Drown In Water

(This is not a game-related text; please do not criticize if it's not to your liking.) An accident had made Zhou Yuan the only player in the real world. Transcendent, evolution, anomalies, deities, Control Bureau... A whole new world unveiled itself before his eyes. ...... 【——The basic elements that make up our bodies were once evolved in the most dazzling stars in the universe. The iron in our red blood cells comes from the brilliant explosions of supernovae. The zinc in our blood is from the dust ejected by two colliding neutron stars into the cosmos. That trace of copper has even witnessed the death of a white dwarf star. Even the most insignificant cobalt has its origins in nebulae billions of light-years away. We are children of stardust, miracles in the grand universe.】 【"Child of Stardust" Player System installation complete, we wish you a pleasant game experience.】

“I only want you, Maximus. I already told my parents that I love you and I'm going to marry you. No one else.” Aurora indignantly exclaimed. Max was shaking his head from what he heard. “No. No. You’re not being fair, Aurora.” He felt himself losing his strength as well as any chance to change her mind. Max leaned his body at the back of the single chair, almost sitting on it. He tugged on his necktie, needing some more air. His gaze fell on the ground. He’s powerless against his father. He won’t be able to protect his girlfriend from his family. He didn’t notice that Aurora was already in front of him. He just felt her palm on his cheeks, caressing it gently. He looked up to her. “You’re not fair.” He mumbled weakly. Like a defeated child. She’s rubbing her thumb against his cheeks. “The world’s not fair, Max.” Shaking her head. “It’s never fair.” She commented breathlessly. “You get everything you want.” He ignored her actions. He’d gone numb all over. This girl was too much of everything. Too selfish to even understand how he felt. “No. I don’t have your heart.” Max swatted her hand away and stood up straight. He chuckled at her response and halted. He shook his head as he looked at her straight in the eyes. “You won’t. You don’t even have one.” ************** Aurora Fontalva got everything except the heart of a certain man. She only wants Max. But how can she make him fall for her when he already had someone? He loves his girlfriend. Maximus D’Arco can’t escape his family’s wish for him to marry the only Fontalva heiress. Worse, Aurora even blackmailed him, or his girlfriend would suffer. Why would he fall for someone who doesn’t even care about his feelings? Only his girlfriend does. Is there really a thin line between love and hate? What if the thread breaks? **************** AN: Be warned!!! This is not your typical romance. As the story progresses, it tackles family, career, toxic relationships, twisted attraction, love, hate, lust, and heavy drama. And there are cases in which you can be sensitive. Lastly, this is not for the weak of heart. Please read the FOREWORD. Thank you.

7/31/2024~ In the process of editing and updating my earlier chapters. I personally believe the story starts to improve and find it's way a bit more around chapter 50+. Hopefully can make some adjustments in earlier chapters when I have the time, but pacing slows down into a more measured rate as I start finding my groove. I give the content more time to breathe instead of going so fast. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the realm of Nexaria, where elemental spirits and divine beings shape the fate of the world as a land of mortals striving to become gods against the demons of the Abyssal universe, a young boy named Lassim Vanthar embarks on an extraordinary journey of advancement, adventure and becoming a bastion for those around him in their fight against the Dragal. Born into a noble family with a legacy of Fire elemental martial prowess, Lassim possesses an unparalleled gift on his 8th birthday—a connection to two differing elemental spirits, a feat unheard of in the history of his world. A gift and a tampering of the order until now that is an omen. It is a sign of the Gods influencing the future fate of Nexaria on a more serious level. Lassim must harness the power of his dual spirits to protect his loved ones and confront the looming threat of the Abyss' encroachment on his universe, but one step at a time as he grows from just a tool of the God's to a major power as the hero of not only Nexaria, but the entire universe. Lassim faces daunting challenges, battles fierce adversaries, and unlocks the mysteries of his own destiny that has been tampered with by the Gods of this universe. How will he react and adapt to his situations? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is my first ever novel. I’m a new author and still learning how to tell a story. Please understand that when reading. Thank you.

