Burcol Exposed

In a world where magic is forbidden and witches are hunted, Ashlynn Blackwell has hidden her mark of the witch since birth. The night of her wedding she's betrayed and her secret is exposed. Attacked by her husband and his knights, Ashlynn was abandoned and left for dead in the wilderness. Rescued by the vampire lady Nyrielle, Ashlynn is offered a choice: die as a human or embrace her power as a witch. Bound by a mystical blood pact, Ashlynn is plunged into a world of ancient magic, immortal vampires, and deadly political intrigue for the chance to find eternal love. [Bronze Winner: Weekly Love Tales - Vampire] [Book of the Month: September/October 2024]

Here's a synopsis for the story: "Mr. CEO: Ex-Wife's Return" In this dramatic tale of love, betrayal, and heartbreak, Liam, a wealthy CEO, seeks a divorce from his wife Emily, citing her nagging behavior. But Emily is devastated and refuses to sign the papers, determined to fight for their marriage. However, when Liam's infidelity is exposed, Emily's world crumbles. With her heart shattered, she signs the divorce papers and walks away with dignity. But Liam soon realizes that letting Emily go may be the biggest mistake of his life. As Emily moves on, Liam's secrets begin to unravel, threatening to destroy everything he holds dear. Will Emily return to reclaim what's hers, or will Liam's betrayal forever seal their fate?

Lucas "Luke" Chandler is a master of illusion, but his magic is all about sleight of hand and clever tricks, not real sorcery. In a twist of fate, Luke finds himself transported to a world where magic is genuine and powerful. Hailed as a great magician, Luke must use his wits and skills to keep up the charade and survive in this fantastical realm. As Luke navigates his new life, hilarity and danger follow him at every turn. From outsmarting people to dodging magical creatures, he must continually perform the ultimate illusion: convincing everyone that he possesses true magical power. Amidst the adventure, Luke grapples with his identity and the constant threat of being exposed as a fraud. In a world where magic is real, Luke discovers that the greatest power might just be his unique ability to blend illusion with reality. Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, events and incidents are the product of the author's imagination and his only. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Heavy language is used in the story. Blood, gore, violence and sexual acts are also depicted in the story. Update: a chapters a day Site: https://akikure.carrd.co/

Alexander Gray, a fifteen-year-old teenager on the verge of his awakening and subsequent entry into the Hunters Academy is one day taken away in a cosmic mana wave that passes through Earth’s solar system during a school trip from Earth to Mars. A wave that kills a person once exposed to it. Luckily, the displacement wave placed him close to their destination where he was found, alive and well to the disbelieve of everybody. Unbeknownst to him at the time, the cosmic mana wave had awakened a gift within him that would propel him to the ranks of hero hunter and beyond, granting him the strength to lead humanity in their effort to determine the cause of their universe changing and its implications. ............. "For some reason, I can't level up." Alex began to feel frustrated as he was stuck at Class F, the lowest rank a hunter could have after awakening, despite his momentum when he first awakened. Even with his awakened talents and the benefits he received from the 'accident' that should have killed him, he now finds himself stuck and unable to level up as mana does not work on him like everyone else. Follow Alexander Gray as he discovers his abilities and learns about himself in a chaotic universe and beyond. ...................... Join the discord: https://discord.gg/vXC8vWJxHN

It was just a normal night but it was unknown to many that a disastrous event was underway. The night sky bursts into a crimson-gold hue, illuminating the landscape as a planet-altering extraterrestrial meteor collides with the Evermoon World bringing destruction in its wake. This cosmic event completely changed the planet as a wave of primal force swept through Evermoon. Animals turned into terrifying beasts, some plants gained self-awareness, and the humans who managed to withstand the wave of primal force awakened the ability to acquire strength by defeating powerful enemies. And those who did not turned into man-eating mutants and zombies. The entire planet entered a new era where the old laws fell. The only law was the law of the jungle where the strongest devoured the weakest. Damien Quinn, an apparently normal college student and an orphan is unceremoniously exposed to such a cold and heartless new world, he is faced with a choice: Find a deep dark hole and hope it goes back to "normal"? Or overcome all obstacles and struggle towards evolution! Initially only hoping to get his friends and escape to a refugee camp, our protagonist sets out, inadvertently building a team along the way. After a series of fortuitous events and a few serious hunches our hero decides it's time to do more than just survive! However, it seemed that Evermoon also had its hidden side that humans would discover in a very uncanny way. And was evolution the last of it?

