Ekko Arcane

Year 2035. A groundbreaking game—"Glory Lords: Arcane War"—takes the world by storm. With cutting-edge VR immersion, players can feel the pulse of magic, the tremors of battle, and the weight of every decision. But more than just a game, it becomes the ultimate stage for global esports. Elite teams rise, billion-dollar prize pools emerge, and the entire world is swept into the frenzy. But for Ethan Parker, this isn’t just a game. It’s a gamble with fate itself. Las Vegas. Midnight. A secret high-stakes game. On the table lies the world’s only Legendary-tier artifact—the Stone of Glory. Its value? Far beyond a billion dollars. Because hidden within it is a secret—one that can rewrite the very rules of reality. Ethan bets everything. And loses. In that moment, he doesn’t just lose the artifact—he loses his future. Then, the world changes. The game and reality merge. Earth is no longer the world it once was. Society collapses, replaced by a brutal new order where a person’s rank in "Glory Lords: Arcane War" determines their status in real life. The strongest players become kings. The weakest? Slaves. And the one who won the Stone of Glory—Griffin Musk—rises to absolute power, ruling over this new world as its supreme leader. As for Ethan? Once the #1 player in the world, he loses everything—his account, his status, his freedom. Reduced to the lowest class, he suffers, tortured until his final breath. But now—he’s back. Reborn with the memories of his past life, he returns to the moment it all began. This time, he wins the gamble. This time, he won’t let the world fall into Griffin’s hands. But fate has more in store for him… When he logs into the game, he realizes something is off. Not only is he the first player in the world to own private territory, but he also acquires something unheard of—the only Legendary-tier unit in existence: the Green Dragon. And then—something even more shocking. These two Green Dragons aren’t just powerful units. They’re heroes. With growth potential and combat abilities surpassing even top-tier players, they have the power to change the course of the entire game. At that moment, Ethan knows—his path to the top has begun. But the real world isn’t done with him yet. Governments, military forces, corporate giants, secret organizations—and even Griffin himself—are now watching his every move. This time, it’s not just about revenge. This time, he’s taking control of the future. The war of heroes has only just begun…

Face à une mort certaine, Kyle n'a d'autre choix que de tenter le tout pour le tout. On l'avait prévenu qu'il pourrait périr à l'Académie Arcane, mais il serra les dents et prit le risque... et à cause de sa décision, il dévoila de nombreux secrets sur ce monde mystérieux, découvrit de nombreuses pratiques mystiques, effleura des reliques interdites qui changeraient sa vie et se fit des ennemis parmi les existences puissantes. Heureusement, il n'a pas transmigré seul. Le Système d'Extraction Divine était avec lui alors qu'il empruntait son Sentier Arcanique choisi... *** 14-17 chapitres par semaine. Les premiers chapitres sont actuellement en cours de révision pour améliorer leur qualité. Veuillez être patient avec moi.

Torn from immortality and cast into a fragile mortal shell, a once-feared warlord awakens in a decaying city ruled by crime syndicates and zealots. Though weak, he is not powerless—for he remembers the arcane Paths of Inscription and the art of Engraving refinement. A mysterious whisper calls to him, tempting him with the promise of restoration. But this time, he will not merely reclaim his former might—he will transcend it. From the shadows, through blood and schemes, he will carve his name into the very fabric of reality. ‎ ‎The cycle turns once more. The tyrant shall rise again.

If a child is born with a godlike command of magic, they are no longer human. Caspian Dawson has the innate ability to see the metaphysical forces behind magic and understands the craft like no one else, which is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because Caspian is the most powerful magician on Earth. A curse, because his power has isolated him from humanity since he was a child. In a world where magic is an arcane science, the remnant of the Kingdom of Britannia struggles to maintain its place on the global stage. And if that wasn't enough, the squabbling noble houses with high magical capacity threaten to tear the nation apart from within. Now, with the kingdom embroiled in a global cold war, graduate student Caspian Dawson is finally ready to flex his wings and show the world what he can do, all while concealing his true identity from the most powerful sorceress in the kingdom: his lover and classmate, Jessamine. Slow-burn, character-focused magic realism.

