Crocodile Bounty

'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?'

"So... well... I died as it seems? Then I woke up as a character from an online science fiction game... And the craziest thing was that I was in my personal spaceship... Aside from that, I have this weird gaming system bugging me with missions and stuff... So... finally, something interesting happened in my life at last. At least now, I am unbound by anything and can do as I wish." - Acturus Al-Yesod Crawford "In the grim darkness of the endless space, there is only one sole constant that has ruled the space since immemorial, that dictated the life and death, the order and chaos of every single living being. Power. This is the story of one of the most controversial people in the history of the Known Universe, Arcturus Al-Yesod Crawford, the Star Mercenary, Bounty Hunter, Trader and many other titles..." - Prologue Chronicles of the Known Universe: Chapter Star Citizen, Star Date: Unknown *** Tags: Aliens, Androids, Army, Army Building, Automatons, Assassins, Artificial Intelligence, Cosmic Wars, Fleet Battles, Futuristic Setting, Male Protagonist, Mercenaries, Monsters, Outer Space, Nobles, Late Romance, Slow Romance, Money Grubber, Supernatural Powers, Psychic Powers, System, Game Elements, Strategic Battles, Strong to Stronger, Transported into a Game World, Wars, Evolution, Genetic Modifications, Industrialization, Military, Politics, Poor to Rich, Strength-Based Social Hierarchy, Time Skip

In the neon-lit streets of futuristic Neo-Tokyo, Rei Kuroda, a haunted bounty hunter, and Aiko Saito, a skilled hacker with ties to a powerful corporation, cross paths in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Once lovers torn apart by a devastating war, they now find themselves on opposite sides of a conflict that threatens to unravel the city’s delicate balance of power. As they are forced to confront their past, their rekindled feelings complicate their missions, drawing them into a high-stakes battle against a rogue AI and the dark forces controlling Neo-Tokyo. With every encounter, the line between love and duty blurs, leading them to a final confrontation where they must decide whether to protect the world they once knew or to forge a new future together. Neon Sakura is a gripping tale of romance, action, and redemption, set in a world where technology and humanity collide.

Born into the Thornhill family, Eliana should have been dealing with succession planning and heiress training. But instead, she’s dealing with the crocodile tears of her cousin Alexa. As if stealing her Fiancé wasn’t enough, she’s out to pin everything onto Eliana. Trust issues - Eliana. Popularity issues - Eliana. Landslide - Must be Eliana. In an attempt to end her cousin’s jealousy-ridden machinations, Eliana is forced into a relationship with a childhood disaster, Lucian Alder Sinclair, her most tempting nightmare. Lucian Sinclair has always been synonymous with perfection, at least to most people. But to his family, finding someone who could handle his aloofness has been the top priority. Forced to return to his home country at the behest of his grandfather, Lucian fortunately encounters Eliana who’s in need of a ready-made partner. Constantly up at each other's throats, then into each other’s arms, may the lies they’ve told hold up against discerning family members and unrelenting pursuers.

After the nuclear war, the world was controlled by twenty mega-corporations that established a global government. Governed by AI, it judged everything. Gao Xin, who had only wished to live a peaceful life, inexplicably became a scapegoat for the elite and, unable to pay the imprisonment fee, was sentenced to ten years of exile on Crime Prison Island! On this island, there were no laws, no constraints, the only order being the numerous game arenas set up by the officials. The criminals could only participate like racehorses for the entertainment of the elite. Yet, on this prison island filled with Radiation, cyborgs, and many powerful villains, Gao Xin had no strength, no talent, and no background—like a sheep thrown into a crocodile pool, no different from being on death row. How could an ordinary person like him survive under the oppression of the strong, the geniuses, and the wicked? Unless in this world, there was a path, a path that allowed even the weakest to continuously break their shackles.