Demons are born from Sin. All Demons are slaves to their sin, and empowered by it. When a transmigration fails, a newborn demon is exposed to the reality of it's world much faster than it's kin, leading to it breaking free of it's sin. Alone in a sinful world, what is a nameless demon to do? Join the Discord:https://discord.gg/CQFsrxxPes

When Kyran turned 18, his life turned upside down. The Royal Army raided his clan because his supposedly non-existent magic got exposed. On that fateful night, he was the only one who escaped. Up to the present, the status of his clan was unknown. A magic inheritance that became a curse, Kyran became a fugitive. Always on the run... living in fear when the Royal Army finally captures him. At least that's what most people thought... "I'll definitely save my family. And I will make all those who made my clan suffer pay tenfold. I'll make use of this magic they so feared, and show them what real terror is...." Disclaimer: The cover image isn't mine. I'll replace it when I finished mine.

[extreme pampering] In a massacre, she lost her brother, but she herself survived. To find the guilty party, she approached him, pretending to be his fiancée. Accidentally, her identity was exposed. "Look, I'm sorry. I'm the fake one," she admitted in a cold tone. "It's alright," he smiled and said, "I'll make you my real wife." From then on, she transformed from a destitute heiress into his pampered wife. He helped her seek revenge and allowed her to live a prosperous life... And one day, his subordinate reported to him, "Sir, madam has disappeared!" He thought, how dare you leave me? When she was caught by him, she mischievously smiled and said, "Hey, maybe you've mistaken me for someone else..." But in the end, she was still kept by him, and she would never escape from his world.

Emma Parker, a hard-working cleaner in a Dallas hotel, never imagined her life would change dramatically after one fateful, drunken encounter with ruthless billionaire Alex Cardwell. That single night of passion leads to an unexpected pregnancy, thrusting her into a world of luxury, deception and betrayal. As Alex struggles with a failing marriage with a manipulative Victoria, his life begins to unravel as Emma's pregnancy threatens to expose the cracks in his carefully controlled life. Torn between the simple life she's always known and the dangerous seductive pull of Alex’s world, Emma must decide who to trust. With enemies closing in and dark secrets coming to life, the stakes couldn't be higher. Can Emma protect herself and her child from the forces trying to destroy them? Can she navigate these treacherous waters? Will love triumph, or will their buried past tear them apart forever?

"She Strikes Back" is a gripping tale of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. Sophia Reeves, a young woman trapped in a controlling relationship with powerful billionaire Marcus Blackwood, finds her world shattered when he unexpectedly proposes to end their five-year relationship. Devastated and lost, Sophia must confront the harsh reality of her diminished sense of self-worth and the years she spent molding herself to fit Marcus's expectations. As she struggles to rebuild her life, Sophia rediscovers her passion for journalism and her own latent talents. With the support of her loyal friend Zoe and a chance encounter with her old mentor, James Chen, Sophia begins to uncover a web of corruption surrounding Marcus's business empire. Determined to expose the truth and reclaim her identity, she embarks on a dangerous investigation that puts her directly in Marcus's crosshairs. Along the way, Sophia faces numerous obstacles, including Marcus's attempts to discredit and intimidate her. She also navigates complex emotions as she encounters Ethan Ryder, an FBI agent investigating Marcus, who becomes both an ally and a potential love interest. As Sophia delves deeper into the case, she must confront her own past mistakes and the temptation to seek revenge. The story culminates in a high-stakes confrontation where Sophia's newfound strength and intelligence are put to the ultimate test. She must choose between vengeance and taking the high road, all while exposing the truth and securing her own future. "She Strikes Back" is a powerful narrative about breaking free from toxic relationships, facing one's fears, and emerging stronger on the other side. It explores themes of personal growth, the courage to stand up against powerful adversaries, and the transformative power of self-belief. Sophia's journey from a controlled "accessory" to a confident, successful woman serves as an inspiring testament to the indomitable human spirit and the ability to rise from the ashes of one's past.

