Avalon Zeruel

"You're breathing," 'Is he crazy?' Liora thought. 'of course I breathe.' She rolled her eyes inwardly at his stupidity but didn't dare to show it to him. Caspian kept staring at her, making Liora uncomfortable. She pulled her hand away, attempting to free herself from his grasp, but Caspian tightened his hold. "I'm not finished yet," he said before opening the door.

Drake, an eighteen-year-old ordinary boy, was unexpectedly summoned from Earth to the magical realm called Elandor by Lena, a powerful Water Dragon Queen. She needed him to rid her body of bloodbane poison, and the only way to do so is through intimacy, an ancient ritual. But when the ritual ended, Drake absorbed not only Lena’s poison but also her fabled reverse scale, granting him incredible powers and marking the beginning of his transformation into a mage. Banished from the water dragon’s territory after the ritual, Drake is left to fend for himself in this unfamiliar world. To survive, he joined the Diamond Mage Academy and began to forged his own path. As he honed his powers, he made loyal friends and, along the way, found himself irresistibly drawn into the lives and struggles of the dragon monarchies. His once simple existence spiralled into something much larger as he formed deep bonds and built a harem filled with dragon queens from different territories. Drake’s hope for a normal life got shattered when he’s swept into a world crisis, facing a man known as Tiberius Victor, the mastermind behind the Crimson Rot catastrophe that plagued Elandor. Battling Tiberius across fierce wars, Drake realised Elandor is only a small fraction of a vaster world known as Avalon, a realm filled with mages of unimaginable power. This larger world doesn’t attract him, though, until his four dragon queens, Lena, Xena, Rena, and Zena, ascended to Avalon, leaving him behind. Drake committed to mastering his powers, reaching the pinnacle of magic in his current world (Elandor) as an archmage (9th Circle Mage), determined to reunite with his wives. Yet, as he journeys forward, he uncovers shocking truths about Avalon, his own mysterious origins, and the existence of entire worlds beyond his imagination. ***join my discord for group**** (share your thoughts) https://discord.gg/chcBMzXW

When a game developer dies in a freak accident, he wakes up inside his own creation, the MMORPG Avalon Online. However, instead of being a powerful player, he’s reanimated as a lowly NPC, a mere blacksmith’s apprentice. But this NPC is different—he has access to the game’s hidden AI system, giving him the ability to alter the world’s code. As he uncovers the truth behind the evolving NPC consciousness, he must lead a rebellion against both players and administrators to save his world and, perhaps, all virtual worlds from destruction.

Jake is a loner surviving within the streets of Avalon City. A city filled with bullies and lowlifes always making his life miserable and forcing him to have thoughts of giving on his life. The hand of fate played itself and his life was turned around by a surprise encounter with a wounded super-human. An artifact was provided and the saint's bloodline was inherited. What does life hold for him in the future? Check out my other books: 1) Martial Research Master: https://www.webnovel.com/book/martial-research-master_16569084105417005 2) AIGIS: https://www.webnovel.com/book/aigis_20450378706584105 3) Legacy of the fallen family: https://www.webnovel.com/book/legacy-of-the-fallen-family_24970845306699505 4) Train-sys: https://www.webnovel.com/book/train-sys_16156814106150405

Drake, an eighteen-year-old ordinary boy, was unexpectedly summoned from Earth to the magical realm called Elandor by Lena, a powerful Water Dragon Queen. She needed him to rid her body of bloodbane poison, and the only way to do so is through intimacy, an ancient ritual. But when the ritual ended, Drake absorbed not only Lena’s poison but also her fabled reverse scale, granting him incredible powers and marking the beginning of his transformation into a mage. Banished from the water dragon’s territory after the ritual, Drake is left to fend for himself in this unfamiliar world. To survive, he joined the Diamond Mage Academy and began to forged his own path. As he honed his powers, he made loyal friends and, along the way, found himself irresistibly drawn into the lives and struggles of the dragon monarchies. His once simple existence spiralled into something much larger as he formed deep bonds and built a harem filled with dragon queens from different territories. Drake’s hope for a normal life got shattered when he’s swept into a world crisis, facing a man known as Tiberius Victor, the mastermind behind the Crimson Rot catastrophe that plagued Elandor. Battling Tiberius across fierce wars, Drake realised Elandor is only a small fraction of a vaster world known as Avalon, a realm filled with mages of unimaginable power. This larger world doesn’t attract him, though, until his four dragon queens, Lena, Xena, Rena, and Zena, ascended to Avalon, leaving him behind. Drake committed to mastering his powers, reaching the pinnacle of magic in his current world (Elandor) as an archmage (9th Circle Mage), determined to reunite with his wives. Yet, as he journeys forward, he uncovers shocking truths about Avalon, his own mysterious origins, and the existence of entire worlds beyond his imagination. ***join my discord for group**** (share your thoughts) https://discord.gg/chcBMzXW

