Hollow Bastion Theme

"They took her—tried to erase her from my mind—tried to leave me hollow. But I will carve through their so called magic, bleed their souls with my tech, and burn their gilded towers to oblivion. They can make forget. But for her... I WILL remember."

After 3 years of frustration in New Atlantis, Ithri finally says, "F*** it." He’s done. The city's suffocating rules, corrupt nobles, and self-righteous royals have pushed him to the breaking point. Its oppressive bureaucracy and hollow ideals have left him disillusioned. Deciding it’s time to play his hidden cards, Ithri unleashes his potential, plunging headfirst into a dangerous, chaotic world filled with ancient mysteries, ruthless adversaries, and revelations that force him to confront the darkest corners of his soul. The deeper he delves, the more secrets he unravels not only about the world but about his own past.

The World of Ephesus. A vast world plagued by Breaches containing countless Beasts of Corruption. A World on the brink of ruin as the Four Human Lineages defend the last bastions of Humanity! With the power of Gem Masters standing against the Beasts of Corruption, the flames of Humanity seek to burn ever brighter. In such a world, in the Mortal Branch of the Asmodeus Bloodline, Alexander awakens a Gem Socket that others consider defective. A Variant Gem Socket. Looked down upon by those who do not understand it, this supposed defect may just be the solution that the burning embers of humanity were waiting for. Follow Alexander as he entirely warps the perception of what a Gem Master is- as he embarks on a journey to become...The Empyreal Gem Master!

"They see us as prey, as fuel for their conquest. They will learn that humanity fights hardest when cornered." In a world ravaged by chaos, monstrous invaders from a distant planet, known as the Vorath, have torn civilization apart. Humanity's last bastion is a fractured kingdom ruled by treachery and greed. Amidst this chaos, Kael Draven, a fearless marshall general devoted to protecting his people, is betrayed by his closest allies and slain on the battlefield. But It's not the end.

The Birthday of the Infanta by Oscar Wilde is a richly detailed narrative that blends beauty with tragedy, exploring complex themes of love, loss, and human nature. The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson, this short story focuses on a group of men who meet regularly at an inn and become involved in a mysterious encounter with a renowned doctor. The story explores themes of identity, morality, and the weight of past actions. The Nose by Nikolai Gogol is an absurd and satirical tale that tells the strange story of a barber who finds a nose in a bun in Saint Petersburg. This discovery triggers a series of comical and peculiar events in the plot. The Most Dangerous Game (aka The Hounds of Zaroff) by Richard Connell, is a classic work of literature that tells a story of action and adventure with horror overtones. The plot follows two hunters, one turned prey on a mysterious island.The Great Keinplatz Experiment by Sir. Arhutr Conan Doyle, this book tells a story about a peculiar experiment carried out in the fictional town of Keinplatz. Through an immersive narrative and intriguing characters, The Book explores themes of scientific curiosity and human behavior.The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs, this book tells the story of a magical monkey's paw that grants its owner three wishes, with unexpected and tragic consequences. The plot revolves around themes of destiny, consequences and the supernatural, creating a captivating and somber narrative. The Lady with the Little Dog by Anton Chekhov is a story that follows Dmitri Gomov, a married man who begins an affair with Anna Sergueyevna, a woman who is also engaged. The narrative explores the complexities of love, infidelity and human emotions against a backdrop of society and social conventions.

In a world full of cruelty, where people live in bastions under the rule of tyrants on one side and face deadlier monsters on the other, life is reduced to a brutal hierarchy: the strong rule, and the weak perish. Amidst this chaos, a young boy struggles to survive and fulfill his family's legacy—to free the world from these oppressive rulers. But as the weight of his mission grows heavier, a burning question arises: Will he continue his quest to save the world, or will he turn against it, setting everything ablaze? Read to the end to discover what will happen. The Romance of Misery, is about the struggles of the main character. After all, who in this world isn't struggling? It's just that everyone's struggles are different.

Nathan, an otaku, was chosen to be a host of a system which he can choose the theme of abilities. Before signing the consent form, the system confirmed him, "You can get awesome superpowers of anime characters!" Just like that, he was sold.