Li Yun traversed to the fantasy world and obtained the Heavenly Secret Pavilion. The Heavenly Secret Pavilion could calculate the past and future, and it could also observe the fate of individuals. Nothing in the world could escape the deductions of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion. Primordial Holy Lord: “How could the Heavenly Secret Pavilion know the secrets of the two Imperial weapons hidden in my Primordial Holy Land?” Radiant Light Holy Lord: “I’ve been undercover in the righteous path for three thousand years, on the verge of unifying it. How did the Heavenly Secret Pavilion expose my identity as the demonic path cultivator?” Master of the Forbidden Zone: “The Master of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion is so terrifying. I’ve survived for three million years, considering my strength unparalleled, yet I never expected to rank only seventeenth on the Supreme Ranking.” … With the opening of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, many giants of the cultivation world waited in line outside the pavilion to buy an opportunity to advance further, filled with worship and reverence.

In "The Game of Trust", a detective and journalist investigate a mysterious death, uncovering secrets and lies that test their own trust and dark pasts, leading to a sinister plot that risks their lives. Can they trust each other enough to expose the truth?

Harper Wilson, an attractive and imaginative YouTuber, leads a seemingly uncomplicated life on the road with her campervan, documenting her travels and thrilling her loyal audience. But unknown to her followers, Harper carries a secret that only a select few are privy to - she is married to Rachel Lee, a charismatic and very famous K-pop idol. Behind the glitz and glamour of Rachel's public persona lies a deeply personal and private life that she guards fiercely. Amidst the glimmering world of fame, Rachel and Harper have discovered a refuge where they have nurtured a secret bond shielded from the intrusive gaze of the public. They carefully manage through the complexities of their contrasting worlds, where the temptation of celebrity clashes with the peacefulness of a nomadic life. However, as the unforeseen danger of being discovered approaches, Harper and Rachel are confronted with a devastating choice. Will they dare to expose the truth, potentially putting Rachel's career and their precious relationship at stake? Or will they continue to live in the shadows, protecting their fragile, yet profound connection?

Sengoku!" The thunderously loud bellow has Rosinante flinching, scuttling to hide behind Sengoku's chair. In the boy's defence, it is the first time he'll be exposed to all of the boisterous riot that is Monkey D. Garp. If he could get away with it, Sengoku would quite like to run and hide too. The Vice Admiral barges his way into Sengoku's office as per usual; smashing straight through the paper wall as if it isn't even there. Yes, the paper wall. One can only go so long with rebuilding the usual walls, can only go so long with Garp continuously forcing his way through each supposedly sturdy wall, before the towel gets thrown in and the switch to paper is made. Easier to 'rebuild' and cheaper too. "Sengoku, Sengoku, look! This here's my little girl!"

In 2213, humanity faced an unimaginable nightmare. Monsters—horrifying, relentless, and otherworldly—began to emerge without warning, attacking everything in their path. Humanity’s best weapons proved useless against these creatures, and as cities and territories fell, nations were forced to unite in a desperate fight for survival. Amidst the chaos, some who were exposed to these creatures developed unique powers. They documented their newfound abilities in ancient-like books, which became crucial training tools for the military. When the immediate crisis eased, these ability books were made available to the public, offering a glimmer of hope and a way to fight back. The original ability-users, known as the “Pioneers,” formed their own factions, working alongside—but often apart from—the united government, which had reformed as a global military. These newfound abilities transformed society, sparking extraordinary technological advances and reshaping the world. Now, in 2225, 16-year-old Roland faces the start of his own journey. It’s his turn to attend the military academy, where every young person trains to defend humanity from the monsters. But Roland holds a mysterious book, left by his family, with secrets that may redefine his destiny—and perhaps even rewrite his past.