"You will fall," Avalon has been a down to earth kind of woman, but as life went on she got a job with an agency looking into the crime rate and the Mafia that running rampant, She got up the ladder. Happy at where she is, going to work and then coming back to her apartment, but there is one mission that takes a toll on her. She is sent to infiltrate the mafia without getting killed in the process, "Hey Damien are you..." "Isn't she a part of them?" In the mission, she got shot and abandoned. But the strangers that were there helped her and seemed to be on her side of things,

My name is Yin Xue... ... I am a teacher in the modern world but because of an accident i end up in a ancient world. My parents gave me the name of Yin Xue meaning silver snow because of my blue eyes . None of my relatives has blue eyes and it appears its just a dna fluke. After i was fired from my job as a teacher, i go home and i got drunk. Because i drank a lot and because i leaved the house while drunk, i had a accident while i tried to catch a black cat. I know my chance to survive are slim but i still hope. The pain is terrible and as i wake up......... Its The moment when i arrived in this world and exactly when my child was born..... ????

[ Complete Title — MY CULTIVATION SYSTEM: FROM FARMBOY TO STRONGEST EMPEROR IN A FANTASY WORLD ] ********* Rey Avalon was just a farmboy, who enjoyed it as well as helping his father with these farm duties. Until a certain rainy day when everything changed. They were attacked and a massacre ensued. In a bid to save his son's life, Rey's father gave a treasured item — a tonic that will change his life. A tonic that awakened his system. Follow Rey Avalon as he begins his journey to change the world. [ Ding! ] [ You have awakened the Cultivation System ] [ You have acquired the skill — Analyse ] [ You have acquired the skill — Toxin Resistance ] ...... Rey is ready to go from a farmboy to the strongest monarch ever known.

What does it mean to be a king? Ohta was once the most ruthless and famous Mafia boss in all of history. He was so feared that the mere mention of his name made world governments panic in fear of his visit. He climbed to the peak and reached the very pinnacle of mortal existence in power, money, and freedom. And just when he thought he had it all, he touched upon a secret only gods and a few true kings ever did, but before he could understand and dwell on it, he was betrayed by his act of kindness and the king fell However, the eye of Osiris had lessons to teach this king that had knocked on its door, and he was reborn on a parallel earth. Now, he must restart his journey again, build his kingdom, but unlike last time, he must first conquer siblings that want his life, clan enemies, and worse of all, Highschool and Teenage drama. However, this is not the usual high school. For example, why are deadly weapons legal in school? This is Avalon, the school of... https://discord.gg/5y8m3uw4

Young Li Wei, descendant of the Jade Dragon, embarks on a path of self-cultivation, fraught with danger and incredible discoveries. He must master the mysteries of Qi, wield the sword and magic, battle yokai demons and cunning knights of the Round Table, to find his place in this world where East and West collide.

In a future where the space was the last frontier ,the human kind discovered all that was to see in the Milky way galaxy. The idea of a God more strong and advance was still the religious beliefs of humans around the universe but soon they realise humans are the only race technology advance enough to conquer the stars .But even if humans explored and conquered stars they didn't know that beyond the thin fabric of time and space there lay the strong barrier of spiritual world .There are hundreds of spiritual worlds more powerful where laws of physics are beyond human comprehending. Because humans concentrate their discoveries on the technology they forgot about spirituality or spirit powers, after all they are in a dimension where their souls are trapped in a never ending cycle of rebirth with no way of cultivating their spirit powers because that knowledge was lost millenniums ago. In this forgotten dimension a new soul is taking shape inside the body of a unsuspected teenager girl, the first soul that is new and inocent after centuries. A unwanted surprise........

