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Earthbound Cognitive Dissonance

From Shadows To Spotlight

Archer "Archie" Brooks was a renowned actor and a style icon admired by millions. Every movie he starred in was a hit, and every project he touched yielded unimaginable profits. His career was soaring, and just as he was about to receive the coveted Best Actor of the Decade award, he was brutally murdered in a twisted, unthinkable act. But fate wasn’t done with him yet. Archie awoke to find himself in the body of Archer Reid, a nameless, unnoticed stuntman working at the same production house. The name was the same. The face—unrecognizable. Fueled by an insatiable thirst for vengeance and the burning desire to reclaim his former glory, Archie begins from the bottom once again as Archer Reid. As he struggles to make sense of his new life, he becomes entangled with C.A.L.I.X. (Cognitive Artificial Logic and Intelligence Exchange), an enigmatic and powerful system that seems to possess limitless intelligence, yet its true purpose remains unclear. What is this system, and why is it bound to him? Is it a tool for success, a curse, or something far more dangerous? With the system's cryptic guidance, Archer slowly begins to rise through the ranks once again. However, every few days, he is plagued by terrifying dreams—too frightening to be true, yet too realistic to ignore. Are they merely nightmares, or do they hold a sinister foresight into the future? --------------------------------- C.A.L.I.X.: Archer, I got an audition for you. Are you interested? Archer: What is it? C.A.L.I.X.: Do you want to act in a community theater? The role of the villain is available. Archer: Me? Do you want me to act as the villain? C.A.L.I.X.: If you aren’t satisfied being a villain, there's another role. It’s the role of a homeless man. Archer: Villain. Villain. I chose the villain. I love playing the role of a villain. I was born to play this role.
Adairs · 6.5K Views

Until Dusk Protocol

At the heart of a wish lies an attempt at completion, a human desire to become our true and final selves. Wishes are fuelled by regrets and are bound eternally to the past, serving as approximations of what once was. We all experience regret and nostalgia, leading us to make wishes and find despair, but can we become our true selves despite this all? That's where the story of a girl who struggles to control her desires begins... Two souls sharing the same body and memory are living in Kyoto 2031. Tang-Ji Shizukesa, a girl who's grown up in her previous life with a hardcore passion for gaming, is now a bookworm in her new life who has no interest in video games. Along with her, Kazami and Hoyeon, the three childhood friends who separated 7 years ago due to an accident, have now been reunited again in a VRMMORPG game known as Dusk Protocol. The game has a unique combat system known as "Leere," a physical manifestation of an individual soul that can be conjured into deadly weapons. As Tang-Ji navigates this virtual world, she confronts the echoes of her past and the dissonance between her former self and her present identity. How will she cope with the rediscovery of a life she thought she left behind? How will Kazami and Hoyeon react to the new Tang-Ji? In a world where reality is malleable and death is just a click of a button away, the boundaries between past and present blur, forcing everyone to grapple with the truth of who they truly are. Disclaimer: This novel contains explicit language, violence, racism, and sexual scenes. There are also scenes that deal with various traumas, from physical to emotional to mental. (THE CHARACTERS’ CIRCUMSTANCES , TRAITS, AND BELIEFS IN THIS NOVEL ARE ALL BASED ON A TRUE STORY.)
Hiese_Kirisaku · 43.4K Views