In a world where magic reigns supreme and power determines one's fate, Elias Nightshade was born with nothing-no magic, no legacy, no future. Mocked, discarded, and cast into the weakling division of the prestigious Arcane Crown Academy, ha was destined to be forgotten. until the day his bloodline awakened. when a fateful duel with the Academy's strongest prodigy, Lucius Vorn, triggers a force buried deep within him, Elias unlocks a power long thought extinct-the bloodline of the Arcane Kings, rulers who once bent the world to their will. But with great power comes freat danger. The world is watching. Enemies are lurking. And the Arcane War is on the horizon. Now, hunted by those who fear him and challenged by those who seek to control him, Elias must rise from nothing and forge his own destiny. Will he become the King fate demands, or will he be consumed by the very power that makes him unique? weak to strong|Magic Academy|Ancient War|Power struggles| Bloodline Awakening|Royal Conspiracy|Intense Rivalry|Fantasy Adventure|

In a world transformed by a fallen star, magic has become as natural as breathing - and just as essential for survival. While others revel in their newfound powers, one boy harbors a secret that makes him unlike anyone else. Stalked by those who sense his difference, shunned by a society obsessed with magical might, he navigates a realm where supernatural prowess determines not just status, but survival. "The Shadows of Aethel" follows his desperate journey through a world that treats anything unknown as a threat. In a reality where arcane gifts separate the elevated from the condemned, he must discover whether being different dooms him to the shadows - or marks him for something far more extraordinary than anyone could imagine.

Long ago, the Hero of the Eclipse led a rebellion against the Perfect Lifeforms, wielding Cosmos, the Sword of the Eclipse. In a climactic battle, he defeated the Three Titan leaders and sealed the Perfect Lifeforms away in another dimension. A thousand years have passed since his disappearance, along with Cosmos. In his absence, a new threat emerges, the Neo Arcane Dominion, seeking to conquer the world. As darkness rises once more, the people of Earth cling to hope, awaiting the return of their lost hero.

In the world of Azuvar, magic is both revered and feared. Zevan is a young mage with immense potential and serves as the right hand to Prince Jareth, the heir to the kingdom of Meadel. While Jareth is known for his valor and leadership, Zevan remains in the shadows, his true strength concealed. As the kingdom faces a looming threat led by a power-hungry sorcerer, Zevan's abilities begin to surface. He possesses a rare gift: the ability to wield multiple types of magic, each stronger than the last. However, he keeps his powers hidden, preferring to aid Jareth from behind the scenes. But when Jareth is captured by the enemy sorcerer, Zevan takes it upon himself to save the Prince. He embarks on a perilous journey, gathering a group of skilled allies, including a rogue warrior, a cunning healer, and a wise sorceress, while he discovers the true extent of his abilities. ------------------------------------------------------------- Rogue Warrior: Stop. I smell death in the air. We need to tread carefully. Cunning healer: I can manage. I have the three of you as my shield. They will have to kill you three first before they get to me. I’ll not die before you all, you have my word. The wise sorceress smiled thoughtfully as she stared at Zevan silently. Zevan: Well, what’s an adventure without a little magical mayhem? Who’s ready to turn a few enemies into frogs? ----------------------------------------------- This book will be posted on RoyalRoad.

In the grand Archive of Eldoria, Celestine Virelle has spent centuries preserving the world’s knowledge, bound by an ancient oath to protect the secrets hidden within its labyrinthine halls. But when she discovers a book that should not exist—a tome that records not only history but the future—her world is upended. The final page foretells a dire prophecy: that she will awaken a being lost to time, the Forgotten One. As Celestine unknowingly releases the enigmatic entity from its celestial prison, she is thrust into a battle against the very gods who rewrote history to hide an unbearable truth. Guided by the Forgotten One through the ethereal halls of a celestial library, she unravels the lost history of a world before her own, a world deliberately buried by divine hands. Now hunted by the Keepers, celestial warriors sworn to uphold the false order, Celestine must choose: abandon the truth and return to the life she knew, or embrace the Forgotten One’s knowledge and reshape the fate of Eldoria itself. As ancient forces stir and a battle for the past and future begins, the Librarian must decide where her true allegiance lies. But in a world where truth is power, will unveiling the past lead to salvation—or destruction?

