Pitted Nails

“A surprise?” The Prince scoffed. “And if I had died out there? You would have let me die as a prince who never knew his daughter existed.” Her smile didn’t falter. “I’m grateful you didn’t. So, my surprise still worked. And more than that, I suppose I got a surprise too… about your new arranged marriage, Your Grace.” Her nails pressed into her palms through the crumpled fabric of the handkerchief. She wouldn’t let herself crumble. Not now. Not after everything. She vowed to hold her composure—as the lady of the castle, the Marchioness of Ravenswood. === Duty over Desire. That was the mindset Elara Damaryon had set for herself when she accepted the marriage offer from the Prince who lived in the shadows of Valloria Kingdom. Coming from a disgraced baron’s family, Elara dedicated herself to becoming a worthy wife and the respected lady of Ravenswood Castle for the past four years. She worked tirelessly to remain devoted to the Prince, even though they had shared only one passionate night before he left for a war that would last four long years. After the long, gruelling battle, the Prince’s return as a hero turned into agony for Elara when he was bound by Royal Decree to enter an alliance marriage with a warrior princess. Vain would be an understatement for the disdain she felt. She refused to shatter into the broken mirror of her former self. In a kingdom where fate is whispered through ancient spells and the Moon Goddess watches in silence, Elara, once certain the goddess had forsaken her, must uncover the blessing veiled beneath her suffering. What she once saw as duty has become an undeniable desire. She must protect her legacy—not just as a mother, but as a woman who’s discovering more about her own power. Will she uphold her duty to protect what matters most, or will her desire awaken a force she never dared to dream of—perhaps, love? === [WARNING MATURE CONTENT 18+] WebNovel Spirity Awards 2025 Entry

Just by an accident, the whole world underwent mutation. The deceased resurrected, genes morphed, spiritual energy revived, mountains rose, underground pits appeared, and evil land of the dead emerged. Ghosts emerged, some people developed three heads and six arms, some acquired martial arts secret scripts, but it’s hard for commoners to even survive. Fortunately, I acquired the Mutation Technique, which allows all sorts of objects to mutate: books, fruits, weapons.

Nate’s POV: The Beast Awakens The burning started in my chest—subtle at first, like a dull ache, but it quickly spread like wildfire. My vision blurred, and every nerve in my body screamed. Not now. Not here. I stumbled back, gripping my arms as the pain intensified. It felt like something inside me was tearing free, clawing its way to the surface. My breath came in ragged gasps, and the world around me dimmed. "Nate, stay with me!" Leona’s voice barely registered through the storm raging in my head. The heat surged, and with it, a primal force I couldn’t contain. My skin prickled, muscles twisting and bones cracking as fur erupted along my arms. My hands... no, claws now, dug into the dirt. My nails were black, curved, and razor-sharp. A deep, guttural growl escaped my throat, one I didn’t recognize as my own. "Nate!" Leona yelled again, stepping closer. Brave, or stupid. Maybe both. I lifted my head, locking eyes with her. Her fear hit me like a wave—but behind it, there was something else. Trust. “Stay back,” I growled, my voice layered with something... inhuman. My lips curled back, revealing sharp teeth. The beast wanted out. It wanted blood. But I wasn’t ready to give it everything. Not yet. With a shuddering breath, I forced myself to stand, claws flexing, muscles coiled like steel. I could feel the strength surging through me—powerful, untamed, and deadly. "You wanted a monster," I snarled, glaring at the enemy ahead. "You’ve got one." ---

Confined in a remote country, a transient youth with an unusual name, Hoku, stumbles upon a hidden message in his late uncle's library. Provoked by a profound fascination, he encounters a distorted timeframe that reincarnates him into "The Sequel," a perilous alternate universe plagued by mysteries and fallen civilizations. Stripped of his memories and identity, Hoku must navigate this treacherous realm by forging alliances with strangers who appear to share his misfortune. To return to his own world, he must unravel the parties that purposed him to become the ‘Navigator of the timestream’. His quest pits him against the apprentices of a formidable deity known as "The Abundant Creator," forcing him to recover the past and confront the enigmatic truths that upended his grasp of his own existence.