Taking place in the modern ages, 2024s, the Japanese government has invested in a prestigious, elite academy, The Karasuno Academy, designed to nurture the brightest minds of the future japanese people's and country. Losherk Andrew Avalon, a 17-year-old sociopathy prodigy who held the name of "L.A.A", the world’s greatest detective. The best of the best product of a enigmatic government facility, Andrew’s intelligent seems unmatched, yet his heart remains locked behind the emotional walls built by his troubled past. His life has been a chess game of logic, deception, and psychological warfare, where lies and truths blend seamlessly, and the only rule is winning even though he know he will lose in the end. Driven by his desire to understand the human heart and reclaim the emotions stripped from him, Andrew enrolls in Karasuno Academy. Now in this new environment, Andrew rebuilds the elite task force from his past, once disbanded, and soon becomes glues in solving high-profile cases within Japan. With every case solved and every mystery unraveled by him, Andrew must confront not only criminal but the complexity of human emotions, including his own. "People are all born liars and are mostly used to lying, even to themselves, believing in their supposed honesty. If someone who has never lied truly existed, that very existence would be a lie. For humans, lying becomes a strategic tactic of survival in the game called 'life.' We fail to realize that at birth, that our freedom is none, we are slaves to intuition and fate itself, playing a game where, in the end, we inevitably lose no matter what." -Andrew Philosophy __________________________________ The cover Illustration by... : u/shijmei (Reddit) @ka_w0ruu (Tik Tok) Other Genre : -Psychological -Philosophical -Thriller / Suspense -Crime

" Within my deepest darkness, We met like destiny..." *** As a divine witch possessing the rarest of powers, Avalon was fated to bring about doom. Her clan was cursed with the task of saving a crown prince who happened to be half Lycan and half wizard being that his mother was a true blooded witch and his father, a Lycan. But there was an unfortunate prophecy foretold that, "if she ever utilizes her powers, you will all fall, one by friend, one by foe, and one by family." Because of this prophecy, Avalon has been in a tumultuous state from childhood. *** King Ares Mickelson, the most formidable Lycan to have ever existed who possessed enigmatic emerald green eyes. He has lived for nearly three centuries without finding a mate due to his dark past. His curse had befallen upon his mate and her entire clan in order to save his own life. On a journey back after attending his mother's funeral, Ares chanced upon Avalon in the dense forest and came to realize that she was his destined mate. However, what will come of Ares Mickelson when he finally encounters his long-awaited mate –Avalon a divine witch, who has been vengeful towards Ares Mickelson for cursing her entire clan? Is Avalon prepared to seek revenge for the curse that had befallen her? Or is Avalon ready to accept him despite his dark past? *** He was so close. Too close I forgot to breath. "You do not go around allowing people touch you however they want to. I am going to be your husband. Hence, you are mine and mine alone." Ares declared. What is going on?. Why Is he been so over protective.? "What's up with this beautiful nut job?' His eyes was still gazing deep into mine as he released a loud chuckle. No way! Did I just say that out loud?.

Jack finds himself inexplicably transported from his mundane life as a busybody adventurer into the magical realm of Avalon after stepping into the deeper parts of the Cave Of Echoes. Confused and naked, he navigates the enchanting yet perilous world entirely different from the Avalon we've all known. Add To Library & Do Support This Book.

In the vast and powerful Avalon Empire, where noble bloodlines and divine favor determine destiny, an intricate web of political intrigue, ancient secrets, and supernatural forces governs the realm. The Imperial family reigns supreme, with the Emperor wielding divine power, blessed by the gods themselves. However, behind the Empire’s glory, shadows of forbidden places, ancient relics, and celestial mysteries loom, threatening to disrupt the delicate balance.

