Mastermind Competition

24 year-old Richter Maier stood at the pinnacle of Swordsmanship. A competitive industry, whose former glory was stolen by the first-ever immersive VR fantasy game: Mirage. Richter was at a loss as his disciples and competitors quit to pursue a career in-game... Until the line between fantasy and reality blurred. Now Richter has a chance to regain his fame, and even more ways to gain strength. But he'll have to combat betrayal, interstellar beings, revenge, and his own lack of knowledge before he gets anywhere close. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Mirage is only used for some setup, this is not a VR game novel.) Thanks for reading!

"The masterminds are cooler than heroes," I mutter as I stare at the chess pieces before me. It is easier to be the one who sits in the shadows and moves the pieces, likewise deciding the flow of the game. Heroes will foolishly sacrifice their lives for the good cause and villains will sacrifice the world for their own gain, but masterminds will use both the heroes and villains to their own benefit. Why, you ask? Well, that's because I've lost my life once while trying to be a hero so, I don't want that anymore. I'd rather be a mastermind who molds the world as per my convenience and live peacefully. Because, why not? *** [Defender of Divine Glory says you are the hope of this world.] What? [Goddess of Wisdom believes that you will be the one to save the world.] Wait, what?! [Propose the Grand Duke the idea of a fake marriage.] And, why would I do that?! [Stop the assassination of Prince Eric.] Why would I save him?! [The candidates for the throne are:... Who will you choose?] Ah! I give up... It seems like a curse that anyone who wishes for a slacker life in Isekai will have to go through the most troublesome things. In my past life, I died because of one rookie mistake but after being transmigrated in the world of fantasy I've gotten an opportunity to start afresh, but unlike the protagonists who look for their love and glory, I'd rather make money and live a life of a slacker. I have magic, I have power and I have money, what else do I need? Well, that was the plan but this damn system is getting on my nerves. I mean who in their sane mind would want to mess with the complicated royal family and political affairs? But that's not all though. I've also become the saviour of this world. Things just can't be anymore worse! Besides, the penalty of failing this quest is... [Failure: Destruction of the World.] It seems like if I screw up in selecting the right person then the destruction that is going to befall the world won't be stopped. If I speak of my reward then it's this vague thing. [Reward: Fulfillment of any wish.] "If that's the case then, I'd rather choose the person who would be the best fit for the throne." And that's how I decided that I would become the Kingmaker.

The protagonist is the mastermind villain in a popular virtual reality game, feared and despised by millions of players. But one day, he wake up inside the game world as his character. Surprisingly, he has all his powers but is also cursed to live as the game's villain. To survive and avoid countless bounty hunters and "heroes" seeking revenge, he’ll has to navigate alliances, betrayal, and uncover the dark lore hidden in the game world. Themes: Power, redemption, morality, and the thin line between good and evil.

Caladros Fenwynn Daelithor Amaranth, the prince of Amaranthine Kingdom, was a person born with defective magical core. One day, during one of his activities as the kingdom's prince, an assassin killed him which sent him to a mysterious red world where a mysterious man offered him two choices: to end his life or to continue his life. By choosing to continue his life, the mysterious man threw him into a red world full of monsters to survive as his trial. This is the story of Caladros to become the strongest mage in existence. And to exact revenge against the masterminds of those who killed him. (The prologue will be quite slow as it is split into multiple parts. But after that, the pace will begin to accelerate.)

After a night of drinking, aspiring civil servant Ryu Geonwu passes out, only to awaken three years in the past in the body of a young man named Park Moondae. Before he can even assess the situation, he's given a mission: Debut or Die! Now, Moondae has one year to debut as an idol or face his doom. Luckily, he's able to snag a spot on the famous survival program "Idol Inc." but with his skills so low and the competition so high, does Moondae stand a chance at becoming a shining star? ---------- This story belongs to DS.Back. I am just getting all the chapters together for the people who couldn't find it. ^-^

"Pretty ladies stay away from me, I'm still just pretty trash. My ball is just a cute harmless beast." Ruben said to the pretty women with panic in his voice. He just wants to tame beasts and go back home, but why are all the pretty ladies after him? He was killed by an asteroid while playing football. He wakes up in another place and all covered in blood. He finds out he is now in the body of trash in a land where powerful beasts exist. In this tough world full of competition he is lucky to get a very sophisticated cheat. His ball that could disguise itself as any powerful beast. The power is as fresh as its form.

