Chip Zdarsky Batman

In a world ruled by the awakened—those who have resonated with the elements and gained supernatural powers—Blaze is a mundane, scorned by his peers and oppressed by the strong. Desperate to rise above his cursed existence, he stumbles upon a forbidden ability: the Heaven-Devouring Art, a technique that allows him to steal vitality, abilities, and even fragments of souls. But power comes with a cost. Every use of the ability chips away at his sanity, transforming him into something monstrous. Blaze must walk a perilous path, hiding his growing strength while navigating a world that sees him as prey. Driven by a thirst for vengeance and a desire to prove his worth, Blaze sets his sights on the one person who has overshadowed him all his life—his sister, a prodigy blessed by the heavens. As Blaze struggles to maintain his humanity, he is drawn into a web of conspiracies, ancient secrets, and rivalries between powerful figures who would see his ability either destroyed or exploited. With enemies on all sides and the line between man and monster blurring, Blaze must decide: will he wield this power to survive, or will he succumb to it and become the very thing he fears? Themes A dark exploration of ambition, survival, and the cost of power, Heaven-Devourer is a tale of one man’s fight against a world that deems him unworthy, and his struggle to hold on to the fragments of his humanity as he ascends.

[#Loyalty] [# Captivity] [#Dark Romance] [#Betrayal] [ # Friendship] [# Rivalry] In the arms of the Don: a simple girls'love She felt his mild heart beat against her chest, and his warm breath caressing the side of her face. " I won't persuade you to speak further, or beat you for it. I'll let you speak at your own pace, and at the time you're comfortable to share it with me Amethyst, I won't hurt you----". His soothing, reassuring words echoed in her mind over and over again. The gentle wind, blew across the roof top, across them, making his reassuring words sink into her mind. She realized this wasn't a dream, or imagination, it was real.... " Is Amethyst up yet?"........ " Boss, no time for that...."..... " Don't tell me what to do!............. I get to ask for who I wanna ask....." He growled and got up fuming..... With a reputation for brutality and a charm that was impossible to resist, Don Diablo was the most feared and respected Mafia boss in the city. His chiseled features and piercing eyes, seemed chipped from granite, radiating an aura of unyielding power yet rumors of his hidden vulnerabilities and deep sense of loyalty had begun to circulate, leaving many to wonder what truly lay beneath his imposing exterior. When a Mafia leader falls for his captivating mistress, their whirlwind romance sparks a deadly game of loyalty, power and desire. Dive into the shadows with Don Diablo were loyalty and desire collide.

Ash opened his eyes to find that he had traveled to a strange nation of many races, and people were kneeling before him. Before he had time to adapt to the new identity of the Terminus Observer, he was put to jail – as a cult leader. In prison, controlled by a high-tech chip, he was unable to use violence. He also lost all his memories due to the time warp. How could he escape from the prison full of ogres, green-skinned beasts, sorcerers, and elves in this strange nation? And how could he survive the legendary Blood Moon Judgment? "Ding! You obtained a game system – Mage Manual! It includes an illusory world map, which can predict risks and gains, helping you find advantages and trouble, and greatly improve exploration efficiency!" "Ding! You obtained Deadly Berserker Sword Maiden! You can share all skills and upgrade together with her!" "Ding! You encountered an Illusory Vortex! Go straight through the heartland of the Illusory Realm and harvest a lot of experience to create the Silver Wing!" ... Is this the legendary system? It not only gives me free skills, but also a skillful fighter? Ash discovered that even though he was in the Otherworld, he could dominate his own destiny with the system, and even...dominate the entire Otherworld!

In the world of Altheris, a beautiful world yet war-torn land where savage beasts dominate every corner, the Empire reigns supreme, oppressing the people with an iron fist. Amid the devastation, a boy named Caelum could only cry as he watched his mother murdered by Imperial soldiers. His helplessness in that moment shattered him, leaving a wound that would never heal—and planting the seed of vengeance that would consume his life. Years later, Caelum returns as a man forged by pain and relentless training. With a body as strong as steel and a mind as sharp as a blade, he chooses to join the rebel forces—not for justice, but for one purpose: to destroy the Empire that took everything from him. But his path of vengeance is anything but easy. Altheris is not just a battlefield for humans but a land teeming with monstrous creatures and diverse races scattered across its regions. Meanwhile, the Empire employs its military might and cunning politics to maintain its grip on power. Amid the chaos, Caelum must face not only his enemies but also himself, as each battle chips away at the remnants of his humanity, slowly turning him into the very monster he despises. As blood flows and corpses pile up on the battlefield, Caelum realizes that vengeance comes at an immeasurable cost. Will he be willing to pay that price to destroy the Empire? Or will he drown in hatred, becoming a tyrant even worse than his foes?

