National Talent Search Contest

[Warning: MATURE/R-18 Content] Noah Ashford, the son of the village chief. And also, he was a reincarnator, who accidentally died by an unexpected event. Since childhood, he was always considered smart by his friends. Unfortunately, his talent was too low, leaving him far behind. Due to his low talent, he was always the object of ridicule, always talked about by the villagers. Luckily, one day when he was almost killed by a monster, something strange happened to him. He got a system, called talent increased. *** Others tags: Adventure, Weak to Strong, Strong to Stronger, Killed, Level Up, Revenge, Hated Protagonist, Academy, Netori, No incest, Princess, Priest, Hero, Knight, Dragons, Demons, Magic Mana, Divinity, Skills, Rewards, Potions, Training, Hard Training, Body Enchament, Spirits, Elves, Dwarfs, Necromancer, Beast Taiming, Beats, Dryads, World Tree, Contract Spirits, Divinity, Holy Magic, Saints, Commander, Milf, Kings, Continent, Imperials, Nobles, Kingdoms, Tournament, Rivals, Emperors, Prince, Princess, Resistance, Conflict, War, Power Level System, Longevity, Cold Protagonist Slice of Life: WPC JUNE 2024 *** Donate me: Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/dylanhusand Paypal: paypal.com/dylanhusan *** Disclaimer: the cover on this book is not mine, hope u all understand. No Plagiarisme, No Rasisme, No Cultivation, No Yuri Simp! REMEMBER! NO NTR TO ALL PROTAGONIST WOMEN!

"Level up? Dragons?" Eighteen. The age of Awakening. An important moment where every human in the desolate maga-cities unlocks their Talent, a unique ability to carve a path in this monster-plagued apocalyptic world. Alister Hazenworth, a graduating student, and a rising star at the prestigious Aegis Academy, was destined for greatness. His exceptional athleticism and magical aptitude promise a powerful Talent – a guarantee for a secure life and social status. But fate had different plans. During Alister's Awakening ceremony, it's revealed that he's a Summoner. Instead of admiration, he faces mockery. His once bright future turns bleak as his "friends" desert him for Talents they see as more "useful." left alone, Alister awakens a system. [Host found, system binding...] [System binded successfully.] [Congrats, you have gain the status of 'player'.] [Ding!! Congrats to the player for awakening The Dragonforge - an overlord system.] [Ding!! it has been detected that the player possesses a latent draconic aspect, and as such will only be able to summon dragons!!] [Will the player like to proceed with their first summoning?] Cast aside and underestimated, Alister becomes a force to be reckoned with. He embarks on a journey, building his own dragon army – a crew of majestic wyverns, fearsome drakes, and ancient wyrms. He raids the wastelands, reclaims lost resources, and dismantles the prejudice against summoners. Every day, his power grows, his bond with his dragons deepens, and his legend spreads like wildfire. Discord server: https://discord.gg/zbQwWCSCrn [A/N: This is a slow paced novel, don't expect the protagonist to suddenly start out overpowered and start dominating left and right, he will become an overlord of dragons, yes, but it will take time. (⁠ ⁠╹⁠▽⁠╹⁠ ⁠)] Cover made by me /⁠ᐠ⁠｡⁠ꞈ⁠｡⁠ᐟ⁠\

Fourteen years of war nearly destroyed the world. Seven years of peace have barely held it together. The Seven Nation Army, forged from the ashes of World War III, stopped the bloodshed and vowed to protect the fragile balance. But peace has a price—and not everyone is willing to pay it. A shadow looms over the fractured world. The New World Order, a ruthless organization born of chaos, plots to tear apart the fragile ceasefire. Their vision? Burn the old world to the ground and rebuild it on their terms. At the forefront of this conflict, Bravo Squad stands as humanity's shield. Led by Captain Sohel Choudhury, callsign "Ghost," this elite unit faces a daunting task: unravel the NWO's plans before the world is plunged into World War IV. But trust is scarce, alliances are fickle, and the battlefield is no longer confined to nations—it’s everywhere. Victory isn’t guaranteed, but failure means the end of everything. — “If taking one life can save a thousand, we have to pull the trigger. If that one life is at the end of your barrel, and you won't be able to take the shot, leave this room right now. Because if you don't take the shot, your enemy will. And he won't hesitate. I assembled you here to win a war, not to turn all of you into cannon fodder.” Sohel took a deep breath and looked out over his squad. “Now, let me ask again, does anybody want to leave? Does anyone here think that he'd not be able to pull the trigger?” The room buzzed with one synchronized sound, “No, sir.”