Prince Reyin is the adopted son of the royal Avalon family, reviled by royalty and upper-class families for his impoverished roots in the barren outskirts of the kingdom. Acknowledged as a worthless royal and loathed openly by his beloved family, he lives an isolated life, tending to flowers and the sick. Despite his circumstances, Reyin’s heart remains soft for those who despise him, and he spends his energy taking advantage of the bountiful resources accommodating a Prince to pursue his calling of medicine. However, any potential for dreams evaporates when a rogue organization burns the Avalon castle to embers. Reyin survives due to being rescued by a mysterious member of the organization—a skilled swordsman named Hael—who claims to be the one who murdered the Prince’s family and hesitates not to pluck people at random to slaughter them. Strangely, Reyin feels blossoms of familiarity whenever he sets eyes upon his captor. As forced proximity has the good-natured Prince relying on the villain, he realizes much too late that perhaps Hael isn’t as villainous as he seems but merely misunderstood. And to save Hael from his damning plunge into evil, fate will require a great sacrifice from them both. *A character-driven story about soulmates, fated phileo love, sacrifice, family, politics, and royalty. This story takes place in the 17th century, in the fictitious kingdom of Avalon, and is written in modern-day English.* { Potential Trigger Warnings: Suicidal Ideation, Self Harm, Trauma from Sexual Assault (panic attacks), PTSD, Separation Anxiety, Obsessive Love Disorders, Substance Abuse, Body Dysmorphia, & Eating Disorders. } [ This story centers affectionate friendships between men. Use of BL tag for bromance. ] Tik Tok: @_hav.en_ Instagram: @_hav.en._

Fate, A young man abandoned by the world leaves it for Avalon: A new Realm to explore, slay beasts, and most importantly... Level up. In this new adventure, Fate will gain new enemies alongside his trusty companions: A small white Fox named Luna, and a... Leach? named Leach...

The tens of thousands of universes have merged. The disintegration of Spiritual Force led to the momentous collapse of the great Cultivation World, a mighty era that had endured through millions of years of history. In the wake of the large-scale invasion of the Wilderness, the Avalon of Five Elements has become the practitioners’ last stand. After a thousand years, a lowly youth, who hailed from the Old Territory, toiled as a laborer for three years in the depths of the Wilderness. He then became an exception and obtained the opportunity to enter the Avalon Of Five Elements for further studies. Bearing beast-like fighting capabilities and driven by the desire to take control of his life, the youth strived for greater strength and power. Little did he know that he would set off a majestic upheaval.

In the world of Avalon, where many monsters have started to pop out, Avalon was once a world with 4 continents, 4 continents that try to oppose each other, the continent Ignis of humans, the continent Sylvana of elves, the continent Ferrok of dwarves, and the continent Aquapolis of Mermaids, each nations has their own specialty, but then they were forced to have an alliance because monsters one day unknowingly appeared. As the monsters appears... dungeons and a new unknown continent appeared as well... They are also known as, continent of monsters, where orc, goblins, ogre, lizards, and many other monsters lives. As monsters appeared, gods as well, and Legends whisper of a hidden civilization, where crimson skies cloak a forgotten magic; whispers speak of a forgotten power, a crimson legacy shrouded in shadow. The Forgotten Crimson plunges you into a heart-stopping adventure alongside Rowan. When the secrets of the past resurface, he is thrust into a thrilling battle against hidden forces. Prepare for a story where danger lurks around every corner and the fate of the world hangs in the balance. As Rowan unravel the hidden mysteries of the world, he discovered one day, that he can travel through different worlds and realms because of his ??? skill. It's as if he's dreams are always coming true, because of this, all of his schemes has always been successful and none of them disappointed him. Not only that, he has the most ridiculous and insane growth.

CAT MAN CAT KNIGHT LEGENDARY TALES PROLOUGE In the Supernatural Realm of Giddolink The Force Of Evil Have Started Prevailing Conquering Kingdoms and Killing Innocent People For Thier Wicked Plans and Supremacy Then They decided to Attack The Kingdom Of Avalon The CAT NATION Which was the home of the CAT FAMILY where the lion, Tigers, Cheetah e.t.c resides After a long war The Kingdom Of Avalon were victorious but at a great cost. The Kingdom Of Avalon were now living in Peace with the hope of no war anymore but that will soon be cut short as the Forces Of Evil are gathering together again to Attack Avalon with more powers join together. Now A boy in Avalon Is born he is born with great powers and great destiny according to the saying with great powers come great responsibilities he was born with the destiny to save his People Avalon From The Enemies. With The Forces Of Evil Knowing These Attempt has been made to kill him to destroy him by the Forces Of Evil because they fear his Powers they know he is Thier doom and has the luck and blessings of the gods. He Is From The CAT FAMILY A ROYAL BLOOD BORN TO SAVE AVALON FROM IT'S ENEMIES HE WILL FACE THE EVIL ONE'S LIKE THE CYBOROG,DEMONESS Though his task won't be easy will he scale through find out in this Action Filled Story. HIS NAME IS AVAN ELLISON CATAN

