Raid Shu Zhen

Shu Yu transmigrated to become a mob character, exiled into oblivion after appearing twice after helping the female side character who kept trying to dig a deeper hole for herself. Realizing she couldn't change the outcome, Shu Yu decided to just goof off. But even before the exile came, she was suddenly told that she was not a daughter of the Shu family. She was born to a farmer's family, who were so poor they couldn't afford to repair their leaking house. Having decided to eliminate the tarnishing of their good name, Shu Yu's adopted family decided to murder her. Shu Yu: Come on, see who dies. Returning to her biological family, the sight of a plate of salted vegetables, a barely-full bowl of rice, and her real parents' nervous looks, she finally sighed. No more goofing off, or she's going to starve to death.

[ Livro 1: Concluído ] Tristan Davis, o CEO playboy da Heavenly Star Enterprize, foi obrigado a casar com QUALQUER MULHER dentro de um mês ou, senão... seu título glamoroso e posição seriam retirados dele. NÃOOOO! Como ele poderia seduzir aquelas mulheres lindas se ele se tornasse pobre e não fosse mais um CEO? Tudo bem, ele vai encontrar uma mulher e casar com ela para agradar seu avô exigente. Que se dane se é uma mulher estranha e esquisita que ele conheceu na montanha enquanto acampava. Certo? Espera.. O quê!? Ela NÃO É HUMANA? Ela é a filha do deus demônio? Você disse... DEMÔNIO? Mas ela parece tão angelical, bela e inocente. Tristan nem conseguia olhar para outras mulheres depois que a filha do deus demônio se tornou sua esposa. Ha. Ele pode muito bem mantê-la por perto, já que o avô parece gostar tanto dela. ============ Zhen-Zhen, que tinha a linhagem do deus demônio, estava sendo alvo dos guerreiros guardiões. Desde criança eles tentaram matá-la muitas vezes, mas falharam. Sem outra escolha, eles a selaram na Montanha Divina. Mas após 100 anos, seu selo foi acidentalmente quebrado e assim, seu Protetor encontrou a chance de enviá-la para outro mundo habitado apenas por humanos comuns - sem seres sobrenaturais e sem poderes mágicos. Neste novo mundo, ela conheceu o CEO Galã e Travesso, que lhe propôs casamento no primeiro encontro. Mas espere... Casamento? Se tornar sua Esposa? O que significa se tornar uma Esposa? Embora a filha do deus demônio não tivesse ideia do que significa se tornar uma esposa, ela aceitou sua proposta animada! "Sim! Eu quero ser sua esposa!" ============ *** Trecho *** Zhen-Zhen: "Tristan, por que você está rindo mesmo estando triste? Eu posso sentir. Você está sofrendo, agora." Em seu estado de embriaguez, Tristan ainda conseguia absorver as palavras dela. Tristan: "Ei, minha Zhen-Zhen. Você vai ser minha esposa, né?" Zhen-Zhen: "Sim..." Tristan: "Então... me faça feliz. Venha mais perto... e me beije." Ela se inclinou mais para perto de Tristan enquanto pressionava seus lábios delicados e quentes nos lábios frios dele. Zhen-Zhen: "Você está feliz agora, Tristan?" Tristan sacudiu a cabeça e fez beicinho. "Não! Zhen-Zhen, aquilo não pode ser considerado um beijo! Você apenas pressionou seus lábios nos meus." Ele reclamou exasperadamente para ela. "Vem aqui, eu vou te ensinar!" Tristan segurou o rosto dela e então começou a beijá-la apaixonadamente. Tristan puxou a cabeça dela para mais perto à medida que aprofundava o beijo. Após alguns segundos, Zhen-Zhen respondeu e retribuiu seu beijo com tanta intensidade quanto ele. 'Caramba, ela aprende rápido.' ========= [ Quente+Divertido+Fofinho+Para Adultos ]~ Esta é a história da filha do deus demônio e de um CEO galã e travesso... ======= Prêmio deste Livro: WPC#133 Tier Ouro - Nenhum Humano Permitido! Protagonista Feminina Apoie o Autor: Junte-se ao Servidor do Discord do Autor: https://discord.gg/D44M6DYW2G Envie mensagem para mim no Discord: ellezar_g#1010 Outro Livro do Autor: 1. A Assasina Diabólica encontra o Detetive Angélico Volume I: Encontro Fatal (Capítulo 1-275) Concluído Volume II: Seus Caminhos se Cruzaram Novamente (Capítulo 276-530) Concluído 2. Amor Proibido: Sedução de um Anjo 3. Moon Lovers: Bound by Blood and Revenge A arte/ilustração/foto foi gerada por IA pelo Autor

