Conquest Kills Eve

Prologue: The Fall of the House of Eldras In an age long forgotten, the House of Eldras stood as one of the most powerful and revered noble families in the land. Known for their mastery over forbidden magic, the Eldras were the victors of a brutal war that reshaped the kingdom. They wielded an heirloom—an artifact of unimaginable power—that granted them dominion over the very forces of nature. But with great power came great envy. Betrayed by former allies and manipulated by political schemes, the Eldras were hunted down. Key figures were massacred, and the remnants of the family were exiled to the shadows, forced to adopt new identities and hide from those who sought their demise. Their legacy was erased from history, their name tarnished by propaganda that painted them as the villains of the war. Years passed, and the memory of the Eldras faded into myth. But deep within the heart of the Redwood Kingdom, a young boy named Sylas, the last bloodline of the fallen family, waits. His Ring—the key to his family’s forgotten power—will soon awaken, setting him on a path to reclaim his birthright. Yet, Sylas harbors no thirst for vengeance. He only desires a better life. But fate has other plans, and the world will soon discover that the true power of the House of Eldras is far from extinguished. In the shadows of the past, the Contracter's Conquest begins. ---

Rex was just another slave in the corporate machine, a faceless office worker under the shadow of one of the galaxy's powerful megacorps. His life was predictable and dull, an endless cycle of meaningless reports and fluorescent-lit monotony. That was, until that day.... When a new world was discovered on the outskirts of the galaxy, Rex, like countless other low-ranking employees, found himself dragged into a contract clause he’d barely skimmed years ago. The megacorp ordered him and his coworkers to pack their lives into a transport pod and leave for the unexplored planet. Their mission? Establish a colony. Mine resources. Make the company richer. There was no choice, refusing meant ruin. At first, everything seemed manageable. The days were grueling, the nights cold, but progress was steady. The colony was coming to life. Until the excavation team struck something. No one knew what it was at first, a buried hive, a forgotten ecosystem, or something ancient and dangerous. Whatever it was, it unleashed hell. Swarms of enormous, chittering creatures erupted from the ground, their jagged bodies blotting out the sky. The colony fell into chaos. Screams echoed through the air as the bugs tore through everything in their path, walls, machines, and people. Rex barely survived. Bloodied, broken, and pinned beneath the rubble, he should have died there. But in the pitch-black silence of his fading consciousness, a voice spoke to him. Cold. Mechanical. Otherworldly. "Do you wish to live?" When Rex woke, he was no longer the man he’d been. His body was no longer human flesh and bone but something far more alien. His skin shimmered with living metal, his mind infused with the power of Cleo, a mysterious AI from a long-extinct, robotic race known as the Kaelzars. Cleo’s presence pulsed through his thoughts, guiding him and transforming him. He wasn’t just alive. He was reborn. But survival came at a price. Rex was no longer a pawn of the megacorp; he was something more dangerous, something they couldn’t control. As Cleo’s intentions began to reveal themselves, Rex found himself standing on the precipice of war, not just with the bugs but with forces far greater than he could have imagined. This was the beginning of a journey through blood-soaked battlefields and treacherous alliances. Along the way, Rex would encounter allies, brilliant, flawed, and unpredictable, and enemies whose ambitions were as sharp as their blades. These weren’t disposable foes, easily crushed by an overpowered hero. They were cunning, relentless, and human in the most terrifying ways. But then again, in war, who can truly be called a villain? New chapters every day at: [13 P.M GMT+8 Time!] [16 P.M GMT+8 Time!] If there comes an extra chapter, it would be released at: [00:00 GMT+8 TIME!]