Standing in the Aristocratic Circle New to the Aristocratic Circle and Subjected to Bullying After crossing over, Dai Shi Ya found herself in a hostile aristocratic family. The housekeeper, Liu, treated her poorly, arranging for her to stay in the servants' quarters and providing her with servant uniforms as "daily clothes." The other servants also held prejudices against her due to her status, making life difficult for her at every turn. Faced with these difficulties, Dai Shi Ya did not choose to confront immediately but decided to take the initiative to try to integrate into the family. She began to help in the kitchen, learning various domestic skills. Although her efforts did not immediately win the recognition of everyone, she gradually won the respect of some of the servants. Shining at the Family Dinner In order to establish herself in the family, Dai Shi Ya decided to take advantage of the family dinner. She meticulously prepared for various aspects of the dinner, including venue layout and menu design. At the dinner, she encountered multiple difficulties from her cousin Dai Yue. Dai Yue first tried to prevent her from attending the dinner by soiling her dress, and then attempted to embarrass her by making her perform piano in front of everyone. However, Dai Shi Ya used her intelligence and skills to defuse the crisis and showcased her embroidery talent and "mind-reading" skills at the dinner, winning everyone's admiration and changing the attitudes of the family elders towards her. Resolving Crises and Consolidating Her Position At the birthday party of the Dai family patriarch, Dai Shi Ya once again became the focus of attention. She not only put in a lot of effort in the preparation process but also skillfully handled various unexpected situations at the party. She exposed Dai Yue's malicious acts of spreading rumors behind the scenes, causing Dai Yue to be embarrassed in front of everyone, while also gaining the recognition and support of the family elders, further consolidating her position in the Dai family. Handling Family Affairs Dai Shi Ya gained the trust of the Dai family patriarch and was asked to handle some family affairs. She took over a land project that had been abandoned for many years and, through her own efforts, resolved a series of issues in the land development process, including the breakage of the capital chain and the resettlement of residents. In the process of handling the land project, she also discovered some clues about the late wife of the Dai family patriarch, which brought her closer to the patriarch and also aroused Dai Yue's jealousy and resentment. Business Competition and the Test of Friendship Business Conspiracy and Counterattack Dai Shi Ya's rise within the family aroused the jealousy and dissatisfaction of some people, making her a target of business competition. The collateral branch of the Dai family, including Dai Qiang, spread rumors behind the scenes, trying to tarnish her reputation and undermine her position in the family. Dai Shi Ya was not knocked down by these rumors. She exposed the conspiracy of Dai Qiang and others through her intelligence and investigative skills, and successfully counterattacked them at the family meeting, maintaining her reputation and position. Friendship Crisis and Resolution Dai Shi Ya's good friend Wei Qing was implicated in her business competition. Wei Qing was threatened by Zhao Lei, forced to distance himself from Dai Shi Ya, and betrayed her in some business affairs. Dai Shi Ya did not give up on Wei Qing. She investigated the truth through her own efforts, exposed Zhao Lei's malicious acts, successfully resolved the friendship crisis with Wei Qing, and also freed Wei Qing from Zhao Lei's threat.

Li Xuan, the young heir of the Li family, became the lord of the Lonely City after the family was attacked and was determined to seek revenge. Su Yao, the eldest daughter of the Su family, empathizes with the tragedy of the Li family and hopes to help Li Xuan expose the conspiracy. The two worked together to investigate and found that the Li family disaster was related to neighboring forces, and joined forces to counterattack. With the help of Su Yao, Li Xuan shifted from revenge to rebuilding the glory of the family. In the end, they rebuilt their family, understanding that love and trust are the strength to overcome difficulties, and found mutual harmony and understanding.

Talon Starborn was born into a life of hardship and distress. Growing up in an orphanage, and later having to fend for himself on the streets, he had been exposed to all the misfortunes of life. That was until one day, when something changed the course of his life forever. [The System has been successfully installed.] [You possess a slight amount of anxious talent in playing guitar, so the System has come up with an excellent idea as an introductory gift to you: your guitar playing skills have been enhanced to a 21 Expert level!] [Congratulations, Host! You will become the superstar, the most famous, the biggest, and the greatest in the history of mankind!] A System appeared, and gave Talon a sliver of hope. From then on, he embarked on a new journey, starting off as a street singer and eventually becoming the most renowned superstar in the world! *** Update Schedule: 2 Chapters / Day 06:05, 12:10 GMT+8 Bonus Chapters: Weekly top 3 Power Stone - 2 Chapters Weekly top 2 Power Stone - 4 Chapters Weekly top 1 Power Stone - 6 Chapters For each 50 Golden Tickets - 2 Chapters Gift Magic Castle - 2 Chapters Gift Spacecraft - 4 Chapters Gift Golden Gachapon - 6 Chapters 5 Reviews - 1 Chapter