The world had never been on his side, despite his struggles on keeping his loved ones safe, the cruel world decided to end his life in that instant. But even then, his life did not end... More rather, it became quite a surprise. ============ Each chapter will have 4k - 6k Words Only Chapter 1 and 2 have less then 4k Words

Ein was a hitman on hire. A killer, a shadow, a death with insomnia, if you may. He had witnessed countless pairs of eyes dim as the light of life faded, leaving nothing but vile hollowness. Needless to say, the sight of a soul popping out of the dead body was a first. And it wasn't just any soul. It was the dead heir of Byers Holdings, the same guy he killed with his own hands. Turns out the rich boy Adriel had a horribly irritating and loud soul, but worst of it all - impossible to get rid of. Who would have thought that killing on a blue moon night could lead to being haunted?

“Come not between the Dragon and his Wrath.” — William Shakespeare The year was 2140, and Earth was nothing but a distant memory. Humanity now drifted through the galaxies aboard colossal ARKs, massive skyships that served as the last bastions of civilization. Yet, these ARKs were more than just floating cities; they were humanity’s last containers, preserving what remained of their species. A century before Earth's final collapse, humanity discovered a gateway to a realm known as Eternia — a fantastical world straight out of myth and legend. Reaching this realm required more than just advanced technology; it demanded a complete departure from the physical body and entry into a mysterious process known as the Dream Weave. In the present day, Cloud lived aboard ARK NO. 427, where he had been training from a young age to step into the Dream Weave. He was a standout among his peers, excelling in every tasks that came his way. Everything seemed to be on track for him — until the pivotal day of the Class Selection process.

“My only regret was.. living like a puppet for my sister!” Olivia Witherland had no one but her sister in this world. So when her sister Oriana married the duke of Aykroyd and became the duchess, she had no choice but to follow her there. Despite knowing that her sister had killed the previous duchess and going to harm the child left behind, she kept her eyes closed. But when the child grew up as Demon,he killed everyone including her and the innocent kids, Oriana gave birth to. Olivia regretted that her silence had harmed not only Damon but her innocent nephew and niece. Everyone was killed, but the killer lived a hollow life too. But fate gave her a second chance. Would she be able to save everyone or would destiny play a cruel game again?

A small band of young Deindra warriors Haribuki is the 28th lieutenant leader of the squad division 28 along with her officially assigned subordinated Trizo and their teammate named Shinore of the Deindra School Of Magic Knights. Demonic creatures called the Eiajin have invaded the world called Mabirgen. The Eiajin are demonic creatures from another realm called the Abyss. The Eiajin have destroyed a vast majority of the Mabirgen Worlds population.The Deindra School Of Magic Knights are fighting to put a Stop to the chaos and madness.

Doctor Aterigus has created biochemical and biomechanical monsters called the Croma in which he plans on using them to create an almighty being. The story takes place in the modern age of a vast steampunk world

Do you believe in magic? The answer of most will be no. But what if magic DID exsist? To some, it might just be your typical average story. But this has an element of unpredictability mixed in between. Diane Lewis was a normal teenage girl from an aristocratic family. But since she met HIM, her view of the world turned upside down. "How is that even possible?" She asked, mouth agape. He smiled at her, showing a perfect set of snow-white teeth. "With magic, anything is possible." Horn your skills and train your ability. "I will protect you." She said, with a determined gaze. "You can Barely even protect yourself. You are not strong enough." He retorted. "Then, just wait for Me to get stronger." She said, with a smile. "You have no right to be here. We cut ties remember?" He said, glaring at her fiercely. "I am not here for you. I am here for the family. I still have people I treasure here. So let me through or else..." She completed her statement by majestically drawing out her sword. So many secrets lay hidden. Injustice in the form of justice. Lies, fabricated to become truth. Deception roams around, unleashed. And a Naive girl, who had never seen the shadow that lurked around in the abyss. Will she Survive? Will she fail? It is up to you to find out.

In a city drenched in rain and uncertainty, Michael Ozor, a 17-year-old outcast, wanders the streets burdened by a life that feels like an endless loop of disappointment. With friends who embody chaos and a heart divided between two compelling girls—one a source of turmoil and the other a rare glimpse of happiness—Michael grapples with feelings of isolation and existential dread in a world where powers define worth. As he prepares for his enrollment in Emox, a school that promises to unlock the supernatural abilities he has yet to awaken, Michael finds himself caught between despair and the yearning for connection. Haunted by his past and disillusioned with love, he vows to stop being a fool and to seek only those who wish to be disturbed. But when a message from a girl he didn’t expect turns his world upside down, Michael must confront not only the ghosts of his emotions but also the darkness that lurks within him. Will he embrace the power that lies dormant inside, or will he succumb to the shadows that threaten to engulf him? Join Michael on his journey of self-discovery, supernatural intrigue, and the quest for genuine connection in a world where every choice has consequences. Will he finally find the love he seeks, or will the hollow veil keep him trapped in despair?