[DING!] [Congratulations, APOLLYON. You have unlocked the Infernal System!] [NAME: Israfel BlüdThïrste.] [FACTION: DEMON ¢ RANK A.] [DING!] [You have ascended to the realms of man.] [CITY: The medieval Empire of Eldoria.] [ALL HAIL THE BURNING ONE!] [CONQUEST: Level Up to NINTH INFERNAL CIRCLE.] [The battle for DOMINION begins.] [SYSTEM has graciously provided the most delicious and bosomy babes to compete for MC.] [ADDITIONAL TAGS: Ruthless MC – NSFW – BDSM – Cosplay – MILF – War Crimes – Unholy Trinities – Hybrids – BDE – Smut – EVOLUTION – Succubus – Slaves – Yandere – Ascension – Gore – ADULT CONTENT AND LANGUAGE – Anal – Dominant MC – Hentai – Lust – Demon – Extreme violence – R18 – Faceslap – Fistfights – Bestiality – Bloodsport – Exorcism – LOLITA – Brutal MC – Magic – UNDERWORLD – Politics – Demonology – Necromancer – Old Gods – Fae – Sword and Sorcery – System – Hardcore – Mermaid – Cat girls – Dragon girls – DARK – Vulgar – Epic battle – Hell Ranking – Fallen Angels – DOMINIONS – Incest – Dungeon – Leveling up – Cold MC – Sibling Lust – Taboo sex stories – MONSTER GIRLS – Debauchery – Utter fuckery – Demented SC – MANA – Invulnerable MC – Elf – Vampire – Demoness – MATURE – Murder – Psychopaths – Luciferan Bloodlines – Corruption of virtue – Chivalry – Villainy – Death – LEGION – Clashing armies – Weapons system – Resurrection.] [WARNING: This book features detailed descriptions of female humiliation, hardcore sex and depravity. There is a guaranteed Adult Chapter one out of every five. NOT FOR CHILDREN! NOT FOR SOFT HEARTS!] • FULL BLURB Israfel BlüdThïrste was born in Hel. He has lived in it all eighteen years of his life. As seventh in the bloodline of the Morningstar himself, Rafel has had a pretty fucking great life. There's spilled blood in excess. Violence to choke the gray skies. Abundant sex—depraved and hardcore. And more blood. Everything a Prince of the Abyss could desire. But Rafel has heard stories, of the world above. The world of the weak mortals whose damned souls fall endlessly through the red skies of his, to meet with perpetual torture. Stories of their fine carriages and legendary kings. Their golden sun and green earth. But mostly, their virgin women. He wishes to see it for himself. And so, when a lucky gambit with his dear Aunt, Lilith, opens up a way for him to explore the surface, Rafel hops to it. The deal is a hundred years before he has to return to his duties as Hell's Apollyon. Accompanied by his new slave, a voluptuous horned Succubus, Rafel journeys to the mortal realm, entering into the mythical lands of Eldoria as the enigmatic Earl of Emberfall, a haunted estate. But Rafel intends to rise, into the very courts of the Eldorian Queen. At least before his time runs out. And if corrupting, blackmailing, fucking, and murdering a few mortals gets in his way, so be it. This is until the haloed mess of Ravenna de Vries ends up on the grand steps of his Manor, soaking wet with a blood debt hanging over her head. Israfel had seen many beautiful women in his time, but somehow the little mortal girl is sufficient to make him rethink his gambit. Ravenna is owed to a powerful Hell Principality. And though Rafel convinces himself that building up his power ranking is solely selfish, it also has to do with going up against an ancient adversary from his home who is certain to appear just about anytime to collect what he is owed—Ravenna. She is not his responsibility, but why does Rafel feel exactly that whenever he looks at her? And suddenly for this Immortal, a hundred years is not enough to fall in love.

Earth, thousands of years after the apocalypse. A boy with amnesia woke up in the middle of the Dregs, the worst part of Crimson Fungus City. The boy grows up and manages to become strong enough to pass an exam for one of the most prestigious jobs in existence, a Zephyx Extractor, someone that can harvest the powers of Specters. Zephyx Extractors have the power to travel kilometers in seconds, read minds, and destroy mountains. In this oppressive world, they are the only ones who can change their destiny. Sadly, the boy had already gained a power from a Specter in the past, which made him ineligible for the position. His dream was dead. Or was it? Join my Discord: https://discord.gg/EfePH46Aru If my patreon gets more than 1000€ per month, I will increase the word count of my chapters! Join my Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=27791050