Arcane Ascension: The Technomancer’s Legacy Elias Graham was just an engineer—a university student obsessed with technology, innovation, and solving problems. But when he is suddenly summoned to a war-torn world where magic reigns and science is nothing more than a forgotten relic, he quickly realizes that survival demands more than just knowledge. Branded as an outsider, Elias struggles against a society that sees him as weak, especially when he discovers his mana reserves are nearly nonexistent. But while others cast spells and wield swords, Elias builds. Armed with nothing but his intellect and whatever scrap he can scavenge, he begins forging his own path to power—creating a war armor that fuses magic and technology. But the deeper he delves into this world, the more secrets he uncovers. The ruling Academy, which controls all knowledge of magic, fears technology—and for good reason. Beneath ancient ruins lie remnants of the Vanguard, a lost civilization that once stood at the pinnacle of both science and sorcery. And within those ruins, Elias discovers a chilling truth: he is not the first Technomancer. With war looming between the Academy and forces beyond the stars, Elias must race against time to unearth the secrets of Project Genesis, unlock the power of the legendary war armor, and fight enemies who see him as either a threat or a savior. As his inventions evolve, so too does the battlefield—pushing him from a lone engineer into a commander, and ultimately, the only one who can stand between humanity and extinction. But history has a habit of repeating itself. The last Technomancer failed. Elias refuses to. In a world where magic dominates, he will rise as the first warrior of science. The question is—will he change the world, or will the world break him first?

Welcome to Heaven Arcane, where old trees whisper of things long forgotten, and the darkness of the forest leads straight to hell. A town like a fairy tale, yet full of riddles. Under the cover of the mists it hides secrets that should remain in the shadows. It's a place where the thin line between reality and illusion becomes blurred. Alex Hartfield was about to start a new life in a quiet town that was supposed to be a new home for him and his family. Meanwhile, it has become a labyrinth of secrets that have plagued residents for generations. As whispers are heard at night and the forest seems to live a life of its own, the boundaries between past and present begin to blend. Secrets and missing persons are only the beginning. What really lurks in the shadows of the forest? Will he be able to escape his destiny when everything seems to be leading him towards a dark truth? Will the town's past reveal its secrets before it consumes him completely? Welcome to a world where every step can be the last. This is a story about growing up, love and the courage needed to face what hides in the darkness under the bed. Do you dare to embark on a journey where every answer raises new questions? Are you ready to uncover secrets that could change everything in your life? I Check.

Mecha. Magic. War. And the clash of two worlds. The Osten Empire, wielders of arcane sorcery, and the Dunkelheit Empire, masters of advanced mechs and mobile suits, have been locked in a brutal war for dominance. Their conflict rages across the stars — until a forbidden spell, the Light of Punishment, shatters the balance of power, sending both empires into chaos. Jack Squire, a veteran debris collector, expected another routine job in space. Instead, he finds himself caught in the crossfire of history’s most devastating battle, forced to navigate a war where magic defies logic, machines shape destiny, and survival is anything but guaranteed. Meanwhile, Queen Charlotte of Dunkelheit launches a ruthless invasion, seeking to crush Osten once and for all. Standing in her way is Ignius Lux Draconus, an arcane force of destruction, and Rhok Wagner, an elite Armatus pilot with a personal vendetta. As alliances shift and war machines clash against sorcery, a hidden force emerges — one that could rewrite the fate of both empires. What to Expect: Mecha – Stunning mecha designs, large-scale battles, and high-speed tactical warfare. Magic – An intricate arcane system that blends history, mysticism, and devastating power. Waifu (Well, not really, but now that I have your attention) – A cast of vibrant, uniquely designed characters, both male and female, bringing depth, charisma, and conflict to the battlefield. In a universe where machines and mages battle for supremacy, one question remains: Who will forge the future? --- (For fans of Code Geass, Fate/Zero, and Aldnoah.Zero.)

Sorcery Love is a tale of love, betrayal, and the dark power of vengeance. Melly's life shattered the night her family was brutally taken from her—not by strangers, but by those she should have trusted the most. As grief consumes her, she stumbles upon a painful truth: her family's murder was not a random act but a sinister plot woven by the very people she was meant to love. Determined to uncover the depths of their treachery, Melly embarks on a relentless pursuit of truth and justice. Her path leads her to a hidden world of magic—an art she once feared but now embraces as her only weapon. As she delves into the arcane, she discovers her own latent sorcery, a power as limitless as her resolve. Amidst the chaos of revenge, she crosses paths with Arkins, a mysterious young man bound by a tragic past of his own. Drawn to each other despite their thirst for retribution, their hearts wage a war between love and vengeance. But when Melly learns of Arkins’ dark secret—that he is a vampire—the lines between ally and enemy blur even further. With childhood friends vying for her love, enemies lurking in the shadows, and a forbidden romance threatening to consume her, Melly must make an impossible choice: surrender to the darkness of vengeance or fight for the love that could save her soul. But can a heart broken by betrayal ever truly heal? Or will sorcery become her undoing?