Humans of Earth were transported to the Divine Sky Realm, a world brimming with fortune and danger. In this celestial domain, humanity now dwells upon floating islands, ascending as rulers. When else will you get the chance to be a king and vie for supremacy? The system bestowed powers upon chosen individuals, granting limitless luck. Lein, an ordinary office worker, received the SSS-rank talent - Infinity Duplicate. There was nothing in this world that he couldn't duplicate, not even god-tier materials. The path to becoming the strongest lay before him. Yet, Lein knew all too well that it required a process. Even the gods needed a process to create the universe. The Divine Sky Realm offered a fantastical life that Earth's humans had always dreamed of. Soaring through the skies, shattering mountains, rising to the pinnacle in all endeavors. But humans remain humans, wherever they are, driven by their innate nature: greedy and unaware of their limits. Humans believed they were the sole inhabitants of the universe, thinking only they received the system's fortune. But reality proved otherwise. Other races in the universe were granted the same blessings, without distinction. In fact, the human physique was considered low-tier. Races like the Wood Elves, Dwarves, Goblins, Dragons, and countless others possessed bodies that defied the heavens from the outset. Could humans survive in the Divine Sky Realm? We can only hope for the best. The humans found themselves in a realm where dreams and nightmares walked hand in hand, a place where every desire and fear took form. Floating islands became their new kingdoms, a testament to their newfound power and ambition. Lein, an unremarkable man back on Earth, now wielded the power of Infinity Duplicate, a gift that could make him invincible.

[Warning! #Yandere!] Aiden Cross was a boy who was smarter than a kid his age. Born on the seemingly normal planet Earth. Who finds his life very boring. 100 years ago, World War III happened for unknown reasons. Resulting in 25% of the world population perishing in this war and no one can talk about this due to the single organization which controls the world after the war. Does there lie a big secret behind the war that made all the previous nations fight for? Would he uncover the secret of the war? Or will he become a pawn of powerful organizations? But one day Aiden’s life turned upside down in an accident. Aiden lost his mother, and Aiden himself was on the verge of dying. Then he awakened the system and even met a beautiful yet haughty goddess. "You should feel honored you meet the great me hmph!" [Ding] [Compatible host detected] [Initializing the cosmic system] [Connecting the cosmic system to the host's soul] [Connection Completed] A system promises to make him stronger and help him revive his mother back to life. And inform him about the awakening of his world, which is no less than the apocalypse. With the help of the system, Aiden awakens Limit Grade Talent, but his talent is not complete and has a fatal side effect. [Talent: Celestial (unknown)] (incomplete) Aiden has to copy many talents to complete his talents. And travels to many different worlds. As he meets different races, a naive elven princess, prideful and lustful dragons, bored vampires, and a horny angel who offers herself to him  “I offer you my body and soul; please accept me." An angel with a flushed red face said  Unfortunately for our Aiden his big sis is a total yandere who couldn't even let him talk to another girl in front of her. Aiden has a dream of making a harem so he has to tread a careful line to get what he wants. Will he be able to have a harem or not? No one knows. But his otherworldly appearance wouldn't make it easier for him as he attracted many women's attention from a young age, which made his big sis even more jealous and crazy for him. Would he be able to have a harem in his long cultivation journey to revive his mother and discover many secrets of the cosmos with his yandere sister being present? Milfs, Virgins, Succubus, Vampires, Elves, Princesses, Demonesses, Angels, Goddesses, Dragons, Phoenixes, Dryads, Cultivation, System, Yandere, Otherworldly Handsome MC, and many more. _________________________ #No-NTR #No-Yuri #Yandere GOALS!!!! 200 power stones(weekly) = 1 extra chapters at the end of the week 50 golden tickets (weekly) = 2 extra chapters at the end of the week Donating Castle(or any other super gift) = 5 Chapters mass release(within 7 days) Join the Discord server at the link below to discuss the story. https://discord.gg/yD2GXRHHfp