Is it really that hard to stop using violence? For Collin, it wasn’t just hard—it felt almost impossible. Violence had been her language, her release, her *identity* for as long as she could remember. At just five years old, her father had taught her how to throw a punch, how to stand her ground, how to fight back. What started as self-defense quickly became something more. She didn’t just use her fists—she *enjoyed* it. The adrenaline, the power, the way people backed off when they saw her coming. It was intoxicating. But now, standing at the gates of Nexus High School, Collin had made a promise—to herself, to her mom, to the life she was trying to rebuild. No more fights. No more violence. Just a normal high school experience. The problem? Old habits die hard. Collin clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she forced herself to take a deep breath. The urge to swing at the girl who’d bumped into her earlier was still simmering under her skin. *“It’s just a coat,”* she told herself, even though it wasn’t. It was a gift from her dad, a piece of him she carried with her every day. But violence wasn’t the answer anymore. At least, that’s what she kept telling herself. High school was supposed to be a fresh start. A chance to leave behind the girl who ruled the playground with her fists, the girl who sent bullies running with just a glare. But as she walked through the halls of Vale High, Collin could feel the weight of her past pressing down on her. The whispers, the stares, the familiar faces from middle school—they all reminded her of who she used to be. And then there was *him*. The boy she’d tormented back in middle school, the one who now looked at her with a mix of fear and resentment. His presence was a stark reminder of the promises she’d made—and how easily they could be broken. Collin had always been a fighter. But now, the biggest battle wasn’t against someone else—it was against herself. Could she really leave her old life behind? Could she keep her promise and live a normal life, or would the temptation to throw just *one more punch* be too much to resist? The bell rang, signaling the start of her first class. Collin squared her shoulders, took another deep breath, and stepped into the classroom. This was her chance to prove she could change. But deep down, she knew it wouldn’t be easy.

Children are vanishing. Aziz was one of them. Dragged into the depths of the earth, Aziz is thrown into a pit to die—but death does not keep him. Each time he dies, he rises stronger, his senses sharpened, his resolve hardened. Leaving the pit only leads him deeper: to an underground forest, a brutal Exam, and finally, an academy ruled by the Order, a organization hidden from the world. They claim to seek peace, but their true purpose is shrouded in secrets Aziz is desperate to uncover and tear apart. Trapped between vengeance and the unknown, Aziz must survive trials, betrayals, and the truth lurking beneath it all... Revenge drives him. But will it blind him to the real enemy? All will fear the Divine Snake Cult. All will whisper the name Ghost. 3 - 5 CHAPTERS EVERY WEEK

[True Survivalist Path + Longevity Flow + Ruthlessness + Mortal Cultivation Style] Transmigrated to a world of cultivation. Initially, I thought I’d soon have to fight to the death with those ruthless cultivators, competing for the slim chance to achieve immortality. Unexpectedly, I came with a status panel granting me infinite lifespan. What should I do now that I’m suddenly immortal? “The masses fight tooth and nail for immortality.” “That’s because their lives are short. If they don’t fight, they die!” “But I’m different.” “If I fight, that’s when I’ll really die.” “As long as I can keep surviving and cultivating steadily, one day, I’ll become immortal.” This is the story of a long-lived individual navigating the cultivation world with the path of survival and longevity.

In the world of underground racing, reputations are earned on the asphalt, where speed and skill determine the apex predators of the night. Enter the realm of “Street Racing” a gripping tale of adrenaline, intrigue, and personal revelation that throttles into the life of an unexpected hero—Zhuifeng, the enigmatic God of Racing. Zhuifeng’s life is a maze of contradictions. Known for his impulsive demeanor and penchant for drinking, he hides a legendary prowess on the race circuit—a talent so profound it could elevate him from obscurity to infamy overnight. However, Zhuifeng carries a burden that keeps him on edge, a secret tethered to a mysterious past and a future precariously balanced on the turn of his steering wheel. Join Feng as he blazes a trail through jaw-dropping rally stages and nail-biting showdowns, winning hearts and confronting the shadows of his past. Prepare to be swept away by a saga where the road to truth accelerates at full throttle…and not everyone crosses the finish line. _____________________________ Discord: https://discord.gg/4a56fVCB Read Ahead At: https://lightnovelking.blogspot.com/