Jonah Serene is a normal Highschooler until his Dad gets into trouble. he knows that his dad is a scientist but, he didn't know that his dad has invented a dangerous item called 'STR CHIP' which allows a person who put this chip into his brain to be able to see a.... 'SYSTEM'?! using this, he wants to take revenge for his father who got killed by an unknown organisation.

(End of the World + Rebirth + Space + Stockpiling Supplies) Suddenly, natural disasters hit and the world changed drastically. First, it was extreme heat, then extreme cold, followed by earthquakes, thick fog, eternal night, and acid rain. Liu Ruyan, who had struggled to survive alone in the apocalypse for ten years, finally died in the pouring acid rain. When she opened her eyes again, Liu Ruyan found that she had been reborn, and there were still three months before the apocalypse. After discovering a huge portable space in her family heirloom, Liu Ruyan set herself the first small goal after rebirth - spending 2.1 billion yuan to fill the space with supplies! From then on, Liu Ruyan started the stockpiling mode. Rice, flour, cooking oil and salt? Buy! Chickens, ducks, fish and meat? Buy! Clothes, hats, shoes and socks? Buy! Dried meat, chicken feet, mini hot pots, potato chips, spicy strips, and luosifen, none can be missed! (A survival story in the apocalypse, the male lead will be absolutely unexpected!)

SABER-1 is more than a soldier—he is an enduring symbol of humanity’s resilience and adaptability in the face of extinction. A lone figure forged in the crucible of relentless warfare, his existence straddles the line between man and machine, embodying both the potential and the peril of humanity's technological evolution. His hulking frame, adorned armor marred by countless battles, evokes awe and fear in equal measure. Each stride speaks of purpose, each strike of unyielding power. Yet, beneath the reinforced plating and glowing visor lies the ghost of a man, burdened by the weight of his mission and the impossible expectations placed upon him. His silence is deafening, his actions louder than words. Every battlefield he walks becomes a testament to his efficiency, every engagement a symphony of destruction orchestrated by a mind trained to endure and overcome. SABER-1’s story is one of paradox. He is humanity’s greatest savior and its most chilling reminder of what desperation can create. His towering presence inspires hope in the hearts of those he protects, even as the brutality of his methods casts shadows over their admiration. The emblem on his chest—a sword piercing a shield, flanked by wings—serves as a beacon of his purpose: to defend, to adapt, and to ensure survival at any cost. But with each victory, a haunting question lingers: where does the man end, and the machine begin? As the lines blur, SABER-1 becomes an enigma—a figure of unparalleled strength and relentless determination, whose actions echo far beyond the battlefield, forcing humanity to reckon with what it means to survive and what it means to be human. SABER-1 is not just a soldier; he is a reflection of the choices made in the face of annihilation and the sacrifices required to carry the weight of hope.

In a world ruled by the awakened—those who have resonated with the elements and gained supernatural powers—Blaze is a mundane, scorned by his peers and oppressed by the strong. Desperate to rise above his cursed existence, he stumbles upon a forbidden ability: the Heaven-Devouring Art, a technique that allows him to steal vitality, abilities, and even fragments of souls. But power comes with a cost. Every use of the ability chips away at his sanity, transforming him into something monstrous. Blaze must walk a perilous path, hiding his growing strength while navigating a world that sees him as prey. Driven by a thirst for vengeance and a desire to prove his worth, Blaze sets his sights on the one person who has overshadowed him all his life—his sister, a prodigy blessed by the heavens. As Blaze struggles to maintain his humanity, he is drawn into a web of conspiracies, ancient secrets, and rivalries between powerful figures who would see his ability either destroyed or exploited. With enemies on all sides and the line between man and monster blurring, Blaze must decide: will he wield this power to survive, or will he succumb to it and become the very thing he fears? Themes A dark exploration of ambition, survival, and the cost of power, Heaven-Devourer is a tale of one man’s fight against a world that deems him unworthy, and his struggle to hold on to the fragments of his humanity as he ascends.