To transmigrate into a world of cultivation as a loser? What's the point of even trying to cultivate? After a burst of rainbow light, Yang Zhen instantly hits the jackpot! Any cultivation method he sees instantly maxes out, there’s too many to learn! The pills he refines not only save lives, but also grant eternal youth. How many saints and fairies are desperately seeking his help, willing to agree to any condition! The weapons he forges can challenge god-like emperors and can even stab their way into the underworld - every single one makes heaven and earth tremble, and even gods and demons retreat in fear! "I, Yang Zhen, never show off, because I'm genuinely unbeatable!" ………… Group one: 542062672 (full) Group two: 818906415 (spaces available)

An unexpected journey took a group of university students into a secret room from which, upon returning, they began to disappear one by one. In order to unravel the mystery, they joined forces, traversing heaven and earth, diving deep into seas, crossing the farthest corners of the world, and even daring to time travel, only to find that behind each puzzle lay yet another.

While Cliff, a 27 year old young man, was visiting his grandparents, he was caught in what is called a "summoning" which took him to a forest infested with unknown creatures, he decided that in order to survive, he should be ready to brave all the dangers that would present to him, with his “drain” skill he would fight them to become stronger

Hundreds of years have been spent under the prospering and great rule of the High King Aldwin. With the ever watchful and ever greedy gaze of his younger brother, who secretly subjugates the Nulls, those of lesser descent, in his never ending pursuit of power, ambition and apathy. One day he succeeds in his foul deed on kin and kingslaying, becoming the self proclaimed Divine King. A world such as this is where Arthur, a young supposed Null with no knowledge of his family, finds himself struggling to find his place in the lowest rungs of society. Luck may turn for him as his hideout being raided turns into his last hope for something better as he is forced into joining the army to end his run from the Inquisitors... maybe he can even get answers to who he really is along the way... Not my cover art so yeah same as every other novel here I will take down if needed.

Tame or be Tamed?... How about choosing to Devour the enemy Beasts and Tame the Beast within you? Luel, a 25-year-old guy who suffers from early retirement due to his poor body condition caused by too much working stress at his past jobs, decided to livestream his days of playing the famous VRMMORPG RAIDS ONLINE. It was only supposed to be a pastime, a recreation activity for Luel to gain his confidence to become a part of society once again, and a way to possibly earn some income before his savings reach not just zero but negative as well. However, as Luel became stronger as a player and more popular as a live streamer, he slowly realized and uncovered the truth behind what he thought was just a game.

"The Mountain Lord's Daughter" tells the love story between Zhan Yunwei and Yue Zhiheng, set in a fictional Xianxia world. The main plot revolves around Zhan Yunwei and Yue Zhiheng. In her past life, Zhan Yunwei tragically became Yue Zhiheng's wife, enduring a life of suffering. Yue Zhiheng, burdened by deep sins, was subjected to the extreme punishment of being mutilated, with his flesh scraped and bones cut. Zhan Yunwei, having witnessed his execution, could never move past the trauma. After being reborn, Zhan Yunwei encounters Yue Zhiheng once more, and the emotional entanglements and redemption between them become the heart of the story. In her previous life, Zhan Yunwei suffered from the indifference and cruel punishment inflicted by Yue Zhiheng, and the pain lingered. However, in her rebirth, she begins to reexamine their relationship, trying to understand Yue Zhiheng's true inner self.