Target Audience: This book is for those who had enough of MCs getting bullied and those who enjoyed progression. I'll now apologize if I miss something and MC didn't act according to your likings, I'll adjust and improve so let's get addicted to it! SSS rank talent? I can get 10,000 xp multiplier and convert them to upgrade my skills? Proficiency? Item Quality? Top ranker? Beat them up! Arrogant villains? Slap them to death! My Little Sister getting bullied in school? Destroy the school! In my eyes, you are just experience points to farm! Let's farm experience points! #Progression #Invincible Progtagonist

A man who had emerged from the world's most secure prison—God of Death Island, known as a super-powered being called the God of Death, had grown tired of the bloody storms abroad and now, like a hidden dragon, he had returned! But due to an accident, he became the contract husband of a beautiful CEO! From then on, he ruled the city, crushed the petty and wicked, and embarked on the tyrannical journey of an urban legend!

In a world governed by the mysterious power of dimensional gates, young Dabi, once frail but gifted with a photographic memory, discovers his life-altering ability: a leveling system that grants him new skills and magic as he rises through the ranks. After his family perished in a gate-related tragedy, Dabi swears to protect his siblings and unravel the mysteries within these deadly portals. Alongside his loyal spirit pets and rare allies, Dabi faces ancient threats and powerful enemies tied to his parents’ tragic past. As he rises in power, Dabi’s quest draws the attention of noble families, dangerous royals, and sinister forces seeking control over dimensions and the future of humanity itself. Secrets, betrayals, and a growing vendetta lead him deeper into a battle that threatens the fabric of existence. With the fate of his world hanging in the balance, Dabi must outwit and outfight forces beyond imagination all while confronting the truths hidden within the gates of the lost dimension.

This is a story of a boy Alok who was suffering from a strange disease. He is son of a rich man but the best doctors of the world was unable to save him. Thus out of his desire of live he left his house and finally find a book in which he got to know about the legendary junglee tribes who had a great knowledge about medical science. After 3 years he came back with his multi talented skills which he learn from the tribes. With these skills he can dominate the world. With these skills he can win the heart of many girls. join me in this journey of this young man.

A cultivator with normal aptitude finally found a treasure that could change his life but to his disappointment, he could not directly benefit from it. *Warning* The MC of this story is goofy. If you are looking for a smart and serious MC, you will be disappointed. Also, my grammar is shit. If you receive brain damage after reading the first chapter, run. ----------- Upload Schedule: Monday-Friday. Weekend rest. ----------- 27 chapters ahead on Patreon, patreon.com/PotatoHero ----------- My ko-fi link if you want to support me. ko-fi.com/PotatoHero

Moe, a recent graduate from a prestigious university, is on the hunt for a job when fate takes an unexpected turn. After acing a crucial interview, he finds himself in a life-altering accident that catapults him into a Fantasy world. Instead of gaining extraordinary powers, he awakens in the body of Arthur Jr., an incompetent king ruling over the small kingdom of Keldoria. In a realm where magic is commonplace, Arthur Jr. is unable to wield any magical abilities, leaving him at a significant disadvantage. However, armed with the authority of a king and the knowledge of modern society, Moe is determined to transform Keldoria into an advanced, modern nation. With his unique perspective and innovative ideas, he sets out to harness his newfound power and reshape the kingdom, proving that even the most unlikely ruler can lead a country to greatness. ----story arc preview----- note all the arc is not gonna be in order so this is just a preview of how I am planning to write the novel. Even thou I am writing for fun because I have a really cool idea for a story in my head, I am gonna write every day and try to upload at least a chapter everyday. **Financial arc **Innovation arc **military arc **war arc and more --------------------------------- -----Disclaimer------- It is my first time ever to write a novel so to be honest, I use AI(GPT and Blackbox.io) to enhanced/rewrite my writing. However the idea, world building, concept and everything else is written by me and me alone. I used AI as an assistance in my writing because if I don't, it would likely be broken English or regular talking English which is not suited for writing novel and you wont be able to fully enjoy my story that I have in my mind. So reader who enjoy 100% Human work I am sorry to disappoint you, however I don't use AI by giving it idea prompt and copying pasting the result but I write on my own then I use AI to enhance my writing style and making it more enjoyable to read. Thus the writing may involved AI but it is 100% human idea and concept. Hope you enjoy!!!!

