without results, they kicked him out just like the other failures. They put him in an orphanage. Malacai hated his parents because of this; he swore REVENGE!!! Time passed, and he turned seventeen. His life was almost hell now. He was bullied every day. The reason? It was because he was very handsome, but his body was so frail. If others could sprint ten laps, then one lap was enough to make him feel tired; 2 laps and he would collapse. Then, one day, he gets beaten up very badly. As he lay down, feeling his life was leaving him, a black crow landed in front of him. "Do you want to live??? If you want, I could make a deal with you." "Accept this contract, and while you live in this mortal world, you will live unlike any other human. A different time, a different existence, the power of GOD will isolate you." "Make your choice. Once you choose, there is no turning back!" And without hesitation, Malacai agreed. With that, he gained the power of PROVIDENCE! His power allowed him to control other people!!! _______________________________________________________________________

[Not dropped. My contract got rejected cuz this genre not too popular today, so I'll start with other novel and build my fanbase first.] What is Cultivation? Is it a way for gain immortality? For gain power? Or for dominate the entire world? Maybe all of that was wrong. Maybe all of that was right. But, what if you couldn't cultivate? What if you can't find Spiritual Energy? What you would do? Zen, a Fifth Realm Cultivator who died once because of his Dao companion betrayal, face that situation. He reincarnated as Zombie in a fantasy-apocalypse world, which, for some reason, don't have Spiritual Energy. Zen decided to temper his own new cultivation way. How does Zen's fight for seeking way of cultivation in this new world as a Zombie? This is a story of Zen, a Cultivator once feared as The Crow, until him obtain the Throne of Magus Immortal. *** -Cover is mine. -I draw and edit it.

"The Highest: Cogito, Ergo Sum; The Demon of Laplace's Parade" "The Prime: Dubito, Ergo Sum; The Shattered Eye became greyed" "The Limitess: Somnio, Ergo Sum; The Dream of Hermes is played" These words were the First Poem of a Book of Unknown Origin that allowed a demon who should have died to be reborn in a new world that hid secrets. A world of darkness and disease; of blood rituals and Cults; of Hermitic orders and Secret Societies; of mysterious paintings and demonic grimoires; of the mystical powers hidden away from the ignorant and mundane. Henry falls into a dark and alternate version of renaissance era Europe with an book that promises both pain beyond measure and a cure to death. This is the legend of a mysterious person with many names in history: The Manifold Crow, The Evil Devil that bears no Hatred, The King of Real Time, The Lord of Inactive Eternity, The Serpent of Arabia. This is the story Henry or as he will later come to be known as, Vergil, A vile and evil villain that possess a demonic minset. Watch as uses rituals and sacrifice recorded in the Immanent Grimoire of Mystic Roads to grow and evolve into a grotesque monster that follows the footsteps of Nihlel, The Evil Creator that makes from nothing. In time, Henry will come to realise that God might not be good… -------------------------------------------------------- Simplified Synopsis:- Henry, a slightly special boy that was paralyzed from the neck down except his two fingers searches for a cure for his condition but that gets him to transmigrate into an alternate version of post renaissance era Europe where the Black Death was not cured. This world looks mundane on the surface but the hides secret societies and Cults filled with beings known as 'Hermitic Philosophers' that gain power through following the mystic roads and the divine tunnels. This is a world were dark powers control the world. -------------------------------------------------------- The complete rights of this novel lie with me including the characters, locations, the world etc.