After transmigrating into the era of the Three Kingdoms, I find myself as the young Yuan Shu, a figure often criticized for his ambition and missteps. Upon awakening the Prodigal System, I discover its unique features: Level 1: For every 100,000 coins squandered, I gain an attribute point. Level 2: Unlocking the Reputation Store allows me to exchange reputation points for treasures. Level 3: Accessing the Legendary General Inheritance Panel grants me the legacy of Xiang Yu, the renowned Overlord of Western Chu. In this world, my companions are notable figures: Cao Cao: A formidable warlord and my troublesome friend. Diao Chan: My cousin, famed for her beauty. Cai Wenji: My junior sister, celebrated for her literary talent. In Luoyang City, I am recognized as a distinguished noble scion. At poetry gatherings, I am hailed as the foremost scholar with unparalleled talent. On the battlefield beneath Hulao Pass, I stand as an invincible, peerless general. In the hearts of the people, I am revered as the savior who rescues the suffering and aids the needy. I am Yuan Gonglu, the Greedy Wolf of Chaos. As a young hero in light robes, I revel in wine and song within Luoyang City. With the system's main quest now established, my ultimate goal is clear: to unite the Three Kingdoms, leave an indelible mark in history, and usher in a glorious era.

Huo Lian & Zhen Jian Huo Lian, the despised princess of a young dynasty born from war-loving barbarians, seeks power to command respect in a world that shuns her. Zhen Jian, the cherished son of a humble farmer, dreams of healing and nurturing those in need. She is a fierce general; he, a compassionate doctor. Their union will shape the destinies of empires and forge a new world. She longs for freedom, while he yearns for happiness. Together, they will turn their dreams into reality.

"The body can't be lazy! New mission alert: Spend a night with the Duke!" Everhart, a bookshop owner, is killed during the raid of her shop. She dies, but wait a moment—she’s not gone for good. She finds herself transported into the romance fantasy book The Almighty Prince of Arderla. The situation doesn’t seem so bad, right? You might think so. But what was the system saying? "Congratulations, Ivy Everhart! You are now Ivy Everhart, the cannon fodder wife of the villain in the book!" That’s it. Ivy Everhart has become a cannon fodder character who stands as an enemy of the crown prince and the villain. But wait a minute—there’s a twist. The system can help her. According to it, she’ll survive if she makes the villain fall in love with her and fixes her reputation. Do you think the system's task is easy? Will Ivy be able to change her fate as cannon fodder in the book? A/N: please quietly read the book, don't comment!

In a world where power is the ultimate currency, Lei Zhen, an outcast with nothing but his ambition, seeks to defy fate. Driven by a desperate desire to escape his past and wield unmatched strength, he stumbles upon an ancient force long thought to be forgotten—the Celestial Eclipse. But power, as Lei Zhen soon learns, comes at a price. Awakened by his reckless actions, the gods themselves take notice, and with their attention comes a punishment that will shake the very foundations of his existence. Now, Lei Zhen must navigate a world where his every move is watched, where ancient forces and divine beings threaten to destroy him at every turn. As he faces betrayal, enemies from all sides, and a growing internal conflict, Lei Zhen will learn that true strength lies not in the power he wields but in the choices he makes. And with the gods in pursuit, there is no turning back. Will Lei Zhen rise to the challenge, or will the weight of the gods' wrath be his undoing? A story of ambition, power, and sacrifice unfolds as Lei Zhen’s journey to become more than human begins.

A 20-years old boy transmigrated into the female-dominated novel world, But not as a protagonist nor as the main villain.  He transmigrated as the green tea boyfriend of the main female CEO heroine and will become the first target of the protagonist of this novel. Alex was scared for his life. In the novel, it's impossible to defeat the son of luck. When he was helpless, the golden finger exclusive for travelers came. [Ding! The Female Raider System is being loaded.] Alex was excited thinking that he doesn't need to go close to a high cold female CEO but the system tells him different things. [Ding! As long as the host raids the heroines and increases their affection, the Host will receive heaven-defying rewards.] So his journey as green tea/White lotus raiding began.  Ohh here is Discord Server Link : https://discord.com/invite/bCgvFWC3Ka (Photo is his, not mine. If the owner doesn't want it, I can remove it.)

--- Shu Yi was born into the prestigious Shu Family, where her talents as an alchemist were overshadowed by her gender. When she refuses an arranged marriage meant to strengthen her family’s power, she is cast out and forced to fend for herself in the martial arts world of Xia Continent. Determined to live life on her own terms, Shu Yi faces countless challenges—rival clans, powerful sects, and her own self-doubt. But when she discovers a shocking truth—that the family who raised her is not her real family—her journey takes a new turn. Shu Yi sets out to find her true parents, only to learn they are captives in a distant continent, oppressed by the strongest sect in the martial world. Armed with her wits, alchemical skills, and a sharp tongue, Shu Yi must pass through a world that constantly underestimates her.