On January 1st, 3000, a virtual game named Aetheris descended upon Earth, ushering in a new era for humanity. In Aetheris, players gain immortal power by killing monsters, leveling up, and evolving. By paying a price, they can even bring their virtual power into the real world. At this moment, while billions remain trapped in the game's prologue, Leander becomes the first to fully enter the game. While others celebrate the awakening of one person with the rare S-Level talent, Leander uncovers that he possesses an unprecedented SSSSS-level talent. The true potential of his ability unfolds in ways even he could never have imagined. As his power grows, he uncovers dark secrets, and the boundary between the game and reality begins to blur. What is the cost of becoming the ultimate being? What will become of humanity? Leander's journey has just begun. And in the shadows, something... is watching... waiting...

At level 2, most people unlocked their first talent; those who didn’t were considered fortunate, as they had the potential to unlock rarer talents requiring higher levels. The world's most rare and powerful talents were revealed at level 5. But what if someone didn't obtain a talent? Luck quickly turned to misfortune as they were labeled talentless, with no hope of gaining a talent. Sol was one such person who was unable to unlock his talent, but he refused to give up. He persistently fought and trained every day, slowly increasing his level despite the disadvantage in skills. He held onto the hope that, one day, he would be bestowed with a talent like everyone else. As years passed, his determination began to wane until one fateful day. You have leveled up! +5 Free stats. Talent Unlocked - [Siphoner]! This event marked the beginning of his story. --- Cover art by Fireytika Things to expect: -Protagonist that grows not only in levels but as a person. -His main goal isn't power so don't expect him to rush to the peak. -Complicated characters and stories with mysteries that aren't quickly answered. A lot of things happen for a reason and come back later. -Earlier chapters have mistakes from me being a new author but quality greatly improves later on.

"In the land of myth and the time of magic…" "The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a ....." Xaren dodged as a stone whistled past his face before he could finish his playful chants. If he had been a second late, he would have been struck by the stone. "Cut that crap!" Eryndor Darkfire thundered, his expression dreadful and grim, and almost instantaneously, he was laughing hard and chasing his friend, Xaren, around in a police and thief game play. Eryndor Darkfire, the male MC was a still birth. He was already dead by the time he was birthed with his mother losing her life during labour. A dramatic cosmic manifestations happened on the night he was born. His Father, Kael Tan carried Eryndor cold body and dashed into the temple with hopes that his son would be saved. A child marked to be a sorcerer at a time when darkness of the underworld was at its climax, brimming with tenebrous intensity. With the lost heritage of magic and sorcery restored, Eryndor was the last ever bloodline of his father to exist with ability to harness and use magic. At 12, Eryndor fought some bandits who came to kidnap him from his home. And to protect his identity and safety, his Father had to make him run away, far from home before he was discovered. Eryndor faced various forms of diversities, made new friends, and learnt a lot of lessons from his master. Along the line, He found out a very gruesome and harrowing secret about his ancestors, and had to fight the greatest battle of his life - A mortal battle with his demonic sisters. Eryndor has to walk through many deadly adventures, discover secrets, and challenge mighty and ancient beings to be able to stop his demonic sisters. "Astra descendo, tenebrae repello! (Stars descend, darkness repel!) By the celestial fires that burn within, I call upon the ancient powers to begin. Aegis mea, protego totalum! (My shield, I protect all!) Mors demoni, mortem infero! (Death to the demon, death I bring!) Let's walk you through the journey of 'The Last Surviving Sorcerer'.

In this world, ascending to upper realms is a matter of resources and ability. No matter the status or power level, if you have the money and the willingness to, you can live in any realm of your choosing. However, the higher the realm, the more power there is to tap into and cultivate. Who is brave enough to seek the Supremacy and rule the world? By: Jerlani

In a future where humanity has already conquered the galaxy, a whole new realm of mystery and horrors beyond human comprehension opens up to them, the Primordial Expanse. For as long as he could remember, Alex worked in the mines of an asteroid so desolate it didn't even have a name. But to him, this was home. He knew that his future held nothing for him and he would die a lonely and forgotten death just like everyone else stuck on this godforsaken rock. That was, until one day he wakes up to the realisation that he would die soon, as the Primordial Expanse called for him. This mysterious realm is a place of promise and opportunity for many, but for people from the slums of society like Alex, it was only a curse that almost always guaranteed death. Follow Alex on his journey though the Primordial Expanse as he navigates his way through battles, trials and enemies to carve out a space for himself at the peak of the universe. *** [WSA 2024] This novel is purely a work of fiction, any names, locations and characters are all made up and do not depict or represent the real world.