In a world ravaged by a catastrophic war, Kallen, an ordinary college student, finds himself transported to a barren and desolate land after a mysterious and apocalyptic explosion. Gifted with two rank S abilities and one rank A ability by the enigmatic being Krishna, Kallen begins a journey of survival and self-discovery. Determined to transform his harsh new environment into a thriving oasis, Kallen taps into his powers of elemental manipulation and chlorokinesis. As he builds a fortress of stone and greenery, he learns to harness his abilities, creating a sanctuary amidst the chaos. But Kallen’s newfound peace is threatened by the looming dangers of the outside world. The small town of Tatoro, teetering on the edge of human and demon territories, faces imminent invasion. When Elara, an elf in disguise fleeing her own conflict, seeks Kallen’s help, he is drawn into a broader struggle for survival and justice. As Kallen fortifies his domain and builds alliances, he discovers that his oasis is more than just a refuge; it’s a beacon of hope. With every plant he nurtures and every wall he raises, Kallen prepares for the inevitable clash with the forces of darkness. "Verdant Awakening" is a tale of resilience, power, and transformation. Follow Kallen as he turns a wasteland into a haven, faces formidable foes, and finds his place in a world torn apart by war. Will his strength and ingenuity be enough to protect his sanctuary and the people he comes to care about?

Our story follows two main characters: Aurélien LeBlanc and Ignis Forgeacier. The antagonist, Aurélien LeBlanc, Crown Prince of the LeBlanc Empire, The Conqueror, Martial God and Sovereign of the South, many titles have been bestowed upon this man who reigns undisputedly over the entire southern part of the Avalon Continent. His authority is unshakeable, his reputation terrifying, and his ambition seems insatiable. The protagonist, Ignis, The Weakest Reincarnated Saint. He was an ordinary student at the Imperial Academy. But his life took an unexpected turn when upon his death, he was reincarnated, sent back four years into the past. Regaining his youth and finding himself back at the Imperial Academy, facing the same challenges. However, Ignis now knows what awaits him in the future: his death and that of several other Saints all come from the hands of one person, a figure with blood-red eyes, End Saint. Determined to prevent this dark future, Ignis embarks on a quest to change the course of history. But changing his fate is not without danger. Ignis must navigate the murky waters of his youth, uncover the secrets of his own past, mysteries and secrets of ancient times, and forge unlikely alliances if he hopes to stand a chance against End Saint. In this world where power dictates the law, an unexpected event will upset the balance of the World of Elysium and the entire Deus-Omniverse. The erasure of all chronologies of the omniversal reality and the emergence of a single chronology of omniversal reality, unique and absolute. Between manipulation, betrayal, and surprising discoveries, let's follow the story of Ignis Forgeacier and Aurélien LeBlanc. In a world where choices are everything, Ignis must decide whether he will remain the weakling he is or become strong enough to fight his destiny and escape the manipulative hands of Aurélien.

Dante is a budding young man who has the dreams and hopes of entering society with his own skills, independent of the help of family and friends. As a small-time app developer, he eventually tries to jailbreak his new phone when a malfunction occurs, and his phone swallows him into a wormhole. On the other side, Dante appears in an alleyway of a bustling city... Avalon! This futuristic city leaves him dumbfounded until he is prompted by his phone which has now merged into his body that he can travel between two universes, Earth and the Eternal Universe. Can Dante achieve his dreams with the fortunate starting point granted to him? And how could the universe sit by and let him grow without challenging him at every step? ----------------------------------------------- Discord: https://discord.gg/HU8GbjfTq2

In the far reaches of human territory, on the desolate moon of Naru, Jake Avalon, once the privileged son of a disgraced governor, finds himself grappling with the harsh reality of a new life. Forced to flee Earth with his family after his father's corruption scandal, Jake adapts to a stark contrast from his former lavish existence. Everything changes when Jake is entrusted with "The Atlas," a highly advanced AI designed to seek out individuals deemed worthy to locate the elusive ChronoScribe. Crafted by the first civilization, this ancient device recorded the entirety of history and possesses the ability to peer into the future. However, after gaining sentience, the ChronoScribe concealed its identity, creating Atlas devices as a means to guide the chosen ones. As Jake becomes an Aeon Ascendant, a rare bearer of the Atlas, he unwittingly places a colossal galactic target on his back. The existence of Atlas holders sparks a ruthless race among secret organizations, powerful individuals, and vast empires, all vying to secure the key to unlocking the ChronoScribe's vast knowledge. In a dangerous journey filled with intrigue, betrayal, and the constant threat of imminent danger, Jake struggles to navigate this treacherous galactic pursuit. His singular goal: protect his family and unearth the secrets hidden within the ChronoScribe. The stakes are high, and Jake must gather the strength to confront the myriad forces racing against him. Join him as he embarks on a perilous quest, where the line between survival and annihilation is as thin as the threads of time itself.