SHADOWS OF ELDRALORE

Emmie’s heart pounded as the figure rose from the shadows, thicker and grayer than before—a far more earthbound and sinister version of the one he thought he’d conquered. The sparkling light from the crystals above seemed to be sucked away, leaving a suffocating emptiness. Even the sound of his friends’ breaths around him grew faint, their voices—one of concern, another of reassurance—muffled echoes through the cavern behind him. Yet he knew he had to press forward, deeper into the darkness, and face this alone. For now. The figure stepped closer, slow and deliberate, its glowing eyes radiating an icy malevolence. “You think you’ve overcome your fears?” it hissed, its voice sharp and grating. “That was nothing. I am the fog inside you—the one you ignore, the one that carves at you.” Emmie swallowed hard, forcing himself upright despite the shaking in his legs. “I’m not afraid of you,” he said, summoning courage he didn’t fully feel. “I’ve come too far to turn back.” The figure’s laughter crawled down his spine. “Brave, so brave… but so foolish. You’ve barely begun to uncover the truths buried in your soul. Your doubts, your regrets, your anger—they feed me.” For a moment, Emmie faltered. The words clawed at wounds he’d tried to ignore, stirring his doubts: Could he truly protect his friends? Were his choices enough? The darkness seemed to press closer, suffocating him with its weight. But then he remembered Mira’s voice, full of faith. He thought of Amara’s bright laughter and Cory’s unwavering support. They had believed in him when he couldn’t believe in himself. “Maybe I do doubt,” Emmie admitted, meeting the figure’s glowing gaze. “But those doubts don’t define me. My friends believe in me, and I believe in myself.” The figure’s eyes narrowed, frustration flickering within. “Conviction alone won’t save you,” it hissed. “Your friends are far, and here, it’s just you and me.” It raised its arm, and the shadows coiled into smoky tendrils, striking toward him. Emmie dodged just in time as they slammed into the ground, shattering the stone and sending shards flying. His heart raced, his footing unsteady, but he pushed himself upright. A faint light flickered in his hand—small but wholly his. The figure laughed, mocking him. “Is that all? A tiny flicker? Pathetic.” Emmie clenched his jaw. “It’s enough,” he said. “This light is everything I fought for, everything I believe in.” The figure snarled, and the darkness surged again, crashing against Emmie’s light. Straining against the tide, he closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. He thought of his friends, their unwavering faith, and his purpose. The light steadied, burning brighter. At that moment, he heard their voices—Mira, Amara, and Cory—calling to him. The sound reignited his resolve. As their light joined his, the shadow recoiled, its form shattering under their combined strength. The figure’s voice echoed as it faded: “This isn’t over, Emmie. This is just the beginning.” Emmie stood firm, unwavering. “I’ll be ready. Let’s finish this.”
Mira_Tenny · 3.8K Views

Cygnus X-1

Growth of civilization has been augmented continuously by the colossal presence of technology. A hundred years ago, earth suffered devastating calamities and humans weren’t able to survive in it anymore. Humanity almost perished but a few skilled technologists came together to weave seven space stations that were capable of housing thousands, albeit a few. The space stations banded together to form a single massive station named “The Sanctuary”, where about 7,000 people lived. Resources were scarce and all crimes no matter their severity were punishable by death, unless the transgressor was under 18 years of age. After the Sanctuary’s life support systems were found to be deteriorating, 202 skilled military personnel were dispatched to one of the the nearest planets, a promising candidate for supporting life. The main mission of the military personnel was to scout a planet for a few strange creatures that were capable of resisting radiation and thriving in unfavorable conditions. Humanity had never forgotten to reclaim its lost home, hence various projects were launched yearly with the sole aim of finding a solution to earth’s biggest problem— extremely high level radiation. Project Helix was finally supported by the Assembly although it raised ethical concerns. The project focused on introducing animal genes into humans, with the belief that humans would be able to survive the harsh conditions of earth. Many problems were considered before the Assembly finally gave their support. Would the genes from these animals be compatible with the human genome? Would they be able to integrate into human cells and function as intended? How would the genes be edited and regulated to ensure they don’t disrupt other essential human genes or processes? Could introducing these genes have unintended consequences, such as altering human physiology, behavior, or cognitive abilities? Would the introduction of animal genes into humans raise ethical concerns, such as the potential for unforeseen side effects or the blurring of lines between species? Each one of these problems was enough to dissuade the upper echelons of the Assembly but the deteriorating life support systems was a major concern hence humanity decided to take a big risk, or perhaps a leap of faith. Let’s delve deep into this story so as to enjoy the alluring taste it has to offer, as Miguel Morien creates a new path for humanity, a path along which humans are able to fuse with the genes of beasts, thereby bringing out their lethality and battle prowess, further dazzling the entirety of the world with it.
Miguelita · 1K Views