SUBTITTLE: BLOOD AND RUIN In a land fractured by centuries of war, Arden is a cunning scavenger who survives by looting the remnants of forgotten battles. But her life changes forever when she unearths Lunaris, an ancient, sentient artifact of unimaginable power. Lunaris promises protection, riches, and glory—but whispers dark secrets, revealing its true purpose: to shift the balance of power in the world, for better or worse. News of Arden’s discovery spreads like wildfire, drawing the attention of rival kingdoms, mercenaries, and shadowy cults. Each faction craves the artifact, willing to spill rivers of blood to claim it. But Lunaris has a will of its own, forging an unsettling bond with Arden, testing her resolve with every choice she makes. As armies march and conspiracies unravel, Arden faces impossible decisions: destroy the artifact and lose the one thing keeping her alive, or wield its power and risk becoming the very tyrant she despises. With her heart caught between rebellion, loyalty, and a dangerous attraction to a rogue prince with his own agenda, Arden must navigate a treacherous game of alliances and betrayals. But Lunaris has one final revelation—Arden isn’t just its wielder. She’s part of a prophecy that could end the war… or ignite an apocalypse. As the battlefield closes in and the artifact whispers promises of godhood, Arden must choose: Will she save the world—or claim it? A tale of power, sacrifice, and destiny, The Artifact War is perfect for fans of morally complex characters, nail-biting twists, and epic action.

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

In a not-so-distant future, Earth is thrown into chaos by a weird alien ship that crashes and starts leaking spiritual energy all over the place. This energy messes with the planet’s ecosystem, making everything mutate—animals, plants, even people. It’s like nature’s gone wild, with some folks getting crazy supernatural powers while others struggle to survive against mutated creatures and power-hungry groups trying to take control. In the middle of all this craziness, Amira Hailen—a tough-as-nails ex-special forces assassin with a complicated past—gets a second shot at life. Thanks to a mysterious ally’s Mental Transference powers, she’s sent back in time, waking up with the ability to control ice. Determined to keep humanity afloat, she gathers her old crew and turns them into a reliable team amid all the chaos. Meanwhile, Aiden Emberstorm—a fiery elite operative—gets fed up with the government’s weak response to the crisis. With his own fire powers blazing, he ditches the bureaucracy and teams up with his battalion to protect innocent lives. He becomes a symbol of resistance, taking on mutated beasts and rogue factions while trying to restore some order. When Amira and Aiden cross paths, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Their icy and fiery personalities clash, but they can’t deny the need to join forces. They both want the same thing: a sanctuary where survivors can be safe. So, they decide to work together, hatching a plan to take down the alien ship before it can call in reinforcements for a full-scale invasion. Amid epic battles, unexpected alliances, and a budding romance, Amira and Aiden must face both their inner demons and the alien threat. It’s a fight for survival in a world that’s gone wild, with everything at stake—including their own hearts.

Xion Aijawa thought his life was finally coming together. That is, until he tried saving a cat stuck in a tree, fell into a pit, and... died In his disoriented sate of "Freshly dead" the silly Xion accepted a strange request and ended up transmigrating into the world full of dungeons and Mana. He became illegitimate child of Marquis family hated by his three siblings. According to the memory of the original owner of the body, Xion only had a month to live. So, taking the cover of the banquet, Xion ran away. Aided by a mysterious Mall System, he makes his way to the distant borderlands, hoping to put his past behind him. But fate has other plans-. Xion ends up saving Darius Rael Darkhelm, the feared Archduke of the North, notorious for his ruthless and deranged nature. The silly Xion tried to run away but... Xion's heart thumped loudly as Darius effortlessly pinned his wrists using only one hand. "I've heard you tried to run away." Darius gently caressed Xion's pale cheek, "That must be a lie... After all, I've given you things even the royal family can't have. Isn't that right, my dear healer?" Xion gulped when Darius's thumb brushed his lower lip as a chilling smirk remained on his handsome face. "I-I think I should leave, Your Grace. I've overstayed my welcome..." The room grew cold, and struggling Xion shivered. Darius's green eyes dimmed before lighting up with a dangerous glint. Xion felt a pit growing in his stomach when he saw the deranged archduke smile. Darius never smiled. And whenever he did, it only meant trouble. "You're right," Darius said calmly. "So, let's get married." Xion "...!!!!" ______________________ This book will lean toward dark romance, but there will be no r@pe. This author doesn't like glorifying SA as romance. I am trying first time for CQ, so please support this book with power stones and by adding it to your library. Your support is immensely needed! ＼⁠(⁠^⁠o⁠^⁠)⁠／

