How Upwork Pays

Note for Royal Road staff: This novel is written and owned by me, [Aquetus]. I am also publishing this story on Royal Road under the same account. ----------- Ten thousand years ago, the sky shattered, the earth bled, and reality screamed. Gods and awakeners clashed against horrors that should not exist—things that twisted minds, devoured souls, and laughed at the concept of death. The world did not win. It survived. The Veil Barrier was forged, sealing away the nightmares at an unfathomable cost. Time passed. The world forgot. But the barrier is rotting. Cracks spread. Whispers crawl. Monsters pour through, dragging something far worse behind them. And in the midst of it all, something else stirs. Not a hero. Not a villain. Not a god. A being that should not exist. One even the horrors feared. The world thinks it won the war. It was wrong.

Chen Huaian's Story (Modern World) Single HeroineInnovative ConceptVirtual Companion + Pay-to-Enhance "I'm Chen Huaian, terminally ill with stage IV cancer. These final days found me obsessed with *Eternal Companion* - a VR girlfriend simulator. I emptied my savings buying her cultivation manuals^3 and magical artifacts through in-game microtransactions^2. Though bankrupt, I smiled watching her pixelated form flourish... until the day she gifted me a Nine Revolutions Golden Core Pill. When the glowing elixir materialized in my palm, I realized - this was never just a game. My digital darling might hold the key to cheating death itself." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Li Qingran's Story (Cultivation World) Fallen ImmortalWorld Fusion CrisisReverse Harem Potential "I'm Li Qingran - disgraced prodigy stripped of cultivation^3, left to rot in a thatched hut. When death seemed certain, an anonymous benefactor began transmitting divine energy through my jade slip. Under their guidance, I rebuilt my spiritual roots^3 and ascended as Cangyun Realm's Sword Sovereign. Now cosmic forces conspire to merge our dying world with an emerging spirit-rich dimension^1. Even celestials face annihilation in this coming convergence. I'll scour the nine heavens to find my mysterious patron. They saved my dao - I'll shield their mortal form through the apocalypse... and claim them as dual cultivation partner!"

Frieda Evans, the daughter of the former Royal head physician is required to treat the Dark Lord's illness or she dies. After being tricked into marrying the scheming king, she gradually realizes that he isn't all that he seems and maybe the cure to his heart disease is a little... love?

With the constant dark clouds and strange things happening, fear began to spread faster than he thought. “ your majesty…. What do we do? We have prayed to our gods and deities?” The ministers of the court room said in unison. The land was getting affected by the sudden change of weather and people staying by the ocean reported how wild the water was getting, fishermen did not return to their homes nor did their boats and those who were able to return from the forest, came with nothing. The land was going hungry and panic rises even more, the king wiped off the sweat that was forming on his forehead as he nervously looked at his pregnant wife and she back at him with more fear and she unconsciously rubbed her belly. He wanted her to stay back and rest but she was helpless and followed him to the court hearing, “ what is the state of the people?” The king asked the commander in all black and he bowed his head. “ My king, the seas are wild and the defense has been destroyed, the people near the ocean is now moving from their homes because there’s nothing left, we await your orders” the commander said with a bow. The king paced back and forth, something was wrong, they had prayed to the god of the seas yet the deity did not respond. “ open the gates!” He ordered and the commander followed up with his soldiers, What he did not expect was to see the whole people running to the palace. His frown turning into shock and replaced with fear as his eyes widened when he saw the ocean chasing the people with a strange creature emerging from it. The screams, the fear, the ocean and the roar filled with anger carrying strong waves with thunder and lightning, swallowing the whole land……. What is it going to be * matured contents, no rape* Like it download and add to your library and await for awesome chapters

Song Huanyan had her fiancé stolen by her own cousin. Then, she drowned her sorrows in a bar... When she woke up, lying beside her was the younger brother of her former fiancé. "Consider last night's events as you paying off your brother's debt," Song Huanyan said. "What debt?" Yun Jianchen asked. Song Huanyan, "An emotional debt." Yun Jianchen, "..." Song Huanyan, "Ever heard the saying, 'A brother's debts are paid by his sibling'?" Yun Jianchen, "..."

A young Japanese man inherits his parents' Shine Muscat grape farm after they impulsively bought it during retirement but couldn't handle its physical demands. Though initially reluctant, he finds success farming for three years until market oversaturation causes prices to plummet. While playing a new video game called "Immortal Order: Origin" about historical secrets, he is mysteriously transported to 16th century North America, where he encounters starving English colonists from the lost Roanoke Colony. His grape farm has been transported with him, complete with modern equipment and a secret gift called 'Immortal'.