Some people are destined to meet, even if one is in Heaven and the other in Hell. Rose Prison, the number one prison in the real world! Here are detained the world's top criminals, business elites, political giants, super hackers, and even nuclear weapons experts. What happens when such a group enters the Virtual World? Heroes' Prison, the number one prison in the Virtual World! Here are held the most legendary heroes and Magical Beasts, the Harbinger of Doomsday, the Remote Ancient Demon Emperor, the Troll Chieftain, bounty hunters, and even the mighty—Gods! How powerful would one be, carrying such a prison with them? In fact, the world itself is a prison, and to attain true freedom, one must change the world!

Apprentice, go down the mountain and seek your senior sister, let her teach you the art of bone-setting and to promote Taoist magic. Chu Yi's wish was finally fulfilled, girls! Here I come! It's just that...

One must always sacrifice something to strive for survival in this world. But when all that is sacrificed becomes meaningless, turned into a toy for others to freely squander, with no compensation paid. Then, the Bounty Mercenary Group does not mind resorting to their own hands, and collecting the interest they're rightfully owed!

What if you were suddenly isekai'd in another world? But you're just... YOU. You probably think, "Lucky me, right?" Especially for someone who loves Isekai stories, mysteries, and comedy-dramas—it's the perfect escape from reality. But instead of waking up as a princess, a mysterious baby, or a cunning villainess, you're just... YOU. No magical powers, no royal lineage, not even the perks of being a maid in a powerful family. Just you, stranded with no money, no family, and—fantastic—I’m a captive who could die at any second. How can I even survive in a world full of deception and manipulation? Let me at least have a prince who is foolish in love, a northern duke whose cold yet soft inside, or at least a cheatsheat for me to survive! Now, survival isn't just about staying alive—it's about figuring out how to navigate this ridiculous situation and maybe, just maybe, getting a little payback and a bountiful pile of gold for my hard work! Notes: Original Title are 'In the world of Dominance' in other platform.

In a world of advanced technology and shadowy organizations, Kasper de la Fuente seems like just another talented student at the elite Bounty Hunter Association Academy. Enhanced by cutting-edge nanobots, Kasper and his tight-knit group of friends tackle everything the Academy throws at them - from brutal combat simulations to mysterious incidents that push their abilities to the limit. But beneath the surface of intense training and wild parties, dark forces are stirring. When a classified training simulation goes catastrophically wrong, Kasper discovers his enhancements might be more than just standard tech. As he digs deeper, he uncovers connections to the infamous Project Lazarus and the deadly Valparaíso Incident. A chain of tragic events forces Kasper to leave the Academy behind for the neon-drenched streets of Costa del Sol. There, he emerges as something new: The Void Killer, a hunter whose name sends shivers through the criminal underworld. Now, years later, the mysterious Cyber Lich threatens to destroy everything Kasper has built. Working with the enigmatic Douglas Berston and the secretive Paranormal Activity Branch, he must confront an enemy that seems to know his every move. But in a world where technology and darkness intertwine, nothing is as it seems. Old friends become enemies, ancient conspiracies resurface, and the line between justice and vengeance grows ever thinner. The Void Killer Saga - where every shadow hides a secret, and the truth comes at a deadly price.

Eria, peviously a man, was reincarnated into another world as a gorgeous and bountiful elf woman. In her very first adventure, she managed to get the affection of a certain noble, who proceeded to pursuade her into giving up her chastity. Having tasted the pleasures of being a woman, she starts to seek for more. Now, almost a century later, another noble appeared in front of her. Thus, a new perverted journey starts. Disclaimer: Not for all audiences, it's R18

they started this journey as bounty of law when their was kids bymutvtheirxuncle / father patted it for them as an career, they can go fathercthe an marshal and us marshals, this is the new birth of the westctheir sons and daughters soon to follow their footsteps

Isle Calamitas is one of the only humans in hell, He doesn’t know who his parents are or where he originates from. He was found in an alleyway with his self proclaimed brother when he was 5 before they were taken in by a few orphans of the Home of Pandora. He stayed in the orphanage with his brother shortly before they were adopted by the boisterous Lucillia Calamitas. He is a member of the bounty hunting Island Company. One day he went on a seemingly harmless bounty. In an unlucky twist of events he obtained a coveted ancient book, Instantly making himself and his friends an easy target for all that desired it.