Lam's detective story

He was the police captain of a city branch, he was in the city Bureau special patrol detachment and police station, has been on the front line. Lam's stories are often related to the social background and the changes of The Times. A homicide today may have been caused by another murder 20 years ago, and that tragedy 20 years ago was caused by the social prejudices of the time. What is even more tragic is that behind the seemingly close family relationship is the relationship of mutual use. Some even turned themselves into tools. Ibsen once said, "What you plant in youth, you reap in old age." I think the same applies to Lam's crime. A professor at China Public Security University summed up crimes into two categories, "dangerous personality" and "dangerous mentality." "Dangerous personality" is easy to explain, is the congenital type of criminal personality or childhood psychological development problems. The serial killers I write about all the time, that's the type. As for "heart knot", it is divided into three types: The first is the meaning of the crime, the causes of which are often unthinkable. For example, your classmates always insult you, you prepare for a long time, while they are in the dorm, hammer them to death. Another example is that you hit someone by driving a car, and if you think that there are so many people who are now hit by porcelain, there is a lot of pressure on follow-up medical expenses, and if you directly hit people to death, the loss of money is within the range of bearing. This kind of crime is often accompanied by an irrational thinking, and the mind enters a dead end. The second is knowledge, this crime is often related to cognition, because the price rises, your house downstairs from one dollar to two dollars, you feel that the boss is not rising right, you must overwhelm him through your reason, and he has a dispute. You think he's wrong, and in order to prove your own rationality, you argue more and more violently, and finally kill him. Such crimes often involve arguments, entanglements, and most often issues of paranoia. The third is complex, this kind of crime is rooted in the pain of daily life, such as parents do not love you, say you can not get a wife, relatives and friends hate you, no one to communicate. You will become more and more withdrawn inside, want to revenge society. So you go out into the street and you take a knife and you cut people - the most terrible crime, the most difficult to prevent, but also the one we should be most aware of. But whether it is "meaning knot", "knowledge knot" or "complex", it often originates from a dangerous idea. If we can face up to and try to understand the social influences behind criminal behavior, we may be more rational in the "dark moment" when dangerous thoughts arise.
furen_zhang · 3.8K Views

Eon Reclaimer

The future… is not a gift. It’s a reclamation.” The last thing he remembered was the explosion—a brilliant flash of light, followed by the sound of his own heartbeat slowing to silence. Dr. Elias Varen, once the world’s leading scientist, had gambled everything in his final experiment: a device that could bridge time and consciousness. Yet, as his world went dark, a singular thought burned into his mind: “I failed.” Elias awoke to a strange hum in the air, a sensation both foreign and oddly familiar. His body felt different—lighter, more responsive. He blinked, his vision greeted by a sky teeming with floating vehicles and towering structures glowing with neon lights. The city stretched endlessly, its streets alive with automated machines and holographic projections. “Welcome to Neo-Elyria,” a calm, artificial voice intoned. Elias sat up, his hand brushing against a sleek metallic surface. He looked down and froze. His body… wasn’t his. The reflection in a nearby glass panel revealed a younger man with sharp features, short-cropped black hair, and eyes that shimmered faintly with a golden hue. “Impossible…” he whispered, his voice smoother than he remembered. The voice returned, emotionless yet insistent. “Your biometric data indicates cognitive instability. Would you like assistance, Citizen Varen?” The name jolted him. “Varen…” His lips curled into a bitter smile. “So they kept it.” Memory fragments flooded back—centuries had passed since his death. His experiment had worked, but at what cost? His consciousness had been preserved, reborn in a world that had moved far beyond anything he’d imagined. Yet, he knew one truth: his genius would no longer be a relic of the past. It would be the foundation of this new era.
supernova100 · 1.9K Views