The first day of school doesn't go as planned. Nikko is late and he's literally running to school. He's so nervous, and the random guy that laughed at him while rushing through a crossroad, didn't add up to his mood.... *I am not an owner of the cover photo*

How would you feel when you died and saw yourself in the future but this future is not one you wished for even your enemy to wake up to. When Captain Aria, a decorated soldier medic, is killed in battle, she is mysteriously transported to a damaged future, where she must navigate through an apocalypse, she must confront her own mortality, and fight to restore hope in a desperate world. In the year 2024, Captain Aria , a highly skilled and fearless soldier medic was part of an elite special forces unit. During this critical mission, she was fatally wounded and left for dead. However, Aria's death is only the beginning as She was thrown through time and space to the year 2178, where a catastrophic apocalypse has transformed the world into a wasteland. Aria awakens in a harsh, unfamiliar landscape that has been scarred by environmental disasters, nuclear devastation, and mutated insects. The once blue skies is now a toxic haze that reeks of ash and smoke. Aria was determined to survive this apocalypse and as she struggles to survive with her marine skills, she discovers some scattered survivors and someone she held dear. *** Released times are every day. I might release from 1_4 chapters a day so expect to read continuously. hehe ******** NOTE: This book is participating in Cupid Quill October so please your vote, gifts and comments is deeply appreciated

One day during January 2023, a chest named "Pandora's Box" was opened, causing Yokai, Oni, Mythical Beast, and more to be brought out into the world, and that's where Kaden, a 15-17 highschooler who opened the chest, and Glutton, A monster who was wrongfully trapped in pandora's box, plan to stop them and to bring the world back to normal!

The prince of Maldonia, Prince Artemis of House Arteides, the bear killer, the slayer of the elves is crowned King when his father Luca King Arteides dies. Aurora is a seer and a powerful witch who has yet to aknowledge her powers, only Artemis knows of it. Lucian Mithandir is in exile recruiting an army to fight Prince Castellan of house Taelin for the throne of Prophis. Artemis wants no parts of this war, but he is very aware whoever wins the war will later turn to Maldonia. Artemis has no clue that a bigger war is coming which will set out kingdoms on fire, Aurora has seen it in her dreams and it's for the Sweet Waters Throne in Maldonia. The end is uncertain but the ways are clearer, who will sit on the throne after the war to end all wars. The Bastard who's been denied his true claim to the Sweet Waters throne with the mighties fleet in the world and King Artemis of Maldonia who has Aurora and dragons breathing fire. ~ Excerpt Scene ~ "Are you ready? A dragon is not a horse my love" Aurora expressed her concerns. "The dragons are ready to be claimed, Your Grace. I think it’s the perfect time for Artodo to take the skies and be claimed. He and the King have great relationship. He just needs to understand the words that’s all. "Torgo explained while looking at both Aurora and Artemis. "I understand the words." Said Artemis. "Incendio for fire and Valar for him to fly. I know some Low Moor too." It seemed Aurora wasn’t easily convinced, "Knowing the language of our ancestors doesn’t mean you can hang on to the dragon and take to the skies, especially since you are not just practicing. You are taking the dragon to the Mines, in clear daylight." "Exactly, that is the only way we can silence Lord Leoric. I cannot let him take advantage of my sister, I have to try…" Visera interrupted. "He’s ready, I can see it in his eyes." She said with a smirk. Aurora ordered Torgo. "Bring him outside," in Low Moor. Torgo nodded and walked inside the darkened cave with a fire torch. All five dragons were inside the cave perfectly chained. He went after Artodo, the biggest of them all. The black beast, standing at forty feet from head to tail with a wingspan of twenty feet. A terrifying beast to even stare at. Artemis took two deep breaths. "According to my ancestors history, the youngest dragon rider to ever took the skies was ten years old. You’ll be fine." Aurora teased Artemis after she noticed how nervous he was. The dragon keepers placed a saddle on Artodo’s back and two strong handles made of iron and wood for Artemis to hang on to. Then, finally Aurora walked to Artodo — the black beast. She pulled in Artemis and they both touched the dragon’s right eye, soothing him before the take off. "This is your rider now Artodo, you are to obey him from this day forward to the last, as your mother commands." Aurora said this is Low Moor while the dragon hissed slowly. The dragon hissed and Aurora took it a sign that Artodo understood him. She took a step back and let Artemis take over. These two weren’t strangers to one another. Artemis’s touch wasn’t strange to Artodo and he silently lowered his left wingspan for Artemis to climb up. Carefully and slowly, Artemis mounted the black beast. It was no secret that he was scared. When he was on top of the dragon, Artemis smiled looking down and he suddenly exclaimed. "You all look like tiny bees from up here!" Aurora, Visera, Torgo and the dragon keepers laughed. Aurora walked to him and they looked at each other. Their dream finally came true; "Promise me, you’ll come back alive." Said Aurora. "I promise." "And that you will not burn the Mines to the ground. If she disagrees with you, perhaps it’s time to let her go." This was what Artemis truly needed to hear so he may stop his obsession with saving his sister. When he was ready, he shouted to Artodo. "Valar Artodo," and right there the dragon’s feet pounded the ground heavy as it prepared for takeoff.