In a realm where shadows reign and the night is alive with terror, a ruthless vampire lord has maintained his dominion over the darkened skies, instilling fear in the hearts of mortals. However, his reign is threatened by two formidable hunters, Lin and Buck, who have emerged from the depths of obscurity with a singular purpose: to hunt him down and claim his blood. This ancient elixir holds the key to unimaginable power, granting them the ability to ascend to the status of demigods, surpassing even the might of the gods themselves. As the vampire lord navigates the treacherous landscape of his murky kingdom, he finds himself pitted against these relentless adversaries. Known for his cunning and unparalleled strength, he has evaded countless hunters before, but Lin and Buck are unlike any he has faced. With their unwavering determination and unique skills, they pose a genuine threat to his existence. The battle unfolds in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where the stakes are higher than ever. Will the vampire lord outsmart his pursuers and retain his power, or will Lin and Buck succeed in their quest for dominance, forever altering the balance between mortals and immortals?

In a world where kingdoms rise and fall, a seasoned player unexpectedly finds himself transmigrated into the very game he once mastered—Caldera. However, his new life as a ruler comes with a crushing twist: severe debuffs and harsh restrictions on his talents make survival nearly impossible. Against overwhelming odds, he fights tooth and nail to carve out a legacy. Despite his brilliance in strategy and marvels in combat, failure becomes his ultimate fate. But fate offers him another chance. Reborn at the start of the game, now without the crippling debuffs and armed with all the knowledge, experience, and hard-won lessons of his previous life, he faces the world anew. This novel is a bit fast-paced compared to current mainstream trends. It will delve into human nature and how far people are willing to go for meager profit. Most characters will be evil, and even the good ones only appear good because the actions they take align with their own interests, rather than being motivated by true goodness. For any questions about this novel, feel free to leave a comment on my first review, where I will be answering any inquiries or questions regarding the story. I hope you have a great time reading this! If you’d like to support this novel, please rate it or leave any kind of comment or join my studio over at discord where we have a dedicated space to Lord of Caldera Fans: https://discord.gg/b3f4gQ8v6h Any feedback will help it gain more exposure. Thank you! I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com as well although only free chapter just like here. if you read on both platforms and like the novel do leave me some review there as well thank you. https://www.royalroad.com/profile/569643/fictions

Raymond Shelby was brutally killed by his girlfriend. It turned out that she was the daughter of a crime boss, and Ray's testimony had been the final nail to the coffin that put the crime boss on death row. Ray would've been a vengeful spirit, having died like that, if not for the fact that in his last moment, using his last bit of life force, he picked up the gun he felt on the floor and fired. He didn't know where he was firing at because both his eyes had been plucked out but he heard his girlfriend's goons scrambling in panic. From what he was able to gather in that moment, he had shot her straight to the throat. Armed with this knowledge, Ray died with a smile on his face. In an instance, he found himself in an unfamiliar place, standing in front of an unfamiliar face that sent him to an unfamiliar world, but instead of being excited, he was a little pensive because of what the person who claimed to be a goddess had said...

'Kill monsters, eat meat' 'I mean, Kill monsters, save lives. Got it.' 'Tut, I could've sworn that the first one sounded better.' She wasn't a girl looking for freedom or self-righteous liberation by a hero, or whatever shit a girl who suffered for almost all her life would crave. -the shit of a life she was living was horrible, but it was bearable, and so she got used to it. Rather, instead of freedom, what this little missy wanted was money. Lots and lots of them so she never has to worry about the next day. Money - bountiful enough that when she has to spend, she doesn't need to look back or calculate her assets to see how much she has left. Money - bountiful enough to get all the fried chicken she could ever dream of. Yeah, you heard it, fried chicken. For those who did not have money to spare leisurely, getting fried chicken was like a pipe dream to them and she had been one of those unfortunate souls. A comfortable roof above her head and no worries as to when she would get ordered around to steal. No worries about when she would get her next meal-- That was her liberation. And she got it. Just that, she got it most absurdly. Awakened! Those were the people ruling the world, alongside beastly and deadly monsters who threatened the safety of average human beings. And those awakened call the shots. Alice never dreamed she would one day be awakened, and compared to others with their game-like system displaying their attributes and strength; she had a full-grown man whom only she could hear, watching her back at every turn and telling her what to do. He was kinda a pain in the ass but she couldn't complain. It was this gift he had bestowed on her that made her the most powerful Awakened there was with stats that even S-class awakeneds couldn't compare to. She was the boss, now. Mwa-hahahahaha. But life didn't go as easy and leisurely as she planned. With great power comes great responsibility, right? Well, in her case with great power comes great hunger. She couldn't go a moment without getting hungry and her stomach had become a bottomless pit. And to get food, she needed money, and to get money, she had to hunt monsters. The monsters plagued humanity, causing catastrophes and taking lives mercilessly. Those monsters, as scary as they may be, were her target and she had to face them head-on. The bigger the monsters the more money she would gain. Yeah, that was the plan, but... This guy acting as her system seemed to have other plans, putting her at the forefront of 'justice' and having her clean the mess he somewhat created. 'Ugh, I can already sense a shadow of foreboding. Someone, please tell me I'm not acting the main character role. I just want to eat, okay?'