*New Chapters every Monday and Friday!* Luther, a cursed, female, bounty hunter must travel to deliver a boy across war torn France in the height of World War II; while being hunted by those with more sinister agendas. In a world full of bounty hunters, criminals, and the government, any day could be your last; so make every bullet count.

The universe is, by its very nature. vast, unpredictable, bountiful, and yet random to the point of being unfair. Simply being born in the wrong place at the wrong time can damn you for life.. and yet with that risk comes with it the possibility of reward. Those who persevere in the face of such adversity can rise above their given lot in life. For while life is truly unfair it is also without limit to potential. For those that disagree I would remind you that most limits are in the mind and can be overcome given enough effort. For the rest of life's limitations, we have the technology. - Excerpt from the lecture of Professor Vermillion Azamir Ternum was stuck early in life at a young age, his father recently contracted the Vrax plague while on leave of his deployment and mother taking over the family support in his father's declining health. Left with few options to make a living after his father's pension suddenly drying up he is forced to make a decision that will unknowingly put him at the center of planetary strife. He must use his wits, charm, and a bit of sheer luck just to survive life on his own.

Jason Carter always believed he was destined for mediocrity. His death was as unremarkable as his life—a freak accident that left no mark behind. But death is only the beginning. Jason awakens in a futuristic universe brimming with colossal megacities, interstellar travel, and worlds dominated by beings with superpowers, or Aspects. From the fiery strength of Solar Titans to the mind-bending abilities of Cerebrants, every individual is born with an Aspect—a manifestation of their core essence. In this world, power determines your worth. The weak are crushed. The strong rise to rule. Jason soon discovers that he, too, has an Aspect. But it’s not what anyone expects. Unlike most, Jason’s ability defies logic and categorization. It allows him to mimic and evolve the powers of beings he knew were fictional. Thrust into the harsh arena of survival, where warlords, bounty hunters, and galactic tyrants vie for supremacy, Jason quickly realizes that knowledge is power, and power is survival. As he carves a name for himself, Jason begins to uncover chilling truths about the origin of the Aspects and the universe itself. Each power has a price and the collectors were watching, waiting. With the fate of countless worlds hanging in the balance, Jason must rise beyond his limits and become something far more than a man with a stolen power. He must become the Ascendant, a force strong enough to challenge gods themselves. But in a universe built on power, Jason knows one truth above all: "Adapt. Survive. Conquer."

In the kingdom of Adaria, corruption has spread like a plague, and magic runs wild. The world offers little hope for Cassius Perote Sadon, a bounty hunter with no magical powers. But when a secret organization takes notice of his stealth and skills, he is drawn into a dangerous game beyond his understanding. As he undertakes a mission to prove himself, Cassius quickly learns he is just a pawn in a dark game of greed and power. The deeper he goes, the more he uncovers the harsh truths of his broken world, where hidden threats lie waiting in the shadows. (ASHA'S SINS is a biweekly ongoing epic fantasy serial novel)

After the new Emperor had been crowned, an imperial decree was passed upon the five major sects to eradicate any and all demonic sects in the country. A bounty system being put in place for known cultivators on the demonic path. Wang Yùbǎo, a high-ranking cultivator from the Divine Sun sect, was tasked by his sect leader to take up the bounty that was placed on an unnamed Demonic cultivator from the Blood Moon sect. After months of searching, Wang Yùbǎo found his target, but they had managed to slip away, leaving Wang Yùbǎo with a permanent scar to show for it. Years later, the Emperor was overthrown by a rebellion, the leader taking the role of emperor, in which he ruled peacefully. Wang Yùbǎo, having been kicked out of the sect for his earlier failure and had moved to the outskirts of the country to live out his life peacefully. However, after meeting his neighbor, Peng Yīnhuā, I doubt he could live peacefully now. Wang Yùbǎo: Hi, I’m your new neighbor, nice to meet you. Peng Yīnhuā: Oh… Hi. Wang Yùbǎo: *recognizes him* You bastard! |A burnt-out genius that’s too lazy to try at anything| x |A talented and hardworking cultivator that has the worst luck| Disclaimer: This story is just for fun, please don’t take the plot seriously. Also, I am not Chinese, nor do I speak Chinese, so I apologize for any offenses or inaccuracies that are portrayed in this story. They are not of ill intent.