The ocean roared, waves surging like beasts, crashing against an ancient throne carved from blue crystal. Noel stood in the midst of the chaos, his heart pounding as voices echoed in his head. A memory surfaced—one not his own yet deeply familiar. He saw a man with a face identical to his, regal and powerful, commanding the seas with a mere flick of his hand. The man turned, his gaze piercing. "The throne of waters belongs to you now," he said, his voice calm yet heavy. "But the cost is your past, your pain, and your fears. Will you take it?" Noel woke up with a jolt, drenched in sweat. His hands trembled as he clutched his chest, struggling to slow his racing heartbeat. It was the same dream again, haunting and vivid. But Noel didn’t know the man or the throne—or why he felt both terrified and drawn to it.

“The child’s scream pierced the night, a haunting testament to the cruelty that marked the victory.” Urul has sacrificed everything for the Kingdoms, committing unspeakable acts for reasons buried beneath layers of lies. Branded as a murderer—a monster, even—he walks a path of shadows, hidden from the world. Uncover the truth buried beneath the ancient lies, a history woven with dark magic, betrayal, and sacrifice. As secrets unravel and vengeance brews, the depths of loyalty, revenge, and love plunge him deeper. Will he emerge from the shadows—or will he drown in the Black Sea?

In the arid wastelands of Latin America stands **Solitary Bastion**, a fortress-like prison housing the nation's most dangerous criminals—cartel bosses, gang leaders, and unrepentant killers. In this volatile world of corruption and survival, the rules of morality are as fragile as the lives of those who dare uphold them. After dying in an underground fight, **Robert Viera**, a former boxer, finds himself reincarnated as a prison guard in this treacherous facility. Armed with a mysterious ability to see the full extent of someone's criminal life—and gain power by capturing or eliminating wrongdoers—Robert must navigate a labyrinth of danger, deceit, and deadly alliances. When Robert kills a cartel enforcer in self-defense during a prison riot, he becomes a marked man, targeted by the cartel and betrayed by his corrupt superiors. As conspiracies close in, Robert uncovers that even his warden and colleagues are players in a larger, sinister plot to silence him for good. With no one to trust and enemies lurking in every shadow, Robert must rely on his street smarts, fighting skills, and newfound abilities to survive. But in a place where justice is bought and loyalty is fleeting, will Robert's quest for redemption make him the savior of the prison—or its next victim? **"Shadows in the Bastion"** is a gripping tale of survival, betrayal, and one man's fight to expose the truth in a world where the lines between law and crime blur into darkness.