In a world where bloodlines dictate fate, Fiona, the sole princess of the Blood Moon community, finds herself shackled to a werewolf in a marriage that defies her very nature as a vampire. Torn between loyalty and desire, she embarks on a dangerous affair with her husband’s half-brother, a powerful figure who ignites a passion within her that she never knew existed. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, Fiona grapples with the weight of her legal bond and the thrill of her illicit connection. But betrayal runs deeper than blood. Her twin sister, fueled by a thirst for revenge, lurks in the shadows, ready to expose Fiona’s duplicity and shatter the fragile peace of their world. In a realm where trust is scarce and alliances shift like the moon, Fiona must navigate her treacherous path carefully. Will she choose the safety of her marriage or the intoxicating freedom of forbidden love? In this gripping tale of desire, betrayal, and the quest for identity, every choice could lead to devastating consequences. Will Fiona emerge unscathed, or will her heart's true desire cost her everything?

In the sleepy town of Ravenswood, Sheriff Ethan Thompson uncovers a web of secrets and lies surrounding a mysterious cult. Joined by Emily, Lew, Ava, and Rachel, they expose the truth behind Ravenswood's dark legacy. But their quest for justice leads them to Ashwood, where an ancient evil, Zha'thik, threatens to consume everything.

Is your brother sick? I have the cure. Radiation? It's not a problem. Magic? Shh, don't tell anyone. Bubbly black drink? It's called Coke. Gold? Ahh I have tons of it. Luck was an unemployed loser who only knew how to play games. One day, while playing on his computer, Luck was exposed to solar energy and gained a mysterious power that allowed him to travel to and from another world. The other world he could travel to was a world where monsters roamed, kingdoms and empires existed, and a force called mana gave people superhuman powers. By traveling back and forth between these two worlds, Luck will enjoy being a merchant, carrying goods and trading between the two worlds, and making money by using the advantages of both worlds.

[Empress + Multiple Female Protagonists + Funny + Diary + Exposure + Super Cool + Invincible + Super Explosive] Lin Feng traveled to the world of cultivators and lived for six thousand years. He used all kinds of identities to leave behind countless legends and some romantic encounters. Until one day, his diary was found. The world of cultivators was shocked to find that there was such a sixth brother in this world. After the diary was exposed, the secrets of this world were also revealed. [The Holy Virgin of Jade Lake is really good, hehehe!] [Who would have thought that the Empress of the Celestial Dynasty would have such a delicate and charming side?] 　 [Today, I found some secrets about this world.] [I'm tired of using the name Emperor Huang the Celestial Emperor. Tomorrow, I'll change my identity!] PS: Great Emperor is just a title, not a cultivation level. If you don't like it, don't criticize.

The True Test of a Warrior, this book was supposed to be the last novel in the Warriors of Oduduwa novel franchise, but of course, the content of this book exceeded the boundaries that I had set for it. As I wrote this book, I explained in complete detail the origin of some of the covenants in the Yoruba country and dished out a lot of background stories on some of the major characters in this book. Then I introduced another primary antagonist and exposed a fraction of his evil capabilities and his twisted ideals. This story also contains a mixture of the political structure of the Yoruba Empire and the nature of some of its greedy leaders. Before the introduction of the British indirect rule and how the political structure affects the people at the grassroots. To sum it up, the entire book centres on the culture of the Yoruba people; however, some things are different; for instance, there was no such thing as the Adegunju province and the Ẹṣọs test never existed during the pre-colonial era (a little spice to make the story interesting). I spent a lot of time and effort on this book, cross-checking each character and charting each event, hoping to come up with an excellent ending that will entertain everyone who reads it. I hope you all enjoy this story

"can one fight against destiny! l don't think so.... a tale of intertwined destiny between Ongatuny, also known as maria and prince Odeke reincarnated as a figment of the war goddess, Maria experienced hardship of keeping her true identity and gender a secret as instructed by the great seer and midwife since atender age . leaving among men with worries and fears of the secret being exposed one day, made Ongatuny an introvert. however that did not stop him from engaging in normal daily activities in the village. betrayed in the previous life....same to the present life too, especially by the person she loved most. And the betrayal by the king that lead to atragidic death of villages and other taken as slaves triggered the sleeping lion in Ongatuny from that day onwards she lost love for men knowing that greediness of the king lead to the down fall of the great kingdom of morungatuny. it was time so weman to take over from men as she swore to take revenge on that kingdom that helped foreigners to raid their kingdom and take her people as slaves. promising to take revenge for the death of her family and restore honor back to her kingdom. Ongatuny built a strong group of only female warriors....... " what aman cannot do, a woman can do it better ".