Zhen Bao was the village belle in the gully village. Fu Mingshi suddenly appeared in a suit and leather shoes, claiming to be her childhood betrothed groom. Zhen Bao was a little confused and went with him to the big city, only to find out that this slender-waisted and long-legged groom-to-be was extremely, extremely rich! Reading tips: 1. The heroine has off the charts affinity with animals. 2. Tall, cold business elite & sweet veterinarian beauty, sweetness all the way! 3. Also known as “You Are My Destiny or Married To a Millionaire"

Horrible Accident? Check Otherworldly Soul Yeeting? Check Taking over some schmuck's body who died around the same time? Check Unable to cultivate because the aforementioned schmuck's constitution is all messed up? Double Check In the world of Valresta where the great and powerful cultivate an energy called aether to get to where they are, Zhen Liu (Thomas Lee) is physically unable to despite having the qualities to do so. But due to a twist of fate, Zhen Liu is given the ability to create kaijin, strange and monstrous warriors to fight in his stead. By using this world's laws combined with his knowledge of Earth, watch as Zhen Liu stands above the so-called aether saints to become the one and only kaijin lord! "What the hell is a train"?! "Something that's about to kick your butt. Get him"! "Yes my lord"! Cover art done by JacKLYart on Twitter My Twitter: https://twitter.com/MajorMizako?t=23kOezglRcDjEUKcmpZQiA&s=09

Plotted against by his own father Zhen Sihao has a car accident on a treacherous curve of the highway. That caused him to crash into Chen Emmi's life in a twist of fate. His sudden appearance on this cold Autumn night disrupts both their lives. This is a story of a cold and powerful CEO finding love with a sweet girl who grows medicinal herbs.

Follow the story of Tianlian Liu Shu, a tree who didn't know anything at first and struggles to survive and extend her roots through the cosmos. The World she lives in is filled with fantastic sights and strange new cultures, and there is something everybody in this World has: A system. Moreover, even while she is a tree, she has people who will fawn over her...? "Tiantian, does the Sun feel good on your leaves today?" "Liu Liu, I've found this delicious compost made of natural extract~." "Tian'er, does the wind feel good on your branches?" Tianlian Liu Shu, a female tree, didn't really know what to do with these fawning women. patreon.com/Mortrexo Uploading also on Scribblehub. Uploading also on Wattpad. Uploading also on Archive Of Our Own. Uploading also on Royal Road. Discord: discord.gg/RsEAYd6Xak Novel Cover: patreon.com/posts/ascension-of-97475506

What would you do if the raid leader who has been leading your group turns out to be a 15-year-old middle school girl...? [Tags - TS - Game - Modern - Game Fantasy - Overpowered Protagonist - Your Guild Leader] [This novel is translated, 2-3 chapters / 2 days, CT: saya]

After a raid on the village and losing everything and everyone one gets to thinking. What is survival worth? Is it worth throwing all my loved ones life's away? What is the point of surviving if you have nothing to live for? But there would be nothing left if you died, and everything faded away.

Ten years ago, the world was captivated by a groundbreaking VR MMORPG, a fully immersive experience that allowed players to step into the shoes of legendary heroes in a realm of magic and wonder. For a decade, they built their lives, forged their identities, and left their marks on what they thought was just a game. But when the servers shut down, the truth shattered everything. The game world wasn’t just a virtual reality, it was a fabricated timeline, a fragile imitation of the true Magic world . And now, the countdown has begun. The players, ripped from their lives on Earth and the simulation, find themselves in the Magic World, ten years younger but burdened with all the memories of the game and their old lives. Their in-game personas, once vibrant and driven by purpose, are now hollow shells, unable to act on their own. Even worse, Earth’s timeline fragile and unprotected has been paused, and its collapse is inevitable. To prevent disaster, the 10 Originals, the most renowned players of the game, must rise once more. But this time, there are no systems to guide them, no respawns, and no safety nets. The high realm is real, its dangers far deadlier than any raid boss. And as the countdown ticks away, inconsistencies between the worlds begin to unravel reality itself. Thrown into a world they don’t fully understand, hunted by their own past mistakes, and racing against time to stop the collapse of Earth’s timeline, the Originals must uncover the secrets of the game’s creation and find a way to stabilize the Magic World. The clock is ticking, and the fate of three worlds rests on their shoulders. Will the Originals be able to fix the chaos they caused, or will everything they fought for crumble into nothingness?