"I'm just a silly child with an unreachable dream. As a child, I always dreamed of being a Hero, but I went down the wrong path. I now look back at my foolish dream of wanting to be a Hero and saving others. Me, a Hero, what a farce. My sins can never be repented for they were too great." "Hah, don't even get me started on the story about my journey, for it's just a long and painful route to becoming a Diamond." "Power, luxury, worlds we can have all of them, but we can never fully be happy." "Diamond goddess my ass!! What is the use of becoming a powerful being if we can't even Live peacefully?" She turns to look at the child with pink hair and pink eyes. "Would you be interested in knowing who we are?" Iris asked the child. "Yes of course since I'm one too it would be good if I know," Polyra answered shyly and she twisted her hair on her fingertips. "Diamonds were supreme beings that were given to create life and destroy life, also known as world destroyers. They could pass through time and dimensions and create worlds of their own." I said as stars formed around them. "All Diamonds have a Diamond Gem in their body plus we have Diamond-shaped pupils to identify ourselves." "So then are we like cool or something," Polyra asked joyfully. Iris gave her a blank yet sad look, "I wish we were..." "All I know is throughout myself as a Diamond all I've felt was pain, but one thing that keeps me going is to find my sisters." "Diamonds are never free unless we're truly strong, but if we aren't we would be chased for the rest of our days." "What about the rest of the other Diamonds? There must be more people like us, right? Polyra asked nervously. "They're not my problem to deal with," Iris said coldly. "Then why did you save me?" Polyra asked as she stared deep into Iris's lifeless eyes. "Maybe a connection, I don't know." She responded. "Well then Iris if you won't find the rest of the other Diamonds, I will," Polyra stood up proudly. "Hahahaha, fine then have it your way." "Polyra, do you still want to be the Pink Diamond and become my follower?" she asked, stretching out her hand. "How can you also ask such a silly question Iris. You were the one who raised me and I don't care if I become a follower of the Black Diamond Goddess, because you're like a mother to me," she said softly. "Then the whole heavens would hate you dear child. For the Black Diamond shall always be the Diamond to bring calamity, chaos, and evil upon everything…." "And the Diamond war shall begin soon." The cover art isn't mine

As Malu wakes up, his eyes blur. He soon looks around, seeing fire spread around him. As he adventures, he freaks out during a "fire show", but it causes the fire to spread faster. Malu soon finds out he has a cool power, one for the greater good or the worse. As Malu embarks on this journey, he finds some friendly kids, whose names are Skipper and Terios. As the group travels through this game, they find themselves facing a bigger fear. Who is the real villain?

It's the classic case of man dies and has the option to live again. But most of the details are already figured out, and all he has to do is roll a die, make an avatar, and wait. [ok, so. I was on an app, that will be unnamed (just in case). Scrolling through videos on my fyp when an edit of tonraq came up, and since I hadn't seen the show in a long time, I forgot how much I liked this character. Then all of a sudden I was like "What if I just. . . stick him in DC?" Yung Justice to be exact, and this will be the result!! I'm ready excited to see where my brain takes this, as I never really plan out my stories.]

A young woman is transported back to the year 614 where she meets Samo, a calm and handsome knight pretending to be a merchant in order to defeat his kings' enemies.

Dina opens her eyes one morning to find herself in a different form. Confused and worried, she and her father discover that a traumatic event from her childhood has caused her serious mental damage, ruining her appearance. Unable to accept herself, Dina lives in isolation, consumed by self-hatred. However, one day, an unexpected figure emerges and opens her eyes to a new reality.

A desert covering most of everything I saw, my village was one of many built above the endless sand. Some of the old reminisce about the stories they held about a large group of people. They had wandered and wandered, what they had looked for was a Utopia, one where it was comfortable, a place where it was safe. I didn't wish to find a place like that, I wished for a world that was only a utopia.

Journey of a betrayed soldier in a apocalyptic fantasy world. No string attached, he will decide his own fate prevail or perish. Not every fantasy world is a good place. Sometimes, it's worse than where we came from.

In a world where humanity keeps declining, just like today's reality, we see how our protagonist Kiyoshi's life unfolds piece by piece.