[My WSA 2024 Entry novel! Please vote] In a world where mythical beings have fallen into an "eternal slumber," a thriving underground market exploits the stolen essence of these dormant creatures. At its epicenter are dragons—majestic beings desired for their scales, organs, and prized eggs. The most coveted treasure of all is a dragon's name, a key that holds the power to control its very existence. Dragon Lord, guardian of a clutch of dormant eggs, lives in isolation atop a hill, surrounded by a forest that veils his castle. He bears the scars of past betrayals, having been deceived by those who feigned love to steal his treasures or claim his head as a bounty. Jaded and cold, he trusts no one, living a solitary existence. However, his solitude is shattered when a woman unwittingly stumbles into his life. Yara finds herself in Dragon Lord's treasured den amidst a battle between the dragon and thieves. In a twist of fate, she mistakenly bonds with the dormant eggs, breathing life into them. Reluctantly, Dragon Lord allows Yara into his world, and their journey unfolds amid the looming threat of underground organizations seeking to exploit the dragons for profit. As the eggs come to life, so does an unexpected connection between Dragon Lord and Yara. Despite his cold and jaded exterior, he finds himself unable to ignore her presence. Yara, too, cannot deny the pull she feels towards him, and emotions begin to burn beneath the surface. Together, they must navigate the challenges of waiting for the eggs to hatch, fend off those who seek to exploit the dragon and its offspring, and confront the secrets that Yara harbors—a revelation that could destroy everything. In this tale of flames and gold, two scarred souls in a world where trust is a rare and precious commodity must confront the ghosts of their pasts. They navigate the dangerous currents of love and deception, protecting unborn dragons from a world hungry for their magic. Will their bond withstand the trials ahead, or will the flames of betrayal engulf them in the end? A/N: It starts out SLOW, because I tend to get lost in the pages and be descriptive but once it gets to the action, it really picks up! Looking forward to growing with you all on this journey!!!