"Homura,ini adalah tugas untuk mu yaitu lindungi lia dari raja iblis maupun jendralnya." "Hanya orang terpilih yang dapat menyelamatkan dunia ini" "Bob.. aku tidak yakin jika Homura bisa menang melawan mereka semua!" "Lia dengar! hanya kau satu-satunya yang bisa membantu homura!" "Homura sadar lah!!!" "AGHH!!!! HENTIKAN!!!" "Musuh sebenarnya bukanlah Raja iblis tapi-"

As Earth faces imminent destruction, humanity’s last hope rests on a colossal ark and its courageous passengers, destined for a new home among the stars. Yet, the journey is riddled with mystery, as cosmic forces beyond their understanding trigger unexpected powers among the survivors. Each new world brings danger, strange life forms, and elusive hints of a dark secret behind their sun’s collapse. Can they unravel the truth before it’s too late, or will they fall prey to the forces that claimed their dying world?

Sedah, through past trials and challenges, had forged himself into becoming overpowered. He then went on to save humanity itself! This act made him the greatest hero to ever live! However, as he grew stronger, he became less and less whole. Centuries passed by and his feelings of hollowness and emptiness remained unchanged. Yet, through this emptiness, he found a goal. To find a worthy adversary to defeat and kill him in battle! Note: Sedah and Arthur(Young) are on the cover.

In this fantasy world, everyone is involved in the struggle between lords. The protagonist Raymond has a talent that is like cheating, which makes him stand at a different starting point from the beginning. In the process of competing for resources, building territories, and fighting with various forces, the protagonist uses his talent to turn decay into magic. Whether facing the attack of ferocious monsters, he can easily resolve the crisis, or when developing the territory, he can quickly turn a barren land into a prosperous territory. With his unique strategy and super talent, he constantly breaks the rules and stirs up waves in the world of lords. Every battle and every construction is like a visual feast...

If I make a wish, will I found my sun? This time I will never ever let you go again.

The game has come to reality, the rules of the world have been subverted, and mankind has entered the era of national career change. Monsters are rampant! There are countless secret realms, dungeons, and abyss! Horror and treasure coexist! Danger and opportunity coexisted! Only by becoming a job changer! Leveling up and becoming stronger! Only then could one stand at the top of the world! On the day of the job change, Lin Moyu became the only hidden profession, Necromancer. Get god-level talents, and Just a Level 1 talent increased all his skills by 10 times. Obtain a god-level passive skill and transfer all damage to the summoned creature. From then on, as long as his summoned creatures did not die, Lin Moyu would not die. "Endless god-level skeleton warriors!" "Billions of Lich Mage!" "Countless undead bone dragons!" "Can you handle it?" Under the curse, the gods turned into bones. Corpses burst, the sky fell, and the world collapsed. "I sit on the Divine Throne of Skeletons, walking between life and death." "I am the catastrophe!"

A talented individual who is respected by many and welcomed everywhere… Not at all! A bloodthirsty battle fanatic who knows no defeat! However, he is usually kind and gentle, as well as a great boss and a subordinate who does not make a fuss! That’s what people think of me, but in reality, I’m a sickly person who struggles to get by in everyday life, let alone in battles. Due to excessive stress, I vomit blood. If I’m shocked, I vomit blood. Even if I’m slightly startled, I vomit blood. For no reason at all, I vomit blood… No, it’s about time everyone realized that I’m weak, but for some reason, they continue to have a strange misunderstanding about me. So… I used to be strong—no, I still am, but for some reason my body was damaged and I can no longer use 100% of my skills? Is it because my body will be unable to withstand it? And the reason for it is… a spell? A curse? This is ridiculous! (This is a translated korean novel written by Denpi.) I love this one a lot so I thought of translating it. Hope you enjoy and have fun reading it!!! Of course (if you won’t get tired of a certain “misunderstanding” that might stick around for sometime)