For 15 years, something has been telling Ash to get stronger, to fight. One day it seems he needs to put those skills to the test when he gets forced onto Earth, home to his doppelganger, Thorne. The thing that pushed him here also brought a lot of chaos, this could be it, what he's been told to fight for. He lost 15 years because of it, it's time to earn those years back don't you think?

Aberaeron has been facing recurring cases of murders and people going missing for the past few months. Witnesses report demonic activities and wraiths attacking travelers at night, the bodies of the unfortunate found mauled, flesh rendered from bones. The Emperor and elites of the upper court have dismissed the issue as merely a propaganda to fuel the religious zealots. Melannia Ashberne, the heir to the House Ashberne, has her own demons to face with unpleasant nightmares destroying her sleep. When her family is attacked on a trip to the city of Ravelon, Melannia finds herself standing in crossroads of deadly truths, harsh betrayals, and questions better left unanswered.

Yeon-Jun Shin works as a talented barista at a cozy coffee shop nestled in a bustling neighborhood. His life has been shaped by a challenging reality—he lives with selective mutism, a condition that emerged from the deep-rooted trauma he faced during his childhood. After enduring significant hardships, Yeon-Jun was fortunate to be adopted by the father of Sung-Hoon Cha, the ambitious young entrepreneur who owns the coffee shop where he now flourishes. Despite his struggles, Yeon-Jun has quietly become a beloved figure among the patrons, drawing them in with his exceptional brewing skills and strikingly good looks. However, Yeon-Jun's tranquil existence is disrupted when he crosses paths with Woo-San Kim, a man of considerable wealth and influence. Woo-San hails from an illustrious lineage, being an eighth-generation chaebol, and currently holds a prestigious position in the media sector. Despite his high status and the expectations that come with it, he harbors a simple yet profound passion—he relishes the experience of sipping a perfectly crafted coffee at his favorite local café. More than just the coffee itself, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to Yeon-Jun, the enigmatic barista who serves him. Though they share many moments in the coffee shop, their interactions remain silent, marked only by Woo-San's lingering gaze fixated on Yeon-Jun behind the counter. Something about Yeon-Jun captivates him—perhaps it’s the way his eyes light up while expertly preparing a latte or the serene aura he projects amid the café's lively atmosphere. However, this budding connection takes an unexpected turn when Woo-San's grandfather, intent on preserving the family's honorable legacy, imposes an arranged marriage upon him. Caught in an emotional whirlwind, Woo-San faces a profound dilemma: should he regard the weight of familial duty and embrace a life scripted by tradition, or follow the uncharted path that his heart seems to beckon him toward—toward Yeon-Jun? As each day unfolds, he must navigate the complexities of obligation and desire, weighing his grandfather's demands against the quiet yet stirring bond he has formed with the barista. In a world governed by riches and expectations, what choice will Woo-San ultimately make?

"On that day, Zach Harper died-" Or at least that was how it was supposed to be. I died. But there was good news, and bad news. The good news; I was reincarnated! Transmigrated into the World of Aethoria! Holy fuck, miracles do happen! But the bad news was, "Huh? What's this?" ... [DING!] A New Quest has been issued:- Type:- SURVIVAL Name:- Quest To Becoming Stronger: Description: The {Great Calamity} is coming...Get stronger and survive. Duration-: ... Reward:- ... Penalty:- Death, ??? ] ... I had to survive. •••• Join the discord! https://discord.gg/3E6p8AdQVR ••• Stone goals will be re-updated soon.