There came a sudden ravage by monstrous creatures in a civilian world, leaving humanity's hope to lurk in shadows. Hunters, trained in special schools, wield potential and abilities that enabled them keep the beasts at bay. For Buji, life’s difficulties stem not from being an orphan, but from relentless bullying. Nicknamed “the weakling,” he detests the label but bears it forcefully since he could do nothing. When he transfers to a new school to join his foster sister, Buji thought things would be different. But, during the Awakening Ceremony of the school, he find out a shocking truth: he's was going to be an S-Rank hunter without a talent. Awakening no talent only added more difficulty to his life struggle as he was branded an outcast. On the verge of death during his first raid, Buji awakens an enigmatic system. [Host Found] [Survival due to inheritance] [Congrats, you have gained the status of a 'player'.] [The player, upon leveling up will awaken a potent monster] [Class: Animagus | Type: Snake | Aspect: Venom] [Do you accept?] Given the choice to embrace a monstrous path, Buji seizes it with unyielding resolve. 'If becoming a monster is my only path to strength, I’ll take it—and the world will regret casting me aside. Fighting against these hunters was going to be a job, but imagine a world where I had control over monsters, had my own monster kingdom, and becoming the strongest of all. Stepping on these hunters won’t be a deal anyway.' "Yes!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me through to wander the path of this novel. Join my discord link: https://discord.gg/CbGNRtM9

The only thing 12-year-old Asher remembers from his early childhood are snapshots, hazy images - dad's laughter, mom's smile and a garden with vegetables in the yard. Picking fresh apples from trees into a wicker basket or eating homemade apple pie. But these memories are nothing but the distant past. When Ash was 7 years old, a civil war broke out - the boy was in the basement at the time, looking for old photos of his mother from the wedding as she had requested. Except that it did not happen - the family home was bombed in a bombing raid by the government - Asher then became the only survivor of his family. Asher was forcibly recruited into the rebel army - since the boy was 8 years old, he fought in war - tears, blood, sweat and death became Asher's companions - and nightmares became a regularity. His team, which includes only adults, is joined by a 12-year-old girl - Beatrice, who, like Ash, was forcibly recruited into the army of revolutionaries. Although at first, these two hate each other, over time they become best friends. Even in such terrible places as the battlefield. (Quick side note - the story is also available on Wattpad but with different cover and under a different nickname: https://www.wattpad.com/story/388784259-market-of-humans)

Warning: Murderous content . Do not imitate. Zhen a top class struggles to fight against those after his life.He has created enemies due to his line of career, he has to life a careful life while protecting his sister Jhea and brother Clen who abandoned him. Zhen needs two things , a mate and happy. He must strive to blend his career with his wishes.

[Hello, Levi] The synthetic, automated voice came again. Born a sickling and grew that way, Levi was never ready to bear the consequences and responsibilities of being the host to the construct that burrowed into his neck. Not only did it cure him from his lethal illness, it also granted him extreme abilities. With schemes and lies holding up what's left of the planet, Levi has to suffer loss, anger and betrayal in his endeavour to avenge the murder of his father. But the system doesn't only want Levi to satisfy his own anger-driven desires. It wants Levi to save the remaining population from another Ròkks raid and build a new civilization. What happens when this new intergalactic civilization start falling apart for the same reasons that once pushed him? How much more people—or rather, sentients of different anatomy—lose their lives before balance is restored? //: Every tag is or will be present in the novel:\\

Suddenly zombies outbreaks in Xamanya, and it's didn't stop there. It's spread entire world. With in a day, national governments fall down all over the world. Law and Order vanished. Making people feared both zombies, and each other. Groups are formed, fighting for limited resources in this zombies apocalypse. But among this. A man named George unintentionally obtained a system. This system allow him, to summon troops, military equipment, weapons, and vehicles, etc. and give him the ability, that he can convert that zombies to his favour, and also convert them stronger than before. With his newly obtained powers, he can protect himself, his family, his comrades, and other survivors from zombies, and other groups. A Rampaging Goliath? Unleash A-10, Su-25, AC-130, AH-64, KA-52s in the sky Flying Mutant Zombies? Deploying Phalanx, Kashtan CIWS Air Defence Systems in the ground. Juggernauts shrugging of their arms? Deploying M1 Abrams, T-90 Tanks, and LAV 25, M2 Bradley, BMP-3, BMD-4 IFVs on the road. Rival groups raiding? Let them face our mighty with VTOLs, Drones, Bombers. ZM: Zombie Apocalypse with my Multiple System is novel covered in Sci-fi, Action, Adventure, Romance, Harem Genres. Written by the Author Mythical Creatures