Reincarnated into a parallel world with a mysterious system, Lucas finds himself with an extraordinary ability: the power to master any artistic skill with ease. From painting masterpieces to composing symphonies, crafting intricate sculptures, and performing breathtaking dances, Lucas goes on a journey to redefine the concept of an "artist." But the world of art isn't all inspiration and applause. Behind the glitz of fame lies a fierce competition for recognition, a labyrinth of creative challenges, and a society skeptical of anyone claiming to be a "master of all." As Lucas navigates the intricacies of this new world, he uncovers hidden truths about his system, his past, and the sacrifices required to achieve greatness. In a story that blends passion, talent, and ambition, Lucas proves that being an all-round artist is more than just a gift—it’s a challenge to create a legacy that resonates through time. Will his artistry inspire a generation or crumble under the weight of expectations? --- [A/N]: This isn’t your typical “overpowered MC solves everything instantly” story. While Lucas’s talents might seem like cheats, the challenges he faces—be it artistic block, personal relationships, or societal expectations—are deeply human and relatable. Whether you’re a fan of creative industries, emotional growth, or just love a well-written slice-of-life with a touch of drama, this story has something for everyone! Expect a mix of heartwarming moments, tense rivalries, and an MC who grows into his role, all while mastering the arts in ways that’ll leave you inspired. Updates are consistent, and I’m always looking for feedback to improve the storytelling! Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

Elric Melvinger. He was the sole heir of a renowned magical family. He was born with innate talent, yet he was ironically unable to master magic due to his overwhelming abundance of talent. But then he discovers his family’s secret, which was left behind by his ancestors. “Consume the mana.” “Swallow the mana.” “Drink the mana.” “And thus, accumulate all the mana inside you, and then bring forth new magic!” He would rise to an untouchable height that no one else could reach.

Gabriel found himself born anew in a world where one's worth is judged by their talents, a place where the powerful cling tightly to their supremacy. After his astonishing arrival, Daniel quickly realized that the key to his survival in this cutthroat environment lay in the strengthening of his own abilities, especially with an ever-present threat looming over him. Fortunately, he doesn't face this daunting task unaided; his inherited talent, [Level Up], along with his newly awakened [Magic Seed], provide him with a glimmer of hope in this relentless pursuit of power. Determined to unearth the shadowy figure orchestrating attempts on his life, Daniel embarks upon a quest that delves into the mysteries surrounding his lineage. The enigmatic necklace, crafted with his parents’ talents, rests heavily against his chest – a constant reminder of unsolved riddles. Was it a mere heirloom, or did it serve a greater purpose? Did his parents foresee the trials that would befall their son? Daniel is driven to uncover the truths that lurk within his past, and perhaps, reveal the destiny that has been set before him.

In the parallel world, when everyone becomes an adult, they can enter a floating island world full of life energy and become a floating island farmer. As long as you can keep your own floating island, you can use the plants you plant to absorb life energy, thereby increasing your lifespan, gaining strength and wealth, and becoming a superior person. Obtained Lin Feng from the super farm system, and a tree of life was created from the novice gift package at the beginning. After planting it, it grew to a height of 100 meters overnight. The fruit that bears is not only extremely precious, but also gives birth to elemental spirits, who are extremely loyal to Lin Feng and have a strong fighting power. . Planting a forest, the morning mist banshee was born from the mist, all of them are beautiful as flowers, and their archery skills are superb. Plant a flower field, and a flower fairy with wings was born in it, who can sing and dance, and can also take care of the farm. Plant the fountain of the ocean, and a beautiful mermaid emerges from it. A year later, it becomes a little mermaid. … .

[Online games, assassins, games merging reality, data streams] The mysterious "Forsaken Gods" game has arrived. Players can kill monsters to gain lifespans, and they can also consume lifespans to extract game abilities into reality! The extraordinary has arrived, and disaster spreads across Blue Star! In his previous life, Yang Shung brought his sister Yang Xiaoyou and became one of the top 100 strongest in the world. In the end, his eyes were dug out by his star-chasing sister, who wanted to give his "ancient god eyeballs" to her idol... After living a new life, Yang Shung decided to go it alone! Sister? Let her go! From then on, an invisible god-level assassin was born. He is a shadow, dancing with a knife in the dark, killing and death, blooming like art in his hands... Surrounded by billions of corpses, he will eventually ascend to the throne of God! ### Super gift-5 bonus chapter