Hellium Dexter is a drained, 26 year old, old man who believes that his sole reason for living is to overwork himself. Contrary to his lifestyle, his agemates had been busy making their lives successful, with both time and money, plus girlfriends. While he, on the other hand, had been assigned to an unreasonable boss and toxic officemates who seem to enjoy living trampling others. The only paradise he can achieve in this earthly hell was manga, anime, and light novels. Yes, Hellium is an otaku. A true hero of his generation! A man with the power to overturn life and death situations by willpower and shouting! A 26-year-old who still have chuunibyou. Not like he can use his will power and shouting in the real world though. For example, when he saved a child from an attempt of suicide by jumping off a bridge. A mundane effort! And thus, Hellium Dexter died. What a quick death! However, contradicting the feeling of dying, he opened his eyes. Only to find himself on an unfamiliar scenery with a body that could only move a little. A baby?! Did he reincarnate as a baby? He can’t believe it and was about to be swallowed by joy when he realized something is missing… why doesn’t he have that thing down there?

``` Na noite em que seu noivo a traiu, Ran Xueyi não imaginava que sua família e amigos já soubessem de tudo antes mesmo dela. Devastada, Xueyi decide que quer vingança de um jeito que pudesse arruinar a reputação da sua família e se livrar do noivado que ela não queria! E a única maneira de fazer isso era engravidar do filho de outro homem! Mas o que acontece quando o pai da criança aparece diante dela depois de 2 anos exigindo levá-la e ao seu filho de volta? Xueyi será capaz de resistir aos encantos dele quando até seu filho quer adotar esse homem como pai?! --- Conheça Song Yu Han, um homem enigmático e o magnata mais rico do país! Pena que o homem era frio como gelo... Mas justo quando todos pensavam que nunca haveria uma mulher que o fizesse se apaixonar, ele de repente apareceu com uma bela esposa e um filho. ---- Algumas cenas do romance: “Mamãe, eu quero jantar com o papai,” disse o pequeno um dia. Xueyi não conseguiu resistir ao charme do filho e relutantemente disse sim. No dia seguinte. “Mamãe, eu ouvi meus colegas falando que eles dormem com os pais. Posso chamar o papai para dormir conosco?” Xueyi rejeita a ideia, mas quando seu filho começou a chorar e fazer birra, ela finalmente cedeu. E no dia seguinte, novamente. “Mamãe, eu quero uma irmãzinha da mamãe e do papai. Vá e faça uma para mim!” o pequeno exigiu e piscou para o pai que estava em pé atrás dele. Assim começa a vida de Xueyi repleta de amor tanto do marido quanto do filho. [CONTEÚDO MADURO] ```

The cataclysm happened quickly. Portals appeared and monsters invaded earth. People awakened powers and fought back. And after one month. [Channel 16379 earth has opened up] Beings called constellations came and showered awakened with support and powers. I even got a gift from one [Constellation Fighting goddess: is gifting you an item!] [Obtained item: Constellation's sword(SS+)] With that weapon I became the strongest awakened and struggled to keep humanity alive. But that's all useless history now. The world has gone to shit. With the appearance of otherworldly corruption the world didn't stand a chance. It gave immeasurable power for a price.

This could have been new shit

After discovering the true power of the universe and how truly deep its waters are, humanity was thrust into a chaotic world where only power meant anything. Martial artists dominated the cosmos, wielding power far beyond what even the gods of their imagination could do. Facing extinction, humanity rallied together and built a world they could call home. Now, 12,000 years have passed, and in an era of peace and complacency, humanity gave birth to their chosen warrior, destined to lead them to prosperity. Adam was once a medical student trying to become a doctor, but one day, after becoming one with the pavement, he died, never being able to fulfill his dreams. However, just as the lights turned off, they turned back on. He had reincarnated and 12,000 years into the future at that. In an era where only martial arts meant power, Adam was forced to become a powerhouse or die worth nothing. But with his average talent and skills, Adam knew he wouldn't get very far in this life. Yet on his 16th birthday, just when he had accepted it, his fate changed as a blue screen appeared in front of him. ————————————————————————— The picture on the cover or the one I have used in the character illustration chapter does not belong to me. They were just creations I found that resembled how the characters I had imagined looked. If the creator wishes for me to take them down, please contact me. ————————————————————————— If you like this type of novel or my writing in general, be sure to check out my other novels, Transmigration: Children of The Plane and Rebirth of a Divine Lord. ————————————————————————— Personal Links. Discord Server: https://discord.gg/3ybfHXxxBg Support me here at Kofi! https://ko-fi.com/slarbi123

"Bring him to his knees." Wait, what? This was supposed to be my reward ceremony, hell, I had just seconds ago finally received the title they decided to push on me. "Bring me the ring." Alice De Vritara, crimson eyes that burned like fire as she looked down at him. He was so dumbfounded that he didn't even try to stop her as she forced his arm up and placed a ring in his hand. A silver band that twined around a large amethyst that held a deeply crimson core, the Eye of Rostam, expensive enough to buy half a city. "Oh? Is this a proposal? I didn't know you wanted to marry me that much." Wait, what? You're the one who forced me to hold the ring, hell, you're even the one who forced me to my knees like this. In this situation, shouldn't I be the one saying thigns like that? "Don't look at me like that, I'm just following your third tenet." Again, what? You're blaming this on me? What the hell, all I wanted to do was change your pre-determined fate and raise the supposed monster of the story into a good (Villainess) person. --------- (I do not own the cover for this story, I will remove if asked. I also give myself permission to release this on other sites.)