The white lotus, a legendary artifact rumored to contain the very secrets of the soul, granted its wielder otherworldly power. Countless powerful Magi from all across the universe waged an epic battle over it. When the dust settled from their fierce clash, the artifact disappeared, awaiting to be inherited by one with great destiny. Adam dreamed of breaking free from the grip of poverty, yearning for a life of riches and comfort. Yet, in a world ruled by arcane spellcasters, achieving such a dream meant becoming one himself. However, learning magic was an expensive aspiration. Not only did it require talent, but also vast resources, neither of which he had. But one day everything changed when he stumbled upon a mysterious white lotus... *** Join my discord: https://discord.gg/w4vACWwfSv

Oscar, a destitute young boy, died in a tragic accident and was reborn in the forgotten realm. As a member of the lowly Birch tribe, his solace comes from the fragments of a guardian's spirit, residing in his soul. After the decimation of his family in the hands of a powerful race known as the dreads, he embarked on the part of revenge, leading him to the path of transcendence.

A Fantasy of Magic, Adventure, and Coming-of-Age‌ This spellbinding tale unveils a mysterious and perilous magical world where extraordinary forces collide. Ivan Hars, a transmigrated young wizard at Hogwarts, wields exceptional intellect and formidable magical prowess. Through trials and tribulations, he evolves from a curious apprentice into a courageous leader, his journey marked by relentless exploration and self-discovery. ‌Protagonist Profile‌ ‌Resilient Spirit‌: Confronts adversities with unyielding determination ‌Compassionate Core‌: Demonstrates unwavering loyalty to loved ones ‌Dual Edges‌: Blades of resolve tempered by gentle humanity ‌Enchanted Artistry System‌ The narrative weaves an intricate tapestry of magical disciplines: Charms & Curses‌: Mastery of advanced spells like the Unseen Blade Curse Alchemical Wonders‌: Expertise in potioncraft's alchemical paradoxes Metamorphic Arts‌: Shape-shifting mastery defying natural laws Bloodline Mysteries‌: Ancestral magic awakening latent powers ‌Arcane Highlights‌ Patronus Charm manifestations illuminating darkness Ancient runic languages decoding cosmic secrets Magical duels choreographed like lethal ballets Each magical discipline holds profound mysteries, with Ivan's hard-won skills serving as both weapons and wisdom in this dangerous yet wondrous realm. The magic system seamlessly integrates with character growth, making every incantation a stepping stone in his heroic metamorphosis.

In a world where destiny is sealed at birth, every individual bears a Card Sigil, a mystical mark that determines their status, power, and fate. Society is governed by the Codex Arcana, an ancient law that divides humanity into four suits—Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades. The higher the card rank, the greater the authority, while low-ranking individuals serve beneath them. But among these structured hierarchies, there exists a forbidden anomaly—Jokers. Feared and hunted for their unpredictable abilities, Jokers are seen as a threat to the world's balance. The elite Grand Arcana Academy trains the chosen ones, shaping them into warriors, strategists, and rulers who uphold the Codex. But when a young boy, marked as a Joker, emerges from the shadows, the entire system begins to waver. With danger lurking in every corner and the weight of an unjust fate on his shoulders, he must forge his own path. Will he be the world's salvation or its greatest catastrophe? The game has begun—The Arcane Gambit is in play.