Ciel is an esper from the now destroyed last stronghold of humanity, Bastion City. The city had survived long past the dreaded Judgment Day, when eternal flames suddenly engulfed the earth and the ghastly fallen appeared. Such an event served as a catalyst for a surge in the supernatural and mystical activities and now monsters and aberrations alike infest the world, morphing into yet another threat which humanity must combat in order to survive within their new reality. Two years after its destruction, Ciel, along with the last of humanity, find themselves beaten and all but defeated. Desperate to change this outcome, Ciel deploys one of the few tricks left at his disposal, that being his ability to manifest each of the major arcana cards into the real world, and successfully regresses to the past. However due to his unstable power his soul fails to withstand the arduous journey back and shatters into twenty two pieces. These pieces each represent a major arcana card which have been given shape as clones. If Ciel ever hopes to reach and surpass the strength his future self wielded as well as accomplish his wish of helping his previous mentor, he must now take it upon himself to hunt down each clone and become whole again. Such a task will not be easy, for the clones not only hold pieces of himself but of his old power as well. Beyond that each is ready for the bloody battle that awaits, that of hunter and prey. While Ciel is occupied attempting to complete the daunting task set before him, his previous mentor has already started her new life as an Officer of NSRA, the agency responsible for the eradication of monsters within Bastion… Just how will these two fates collide? What to expect: [Weak to Strong] [Two POV’s] [Futuristic City] [Supernatural] [Action] [Monsters] [Apocalyptic Setting]

In the year 2081, humanity has endured the aftermath of the apocalypse, but significant changes have unfolded. The remnants of humanity are now concentrated in six cities, the last bastions of civilization. After being exiled from the city lord's manor, Anon, the son of the supreme commander, encounters a "devil" named Seth. Seth offers to satisfy Anon's thirst for knowledge and the immense power that accompanies it. In return, they plan, helped by the forces behind Seth, to assassinate Anon's father, the lord of humanity. A treacherous journey, fraught with calamities and tribulations... Anon will unhesitatingly walk through this path, whether that be for his dead mother, or for his own selfish desires.

[WSA 2025] To confront the threat posed by monsters and demons, humanity summons a hero endowed with a mysterious system and an unrivaled capacity for evolution. He becomes the last bastion of hope for mankind. However, one of his mistakes gives rise to a calamity far worse than the Demon King. This calamity is conceived in a dungeon, abandoned as a fetus by its mother, and raised by the Demon King himself. Upon the Demon King's death, all the restraints he had placed upon the creature are shattered. Thus, the hero's nameless son begins to lay waste to everything. The greatest calamity the world has ever known is born.

Fates Unbound is a slightly fast-paced dark romantasy with morally grey male lead. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing or extremely arousing. Read at your own discretion.

After witnessing his family die Grim'Lok succumbs to the same fate, But once he's given a second chance at life he lives for 2 things, Revenge and the promise he made to become the strongest fighter throughout all the lands.

"A test? what the hell does that even mean anyway?" Spoke a young man as he read articles online about it. Scrolling through his phone trying to make sense of it all. "I'm telling you, it's aliens" Spoke his female friend as she gestured like she was in fact an alien. "I highly doubt it's that" he scoffed. As she frowned. "You always do that-" [error] "Do what?" [Calculation unsuccessful, eliminate] "You doubt yourself" [Eliminated] 'What!?' ------ 'I don't want to accept this is reality yet.' "Zion Linux, can you assure absolute victory?" "I can sir, I will not fail."