The Last Betrayal Elias was nothing more than a desperate man looking for a way out of poverty. When a reckless decision to rob a casino owned by the infamous Black Sun Syndicate goes horribly wrong, he is thrust into a world of crime, violence, and power beyond his imagination. Given a brutal ultimatum by the mafia’s ruthless leader, Dominic Graves, Elias is forced to become a pawn in their deadly game—or die. As Elias descends deeper into the underworld, his once-innocent soul becomes stained with blood. What begins as a struggle for survival soon ignites an insatiable hunger for power. Robbery turns to murder. Betrayal becomes second nature. With every crime, Elias sheds the weak man he once was, rising through the ranks of the criminal empire. But ambition is a double-edged sword, and in the world of the mafia, loyalty is a myth. When his growing greed drives him to challenge even the untouchable Dominic Graves, Elias sparks a war—one that pits him against rival syndicates, corrupt officials, and the very government that seeks to eradicate him. But in a world built on deception and brutality, is there ever a true victor? As his enemies close in and his past sins return to haunt him, Elias must confront the ultimate question: Will he die as a king or fall as another forgotten pawn in the empire of shadows? A dark, thrilling journey into the depths of crime, Empire of Shadows explores the cost of power, the corruption of the soul, and the inevitable downfall of those who dare to claim the throne of the underworld.

In the dark alleys of Blackspire, fifteen-year-old Kieran, a half-orc outcast, survives by his wits and desperation. But when a mysterious flyer offers him entry into the Trial of the Devil—a brutal test promising unimaginable power—Kieran sees a chance to escape the misery of his existence. The Trial transports seekers to Nytheris, a shadowed world where survival means facing relentless monsters, deadly challenges, and the darkness within themselves. There is no return. Nytheris is not just a battleground but a realm where cities hide treachery, alliances are fleeting, and even the strongest can fall. Kieran's journey pits him against horrors beyond his imagination and forces him to confront the cost of his ambition. In a place where only the ruthless thrive, Kieran must decide if power is worth sacrificing his humanity—or if the boy who entered the Trial will ever emerge again.

The East+[Shelter + Management + Apocalypse Rotation + Steady Male Protagonist] The apocalypse game has descended upon humanity, throwing the world into chaos. People are randomly assigned shelters across the globe, and every month, apocalyptic disasters rotate like clockwork: searing heat, unrelenting cold, meteor showers, mutant plants, and rampaging monsters. Survival hinges on venturing out to scavenge resources, battling the elements, and upgrading shelters to withstand an onslaught of catastrophes. Yi Bai is just another player in this brutal game—or so it seems. But soon, he discovers that his shelter talent is unlike any other. [Homebody’s Paradise (SSS-Class)]: For every day spent in his shelter, Yi Bai receives critical survival rewards tailored to his needs. The higher his shelter level, the better the rewards. “A top-tier talent! I can get stronger just by staying at home?” While others are fighting tooth and nail outside their shelters—battling monsters, scouring for food, and struggling to survive—Yi Bai is quietly turning his shelter into the ultimate fortress. Resources, weapons, food, and equipment pour in effortlessly. His Sealy bed? Supreme comfort. The S-Class combat beauty awarded to him? Lounging by his side. Apocalypse resources? Stacked so high he can’t even spend them all. With nothing more than patience and a talent for staying put, Yi Bai becomes an unstoppable force. “You call this the apocalypse?” He chuckles, sinking deeper into his plush bed. “This is paradise for homebodies!”