Ariana, a kindhearted medical student with a bright future, has sworn off love after a betrayal that shattered her trust. Her days are consumed by her carefully structured world begins to shift when an enigmatic stranger walks into her clinic. Nathaniel Hayes, known to the public as the charismatic singer "Asher," hides behind his fame and a carefully constructed dual identity. Beneath the glamour of stardom lies a guarded heart, scarred by the pressure of a double life. When their paths cross unexpectedly, Ariana's warmth and sincerity begin to chip away at Nathaniel's walls, while his hidden world of music and fame beckons her into a life she never imagined. As their lives interwine, secrets unravel, trust is tested, and love blossoms in the most unexpected moments. But can two hearts, each carryingtheir own wounds, find harmony together? Set against the backdrop of a bustling city, The Melody of Healing is a tender tale of love, trust, and finding solace in the most surprising places.

The apocalypse has finally arrived! The world is frozen, with 90% of humanity wiped out and zombies lurking everywhere. Amidst the chaos and the awakening of supernatural powers, where will humanity turn in the face of the relentless zombie horde? Rebirth + Apocalypse + Zombies + Superpowers + Revenge.The protagonist Miles dies right at the beginning. meets his end at the hands of his beloved Ella, who kills him over two packs of cookies. But fate has a twist in store—Miles unexpectedly gains a second chance at life.In this new life, he awakens with powerful abilities and begins to construct an extraordinary shelter. In a world where resources are scarce, Miles supplies are seemingly endless. How will he navigate this post-apocalyptic landscape? In a realm where a single bag of chips can trade for dozens of beautiful women, what future will Miles carve out for himself? What caused the end of the world: a shift in the Earth's magnetic field or an alien impact? Each civilization's fall is swift and insignificant, leaving us to wonder—how many generations of civilization has Earth witnessed?

Samantha never expected to find magic in her hometown, let alone in a dimly lit bar on a rainy Tuesday night. Yet here she was, perched on a barstool at the Black Swan, her world about to tilt on its axis. The air thrummed with an otherworldly energy she couldn't quite place. Ethereal dancers moved like smoke across the floor, their bodies fluid and mesmerizing. As Samantha nursed her drink, she felt the weight of curious stares prickling her skin. That's when she saw him. Marcus. A name she didn't know yet, but one that would soon be etched into her very soul. Their eyes locked across the crowded room, and Samantha's breath caught in her throat. He moved with predatory grace, all lean muscle and barely restrained power. Their first interaction was as intoxicating as it was bewildering. One moment, he was her gallant protector, rescuing her from an overly aggressive drunk. The next, his eyes hardened to chips of ice as he snarled, "Stupid girl," before melting into the shadows. Samantha's mind reeled, but her body hummed with an excitement she couldn't explain. Little did she know, this encounter was merely the first step into a world beyond her wildest fantasies – a realm where vampires ruled the night and pain blurred exquisitely with pleasure. As she delved deeper into this hidden society, Samantha found herself drawn to the intoxicating blend of power, submission, and supernatural allure. The crack of a whip, the whisper of leather, the exquisite sting of fangs – each sensation pushed her boundaries and ignited desires she never knew existed. But with every ecstatic high came the sobering reality of danger. Vampire politics were as deadly as they were intricate, and Samantha soon realized she was a pawn in a game where the stakes were life, death, and eternal servitude. As she left the Black Swan that night, Samantha couldn't shake the feeling that she stood on the precipice of something life-changing. She had no idea how right she was, or how deeply she would fall into a passionate, dangerous dance with forces beyond her imagination. The real question was: in this world where pleasure and peril intertwined so intimately, would she emerge empowered... or lose herself completely?

Aurora: His Possession In this captivating romance, Aurora, a young woman from a humble background, is coerced into marrying a wealthy and powerful man who loves someone else. Her husband, driven by a sense of duty and resentment, initially treats Aurora with contempt. As they navigate their tumultuous relationship, Aurora's resilience and determination slowly chip away at her husband's defenses. Despite his initial reluctance, he finds himself drawn to her innocence, kindness, and beauty. However, their growing connection is threatened by the husband's previous lover, who refuses to let go of the past. As tensions rise, Aurora must confront the darkness of her husband's past and the true nature of their relationship. Will Aurora's love be enough to redeem her husband and overcome the obstacles in their path, or will the secrets and lies tear them apart?