Alia is a skilled thief who, in search of a legendary treasure, sneaks into a castle under the cover of night. However, she unexpectedly witnesses the castle’s owner, the handsome and cold-hearted billionaire Marcellus, murder his wife. In the chaos of her escape, Alia is discovered and killed by him. But death isn’t the end. Alia wakes up to find herself reborn a year earlier, this time in the body of the wife Marcellus had killed—Livia. Faced with the man who had once killed her, now acting outwardly kind but still harboring deadly intentions, Alia knows she must uncover the truth within a year and avoid the same tragic fate. Her plan? Escape the castle and steal the treasure. During her time in the castle, Alia discovers that Livia’s identity is far from simple, and she soon finds herself tangled in a deeper conspiracy. Marcellus’s younger brother, Elias, has a close, secret relationship with Livia, one that seems to involve hidden feelings. As Alia secretly investigates Marcellus’s true intentions, she is drawn to his conflicting mixture of gentleness and coldness. At the same time, the body of Livia compels her to develop feelings for Elias, whose tender care for her awakens a sense of warmth. Caught in a whirlwind of emotions, Alia realizes that every person’s motives are more complex than they first appear, and she must make difficult choices between truth, revenge, love, and survival. As the one-year deadline approaches, the conspiracy unfolds, and Marcellus’s true intentions toward Livia are exposed. Alia finally finds a chance to escape. But with emotions tangled and fate inextricably linked to the castle, will she choose revenge and freedom, or will she find redemption and true love within the deadly walls of the castle?

"I...will...not...Lose" these are the Words that Haunted Seth For Years. Seth an child who was abounded by his parents near Verlmon River was found stranded by a Farmer Named Gin. The Farmer raised him as his own and gave him all the love he needed - at an age of three Seth had a Nightmare that Haunted him to the point that its affected his mental health. At the age of 5 he became paralysed and live a vegetable life - this caused Gin to Seek help from outside in hopes of curing Seth's Nightmare. An incident occured when the Ergaster attacked, at that time he was 10 years old. An event that turned his life forever...

The girl with green eyes, who carries a deadly power in her blood, with every drop capable of ending a life. Despite her blood containing this extraordinary force, it does not affect her, making her a target for the underworld kingdoms that seek to exploit her blood to spread corruption and chaos. Everyone desires to harness her power, but her only brother stands against these evil forces, challenging their greed in his desperate attempts to protect his sister and defend her, no matter the cost. Will he succeed in preserving her innocence, or will corruption continue to threaten their world?

Lila's life was a fairy tale - or so it seemed. As the sole heir to her grandfather's staggering billionaire fortune, she was the envy of many. But little did she know, her privileged world was about to take a dark and treacherous turn. On the night of a grand ball, Lila's life was forever changed. A sinister force lurked in the shadows, waiting to strike. And strike it did - with a ruthless push off a cliff. But fate, it seemed, had other plans for Lila. Instead of meeting her demise, she found herself awakening to an eerie and unfamiliar forest. The trees loomed above her, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching for the sky. It was there, in the heart of the forest, that Lila encountered the guardians of the land. Mysterious and powerful beings, tasked with a perilous mission. And Lila, with her privileged past and uncertain future, was about to become entangled in their quest. Desperate to return home, Lila begged the guardians to take her back. But they refused, bound by an ancient prophecy that foretold of a great and powerful pearl. A pearl that only Lila, with her unique heritage, could lead them to. And so, Lila found herself at a crossroads. Would she embark on a treacherous journey with the guardians, risking life and limb to find the mystical pearl? Or would she defy the prophecy and forge her own path? The choice was hers, but one thing was certain - Lila's life would never be the same again.

Lucilla Crimson never wanted to become the villain. She was nothing more than a simple girl named Ruby Baker before things went wrong. With the world against her, she did whatever she needed to do to keep those close to her safe. Watch as Lucilla climbs her way through the world and becomes one of the world's most ruthless tyrants. New Chapter every Wednesday 5pm EST ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is my first Novel. Thank you to anyone who decides to read this, and I hope you enjoy it. And thanks to my sister for doing the Cover Art. Her Insta: notagood_hunter922

After a sudden and inexplicable transmigration, Maximus finds himself in a fantasy world where extraordinary power exists. But he is not without his advantages; he possesses a system that grants him the ability to become stronger as he takes on wives and birthed children. Determined to conquer this new world, Maximus uses his cheat to gather wives and birth children, building up his power and influence. As he gains more allies and resources, he sets his sights on the ultimate prize: ruling the world and surpassing even gods. However, the road to conquest is not an easy one. He must contend with powerful factions, rival conquerors, and unexpected challenges as he builds his ideal empire. But with his cunning mind, he is determined to succeed and become the greatest conqueror the world has ever seen.