A world full of humanoid animals called Anisarians divided into 12 different habitat nations. Petty squabbles and past rivalries have erupted into all out World War between the nations, forcing all caught in the crossfire to choose a side. In the chaos are five interconnected stories of heroes and villains, mighty rulers, and humble refugees just trying to make it through the turbulent times they now find themselves unable to escape from. Only the strongest shall rule in an age of betrayal, conquest, and atrocities. But in a world turned monstrous. Some will not give in to what instinct demand's them to be in order to survive. Only time and blood will tell who will stand victorious, or rule over nothing but an empire of the fallen. Note: Some chapters may be unfinished. Still a work in progress as I figure out storylines, structure and motivations. Faction Guide: Allied powers: Ocean Monarchy, Forest Federation, Desert Republic, Northern Coalition. Axis powers: South Pole Empire, Deep Sea Confederation, Savannah Sovereignty, Swampland Horde. Neutral/Territory: Volcanic Isles, Jungle Nation, Tropical Tribesmen, Nocturnal Nomads. Mercenary factions: Army Ant Raiders. Fire Ant's. Visual Reference For look and Art style of each faction: https://www.pinterest.com/freedomforclone/_saved/ Character/allegiance/title/species Guide: OCEAN MONARCHY: Shena Veso. Lieutenant. Hybrid Shark. Fereen Vosento. Corporal. Flying Fish. Whelios Whelorum. Retired. Octopus. Dregadon Veso. Deceased. Great White. Nora Veso. Widow. Great White Neso: Private/gunner. Tiger Vesa: Private/medic. Queen angel fish. Kiros: Sgt. Sea turtle. Argus. Admiral. Sailfish. Koa. Prime Minister. Sea otter. SOUTH POLE EMPIRE: Veadora. Empress. Albatross. Ryana. Princess. Albatross. Aravos. Exiled Prince/Warden. Albatross. Garotan. Varangian Guard. Polar Bear. Nea. Servant. White Seal. JUNGLE NATION: Naru. Hunter. Orb Weaver Spider. Esiva. Seamstress. Orb Weaver Spider Nadia. Archer. Orb Weaver Spider. Naya. Weaver. Orb Weaver Spider. SAVANNA SOVEREIGNTY: Ryo Sen Serasi: Janissary. King Cobra. Chai'ra. Janissary Apprentice. Cheetah. Kenno. Commander. Crocodile. Darg. Sgt. Warthog. NORTHERN COALITION: Boreca. Queen. Snow Leopard. FACTION FLAGS/SYMBOLS South Pole Empire: White winged Diamond, light blue background. Ocean Monarchy: Three golden Scallop Shells. Sea blue background. Savanna Sovereignty: Golden scarab in center of golden sun, black background. Volcano Islanders: Five different flame's one atop the other representing four different clans. Red, orange, black, blue and white. Yellow background. Tropical tribesmen: Pink waterlily amidst light green background. Nocturnal Nomads: White crescent moon, white star at center. Black background. North Pole Coalition: White Snowflake amidst grey background. Forest Federation: Five light brown interwoven branches representing five different federation states united as one. Forest Green Background. Swampland Horde: Ring of tan teeth, representing ancestors of death to honor in life. Murky green background. Deep Sea Confederation. Conjoined purple lightning bolt striking downward like jellyfish tendrils. Solid black background to represent darkness of the depths. Jungle Nation: Light Green Hexagonal jade ore stone. Dark green background. Desert Republic: ? Garotan the great army of the fist. Iron grey fist set between black and dark green background. Kashan the outlaw prince army of the claw. Blood red claw marks amid bright green background. Army Ant Raiders: White Ant skull amid blood red tattered flag.

"You know what will happen if he fails, don't you?" "Everything will end. Those dragons will burn this world to ashes," a cold voice replied, echoing through the dark stone chamber. Kaelan, a simple young man from a quiet village, never imagined his life would change. But when the ancient sword of his family began to glow and whisper his destiny, he was forced to confront the reality that he was the key to saving the world. The dragons, long thought to be mere legends, had risen, bringing destruction and fire. The world teetered on the brink of ruin, and Kaelan, alongside allies he did not choose—a mysterious sorceress, a vengeful bounty hunter, and a rebellious princess—must face a fate that seemed far too great for him. As the dragons grow stronger and dark secrets unfold, Kaelan must decide: succumb to fear or raise his sword and face his destiny. But being a dragon slayer is not just about bravery—it’s about sacrifice. Awakening of the Dragon Slayer is an epic tale of courage, destiny, and a flame that burns even in the deepest darkness. Can Kaelan save the world, or will he become its end?