Evander Moreau vs Julius Ashcroft Urban, School, Business, Family, Power, Happy Ending "I won't let him know what happened back then, because he is not fit to know." "You just need to use me wherever you can." "If the chips I have are not enough for you to use, I will try to get more." "Whether it is hell or heaven ahead, you must be with me." "I will pay you back with my blood, bones and soul."

What was worse than death itself? Well it was dying knowing that no one would miss you, knowing that your death was a favour to everyone you ever knew. This was exactly how I felt the day I died. I was the love child of the Eclipse Alpha King, in a time where the mate bond was considered sacred, a child born out of wedlock was nothing short of sacrilegious... 'It was his fault, he loved someone other than his mate...' 'It was his fault, he had carnal knowledge of a human woman.' 'It was all his fault, my only crime was being born out of his lust.' But why was that Alpha King father of mine perfectly safe, while I was hated, scorned and blamed for everything instead? Why did I have to be my father's bargaining chip, used to achieve his goals? Why could I not get a rejection like everyone else but was instead murdered by my own mate? Why was I killed before I even had a chance to live? I had a thousand questions and yet there was no one to answer and this was exactly how I died... So why then did my eyes flutter open to that day, a month before my death? Was it because of my little secret? A secret I will tell no one else but you... From the title of my tale, you must think I am an omega wolf... No, you got it wrong... I am not an Omega wolf, I am an Alpha wolf and my name is Omega. ~Second Book in the Werewolf Rebirth Series. *Not a prequel or sequel to 'The Alpha King's Nemesis', both books are not related save for the world setting and Werewolf Rebirth concept. *Cover art sourced from the internet, all credits to the original artist.*

Abigail is the daughter of a once proud but now dying pack, a pack that would do anything to restore their position amongst the greatest packs once again. But luckily for them, Abigail catches the attention of Darius, alpha of the most powerful and dangerous pack in America. She is at once given to him as a bargaining chip more so than a bride, as a means to cement her pack's relationship with that of Darius'. Now Abigail will have to survive this prison she calls a marriage to the monster wolf Darius, while also trying to suppress her feelings for her true mate Elias. But this is easier said than done, because amidst finding the secrets to her past, and plotting with her true mate to escape and bring down Darius, she will find herself bearing feelings towards him, and learn everything to be more complex than she initially thought. And it all starts with Abigail trying to make Darius fall for her. "I don't know how you got that idea into your pretty head, but Darius doesn't fall in love." "There's a first time for everything." "A first time huh?" Darius' voice echoes into my ears. "You have two months to make me fall for you. But if you fail, I'll kill your best friend Rosemary, her mate, and every member of your pack."

Travelling to a world torn apart by dimensional cracks , where beasts dominates the land , Aaron has to struggle hard to survive. In this dark and bloody world which hides creeping danger at every corner , being a beast master is the only way out for a commoner like Aaron . Watch how Aaron carves out his path to the peak with the help of an AI Chip that accompanied him from his old world.

Knights uphold justice, wizards pursue truth. With the help of the genetic chip from his previous life, Herage embarked on the path of pursuing the truth. Also this story is not mine but I feel that it's such a pity it's not here and not recognized I'll try my best to edit it as the story is and not change much just grammatical error from the translation. I guarantee smooth reading as am proficient in English, enjoy.

In the year 3147 the Roman Imperium had finally achieved its goal of colonizing its own corner of the galaxy. Unlike in our own world the Rome of this one never fell, but instead grew to encompass the whole of the earth, and overtime spread itself, and humanity, among the stars. Yet even with the marvelous advancements in technology, healthcare, welfare, and every other category required for a thriving society. There is still one roman tradition that refuses to die. GLADIATORS!! And we should all be glad for it, because during the year 3149, just two years after the long and exhausting colonization campaigns were ended, mankind learned that it was not alone in the galaxy, let alone the universe. It had just stepped onto a much bigger stage where entire planets and even star systems were used as bargaining chips in universal gladiator games. Wars on a galactic scale are far too destructive to simply be allowed, if left unchecked the vast majority of life in the universe would cease to be. Therefore each race recognized by the galactic or universal council (it changes depending on the scale of the race itself) must submit champions or gladiators to represent them in the games. The winners gain unfathomable rewards, the losers perish or worse have their entire species enslaved. Please join our hero as he embarks upon his own perilous journey as a lanista, will he rise above the masses, or fall like so many others before him? Or perhaps his own latent gifts may bring him to a height, or depth hitherto unexplored by any before.