Hannah Rothford, daughter of the powerful Eli Rothford, thought it was going to be easy to reclaim the King's throne as she nurses him back to health. Unbeknownst to Hannah, the masterminds behind the kings downfall will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on power. Hannah, with her loyalty to the throne and the young king William will stop at nothing to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy and protect William from harm. She was ready for the daunting challenges ahead, even from the king who she was ready to sacrifice everything for and become his desired...

Midfielders, strikers, and wingers soak up the spotlight, while wingbacks like Dexter Harlow often go overlooked. But Dexter isn’t just any wingback—he’s determined to prove that he can be the GOAT of football. Tired of being in the background, he trains hard, aiming to show everyone what wingbacks can really do. When a standout moment during a local tournament finally gets him noticed, Dexter thinks he might be on his way. But it’s not easy. He faces tough competition, and the pressure of living up to expectations. Follow his journey as he pockets forwards, gives assists, Takes on everybody as he strives to be known as the greatest player of all time.

Nin-Ran-Gi is a futuristic dystopian world plagued by rampant crime, including drugs, human trafficking, murder, kidnapping, and even worse atrocities. Vicious outlaws and criminal mastermind groups known as Sinners cause widespread destruction and devastation in society. These criminals have committed countless massacres, driving the world into crisis. Although the Special Security Counter Bureau Force (SSCBF) managed to curb the outlaw threat, the situation has only worsened, leaving people unsafe in their cities. Agent-90, a notorious and highly skilled assassin, steps forward to eliminate the outlaws and Sinners who threaten the government and society. *Disclaimer: The title has been changed because the title "Hitman: Monster" have different variation books and series. So sorry for late to notify

Yin, a charming teenager with a passion for video games, suddenly finds himself trapped in a game world known as Parallel City. Here, he must navigate a competitive landscape filled with powerful players. Given the chance to choose his abilities and level up, Yin quickly realizes he’s outmatched and seen as weak by others. Determined to prove his worth, he throws himself into battles, striving to gain new skills and abilities. With each fight, he seeks to rise above the challenges and earn respect in a city where strength reigns supreme. Will he become the hero he dreams of, or will he remain just another low-level player?

Born to poverty, Nathan Beaumont is an unlikely candidate for the prestigious Virellian Academy, where young mages train to master their magical affinities. At fourteen, Nathan discovers he possesses two rare powers: gravity and shadow,—forces no one has ever seen combined. His awakening marks the beginning of a journey that will challenge his very identity and force him to confront dark secrets hidden within the academy. As Nathan begins to form his core—the heart of his magical powers—he faces fierce competition from Quinn Voss, a brilliant and dangerous student seeking forbidden powers. With rivalries escalating, Nathan must unlock the ancient, forbidden arts hidden in a mysterious dungeon beneath the academy, arts that could either save or destroy everything.

Her life is like a nightmare. At a young age, she had to sit behind bars, accused of murdering his lover. A life sentence destroyed her future. However, behind bars, she finds the strength to survive and a surprising truth. An unexpected incident reunites her with the figure who was the mastermind behind her punishment.

Main Characters: Describe the protagonists’ roles and relationships briefly. Highlight Zoe, an ambitious actress navigating fame, and Song, a skilled director or successful actor, as her main love interest. Setting: Place the story within the glamorous, high-stakes entertainment industry, mentioning filming locations, award shows, or exclusive events. Conflict and Romance: Introduce the tension between Zoe and Song—whether it's a misunderstanding, competition, or their reluctance to pursue love due to career pressures. Twists and Growth: Mention any surprising revelations, career challenges, or personal transformations each character goes through, making them reconsider their priorities. Resolution: Wrap up with a hint at how the relationship and their personal growth resolve in the end—perhaps they realize they’re better together than alone, balancing love with their careers.

Kenneth is the unfavored third prince of the Kingdom of Lucano, one of the largest kingdoms on the Avalanche Continent. A fierce competition is underway in his kingdom after the king issued an edict that he will appoint whichever prince can defeat the monsters that rule the Audoran Forest as the next king. As the son of a servant, conquering the forest is the only way he can save his loved ones from the harsh life in the palace. However, what happens if the monster he must kill is far different from what he expected? In the end, Kenneth must make a decision. Protect the 'monster' or betray and abandon the family he loves.