Transmigrated as a beautiful CEO, everything is within reach of her hands. Wealth, Power, and Influence. And she also possesses the system. Starting point high with all the helps from the universe, what could go wrong? What?! She is in a world similar to the combination of novels. What! The most hated sadomasochistic-SM-CEO and his wife, novel theme, and her half-sister was a heroine. Side characters never ever had a good time as the world revolves around them. Our CEO knows this and her worries increase. What?! Another novel theme shows up in this world and it's a stallion one. Messed up and you still tell me... Heaven! That's not all, she is supposed to be a member of the harem of the male protagonist. ****! our CEO shoves a middle finger at the world and strangles the system. What in the world have you brought me here for? Companions, enemies, connections, and successes are all meant for her to walk through. Each step, every struggle will be her monument. Rising to the top of the pyramid, overlooking from above, everything within her grasp. Prove to the world, a woman can hold up half the sky. First, Let me find a way to divorce this engagement with Lin Fan. Former Title: My system helps me become a cold, beautiful, elegant C.E.O

In a world where monstrous beings and legendary creatures roam, Jack Aragon, the seemingly ordinary son of the King of Andonia, is thrust into a nightmare when an ancient, destructive force annihilates his kingdom. With only his life and a shattered sense of purpose, Jack forms an unlikely bond with a shadowy creature that grants him ancient prowess. Together, they must navigate treacherous lands and confront monstrous enemies while unraveling the dark secrets behind the calamity that shattered his home. Haunted by his past and driven by vengeance, Jack's journey forces him to confront the true nature of power and the thin line between monsters and humans. As chaos looms ever closer, will his newfound strength be enough to save those he loves, or will he be consumed by the very forces he seeks to defeat?

When life is riddled with chaotic choices, people prefer the comfort of order. (Author's note:- This story is actually a compiled version of various alternative stories that at end gets converged and create a finale with theme and tropes of diverse categories. P.S. :- I will be updating synopsis as the story continues with each protagonists having their own "Saga".) 'SAGA ZAI' :- Zai ran away from his city to a town in the mountains in order to find his peace. His life was turned upside down once again when a catastrophe struck his life but he couldn't give up and somehow managed to wake up in a place called "Frozen Hell". (additional note: I will be uploading this story on RoyalRoad.com too)

Tsukishiro Shin's life changed in an instant when he discovered that his parents had sold him. To make matters worse, scientists planned to conduct research on him. As the scientists began their experiments, a year passed. When he finally woke up, he realized that he was no longer a boy; he had transformed into a futanari. Additionally, he found himself integrated into a prominent family. But life is not a bed of roses. The family he has become involved with is actually engaged in prostitution. Now, he must become a prostitute who provides pleasure to people of both genders. [Note: This novel features a bisexual protagonist. If this theme does not appeal to you, please refrain from reading it.]

In a dimension where magic and mystery collide, Mara is thrust into a forgotten city filled with ancient power—The Hollow City. Unaware of her true connection to the city, she is drawn into a world where time doesn’t flow as it should, and the boundaries between life and death are blurred. The Nameless Song is not just another fantasy tale. It overlaps with the events of Long Sleep, where Mara’s destiny is entwined with a world caught in a never-ending slumber. Now, she must unlock the city’s secrets, confronting dangerous forces and unraveling truths that could change both worlds forever. A blend of fantasy, mystery, and suspense, The Nameless Song will take you on a journey through a city alive with power, where every shadow hides a secret and every decision could mean the end—or the beginning—of everything.

Having been confessed by the person you in love with must be a dream come true. That happened to me. However, I found out later that the confession is not meant for me but for my classmate named Kyzer. he’s handsome, rich, and popular. On top of that, he’s a top student. It all happened because of the tiger costume I am wearing . Feeling defeated, I went back home with a bleeding heart. On my way toward home, a white van stopped in front of me and abducted me. I was abducted because they thought I was Kyzer thanks to the costume. A series of misfortunes befell to me one after another. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in an unfamiliar room. Then I become the subject of a weird experiment. In the next day, I woke up in my bed by a loud ringing and discovered some weird widgets floating in front of my vision. I learned later that the peaceful city I was living till today is now in an apocalyptic situation. Demonic creatures were running rampant causing chaos to the land. Using my System, I will survive in this apocalypse.

Is a Black Raven omen of death? - said by Hollow Kid

If survival of the fittest was once humanity's anthem, silence now reigns. The Aud have driven humanity's remnants to huddle like mice in their final bastion. In a gamble, a nobody embarks on an impossible mission: time travel. Nine hundred years in the past, she finds herself hunted by survivor's guilt and the Aud who followed. In this pre-collapse world, where humanity's anthem is still survival but the seeds of its coming evisceration wait to sprout, she is alone. Between an apex predator with everything to gain and a human with everything to lose, a race to rewrite human destiny has begun.