Liam never asked for this—an endless cycle of death and rebirth, forced to inhabit the bodies of minor tyrants destined to fall. Each new world plunges him deeper into horror: haunted manors, zombie apocalypse, cursed kingdoms, and more. Survival is a fleeting hope as the so-called "hero" always looms near, ready to deliver justice. But the hero is no savior. Beneath their righteous facade lies an unsettling obsession with Liam, one that grows darker with each reincarnation. Memories resurface, their bond twisting into something unrelenting and consuming. The hero will stop at nothing to claim Liam—no matter the cost. And Liam is changing too. Once desperate to escape, he begins to blur the line between victim and villain. Liam isn’t the villain here. But when you’re stuck in this sick game, sometimes the line between good and evil blurs, and Liam’s starting to wonder which side he’s even on anymore. He becomes a killer—not by nature, but by necessity. Each act chips away at his humanity, pulling him further into the darkness he never wanted. As Liam uncovers the secrets behind these twisted worlds, his strength grows, but so does the hero's. The bond between them deepens, a strange pull that neither can fully understand, and as the hero inches closer to godhood, Liam finds himself more drawn to him than he ever expected. What once was a hatred born from fear now feels... complicated. The hero’s obsession becomes a constant, the one thing that never changes, and Liam finds himself strangely tethered to it, no matter how much he resists. Will Liam break free from the cycle, or will he surrender to the darkness—and to the hero who’s willing to destroy everything, even himself, to make Liam his own? "A tale of obsession, survival, and moral decay, this dark BL transmigration story will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of psychological horror, slow-burn tension, and morally complex characters."

"Her protector. But who will protect her from him? If there was anything Former General Smirnov cared about , it was his precious and sheltered daughter, Vasilisa. After a second attack that threatened to take her life, he realized that his daughter was being stalked by a dangerous serial killer. He then sought out an old ally from his days, a literal terminator Former Brigadier General Alexei Aslanov Voronin. "Protect my daughter’s life, and I will give you the one thing you most desire.". ------ Spoilt Obnoxious Bratty, I didn't care what anybody called me. Except him His taunts, words, jabs, and insults goaded me, turned me on yet chipped at my soul. Despite the impending and looming threat to my life, all I seemed to care about was proving him wrong, wiping that stupid smirk of his divine lips. He was drawing me in, dragging me to the fiery depths of hell and with my two wide and opened eyes, I followed. You know why? That's what Fools do for Love Book one in the #For Love series. The For Love series captures the essence of Love and what even the most unlikeliest of people would be willing to do for Love. Despite creating the cover image myself, I do not claim rights to the background picture and also to my character images. All gotten from pinterest. Thank you for Your time. Trust me, you're gonna love this story. ~Rahma.

Joseph, a man from the modern world and an assassin, took on a mission to kill a target. After successfully completing the job and attempting to escape, he was killed by another assassin for greed. However, fate—or perhaps someone meddling—reincarnated him into a novel he had read before the mission. Now reborn as an EXTRA in the story, he finds himself in the role of a maid. This is the journey of a once-man, now a woman, in a dangerous world with his/her A.I CHIP. *********************************** [A Gender Bender Story] ÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷

When Kael Drayth awakens in a broken world governed by a glitching System, survival becomes his only priority. He doesn’t remember how he got here, but one thing is clear: this isn’t just a game—it’s a death trap where the rules are fragmenting as fast as the reality around him. Assigned the hybrid class Edgeweaver, Kael discovers his abilities are as unstable as the System itself. Shadow-based powers grant him versatility but at a cost: every skill he uses chips away at his health, and every choice pushes him deeper into danger. The System is failing. Nodes, the anchors of this world, are shattering, spawning corrupted creatures, and unleashing chaos across the land. Kael’s only chance of survival is to restore the Nodes while navigating treacherous dungeons, unlocking powerful skills, and forming fragile alliances with sentient NPCs and players—each with their own hidden agendas. But the deeper Kael delves into this broken reality, the more questions arise. Why was he brought here? What is causing the System’s collapse? And who—or what—is the shadowy force pulling the strings behind the scenes? In a world where progress isn’t just survival but the key to reality itself, Kael must outwit deadly foes, master his unstable powers, and rise through the chaos of a fractured system. But every victory comes at a cost, and the line between savior and destroyer is razor-thin. Level up. Adapt. Ascend. Or be consumed by the collapse.

The Year is 1885 of the Imperial Calendar. When the Imperial Flagship P.R.S. REAPER comes under attack, Major Derringer "Trick-Shot" Asus calls his bay handler to open his hanger so he can deploy in defense of the ship but is denied deployment. Soon after the ships Commander gives him a new task. Escort the Chalmayan Princess back to their home world of Primia.

batman with all his items and manor gets transferred into onepiece. he has only few years to return to stop Joker from nuking his home. he will need to reach the treasure island as it has a way to take him home. but reaching it will take all the skills , tools, and teck of the greatest detective ever.

Title: Crimson Oath Synopsis: When 23-year-old game developer Adrian Cross dies in a freak accident, he wakes up as Vincent Astor, the notorious villain’s son from -Crimson Oath- , the fantasy RPG he helped create. Born into the infamous Astor family, Vincent is destined to follow his mother, the feared "Witch of Evernight," down a path of darkness that ultimately leads to his demise at the hands of the game's hero. But now that Adrian inhabits Vincent’s body, he has no intention of letting the story play out as written. Armed with insider knowledge of the game’s mechanics and plot, Vincent resolves to avoid becoming the villain and instead forge a brighter future. His first challenge? Surviving the prestigious yet cutthroat -Grand Arcanum Academy-, the central hub for training the next generation of nobles, heroes, and mages. The Academy is both an opportunity and a minefield for Vincent. Here, he must prove his worth among the children of dukes, kings, and other powerful figures while avoiding the hero and their companions. Yet, his attempts to stay under the radar backfire spectacularly when his unconventional actions begin to draw attention—both admiration and suspicion. Complicating matters further, Vincent’s mother, Lady Seraphina, has arranged for him to succeed her dark legacy. Her enigmatic letters and cryptic warnings cast a shadow over his attempts to forge a new path. Meanwhile, the Academy is rife with rivalries, dangerous alliances, and secrets, including an underground network tied to a brewing conflict that Vincent thought he had scripted merely as background lore. Despite his intentions to remain neutral, Vincent begins to make unexpected connections: a cold and aloof princess ranked at the top of their class, a sharp-tongued commoner with a chip on his shoulder, and even the hero themself, who seem different from what he remembers. As he navigates the high-stakes environment of the Academy, Vincent realizes that his actions are causing ripple effects far beyond his control. Now caught between his desire to rewrite his fate and the growing pressure to fulfill his destined role as the villain’s heir, Vincent must decide what kind of person he wants to become—and what sacrifices he’s willing to make to achieve it. -Themes: - Redemption in the shadow of a villainous legacy - Friendship and rivalry in a competitive academy setting - Political intrigue and alliances among noble families - The blurred line between hero and villain Will Vincent rise above his destiny, or will his choices lead him back to the darkness he so desperately wants to avoid? At the Grand Arcanum Academy, the stakes have never been higher—and neither has the risk of failure.