Large chests are said to encompass all manner of hopes and dreams. Men covet them. Women envy them. But one fact holds true - everyone wants to get their hands on some big ones. The same holds true for one intrepid adventurer - a strapping young lad by the name of Himmel. Armed with his grandfather’s trusty longsword and the dream of being the strongest, he sets out on the journey of a lifetime! It is sure to be a long and dangerous road, fraught with danger! And it all starts with a simple test - reach Level 5 in the dungeon called the ‘newbie zone’ and earn the right to become a full-fledged adventurer! However, such things get hopelessly derailed when his adolescent mind beholds an exposed chest for the first time. A fateful meeting that would inevitably lead his life in a direction he never even dreamed of!

All Kael ever wanted was to live up to his family’s legacy. Instead, he’s given Binding Tether—an ability that ties him to others, feeding on their potential and exposing him to their risks. Now, to carve his place in a world that rejects him, Kael must master his unusual power, turning bonds into strength and loyalty into his weapon.

Hazel Jones was switched at birth. 17 years later, her biological family, the Murphy, manages to track her down. To her dismay, her father is scornful of her, and her grandmother dislikes her. Even her so-called fiancé has nothing but contempt for her. Her devotion ended up with the other party's contempt. "You don't deserve me!" That was the answer she got. But She was determined to get close to a big shot, but it was beyond her imagination that she would finally stay beside him and get pampered all along! Anytime she provoked a scum, he would back her up. As a result, everyone came to know that the legendary Chase Black should surrender in front of a common girl! Hearing that, he snorted, "That's my business!" However, one day, her other identity was revealed and the secret about her was exposed… “Heartbeat, we finally meet." His slender fingers caressed my jaw slowly. His golden pupils held me in place. His voice was a trap I couldn't escape. Right then and there, I knew I was finished.

A few days after breaking up with her boyfriend, Marcus, Amanda accepted the billionaire’s bargain for her hand in marriage. She only accepted because neither she nor her father could pay for her dying mother’s hospital bill, but little did she know that there was a conspiracy between her father and the billionaire, that would change her life forever. Immediately after their marriage, Nicholas Halligan, the billionaire, started to reveal his evil demeanor towards her and Amanda’s life gradually became a living hell. She managed to gain the trust of Nicholas’s closest bodyguard, Sebastian who helped her find her way back to Marcus and expose the billionaire’s dark secrets. Will Marcus accept her back, after leaving him for a richer man? Will Marcus work to help bring the evil doers to book, even if it means accepting Amanda? Or will Nicholas find out about her plot with his bodyguard before they expose him?

"Forbidden Desire" is a tale of passionate love that defies societal expectations and professional boundaries. Isabella Lawson, a driven marketing executive, meets the enigmatic Alexander Hayes at a masquerade ball, sparking an undeniable connection. When they discover he is her firm's new client, their secret affair quickly intensifies, blurring the lines between their personal and professional lives. As their relationship is exposed, Isabella faces the harsh consequences of their forbidden love, including the loss of her job and public scrutiny. Together, they navigate betrayals, corporate intrigue, and societal judgment, determined to fight for their love. Along the way, they seek redemption and forgiveness, mending broken relationships and rebuilding their lives. In the end, Isabella and Alexander's love proves stronger than the obstacles they face, culminating in a heartfelt wedding that symbolizes their resilience. "Forbidden Desire" is a captivating story of love, redemption, and the enduring power of commitment, showing that true love can conquer all.

Growing up with eccentric materialistic parents who left him in the care of his grandfather for a job overseas, Zhang Heng had learned to adapt and be unfettered by the oddities and challenges in life. But he would soon learn the baffling truth about the world he thought he knew when one day at midnight time froze and he found himself in a world so quiet and still it was deafening. That night, he discovered that he had 24 hours more than everybody else and thus, marked the beginning of his adventures. The mysteries surrounding his newfound ability only deepened when a strange old man claimed to have given Zhang Heng that ‘gift of time’ and recruited the young man to participate in a cryptic ‘life-changing’ game on his behalf. Little did Zhang Heng know that accepting those terms meant embroiling himself in many versions of reality and exposing himself to the hidden secrets of the world—a decision he could never undo.