They both knew that something further was about to ensue soon, but they felt rooted to the very spot in which they were sitting. Before they could recover their composure she was there again. This time her shoulders were covered by a white, fur stole. She fixed them each with a mesmerizing gaze and smiled. The two young men held their breaths, dumbstruck while she coolly started to go through Jared’s pockets with long, very elegant fingers. Then she deftly pulled out his car keys. The lady then started walking away, while beckoning them with her forefinger: Book 1 The Chase Blake and Laura struggle to make ends meet financially. Then eventually Blake meets Carminda, a clairvoyant who sets him up as a private investigator for elite society in London. Through her rock star ex boyfriend Laura meets a successful modeling agent who helps her to become successful in fashion. Their friend Jared doesn't want to work yet after graduation until he is kidnapped with Blake on Jared's uncle's farm. After they flee, Jared learns that he is Carminda' cousin. Rene, the rock star has a friend called Jacqueline. She pursues her wish to become a clairvoyant, so she travels to Brazil where a spirit guide leads her through frightening rituals, like being swallowed by a crocodile. Book 2 Psychic Passions and Desires Later on, Laura receives an invitation to act in a film in Europe and soon she and her husband Blake lose their daughter to a kidnapper. Jacqueline uses her new-found psychic skills to locate her friend Laura’s abducted baby and tries to heal Enrique, Laura’s wealthy film producer. She and her friends have experiences in haunted houses while they act on a film. Then Jacqueline meets up with a champion dancer who turns out to be a dangerous witch. Victoria, the witch leads Jacqueline into experiencing disturbing episodes of magic. She’s fiercely jealous of Jacqueline and wants to destroy her at all costs because Jacqueline is a clairvoyant as well as a good dancer. Jacqueline and her friends employ all their spiritual skills to ward off Victoria’s vicious magic attacks. When Jacqueline and her friends visit one of Victoria’s former victims, a lover who rejected her, they meet up with Victoria’s grandmother in a forest. Eventually, they discover that Victoria’s grandmother is a doe in the forest by day and a beautiful, young female spy at night. So, Jacqueline and her friends must now develop new skills to conquer Victoria’s grandmother who was thought to be dead years ago. They have difficulty keeping up with her advanced skills in witchcraft though.

Zyan is a supreme god and a princess from a world called Calvia.  She unknowingly causes the death of millions of her people and gets banished by her own father. She accidentally crashes on earth at the point of death. But she gets rescued by the Novas Family, after trying to escape enemies; who try to kill her for a bounty placed on her head. She finally accepts earth as her new home, but things turn for the worst when an enemy of her people known as the Morah-Zoran (a Volgan), locates her on earth and decides to bring the full force of his army. It will take the might of Zyan and the US Army to put a stop to the threat posed by Morah-Zoran? Will they win the war or will Morah-Zoran succeed in destroying the earth?

In a world dominated by powerful Supremes who can wield extraordinary abilities, young bounty hunters Kai and Chi set their sights on proving their strength by defeating one of the legends: Old Man Wang. What begins as a mission to overthrow a relic from the past turns into a dangerous confrontation, revealing secrets about the true power of the Supremes. As the duo faces curses, alliances, and escalating threats, they must outwit their enemies and navigate a world where betrayal is common, and survival depends on sheer determination. Will they rise as legends—or fall like the old man they challenged?

"All I wanted was to satisfy my mother as a loving daughter but the good in me screams deafening the worst part in me. I have done it before. We both have scares which generations unborn will leave to tell. Guilty as I may be,I plead to stand in your mercy,help me, Cleopatra don't let me die with this guilt. Bring justice and rain hell on Agriba and his allies."Mashellus says as she bows to Cleopatra. Coming into this world wasn't easy. From the conception of the baby to the delivery has being war. Queen Elixia had to go against her normal rule. During the war against bitmouth. Agememnom forced her against her wish. And that lead to the conception of Cleopatra. Queen Elixia knew no rest until her delivery. The kingdom of Vetimom knew peace for twenty-two years. Birds were flying in the air, singing happy. Flowers bloosom in the summer. Men and women merring and give their daughters' hands in marriage. Knights seized the opportunity to get drunk in stables. Nobles feast everyday. Farmers whistles joyfully as they come back with their bounty harvest. But this peace became bitter when seductress Vistuler cunningly poisoned the heart of innocent Mashellus.