Thian Omnach | Qilarians' Legacy : Explorer era

Prologue In the vastness of space, nestled in the Andromeda galaxy, lies the colossal planet Gigaterra Prime, known as Giga or G-1. This monstrous world, 185,000 times the size of Imperial Earth, has always been shrouded in mystery and potential. Shielded by a mysterious energy barrier and natural atmospheric quirks, Giga stayed a well-kept secret until recent breakthroughs by human explorers. Years ago, a gang of space pirates stumbled upon Giga. Their attempts to breach its formidable energy barrier failed, but they discovered a temporary gap that allowed exploratory drones, called "Pathfinders," to break through. These Pathfinders sent back data revealing Giga's breathable atmosphere, stable climate, and abundance of unique minerals, flora, and wildlife. Massive trees with glowing leaves lit up the night, and rivers rich in unknown minerals flowed through lush valleys. Exotic creatures roamed freely. The sale of this information triggered a wild era of exploration, like a cosmic gold rush. Settlers, mercenaries, and corporations scrambled to stake their claim on the untamed new world. Amid this turmoil, ancient Qilarian ruins surfaced, revealing relics of immense power and wisdom. In the uncharted expanses of Gigaterra, humanity entered a new era of colonization, driven by extraordinary advancements in bioengineering and cybernetics. The Federation and Mars spearheaded these innovations, creating hybrids like the nimble nekomimi and robust reptilians, while seamlessly integrating cybernetic implants to enhance physical and cognitive abilities. These breakthroughs paved the way for humanity to explore and settle new frontiers, transforming the fabric of human existence. The Corporate Sector, with its affluence and technological prowess, dominated the landscape. Sky-High edifices and cutting-edge facilities showcased their influence, while the Settler Sector, with its improvised habitats and struggling populace, lagged far behind. This disparity created a distinct devide between the high-tech environments of the elite and the dirty, graffiti-covered lower levels where settlers fought for survival. In this era, bioengineered hybrids and cybernetically augmented individuals became commonplace among those who could afford them. On planets like Haven, where the lines between humanity and technology blurred, extreme modifications became a mark of status and power. At the heart of this transformative period stood the Explorer Committee, led by the formidable Zhen Wu Long. Operating independently but under the oversight of the governing Council, the Committee spearheaded the exploration and colonization of Gigaterra Prime. Their mission attracted support from the Federation, Mars, and major corporations, uniting them in a relentless pursuit of discovery and expansion. This MOD Era allowed humans to become anything they desired, combining biological and cybernetic enhancements. Zhen Wu Long, a seasoned mercenary with a knack for leadership, saw the need for order. Under his guidance, the newly formed Explorer Committee stepped in to regulate the chaos, ensuring fair access to Giga's resources. The Committee aimed to harness the planet's potential while maintaining peace between organizations, guiding humanity's expansion into this new frontier. Tihan Omnach, a thirty-year-old citizen of Haven from the first settlers wave and low-level corporate worker who had resigned to start a new life as a VR player. One day, while idly scrolling through news feeds, he stumbled upon an announcement about the Explorer Committee’s establishment and recruitment. This New Explorer Era on Gigaterra marks a defining chapter inhuman history. His heart raced as he read the details. Here was a real chance for change, a tangible escape from the digital confines of his four walls and money problems. Drawn by the promise of adventure and the chance to uncover the mysteries of Giga, Tihan seized the opportunity without hesitation.
Oni_9980 · 3.4K Views

Chaos Assassin Reborn

In a world where shadows blend with the whispers of the night, Kabel, a ruthless 23-year-old assassin from the modern era, meets his untimely end — but death is not the conclusion for a man steeped in blood. It's merely an intermission. Awakened in the clutches of the enigmatic deity Frejai, he finds himself plunged into a medieval realm woven with magic and deceit, a pawn in a game of divine might and mortal survival. Bound by a resurrection pact sealed with a deity's command, Kabel is thrust into a sinister vendetta against the "false gods," beings of immense power masquerading in human flesh. With each deity's fall, the threads of this new world reveal a tapestry of treachery and hidden truths. Frejai's promise dangles before him—an alluring chance to return to his previous life, yet the whisper of her intentions crackles with a sinister dissonance. As Kabel stalks his prey, the hunter becomes the haunted. Unlikely allies and dire nemeses cross his path, entities with their own tangled webs and obscured ambitions. The deeper Kabel delves into the heart of this fantasy realm, the more he questions the motives of the divine puppeteer orchestrating his bloody waltz. With a blade forged in mystery and a heart armored in skepticism, Kabel's trust frays at the edges with every revelation. A war rages within his soul—faith against doubt, loyalty against autonomy. Yet, amidst the clash of gods and the rally of steel, one resolve remains steadfast: Kabel will not surrender his fate to the whims of a deity, be it in this world or the next. His journey becomes a crucible, a path wrought with adversaries to be vanquished and secrets to unshroud, all with the promise of a second chance dangled on the edge of tomorrow's blade—a promise that could be salvation or his ultimate undoing.
EASYYMONN · 3K Views