Journey of the Common Cultivator In a world where cultivation determines one's fate, Huang Wei finds himself reborn into a low-ranking noble family. Without any memories or skills from his past life, he must rely on his slightly above-average talent to navigate the complex world of cultivation. With no golden finger or exceptional abilities, Huang Wei embarks on a monumental journey spanning decades, centuries, millennia, and eons. Through diligent practice, perseverance, and strategic decisions, he gradually rises through the ranks, facing challenges and setbacks along the way. As Huang Wei advances in age and cultivation, he must also navigate the complexities of becoming an elder, ancestor, and revered figure. This includes confronting the concerns of lifespan, legacy, and the weight of responsibility. Witness Huang Wei's transformation from an unknown youth to a respected elder, as he: Grapples with the physical and mental changes of aging Adapts to shifting social dynamics and generational expectations Balances personal ambition with responsibility to family, clan, and community Confronts the impermanence of life and the importance of legacy Moreover, Huang Wei's journey is marked by: True cultivation bottlenecks: facing plateaus, stagnation, and the struggle to break through Fierce competition for resources: scarce materials, limited opportunities, and rival cultivators Deep exploration of cultivation: uncovering hidden principles, understanding spiritual energies, and mastering arcane techniques Set against the backdrop of a traditional cultivation world, Journey of the Common Cultivator eschews typical tropes of instant success and instead focuses on the slow, arduous process of self-improvement. Genre: Fantasy, Cultivation, Adventure Themes: Perseverance, Self-Improvement, Strategy, Character Development, Exploration of Cultivation, Aging, Legacy, Competition, Resource Management Key Features: No instant success or overpowered protagonist Gradual, step-by-step progression Emphasis on cultivation techniques, strategies, and philosophies Realistic portrayal of time passage (decades → centuries → millennia → eons) Focus on character development, relationships, and legacy Deep exploration of the cultivation world, its mechanics, and spiritual principles Nuanced portrayal of aging, generational change, and the concerns of lifespan Authentic cultivation challenges: bottlenecks, resource scarcity, and competition

A man with a lifelong martial arts background, raised in Asia due to his family's profession, moves to the US for education and work. He discovers Historical Medieval Battles through a colleague and becomes deeply passionate about it. He trains hard and becomes skilled enough to represent his country. During a competition, his armor fails, and he's struck in the head with a two-handed axe, seemingly dying. But is this truly the end?"

After losing her husband, Queen Ana Sofia seeks a new king through a grand tournament. Amidst the competition, she finds unexpected love with a mysterious contestant. But as their romance blossoms, political intrigue and betrayal threaten to tear them apart. Will Ana Sofia choose love over duty, or will the demands of the kingdom force them apart?

Even in his past life, Cid’s dream wasn’t to become a protagonist or a final boss. He’d rather lie low as a minor character until it’s prime time to reveal he’s a mastermind…or at least, do the next best thing-pretend to be one! And now that he’s been reborn into another world, he’s ready to set the perfect conditions to live out his dreams to the fullest. Armed with his overactive imagination, Cid jokingly recruits members to his organization and makes up a whole backstory about an evil cult that they need to take down. Well, as luck would have it, these imaginary adversaries turn out to be the real deal-and everyone knows the truth but him!

A mysterious "accident" propels Di Tian into the vast cultivation world beyond Earth, but he soon realizes he's not the only one with newfound powers. Flight, telekinesis, elemental control—these are now common abilities among random Earthlings due to the incident. With his own gift shrouded in mystery, Di Tian must work harder than everyone else to rise above the fray, unravel his enigmatic powers, and carve out his legacy in this fiercely competitive new reality.

In a world where debt has become a life sentence, 100 participants are selected to compete in a brutal, government-run game for the chance to erase their financial burdens. The rules are simple: succeed in the games, and you win enough money to wipe out your debts and reclaim your freedom. Fail, and you're sentenced to a lifetime in prison. The competition is aired for national entertainment, with every move, strategy, and misstep watched by millions of viewers. The players are randomly paired into 50 teams, forced to share quarters, face grueling challenges, and—most awkwardly—sleep in the same bed. Among the competitors are Samantha, a determined mother in her mid-30s with a fierce will to survive, and Leo, a charming yet reckless young man in his 20s, whose debts are the result of a carefree life of indulgence. Paired together, they must navigate the treacherous landscape of games, alliances, betrayals, and the pressures of living in close quarters. As the stakes get higher, the line between friend and foe blurs, and romance, comedy, and action unfold amidst the intense competition. With their freedom and lives on the line, can Samantha and Leo survive the games, or will the pressure tear them apart? "Competing for Freedom" is a thrilling story of survival, strategy, and the desire for redemption, where the only way out is to win.