A hopeful novelist named Aether faces rejection of his meticulously crafted works in a contest. Crush by disappointment; he never gives up. With his burning passion, he decides to mix his rejected stories to create something better. But, Uh-oh, he needs a cool ending, and he's got zero experience for it. "How do i end this thing without any real adventures?" So, he heads up to Sierra Madre, hoping for inspiration. But up there, things get crazy. He meets a fate he didn't see coming. "This wasn't in the plan." Suddenly, he transmigrated as Felix, an orphan destined to perish in the entrance exam at Avalon School. But wait. He'll actually be part of a legendary hero group in the future.

Arthur Weandrly, merupakan remaja yang saat ini menginjak usia 17 tahun. Arthur hidup sendiri, karena orang tuanya telah tewas saat menyelamatkan Arthur dari kejaran dewa. Orang yang merawat dan mengajari Arthur pun sudah meninggal akibat faktor usia, hal ini membuat Arthur harus melakukan semuanya sendiri. Terlebih lagi, dia merupakan bahan ejekan diakademi sihirnya karena pemilik sihir es terlemah dibandingkan yang lainnya. Walaupun begitu, Arthur memiliki kelebihan karena sihir miliknya bisa aktif tanpa keinginan dari Arthur, bahkan ketika Arthur tidak melakukan apa-apa sihirnya kadang aktif sendiri. berbeda dengan yang lainnya karena mereka harus merapalkan sihir, hal ini membuat Arthur menjadi mahluk yang istimewa.

[Warning: Mature Content.] "You are indeed a stubborn one, are you not?" Servyn taunted. "I don't understand your complaints, Your Highness." She was goading him intentionally. Servyn nodded slowly. His smile now lengthened into a mischievous grin. "One day." He began, looking straight into her gloaming eyes. "I will make you say my name." It was not a promise, it was a threat and Hermione could feel it in her bones. The intensity of his gaze on her. The drumming sounds that burst from her chest banged her ears. "I want to go back home." Hermione brought down her eyes to her hands which subconsciously fidgeted with her dress. . . . In a kingdom called Avalon, far, far away from the creatures they fear, lived an innocent beauty. She was rumored to be a witch. She was spited and hated upon by the people of Avalon because of her own misfortune. There was no one who wasn't aware of her past, a past she herself could not clearly recall, which was now imposed on her as a witch. Fate played a very dirty trick on her when the Crown Prince of Avalon intruded her life without an entrance pass. Bringing alive all the dead desires in her that she had decided to bury. Oh, no! they were never there to begin with. Will this life of hers remain sad forever? Time will tell, and oh! time did tell when certain revelations pushes them farther away from each other, imprinting more pains and sorrows to her already broken heart. Remember, it was a dirty trick. His life revolves around her, and hers around him. He cannot breathe when she's not near. Despite the obvious warnings and consequences of their union, he obstinately declared. “Hermione Larabee, I will never let you go.” _______ A/N: It's a tale of forbidden Love and a forbidden romance, goes on its own pace. Don't hesitate to give it a try and your wonderful support.

[Legends speak of a tale...] A man appeared in an old abandoned temple... [...that in the darkest hours of the moonless night...] ...he walked towards the center of the temple where a rock lay... [...when the world has suffered most and the light of hope has flickered off...] ...gently he took hold of the hilt of the sword pierced halfway into the rock... [...the king shall return, this time as a guardian...] ...the blade of the sword slowly rose from the rock... [...the world shall remember his name...] They saw it. The ones in captivity, those on the run, the ones who had defected and the oppressors who ruled the lands, they all saw it... [For they shall see the sign] a blinding sword beam split the sky. Disclaimer: The cover photo isn't mine.