In a world where education shapes not only intellect but the future of society, the Neo-Soviet Federation, has established the Leadership Ascendancy Program (LAP) to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will run the country. The program selects the most promising high school student leaders from across the federation. These individuals are trained, tested, and pitted against each other to earn The title of "Sovereign Leader", the head of the SLP, who will not only oversee the future direction of the program but will also be groomed for a potential role as the future President of the country. Only one student can become the Sovereign leader, while others may claim supporting roles such as Deputy Sovereign leader,CEO or CEF while competing for Sovereign leader persons will be permanently eliminated—both from the program and their prospects for future leadership. Each year, the best student leaders from the country's most prestigious schools are chosen to compete, and only one will stand at the top. The twist? The competition is not simply about grades. It's about proving who can manipulate, dominate, and outmaneuver their peers in a world of political games, strategic battles, and social manipulation. The winner becomes the Sovereign Leader, the last person standing from their school, and has a chance to be given the ultimate political power of running the country. The program's purpose is twofold: to nurture an unbreakable ego capable of leading millions and to expose and exploit weaknesses that would make someone unfit for power.

The world as we know it today is completely flipped as monsters from tall tales, myths and any fantasy or scary story you read are all unleashed upon us. Those brave enough to stand up to the masses of monsters and nightmares are known as hunters. With new abilities awakened and weapons and armor made from the corpses of slain monsters have given us the edge to fight back. Many have made homes with the walls put up to survive from the comfort of their homes in the lower ends of the city. Not me through, I'll fight tooth and nail to make it big and get out of that crappy shack.

⚠️Hi guys, I'm new here. I hope you can enjoy it, this is English AI translate of my Indonesia novel: Magical Cowboy.⚠️ ❗❗FOR THE SECOND AND LAST TIME, THE AI ONLY FOR TRANSLATE. ALL THE STORIES, CHARACTERS, WORLD BUILDING, AND PLOT COMPLITELY BY ME! I REPEAT BY ME, A HUMAN! PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE READING IT!❗❗ I'm posting on Royal Road too! Please do not hesitate to check it! On RoyalRoad.com with the name THE_ASMODEUS ❗This is Zero to Hero story❗ Kaizoku was wandering around, looking for the shop he wanted. After finding it, he bought the revolver he desired. Kaizoku is a 19th years old who loves cowboy fiction, and he collects almost every firearm with a cowboy theme. Not just guns, he also buys costumes and hats. After purchasing the revolver he wanted, Kaizoku walked back to his apartment. As he opened the front door, Kaizoku suddenly fell—the floor had turned into a pit leading to an unknown place.

[Content Warning: This story contains several dark themes, including death and gore. Please read with caution.] The female lead may or may not display cruelty. (Proceed with caution if you choose to roast her.) _____________ The art of revenge is often a slow burn - calculated, patient and emotionally restrained. But what happens when vengeance strikes instantly? After being banished and dethroned as Luna by her pack Veronica Gordon is betrayed by her fiance' and is brutally murdered by him and his lover,her body shredded for organ trafficking on the eve of her wedding. Death should have been the end,but Veronica defies it, striking a deal for a second chance. Bound to the site of her deminse and granted the powers for her revenge, she transforms the place into Delilah's Inn,an establishment named after the infamous biblical seductress. Her mission is clear: lure and destroy cheating men and their accomplices. Centuries later, Delilah's Inn becomes a legend, immortalised in a mysterious novel with only 200 copies printed every five years. Adonis McCallum, a 24 year old university student and devoted fan of the tale, devours every edition. But his obsession takes a grim turn when he meets the same fate as Veronica - betrayed and murdered by his lover. Instead of passing on, Adonis is sent to the Inn by The Grim Reaper,who hopes to expedite his soul collection. Yet Adonis,with his innocence intact, proves immune to the Inn's seductive power. To escape and reclaim his life, he strikes an unlikely deal with the Grim Reaper: make Veronica fall in love with him - a woman whose heart has been dead for over a century cursed to feel nothing but cruelty. As Adonis navigates the sinister politics,lies and anguish entangled within Delilah's Inn, he must decide if his freedom is worth breaking through Veronica's icy facade - or if her revenge will claim him too. ______ TROPES: •— Werewolf. •—Dominant FL. •—Isekai x Transmigration. •—Dark Romance. •—Betrayal x Revenge. •—Slow Burn (some what) •—Horror?(I'll leave that you to decide) •—Boss × Employee relationship. •—Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine. •— Possessive x obsessive. •— Morally Grey FL. ______ Recommended Reading Theme: Dark. Recommended Reading Font: Lora Or Merriweather. _____ EXCERPT: I walked into the room, my chest still heaving as I stopped in front of her. She sat there, calm and unbothered, as though she hadn’t just spilled blood in the lobby like it was her second nature. Her crimson-polished nails clicked rhythmically against the smooth table. Her gaze was fixed on the open book in front of her—a book she hadn’t turned a single page of all morning. “I see you love standing, Adonis.” Her voice was calm, almost too calm. She didn’t bother looking up. “It was just a hug, Veronica,” I said through gritted teeth. “You shouldn’t have done that. Maya has served you loyally for years—” “Until she touched what is mine.” Her voice sliced through my words, sharp and absolute. I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “What’s yours? What’s the point of being yours when you treat me like… like I’m nothing?” The book slammed shut with a deafening clap. She rose to her feet in one fluid motion, every step toward me deliberate, predatory. Her eyes met mine, cold and unrelenting. “No one touches you but me, Adonis. Good, bad, whatever label you want to slap on it—I don’t care.” My breath caught in my throat, but I forced myself to hold my ground. “That’s not love, Veronica.” She tilted her head, a cruel smile tugging at her lips. “Love?” She laughed, soft but sharp, the sound laced with mockery. “Don’t insult me.”