Ethan was just an ordinary gamer, enjoying his favorite fantasy romance RPG. But one moment, he was at his desk, and the next he was inside the game itself! The worst part? He wasn’t the hero. He wasn’t even a side character. He was just an NPC, a lowly servant in the royal courtyard, destined to be forgotten. With death lurking around every corner, Ethan must use his wits to survive in a world where NPCs are disposable. But as he starts changing the game’s storyline, the heroines take notice, the hero grows suspicious, and the very system of the world begins to glitch. Why was he brought here? Can he escape? Or will he rewrite destiny itself?

Origin World is the battlefield for all the Lords that are summoned to fight and decide the fate of Earth. Origin Lords are the people who get summoned and the people who need to fight against all the challenges thrown at them and against their fellow lords. Me? I am an Origin Lord who uses money to be the strongest Lord in this world. =Author Note= This is a self-indulgent novel. It is a crack with a plot. You have been warned.

The only child from a dysfunctional home. A man can be wealthy, famous, handsome and healthy. All this was true about Andrew Levis except falling in love. As rich as his father was, he was not attracted to any other female except his mother. Andrew Levis inherited the same habit from his father. He finds himself in a one night stand with Sarah Obama after a club party. The only solution to his family problems is only if he can produce a child. Andrew was trapped to get Aria pregnant, the daughter of kids Crocs company. Ariq drugged Andrew so he could get her pregnant, so it leads to marriage. Their plans were unsuccessful as Andrew mistakenly met Sarah in an hotel room while she was waiting for her fiancee to have her a month to their wedding. Sarah's boyfriend broke up with her even when they have not fully known each other, using it against her when he knew quite well she's not a cheater, all because he loves his side chic. The same greedy Aria that wants to get married to Andrew and still have extra marital affairs with Alfred. Few weeks after the one night stand Sarah discovered she's pregnant. After Sarah's discovery since the one night stand, Andrew proposed to her. "Please marry me, make me the happiest man in earth and let's help each other get revenge. Find out what happens next?

Random poems

There are countless ways to survive in a world already consumed by darkness, yet there are infinitely more ways to perish. If you're reading this out of curiosity, wondering what kind of worlds would be considered apocalyptic, or if you're one of the wiser ones already preparing for the inevitable end, then you've found the right place to satisfy that hunger...

“The greatest villain in the world? That’s me?!” Kade, a struggling actor, wakes up in a strange fantasy land where everyone thinks he is Kaedus, a feared Dark Lord destined to rule or be defeated by the heroes. With no idea how to use magic or fight, Kade decides to rely on his acting skills to survive. It seems easy enough, until his "loyal" minions start scheming, the hero’s party begins closing in, and the prophecy about his downfall might actually be true. Pretending to be a villain was supposed to be simple, but staying alive might cost Kade more than he ever imagined.

Named Blazewardic, known as Blaze never imagined a debt of 60 million Celestial Stone would be slapped on his face as soon as he ascended Heaven Realm. Unlucky as he seems, the only luck he had was the grace of the Heavenly Emperor who took his power and offered him to be the subject of the 'Divine System' and paid 50 percent of his debt. The real problem hadn't started yet, but it got interesting when he was made the 'True God' over the Slave Realm, and his first divine quest began with; [Divinity must cultivate rice to feed the starving] The powerless God, known as Blaze, looked at the cracked-up soil, then at the smoke-covered sky with no sign of rain, and finally at the tree-less surroundings with eye-threatening greyness. "..." God, how the hell am I supposed to cultivate in this place!!? Oh hell, I am God... hahaha? ***

From a very young age, he's lived his life under the watchful eyes of unseen beings. They could not physically interfere with his world, but they had ways to make his life hell. Maybe it was by fluke or they wanted to give him a break, but he managed to live a life, free from their scrutinization for 11 years. And just when he thought life could only be better from this point on, he died. In a terrible accident caused by someone he cherished. But orchestrated by those who desired him, or his soul… By sheer luck, he had caught the eye of one of these higher beings. And was blessed with the gift of a second chance. He was transmigrated to another world, the world of a novel he was obsessed with. And it is through this incident he manages to figure out the secrets of his past life, and the lives before that. The reason he was monitored so strictly, treated as a quality source of entertainment. All he wanted was a peaceful life, with the freedom to do as he wished. All he had were the people around him, who were continually taken away from him. Although unwanted, he cherished his second life. But then the peace was short-lived, and fate brought them all back, one by one. And once again, he was back to the same old scrutiny. But is it always that easy? To have all you want just because you possessed the power to do so? What if, just what if that helpless soul treated as nothing but an efficient source of entertainment, somehow possessed such power as well? Would they be let off? Yes, after all his whole existence was to create a good show. But why not pay back to his audience in equal measure, and yes, show them all, how to be a proper villain.

Jo is a horny girl.