Wei Ping traveled to a world of high martial arts and gained the ability to nurture avatars. This enabled him to cultivate and fight with different avatars. "What? My compatibility with the 'Golden Mantis Body Refining Technique' is so low? No wonder I haven't been able to master the first layer after so long!" However, Wei Ping was not worried, as he immediately condensed a praying mantis avatar with an unusually high compatibility with the 'Golden Mantis Body Refining Technique' to practice on his behalf. His progress was remarkable, comparable to that of a genius. What others took ten years to achieve in their martial arts, his avatar accomplished in just one year. "So... the more avatars I have, the stronger I become?" Wei Ping realized this, and so he embarked on the path of nurturing avatars while becoming stronger himself. The East Sea's dragon, the sun's golden crow, the ever-changing Yin demons, the Peng bird with a speed that broke limits... these were all Wei Ping's targets. "My goodness! How can you be both divine and demonic, magical and evil at the same time? This is impossible! How did you do it?" Hearing this, Wei Ping grinned and said, "Is it really that hard to be divine, demonic, magical, and evil at the same time? I simply nurtured four avatars and practiced the four great secret manuals at the same time!" Many years later, Wei Ping looked back and suddenly realized that the gods' emperor, the demons' sovereign, the witches' king, the demons' saint, and the ghosts' ancestor of the divine and supernatural races were all his avatars! ( I dont own the cover nor the story if the author wishe for me to take it down I will do in, you can find the raw version at: https://book.qidian.com/info/1036296429/)

Her name is Jean Soberano, 24 years old, a certified Raketera Queen to support her younger sister Lena. She works as a Dietitian in a private hospital, but she doesn't earn that much and so Jean always joining any singing contest in town and accept part-time jobs like a wedding singer. But then, her sister was diagnosed with Leukemia and her heart is also failing, so then, Jean was forced to find work abroad. A cousin of hers helping Jean to enter the country and provide a job as a hotel singer somewhere on an exclusive island... Realizing, the place has illegal activities, Jean decided to leave... Could she escape from that place? ••••• Attorney Kier Lawrence, 29 years old, a genius, meticulous, and proud Lawyer who works in a huge company as one of the Giant Five Directors of Crow Corporation. He is a clean freak guy that is why, he doesn't like going anywhere: but his house, work, family house, work, back to his house. His boring life turn upside down when he meets Jean who is an illegal tourist in the country. Meeting her in an unfortunate incident, could he hand over her to the Immigration Police? Or help her get through with this one being his lover? * * * Behind his ferocious expression toward her, is actually a golden heart that always thinks of her situation and necessity. When she needs a hero, he was there to become a shield... and when she needed help, he was already doing something behind her back. Who would not fall in love with this kind of guy? She will... * * * Quote posted on my: instagram.com/eliseelleneth "That moment, when a stranger man mended her broken heart..." Follow Kier and Jean's love story blooms! My Stubborn Mistress presents: I Have A Lover: My Lovable Lawyer! * * * Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/eliseelleneth

Allan Crowe é o exemplo perfeito de garoto exemplar: popular, inteligente e gentil. Mas, por trás dessa fachada impecável, esconde-se um manipulador frio e calculista, movido por segredos sombrios e uma sede insaciável por poder. Enquanto a cidade o vê como um herói mascarado, seu verdadeiro objetivo se mantém nas sombras. Ninguém está preparado para a verdade que ele oculta. ... Esta é a minha primeira obra, e claro, vou aprendendo conforme escrevo, como qualquer pessoa. Espero melhorar e atingir um nível de escrita que seja agradável aos leitores enquanto me aprimoro.

Thomas is a loyal commander belonging to a kingdom that was once called the weakest. With the ‘Rise’ of Thomas, who was declared as the ‘strongest Human of his era' made the kingdom the Greatest. However… Everything has to come to an end. Thomas at an old age decided to retire and live with his family of Four. The son of the previous king was now the king of that kingdom, he was nothing but a greedy crow that was desperate for Thomas's strength even when his kingdom now had greater goods and soldiers trained by ‘The Strongest Human'. King tried to persuade Thomas with Kingdom's Wealth, but he only faced endless rejection from Thomas due to now wanting the treasure of the citizens of the kingdom. The tired and Frustrated king did what a foolish king would do on the advice “To never let the precious treasure fall into the hands of Enemy “ “Destroy it, if you can't have it no one can” King poison Thomas the strongest human… In the end the so-called Died this easily, the truth that he had in the new king, he thought the new king was like his former king but no… Thomas died but that wasn't the end for him, the moment his life ended a new one started… A blessing or curse that is what you have to find… [Author here, Hope you find this story interesting and maybe it will be a little frustrating too but it wouldn't disappoint you one day] If you contact me: Discord - imam786_author Instagram - _imam786._ (Kindly, Show your support dear visitors and Readers. It would be amazing)