"The missing ingredient is a test subject with Royal Blood..." Raven Kyzer, a Commoner boy, grew up in an orphanage along with his twin sister, after losing their mother at a young age, having never met their father. After being discovered to possess Royal blood, the twins are abducted by the Church of Persona. Raven is used as a test subject in an ancient form of Forbidden Magic, known as the Homunculus Ritual, while his sister goes missing in the clutches of the church. The Homunculus Ritual is conducted to turn Raven into a powerful but mindless Monster, a loyal weapon for the church with no sense of free will...but something goes wrong, the ritual fails to destroy Raven's mind and he escapes the clutches of the church. Furious at being turned into a Monster, Raven swears revenge against the church, determined to make them pay for what they did to him, as well as to rescue his sister from their clutches. But there's only so much he can do by himself, even with the new powers he gained through the Homunculus Ritual...that's when he has a fateful encounter with the nation's most wanted criminals, a group known as The Irregulars, who, like Raven, have their own reasons to despise and go after the church, as well as the corrupt Nobility that oppresses the Commoners. With their goals aligned, Raven decides to join The Irregulars, taking the first step on his long, arduous path to revenge... Instagram: @aimdaqs Discord Server: https://discord.gg/J497zhJb

Hell has been sealed, the Lord of Hell has been slain. Now, no devil or demon shall ever haunt the world. Now, no sinner shall ever be banished into its horrid prisons. But what if the sinner himself... wishes to enter? —Standing parallel to this reality is an enormous opportunity. One toward which massive armies are striving for. There is no way to enter Hell but to make a pact with a Devil. But with bedazzling opportunities stoking the flames of hell, countless moths are being prodded onward. The stakes are high... it's not about some noble goal... The Throne of Hell is on the line! Inexplicably thrust into this world, Santy finds himself alone in the face of the armies of humans, monsters, and devils alike. As he digs deeper down into the pits of hell, will he unearth the answers to the mysteries surrounding him, or dig a grave so deep that it will forever ensnare him.

[WSA 2020 Nomination Awardee] Comic adaptation is coming on Webtoon this summer 2025! ______________ Rania's life was perfect when suddenly everything came crashing down—literally. In a new place surrounded by kidnapped girls like herself and an alien race of magical beings called "Magi", she must now compete to become the new queen. However, fate seemed to have a different plan for her. "When the chosen one Who is not one of us Unveils the hidden Truth The barrier shall be broken And the path to the unknown shall open But take heed and be weary For in the unknown lies trials untold The pits may be fiery But take heart! For history is about to unfold!" - the Prophecy Join her in her adventure to find love, hope, friendship, and dreams, and uncover the secrets within. Along this journey, whose hand will she take? When duty and feelings collide, which should hold more importance? “All the power in the world, I have, yet I failed to protect her.” - the King “Please tell me what I can do to take that sadness away.” - the Masked Man “I’m going to save someone. And I’ll definitely do whatever it takes.” - the Fiancé ______________________________ Don't forget to VOTE, COMMENT, and REVIEW Instagram / TiktTok: macy_bae_writes _____________ Please do not plagiarize this book or post it on different platforms. Read directly in the Webnovel app or website (webnovel.com). All rights are reserved to the author.