CogniShift

"CogniShift" In a world where a revolutionary cognitive-enhancing drug called "CogniShift" has been developed, promising to unlock untapped human potential, our protagonist, Dr. Ava Collins, a brilliant neuroscientist, stumbles upon a secret formula that takes the effects of the drug to a whole new level. Drawing inspiration from "NZT-48" and "Limitless," this story explores the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding cognitive enhancement. As Ava experiments with the enhanced formula, she experiences an unparalleled surge in intelligence, memory, and creativity. With her newfound abilities, she manages to solve complex problems in her field and attracts the attention of a powerful tech conglomerate, NeuroCorp, led by the enigmatic CEO, Julian Mercer. Intrigued by Ava's breakthrough, Mercer offers her unlimited resources to further develop the formula. However, as Ava delves deeper into her research, she begins to uncover the dark side of CogniShift. Users of the drug start exhibiting alarming side effects, including addiction, hallucinations, and severe health issues. Ava realizes that the formula is unstable and could have catastrophic consequences if it falls into the wrong hands. As the story unfolds, Ava becomes torn between her ambition to make a positive impact on humanity and her growing concern about the dangers of the drug. She is pursued by both NeuroCorp, who wants to exploit the formula for profit, and a group of activists determined to expose the truth. Amidst this turmoil, Ava races against time to find a way to stabilize the formula and counteract its negative effects. She forms an unlikely alliance with a former NeuroCorp employee who shares her concerns. Together, they work to expose the truth about CogniShift and its potential to change the course of humanity. "CogniShift" is a gripping tale of scientific discovery, moral choices, and the consequences of tampering with human cognition. The story raises thought-provoking questions about the balance between progress and responsibility, as well as the ethical implications of enhancing human abilities beyond natural limits.
Lord_6866 · 13.9K Views

Raising Of Invincible Star: The Ultimate Impartial System

Vanavan find himself woke up in the unknown world in a very mystical way. sealed inside a cave, prohibited from escaping, his life fell in to miserable situation and his life is not in his hands. He find out it was another chance for him pursue his dreams, live the life as he see fit. Vanavan fight against the world by himself, turning the tables as he go, walking into an unknown path step by step to become invincible existence could he realize it? Follow Vanavan into his endless journey of invincibility. __ __ __ __ __ " What do you mean by this ?" Vanavan asked cautiously. "but you abducted me and sealed in this awful place!" Vanavan has incredulous look on his face " Can you please tell me how is this considered my fortune " [That was one way to put it like that, how do you know it's your fortune or not, with out giving it a try] Vaanavan was furious by it's nonsense he raged "Old Ghost it's better if you let me go, it's a serious crime to abduct a reputable teacher of a well known academy " ___ ___ ___ [A/N] : The Mc wasn't from the modern world, his understanding of system is very low and he might had some prejudice against it in the following chapters might never let go of them. he was a flawed human but he has his strength. My language isn't English so there might be grammatical errors or typos in the chapters as I write more chapters I will try my very best to improve my writing and re-edit the previous chapters. Please support me and rate and review my work, Show some love for my work as well . You would not regret it. comments and votes are very very welcome, Thank you! (The Cover Made by pink_lollie24, the credit go to her skillful hands and cognitive mind)
raven_lord017 · 40.1K Views

Apostle's Transcendence

Beyond the ordinary! Extraordinary! Singularity! Transcendence! Indeed a fascinating concept. Everything implies you could wipe out all your worries and fears as long as you attain them! Every Ambitious person is pursuing, wanting to realize it. Every Ruler is going after its mystery, wanting to understand it. Every Informed soul is longing for, wanting to attain it. For Power. For Status. For Life. Only for what price? — Join Quin Wells and his trustworthy assistant, Alpha, as they encounter their wildest adventure and their journey to discovery after being involved in a space accident that alters their very cognition of the universe. Waking up in an unfamiliar but also familiar world filled with — holographic displays on high rises, Neon Lights on the signs, and Hovercrafts all over the street — Quin wanders cautiously as he tries to collect knowledge and information that may help him understand his current extraordinary state. Only to discover in wonder that everything he thought he knew was not really what it appears to be on the surface and an unstoppable behemoth hidden from society was about to be released of its figurative cage! Thoroughly realizing that gifts given by fate had already been secretly marked with prices, he pauses as he contemplates his circumstances and his future, trying to find his central meaning of existence as an anchor to arm himself with for an expected struggle. Will he survive and thrive with the sudden changes and rebel against fate? Or will he just abandon himself in the middle and accept his established destiny? — This is a story about discovery and realization! A fight between man and nature! The clash between the ideals of a group of reformers and a group of conformists. This is a tale of an Apostle’s Transcendence. --- Hello everyone, welcome to Apostle’s Transcendence. Hopefully, this work can keep you entertained. Rookie writer, D.Naos.
Draenaos · 12.9K Views
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