# MONSTERPET Mu Xuan transmigrated to a dangerous world of beast tamers. Fortunately, after he successfully formed a contract with a beast, he awakened two major cheats consecutively: bloodline extraction and merging as well as an information panel. Hence, Mu Xuan extracted bloodlines and designed the strongest beast evolution lines until he became the strongest beast tamer. The world was beneath his feet and the sky was not that far out of reach! Icy Crystal Spirit evolved into Icy Crystal Frost Polar Dragon, and then Cinder Frost Dragon and finally Ember Star Dragon. Space Tanuki evolved into Void Dragon Tanuki, and then Dimension Leaping Dragon Tanuki and finally Heaven Divine Dragon Tanuki. Heavenly Fate Illusion Butterfly… Nine Lives Reincarnation Butterfly. Destruction Demon Bear… Divine Elf Envoy... Golden Sun Crow… Old Man Time…

My name is Jiang Li, and upon traversing to this realm, I found no golden opportunities waiting for me. Through sheer effort, I cultivated my way up to the Great Completion Stage. Now, suddenly, a system appears, claiming it can help me turn the tables and transform me from a minor Qi Cultivation phase practitioner into the foremost figure in the cultivation world. Dear system, you're a bit late to the party. I, Jiang Li, already stand as the Emperor of our era, revered across the nine provinces. I am already the number one in the Cultivation World.

In the era of the Universal Beastmaster, demonic beasts rampage, but thankfully everyone in the human race can awaken their talents and enter contracts with beasts to resist them when they come of age. Some individuals awaken F-ranked talents, doomed to a common life without any hope of beast evolution. Some awaken to C-ranked talents, their beasts are able to exert power beyond their own, becoming immensely strong. Others awaken to S-ranked talents, and with their beasts, become top-tier forces contributing to humanity's power. Struggling on his way across, Ye Feng began by awakening ten top-tier SSS-ranked talents, choosing his beast at will. [Eye of the Soul: Examine strengths and weaknesses of beasts while identifying their ultimate evolution path]. [Cultivation Reciprocation: Infusing cultivation base to the beast, the host gets an equal share, triggering a chance for a critical hit]. [Horrific Swallow: Beasts can permanently obtain the skills of the creatures they devour; weaker beings can be killed directly by devouring]. [Talent Plunder: Each time a life is taken, a random talent of the deceased is acquired]. ... Despite odds stacked against him, Ye Feng chose to forsake choosing a high-star beast, instead contracting with the Earth Ape King and cultivating it into a Great Saint Qi Tian. The mythical Great Saint Qi Tian, the world-embracing World Tree, the world-consuming Great Golden Sun Crow, and the Kun Peng which controls the way of space and force; This is an era exclusive to Ye Feng, where gods retreat, and all realms bow down.

Corvin is a boy who grew up with dreams of changing the world. By luck, he finds a chance to have lasting impact on the world after saving his family. As him and his new friends take positions at the forefront of a wave of industrialization, he peeks at an unnerving truth. Maybe, everything he lived wasn't simple luck but the will of something powerful? Will he be able to change the world in the way he wants during the industrial revolution of his country, or will he fail as he uncovers the truth about reality and his real identity? A.N: This is my first work, and just a simple hobby of mine but I do take it seriously. Some stuff may be more complicated than usual but please bear with it. I appreciate constructive criticism.