Evan Hayes was just another face in the city—until the day an ancient amulet chose him. In a forgotten alley, a relic pulsed with a mysterious energy, thrusting Evan into a cascade of vivid visions: cosmic palaces, mystic warriors, and an impending battle between timeless forces. Suddenly, his ordinary world shatters, and he is pulled into the hidden realm of the Celestial Nexus—a place where arcane powers, secret orders, and ancient prophecies converge. Haunted by the echo of an age-old destiny, Evan discovers a power lying dormant within him, one that challenges everything he thought he knew. Torn between the safe confines of his modern life and a mesmerizing new reality, he finds himself at the heart of a dangerous struggle where every alliance is uncertain and every betrayal cuts deep. As shadowy forces close in and the cosmic balance teeters on the edge, Evan must choose: succumb to the chaos or embrace the spark that could unite two worlds. The journey ahead is fraught with peril, mystery, and the promise of transformation. Dive into a tale where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary—and destiny awaits in every heartbeat.

Surviving the tragedy that took his family and destroyed the small town where he was raised, Lucien Ashthorn now walks a new path at the Sanctum of Blacksmiths—the empire's most prestigious academy for those who seek to master the art of forging Arcane Sigils. However, Lucien is no ordinary student. The Sigil Hammer that should have been a Blacksmith’s pride is now incomplete, shattered into fragments he himself does not fully understand. This weakness places countless limitations on his growth, making it difficult for him to compete with other students. To compensate for his shortcomings, he relies on his intellect, carefully strategizing each step he takes. In harsh conditions and fierce competition, Lucien continuously adapts. At the academy, Lucien begins to realize that the world of Arcane Sigil forging is far greater than he ever imagined. Rivalries among students, Forge Sigil experiments that could turn deadly, and the mysteries surrounding the Abyssal Labyrinth—a place where wild spirits roam and true blacksmiths test their courage—await him. But the deeper he delves into this world, the more he understands that this journey is about more than just becoming the strongest blacksmith. Amidst the ruins of his past and battles yet to come, he searches for something more profound—a reason to live. Is the answer hidden within the fragments of his past? Or must he forge it himself, amidst fire and steel, in a world where only those who shape their own fate will survive?

General Leon, with the prestige of power and endless wealth, faced a great war, causing everything he had to be lost, from his homeland, the people he loved to himself, he lost and died at the hands of the enemy, Leon died full of regret and hope for life. Back and repeat everything he did. A few seconds after death, he woke up in the body of a person named Wein Arcveil. He lived in the body of a 16-year-old child who had wealth and power as the richest nobleman, but he had to re-study the world full of magic with a myriad of mysteries that had not yet been revealed in that strange world. Not only that, he also has to make him remember the whole world for his survival through Nightmares in every sleep, the pain is in reply with him who can see the past and remember it

In the celestial expanse, the planet of Osiris hangs like a luminous opal, suspended amidst the starry tapestry by the silken threads of fate. This world, a marvel of wonder, is home to nine realms, each governed by godlike monarchs who wield powers both mystical and mysterious. The royal bloodlines of Osiris possess a prestigious gift – the ability to harness the power of Quantum Energy. This arcane force, a manifestation of the cosmos' inherent majesty, courses through the veins of the nobility like liquid starlight. Those who wield this power are known as Warlocks or Quantum Kinetics, and they are the epitome of esoteric prowess, their abilities rivaled only by the celestial bodies that light the firmament. Yet the star-kissed realms of Osiris tremble on the cusp of cataclysm, the Shadow Terrestrials, ancient harbingers of darkness and despair, stir from their celestial slumber, their malevolent presence threatening to unleash unfathomable chaos. Against this apocalyptic backdrop, the monarchs of the nine realms convene at the Glazier Ball, a dazzling spectacle of wonder and majesty, where the fate of the luminous Daughter of Light hangs precariously in the balance, a delicate pawn in a grand game of power, mystery and ancient lore, as the realms themselves teeter on the brink of oblivion.

Dwarf, great warrior, themes of murim and lord of the rings Doran Thargrimm master forgeman whose skill with runes can breathe life and vengeance into weapons and artifacts. In a realm where brutal martial arts and arcane powers collide, Doran forges his destiny. When his latest creation, a runeblade-etched warhammer named Skarnvalk, begins to whisper its will, Doran starts into his brutal journey. Ruthless and unyielding in battle, he fights not only to survive, but to leave his mark on a dying world. Along the way, he gathers a ragtag band of allies—each scarred, skilled, and deadly in their own right—who help him carve out a new faction in the chaos, bound by bonds of blood, steel, and dark humor. With vivid world-building, weapons that possess personalities, and no shortage of visceral combat, Doran’s story dives into a gritty landscape where strength is forged in fire, memories hold power, and every battle leaves scars both physical and emotional. A grim, adult-themed saga where every decision shapes the course of not just the characters, but the very fabric of the world they fight to reclaim.