Salvation. Sanctuary. A safe place. Somewhere he can be safe and free. Somewhere away from abuse, from his bullies, from harassment, from false judgements... from ropes... and whips... somewhere away from pain. Somewhere they will never reach him. That is what Aqueo Harp had always been wishing for. So when he finds himself dying and waking up in a world of magic, a world completely different from the one he had, he views it as a blessing in disguise. It was the thing he had been asking for—to escape from the cruel fate of an orphan like him in his previous world—a life under the mercy of a human trafficking organization that plunged him in a cycle of recurrent depression, back-and-forth at the local detention center, and other stuff that are known to be interrelated with juvenile delinquency. With that in mind, Aqueo swears to never go back to his miserable old life and live an opposite life in the new world, one that is devoid of any trouble he had in the past. But not even a full day has passed when he finds out that his fate in this new world might end up the same as his previous one. This place is also brimming with slavery and other abuse, just as dangerous as his previous world—or even worse. But there is hope, Aqueo Harp meets a water spirit and finds new friends, something he never had for a long time. With their help, Aqueo doesn't feel as hopeless anymore.

Three years ago, Su Luo was betrayed, his cultivation stripped away, leaving him a powerless live-in son-in-law, scorned and humiliated. But now, he has returned as a sovereign, unrivaled across the heavens and earth. With world-defying medical mastery in one hand and unparalleled martial prowess in the other, he proclaims: This time, I will make the world tremble at my name and quake at the sound of my voice.

At the End of the World, Lay a Promise... One of Love Lost, and of Hope Squandered. In this Land of Dreams, where impossibility is made manifest, In this Land of Decay, where depravity is made known by man, In this Land of Darkness, where Cruelty knows no bounds, One man stands against the tide. Against Fate. Against Hatred. Against all the things that burden you so. Step into Analeia, Land of Milk and Honey, Land of Blood and Bile. Make Your Stand with Us.

‘“You killed him. It’s your fault!” San started crying and shaking, his stomach was trying to fly out of his body. His mind was trying to destroy him. It would be better if he died there too. It would be better if he died.’ Yang Shan moved to Hong Kong with his parents after surviving a disaster. He left his past behind and ran away, carrying his trauma with him. But after joining the eSports team Zhu Long, he had to face himself and others. He couldn’t and that was when he met Kim Hyunyeong, a kind stranger that helped him. Both shared similar experiences, but Shan’s burden was too heavy even for Hyun, so he left. Will they be able to continue where they left off or will there be only silence at the end?

“It’s Duke Raymond, oh my god he looks so handsome in white!!” a lady exclaimed. Just hearing this warning bell Eloise, peered to the right. A beautiful man dressed completely in white tux walked confidently into the ballroom. His black eyes wandered amongst the crowd, searching for a certain someone. {‘Why is he here!!’} Eloise bit her lips anxiously. {‘Either way, lets run before he catches me,’} she pulled up her fluffy ruffle skirt to her knees and ran like the wind. All of a sudden she felt her skirt being pulled from behind. “How audacious of you to pull a lady’s skirt,” she shouted and pulled without taking a glance back. “My, my, I think I stepped on a cockroach, what shall I do? Shall I roast it for tainting my shoes or should I chop its head off,” a hoarse voice jokingly said from behind. {‘Shit, I’m dead,’} she glanced back in slow motion. “This..... My lord, can you let go of my skirt,” she pointed to his foot that was firmly stepping on the bottom of her skirt. “Why not, I am just expressing my emotions to the lady who expressed ardent feeling to me in her letters,” he said with a smug smirk. The crowd gasped. “She wrote him a love letter!! That shameless wrench,” some lady shouted out loud. Hearing this, Eloise’s eyelid twitched, “sir... no, Lord, I think you misunderstood. I was only expressing my heartfelt gratitude with my ‘thank you’ letter,” she enunciated each word. The duke chuckled. “Oh is that so,” he strode closer having a tight grip on her skirt, “are the words bat-shit-bastard, ring a bell. I read it in your letter,” Eloise gritted her teeth, {‘so you plan to use my word against me, huh? We’ll see who wins,’} she stepped to his side, showing her back to the entire crowd. “MY LORD! Where are you touching me?!” Suddenly she shouted, gasping her bosom. “How audacious of you. I RESPECTED YOU SIR!! How could you do this,” she screamed and ran away while he was frozen in shock. The entire ball room was in disarray. “Lord Raymond is a pervert!!”