When Lei Xing booked a luxurious cruise as a graduation present to herself, she expected to have plenty of well-deserved rest and relaxation with an ocean view before jumpstarting her career. What she did not expect was to be the unlucky person who would fall overboard to a miserable watery death… or so she thought. To her astonishment, she opened her eyes to find herself in an ancient setting, a different body, and a new life as the eldest daughter of a high court official. {...Okay, at least I'm rich...I can still live happily and freely, it's still a golden opportunity at a second life. I can live it well~...maybe go travelling, start a business, or something…It definitely could be worse...} To Lei Xing’s horror, her new host was scheduled to enter the palace to compete in the concubine selection for the new Emperor. {...What?! I am definitely not interested! Of all places, it’s that viper pit! I’m not built for any Royal BS or harem fights. Please keep your scheming lives to yourselves and leave me the hell out of it, NOT INTERESTED!!!... Can I not go, please? T_T)...No? Nevermind then, failure is always an option... Failure is the only possible outcome. Bring it on! Hahahaha…} While Lei Xing was making plans on how to skip out of town, fate was also very busy working out its own plans for her, mapping out its own course for her life behind the scenes... Poking holes in her plans to her confusion and outrage. "...Little chicken, as long as I'm alive you won't die." "Nonsense, if anyone is going to cause my death, it would be you!!" *** "Do you really feel nothing after all this time?" He asked as he looked at her with searching eyes, trying to see into her soul... "...Who...would..." she mumbled under her breath... *** "When things go against nature, there will always be a price that must be paid..." |||~~~~~~~~~~~||| Author's Note~~ Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the read as you go along! Please VOTE and COMMENT as you read along and I will be sure to respond~~ Thank you again and HAPPY READING! ~~And If you have the wonderful urge to ever buy me a coffee. Here are the gateways and some love ʕづ•ᴥ•ʔづ♡♡♡ ko-fi.com/miraisaesang patreon.com/MiraiSaesang

_Title:_ A Sovereign's Duality: The Whispering Winds of Destiny _Genre:_ Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance _Synopsis:_ In a world where power is everything, Xing Yi Nuo, a young princess, is forced to flee her kingdom after her family's brutal murder. Seeking refuge in the distant kingdom of Ting Dynasty, she must navigate the treacherous landscape of court politics, where loyalty is a luxury and betrayal is a constant threat. Xie Ju An, the ruthless and cunning King, will stop at nothing to expand his empire. When Yi Nuo arrives, he sees an opportunity to exploit her connections and further his ambitions. But Yi Nuo is not one to be underestimated, and she will fight tooth and nail to protect herself and her kingdom. As Yi Nuo and Xie Ju An engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse, their hatred for each other grows with each passing day. But beneath the surface of their animosity, secrets and lies simmer, waiting to be exposed. Will Yi Nuo and Xie Ju An destroy each other, or will they find a way to coexist in a world where only the strongest survive? Will Xing yi nou or Xie Ju An find a way to reconcile their differences and work together or will their thirst for power and revenge will tear them apart? Amidst the whispers of destiny they must navigate the treacherous path of loyalty, duty and love!!!

Irene is turning her world upside down. She's getting away from her uncle's family for a job in a big company in the countryside, leaving the bustling populated city behind. Having nailed a job at the prestigious Ayers Industry as an Executive Assistant of the CEO, she did her best to leave a good and normal first impression without knowing that her bosses will be the one giving her a shocking, not-so-normal impression. Shockingly, being trapped in the lush forest of Drifida was not so shocking anymore. Encountering wolves, witch, or even a human with a wings is becoming more and more normal as she spend her time unlocking the mysterious Mr. Killian Harth, the COO and the famous dazzling beast. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . DISCLAIMER: THIS STORY IS WRITTEN IN ENGLISH

Xia Ling doesn’t want to die. Not only does she not want to die, she also wants to live wildly and coolly in this era! What does it matter if the first generation of rich people are too bad? Just be worse than him! What does it matter if the two schemers plotting against you are unpredictable and always digging pits for her to jump into ? Just be better at digging pits than them! What does it matter if her childhood sweetheart married a polished college classmate for the sake of his future? She found someone with even better connections to marry! … In every case, who knows who will end up outplayed!