Salvie passes away by a hit by the very people she blackmailed exploited and controlled. She finds herself in a Game of the gods in a universe with a system, in a competition that was randomized based on her personality. Watch with the gods as they entertain us for our amusement. Warning the first few chapters are a bit rough since I had just started writing for the first time. Please Enjoy. The image is not my own and will take down if asked. Support me and my works at www.Patreon.com/Madjic

Kaiser, an orphan with modest expectations, thought life was simple. You study, get a job, and eventually start a family in a peaceful yet fiercely competitive world. As an ordinary student, he went with the flow—until his high school graduation arrived. That’s when everything changed. Due to the incompetence of the gods, all the graduates were summoned to another world, each blessed with unique gifts. But for Kaiser, things took a strange turn. "Why on earth do I have to take care of the very goddess who caused this mess?!" *** Advanced Chapters; https://www.patreon.com/Catsix?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/95652/immortals-journey-with-the-goddess

In a world where only the sharpest minds survive, Sora Hayashi stands as an enigma—a brilliant, calculating high school student with a ruthless approach to achieving his goals. Known for his unmatched intellect and cold-hearted tactics, Sora has just entered one of the most prestigious academies, a place notorious for breaking the weak and corrupting the strong. As Sora navigates the Academy’s twisted labyrinth of mind games and psychological tests, he manipulates his rivals and outwits his instructors, leaving behind a trail of bewildered opponents and crushed spirits. But in this dark, high-stakes game, every move is watched, every weakness exploited. With each victory, Sora is drawn deeper into the Academy's web, where powerful figures may be just as ruthless—and just as brilliant. *The Mastermind's Game* is a tale of intellect and survival, a psychological thriller where alliances are fragile, trust is a weapon, and mercy is a weakness. As Sora plays his cruel, calculated game, the question remains: will he remain the ultimate player, or become the ultimate pawn?

A Girl who was warned not to dance again by her family, with dancing being part of her life she cant stand a day without dancing. treated poorly by her family, she entered the star dance competition wearing a veil. Afraid of her family finding out. Will her identity be exposed? Meet Noah a popular dancer who was told to look for a wife in 2 weeks before he can inherit the family's company. Rex, the twin brother of Noah.. who is searching for what his brother is interested in.. to take revenge against him. A story full of drama, plots and style.... ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION and let start the journey of a CRAZY DANCER.

A group of wolves, a gathering of witches, a trio of bears. An engaging narrative... Alpha Yona is struggling with his emotions towards Chhaya. He is hesitant to pursue a romantic connection with someone who is not his destined wolf partner. Despite his reservations, does he harbor romantic feelings for her? Cedric, Colton, and Connor are formidable bears with a significant issue involving the wolf pack. Both groups are attempting to eliminate the demons and are feeling irritated by the competition. Cedric is infatuated with Saturn, the leader of the coven, who is fixated on Alpha Yona. Can Saturn maintain focus to lead the witches effectively? Will Alpha Yona be able to navigate this complicated love triangle while maintaining order?

A charming and infamous gambler with a shadowy history. Illegitimate child of a nobleman, he maneuvers through the ruthless London social scene driven by vengeance and a strong thirst for influence. Sebastien's resentful half-brother, manipulated by the aristocracy's power struggles. Full of jealousy and a desire for revenge, he gets caught up in a complicated situation involving lies and a strong desire for success.Sarah's dominating father who is set on finding her a good match using a unique competition. His behavior showcases a nuanced blend of drive and fatherly care.

In the year 2030, the sport of football was transformed thanks to advanced technology. The sport has changed forever, and now the sport has become competitive for more than before. After FIFA announced the Kings League Project. John Lee is chosen to participate in the Wings of Revolution project

Kim Byulhwa was released from the asylum and died in a car accident, Then he was reincarnated in a high-tech world. He was happy for 10 seconds when he found he was homeless, penniless, and parentless with a high-tech disease that needed 1 Million dollars in one treatment. Then, He came across the Game...Monster Gamers, A Virtual Game, Where people can get money while building Monsters and more money in competitions. So...he went to build his own team, sold Monster cards, and used unique card combinations to fight in 5v5 battles with his teammates. --- Original Cover. Please appreciate

A guy named Ronin who usually earns via gaming and lives with his lover. Suddenly a few events had occurred resulting his lover being framed as a mastermind of a conspiracy. As the story continues we see how beings from upper dimensions and several other masterminds were involved to create those circumstances where Ronin being a pawn of their game . So, that's a story of a BOY who wanted to escape the nets , get back to his home and live happily with his lover. //////// A medium-tier story with simple plot ! Nothing else ! Read and have fun (⁠^⁠^⁠)

After a tragic death, Kevin finds himself reborn in a small town in America with the knowledge of a revolutionary supermarket system. Determined to build a successful grocery business, he navigates challenges, fierce competition, and budding romance. As Kevin develops his supermarket, he encounters twists and turns that test his resolve, leading him on a journey filled with love, conflict, and self-discovery.