Anna is a girl capable of controlling time ever since she lost her parents. However, by using her powers recklessly, she ended up being adopted and exploited by a corrupt noble family, pushing her body’s health to its absolute limit. To Anna’s surprise, a boy with an unknown identity offered her something she can no longer remember. That’s because, to her astonishment, she was sent back in time to the moment she first arrived at the orphanage, granting her a second chance. Her friends—those she hadn’t seen again since being taken in by that family—were now standing in front of her once more. With that, Anna gained the resolve that if this wasn’t just a dream… she wouldn’t repeat her past mistakes. Despite her lingering fear of using her powers, Anna is determined to live this second life in a way that truly matters, forming bonds with friends who will stand by her side as she faces the chaos of a world shaped by magic and the political ambitions of a selfish few. ◇◆◇ Chapter 7 - A Risky Move Anna stood across from Darius, the most respected and calculating player in the room. They had tied four times in a row, something no one had ever seen before. “I’ll raise the stakes,” Darius said with a cold smile, pushing a massive pile of chips to the center of the table. The dealer turned to Anna: “You must match the bet, or you’ll lose automatically.” Anna hesitated, glancing at her dwindling pile of chips. She was out of money. The murmurs of the spectators grew louder. Finally, the dealer offered her a way out: “You can play on credit, but if you lose, you’ll have to pay it back—with interest… or face more serious consequences.” Anna swallowed hard. She knew continuing was a massive risk, especially since exhaustion was creeping up on her. But Leo’s words echoed in her mind, urging her to keep going. She looked at the dealer and, with unwavering determination, declared: “I accept. I’ll double the bet.” Silence fell over the room as the game resumed. Anna used her ability to rewind time and fix every mistake she made. But with each use of her power, the fatigue took a heavier toll. The minutes ticked by, and when she finally scored a perfect 21, leaving her opponent in the dust, her body couldn’t take any more. “Anna wins,” the dealer announced. But before Anna could celebrate, her vision blurred, and she collapsed in front of everyone, leaving the room in complete shock.

Synopsis: In a far-off futuristic realm at the peak of the love of football, where futuristic technology and ancient magic coexisted, a young football prodigy named Lio thrived. His talent on the field was unmatched, drawing awe and admiration from all who witnessed his skills. However, jealousy festered in the heart of his best friend, who sabotaged Lio during a crucial scouting match. The betrayal led to a severe injury leaving Lio handicapped. As he fell from grace, anger and determination fueled his spirit. Gradually, Lio envisioned a path of revenge, a quest that would lead him to unexpected realms beyond imagination, pushing the boundaries of sports and magic alike. Would he rise to the challenge, and conquer the world of football as the star he was born to be? or will he fail and let the ones who wronged him have their way over trampling on his dreams.

Mare: The mare does not refer to a female horse but to the mara demon who sits on a person’s chest and terrorizes them in their sleep. According to old Norse folklore, a Mara was an evil nocturnal demon of terror. The Night-hag or “riding witch” are other names for the Nightmare. Our story is about 4 Special Operations soldiers under the disbanded force MARE who decide to abandon their homeland of Chrome and defect to the neighboring country of Gasia with their former Captain and 5 other teams to protect the young princess from the hostile forces working in the shadows against her. However, even those who lurk in the shadows need sleep. And when they do, the true terrors of the night the Mares emerge.

"In your lifetimes has anyone ever worshipped you? Ever prayed to you? I know you're not the being you once were, and now is your chance to prove it..." "You may meet the being I once was." "... And what kind of being is that, Reaper?" In the vast expanse of space, where stars flicker like distant promises and civilizations rise and fall like cosmic waves, there exists a man haunted by his own choices. Once a protector, a guardian of those he held dear, he found himself forced into the shadows by the merciless demands of fate. In a universe teeming with threats, he made a pact with the darkness, trading his warmth for a cloak of ice, his compassion for a blade of steel. Now known only as the Reaper, his name evokes fear even among those he once safeguarded. He moves like a wraith through the void, a silent sentinel of death, his heart encased in frost as he carries out his duty. He is both hero and villain, protector and predator.

In the cozy confines of a quaint café, 22-year-old Alissa spends her days serving warmth and hospitality alongside her best friend. Her life is a perfectly brewed blend of friendship, love, and laughter. That is, until the day Seth walks in. At 24, Seth is the world's youngest billionaire, with a reputation for being as ruthless as he is wealthy. His icy demeanor and razor-sharp tongue can freeze blood in its tracks. He's a master of manipulation, using his vast power to bend the world to his whim. When Alissa and Seth collide, their opposing worlds spark a tantalizing tension. As they engage in a battle of wits, Alissa begins to chip away at the fortress surrounding Seth's heart. But will she be able to penetrate the armor of a man who has built his empire on emotional detachment? Or will Seth's growing feelings for Alissa remain locked behind the walls of his frozen heart, threatening to destroy them both?"