"Okay, so first off, my Innate Mana is incredibly low. Way too low to even be classified as a bona fide Warrior. Haha, totally funny God!! If you're even there anyway! Second, I spent three years, three whole years! Training to increase my Overall Mana through Accumulated Mana, but guess what? All I get as a result is a measly tenth of the Mana of what an average Warrior would normally get, emphasis on the 'average'! Get me!? But that's cool, that's cool, no that's fine, that's perfect, real peachy, totally not bumbed out about it! What? I'm lying and it's not fine? And I'm actually bumbed out about it? Sh-Shut up, you don't know anything! Anyway, what's third, you ask? What? You didn't ask? Well I'll tell you anyway, I'm an F-Rank, that's right, an F-Rank. The only one in the world at that. So basically, I'm the weakest Warrior in existence. Ain't that something? But you know what? That's also fine, 'cause I don't care... No really I don't. It's true, stop doubting me already, I can see your face through the fourth-wall! Yeah, that's right, better watch yourself. So what if I'm the weakest Warrior, huh? I'm still capable, I just have to do my best, push passed my limits! Yeah, 'make do with what you have' is what I always say. What? I'm lying again? When have I ever said that? Again, shut up, you don't know anything!" *** In a world where monsters from many portals called Dungeon Gates threaten mankind as we know it and half of the world's population Awakens as superhumans with skills and the ability to manipulate Magic in order to pass through said Dungeon Gates to clear the Dungeons, Raid, a 19-year old orphan finds he has no choice but to pick a very weak Class after Awakening as a Warrior due to his low Mana Capacity, the only F-Rank Class in the entire world, Blacksmith. Faced with the cruelty of the possibility of being seen as the weakest Warrior of all time, he decides to not let it hold him back. Follow Raid on his journey to make the most of the cards he's been dealt, even if those cards are...urgh, do I really have to say it? "Yes, yes, you do" Fine. Even if those cards are...pretty shitty cards. "Yeah, that's right, you heard the author. Even as the weakest Warrior, I'll show all those other High-Ranked Warriors what's what! Tag along for some fun if you're interested"

Shu-kun Takeshi ou Shu e um Garoto qualquer porém, em sua infância sofreu bullying, sendo chamado de fantasma. Sem o apoio da mãe que morreu de câncer e da completa solidão, shu desenvolve o distúrbio trastorno de personalidade esquiva (TPE). Evitando qualquer comunicação com os outros, se isolando completamente de qualquer interação. Isso até ele conhecer a garota Ayanami-san, que ao contrário dos outros vê ele como alguém e o ajuda a fazer amigos é a se conhecer melhor...as será mesmo?

I am Shu Tokino Croosalba and they call me ‘Shuki’ for short. I am married to Haimon Del Gazini, one of the most powerful and rich man in our city. It’s been one year ever since we got married, and everyone envy me for being with the most handsome and perfect guy in the city though… No one knows that behind his perfect life and perfect body, he had a deep secret that even I do not know. A secret that I wanted to unfold yet I cannot, even though we were married for one year, he never told me anything. Whenever I try to ask, he will end up saying, ‘don’t you ever trust me?’ then he would always say, ‘I love you so much and I don’t want you to get hurt’, and I believe in him, why… In one year of our marriage, he never failed of showing and feeling me with so much love that I even forget to get a divorce since that I wanted to end it with him. Why? Because our marriage was just on a paper! For our one year of marriage, he never ever consummates our marriage. I’m a married woman yet, I’m still a married virgin wife.

In a world where might determines fate and the heavens themselves can be challenged, Lin Zhen's journey to become the Empyrean Sword Emperor will test his strength, resolve, and belief in his own potential. Will he overcome the trials that lie ahead and reclaim his legacy, or will he be forever bound by the shadows of his past?