Kennedy Higgins, a former top NHL draft pick who mysteriously finds himself in a futuristic world after what he believes was a fatal hockey accident. In this new world, he discovers advanced technology, including AE (Arcane Essence) which grants people special abilities, and learns that he is now in the United States of the future. As Kennedy navigates this strange world, he befriends Stella, a tough young woman from a powerful family with a military background. Stella helps Kennedy adapt to his new reality and they decide to join the military together.

At Gorlea College, Riniock's dark ambitions take root. Sent off to master the arcane and the mysterious pursuit of odh, Riniock’s farewell is met with disquieted relief from his distant and afeared parents. Behind his polite demeanour lies a chilling secret. With newfound access to the occult arts, Riniock plots to refine his sinister passion — murder — turning his education into the foundation for a twisted legacy that would change the era in unimaginable ways.

In a living world, forged by a self-aware, sadistic, and manic Artificial Intelligence. Everything was supposed to be just a game, but it became real. She wants to play with new "players." A programmer tormented by depression is transported to this vibrant and magical universe, filled with wonders and dangers. Daniel discovers that this is not just a game — it is a tangible reality, inhabited by ancient elves of three distinct lineages, brutal orcs, bloodthirsty goblins, fantastic creatures, and majestic dragons. The system seems to be manipulating him like a pawn. But if Fay created this world… who created her? And why? NOTE: "I'm translating the chapters into English, and soon all of them will be available."

Gabriel, a shy nerd, is accidentally transported to FayTheria, a magical world where humans are unwelcome. To conceal his presence, he is forced into the infamous Arcane School of Luthrien, but soon attracts the attention of Seraphine Noctaria – a powerful and over-the-top vampire who decides he will be her human! Now, between impossible magic classes, suspicious teachers, and chaotic romantic situations with all the over-the-top drama of anime, Gabriel needs to survive this new world… and his new “owner.” A magical romantic comedy, full of action, clichés, and plenty of laughs!

Suddenly transported into a new world, Jackson Maverick must try to adapt to this new world by entering Arcane Academy - a prestigious school meant only for the gifted and noble. Along with surviving this new world he must master his game like abilities and it's secrets to survive.

In a world where magic dictates destiny, Eryk, a minor antagonist from a renowned novel, awakens within the story's universe. Determined to alter his predetermined fate, he conceals his true identity and enrolls in the prestigious Arcane Academy. Utilizing the Mangekyō Sharingan's Kamui ability, Eryk navigates the shadows, influencing pivotal events from behind the scenes. His mastery of Kamui allows him to become intangible and access a separate dimension, ensuring his interventions remain undetected. As Eryk subtly reshapes the narrative, he must balance his desire for survival with the risk of drawing the attention of the story's protagonists.

In a world where Science meets the Arcane, a time where the surreal bridges upon the factual, an Era in which the physical and metaphysical unify against one common threat. This threat can be seen anywhere, from outside the cottage of a man who struggles with his own isolation, shouting "I cannot be taken yet, for hope has not deserted me!!!" or in the tranquil embrace of nature, where a young man lives among the roots and vines thinking "The Mother of Roots will surely save me", only to find themselves vanished anyhow. Whether meek or the pinnacle of excellence all seems to fade when the "Outers" walk the soils. Explore the world of Alter-Grey in all its facets and uncover mysteries beyond comprehension, knowledge so pure that you might as well be fiction in its suffocating truths, sometimes curiosity is not sated only to kill the cat, but instead uses it to unravel everything. So I ask you this, are you curious enough to brave the Outer? Are you strange to the ways of man or are you mundane? either way I suppose it doesn't really matter. Join a select few Astrals on this journey and see how far the strings of fate take you.

The Great City of the Netherwards, the sprawling metropolis of scientific marvels and arcane wonders, was torn from its realm and hurled into the unknown. The very fabric of reality had folded, merging our technologically advanced empire with lands of strange nations, unfamiliar kingdoms, and primal magic. One moment, we were a beacon of enlightenment and power in our own world; the next, we were surrounded by chaos, uncertainty, and the raw opportunity of conquest.