In the year 556 of the Runtallian Calendar, a war broke out in the eastern frontier of the Kingdom of Runtallia between the eastern overlord, Duke Gaverone Walruse of Regalia, and the barbarian chief-thane known as Dariun Drunzelle of the Shiradonii tribe, one of the Four Great Tribes of Norsmund, a nation that borders the Kingdom, deemed to be the land of brutes and savages. As the Duke of Regalia marches with his army to defend the disputed land of Kurlon, the barbarians have taken such an opportune moment to launch another incursion near the eastern border of Regalia near the town of Flendle, with the intention of dividing his army. However, despite accepting the town and the surrounding local lords' territories as lost cause in the war in favor of Kurlon– a newly discovered territory bountiful with veins of iron and other minerals– the Duke tasks his third son, Lord Velmund Walruse, along with his retinue, the Order of the Raven Knights, to fend off the attack. Now faced with the plight of defending the border town against a 5,000-strong Norsmundi army with his few yet skilled knights, along with an ill-equipped and undermanned militia, Lord Velmund has no choice but to fulfill his duty as a noble, relying upon his wits and his few but capable retainers to survive his first battle at the tender age of sixteen summers and winters. Contrary to his timid, youthful, and innocent appearance, however, lies his sly and scheming nature, evident by his fondness of dark magical arts specializing in illusion spells. Nevertheless, he himself has no idea of what he is capable of, and what he is destined to become. Meanwhile, further east at the frontier with Norsmund, a plot hatches to ensnare the Duke within the clutches of his treacherous vassals. Not only his life is threatened by these schemes, but his sons Theo and Varus as well. With this scheme put into motion, the Duke and Velmund's siblings, Varus and Theo, would taste fate's twisted humor, with the former meeting his demise in a blaze of glory amidst the field of battle, and the latter two vanishing in incidents shrouded by mysteries. With the death of the patriarch of Regalia and his heirs' disappearance, the young lord who was initially third in line for the succession of the ducal seat became its temporary occupant. And thus, the tale of him and his court begins… CHAPTER RELEASE: January 1st at 12:00 UTC

Diana Ardelaine was done. Diana Ardelaine had enough. Married to a Duke who returned from war with a mistress, she played the perfect wife, only to be humiliated at every turn. So, she did the one thing no one expected: she divorced him, walked out of his mansion, and decided to start fresh. Enter Cassian—a charming cafe owner with a knack for being in the wrong place at the right time. With his warm smiles and terrible puns, he made her believe in love again. Life was peaceful, simple, and—most importantly—happy. Until the royal guards showed up. With Cassian’s face plastered on a bounty poster, Diana's world turned upside down. Was her sweet husband a criminal? A liar? Before she could even yell at him, the crown prince burst into the cafe like a storm. “Where is that damn runaway prime minister?! The Empire’s about to fall, and this idiot is baking muffins?!” Diana froze. Prime minister? Runaway? Muffins? Turns out, Cassian wasn’t just a cafe owner—he was the crown prince’s cousin, a brilliant political advisor, and a man who really hated responsibility. Now, with imperial soldiers, assassination plots, and a furious prince barging into her life, Diana has to figure out how to keep her husband alive—and herself sane. Divorce was hard. Falling in love again was harder. But marrying into imperial chaos? That might just be impossible.

A ship is sunk by a storm, and the survivors are stranded on a deserted island. Initially, they try to cooperate and establish a simple social order. But the island is fraught with danger: giant crocodiles in the swamps, brown bears on the cliffs, wild men in the bushes, and fully armed pirates... Amid helplessness, fear, and despair, some hold onto their reason and moral boundaries, while others quickly devolve into selfish, brutal animals. The darkest corners of human nature are gradually revealed... When life is threatened, can we still preserve the light of humanity?

At the press conference, reporters bombarded Chen Xing with questions. "Can you explain how someone as young as you clinched the championship? We heard accusations from other contestants that you've been cheating? Is that true?" Chen Xing shoved the microphone that was pushed up to his nose away, his face filled with annoyance, "I want to state again very seriously that I haven't cheated!" As his words ended, Chen Xing waved his hand and summoned a behemoth that blotted out the sky, then jumped onto its back. "Damn it, I can't stand this anymore. Just because I raised them well, they say I cheated? My crocodile accidentally ate a demon, and that's cheating?"