After Ezra died he thought he would meet his fate in the eternal pits of Hell but instead he was reborn, with poor circumstances around his birth though, since his existence was that of a bastard child in his new life, him and his brother hate each other since his mother tells the brother subtle lies to get him to also hate Ezra, but due to those same circumstances he gains a Dragons will, which gives him incredible power and also changes his hair to Blonde.

Hailed as the strongest he fought off the invaders. His name was Leomord Vance. He is dead now , but his will is immortal. This is the story of a boy named Nox who is chosen to carry out the will of Leomord "The Human Emperor"

Regressia, a world where humans, elves, faes, dwarves, and sirens exist, was thrown to chaos with the appearance of outer world portals called "Worms", polluting the world with beings from the After Realm called the Damned. To stop it, a "Promised One" was prophesied, who will bring peace to the world and stop the evil. However, 3,000 years have passed since the prophecy was told. People have considered it a myth. That is, until a young boy was found. ************ [The picture is from Pinterest. I just edited it. It is not mine. All credits go to the artist.] [UPDATE: According to my availability] PS: please bear with the grammatical errors, my first language is not English

"I'm one game away from reaching the master rank! I'll do it tomorrow, though. A true gamer knows when to refresh his mind and increase his victory chances!" Adam smiled in anticipation as he went to sleep on this special day. However, he could have never imagined the surreal awakening that awaited him. "What's wrong with my voice?!"  "Claws? A tail and horns, too?" [Welcome to the demon realm. You have been selected to reincarnate as a Lord. Conquer this realm of fire and ashes, become its uncontested ruler... or die trying.] Reincarnated as an imp in the cruel demon realm, at the borders of the mythological demon Baal's territory, his life seemed doomed from the start. However, determination sparkled in his eyes as against all odds, he defiantly proclaimed. "No matter who decided to make me start as an imp, watch as I turn into a veritable devil. Even Baal won't hold a candle against me in the future!" Equipped with his unique talent, he started his lord's journey, ready to evolve and prove to those strange realms that demons were more than violent and deceptive creatures... at least he would try. ----------------------- Welcome everyone! You can expect a mix of gods/demons from almost every pantheon (even the more obscured ones) and mythological figures, like Heracles, Wukong, Muramasa, Achilles, Merlin, Cu Chulainn, and many others! Please do check out my first book if you enjoy fantasy stories. :)

In a distant future, humanity has mastered the art of faster-than-light travel, venturing into the cosmos. Yet, the vastness of space is fraught with danger, as colossal monsters emerge from enigmatic rifts—portals to other realms. These titanic creatures wreak havoc across galaxies and obliterate entire worlds, posing a dire threat to human survival. Only the most skilled Beast Tamers possess the ability to tame these formidable beings, forging powerful connections that safeguard their civilizations. Enter Elias Stroud, an unremarkable clerk struggling to navigate a society that idolizes Beast Tamers. One fateful evening, a phenomenon called Heavenly Gate leads him to encounter a captivating woman. This chance meeting alters the trajectory of his life forever. The woman, known as Celestia, is one of the Realm Lords, the humanoid manifestations of the twelve most formidable monster races in the universe. In an unexpected twist, Celestia kisses Elias, unlocking a hidden potential within him that marks him as the destined Beast Lord and the key to the legendary Empyreal Convergence System. ----------- Are you ready to dive into a tale of an unlikely hero who wins the hearts of 12 stunning beauties? If this piques your interest, make sure to include this captivating story in your cherished collection. I assure you, it deserves a spot on your reading list!

In a world ravaged by seven years of relentless war, nations have crumbled and civilization teeters on the brink of extinction. The relentless Shadow Army, led by ancient and malevolent gods, has brought death and devastation, reducing once-proud cities to ruins. Amidst this chaos, a desperate alliance known as the Frontier emerges, uniting the remnants of humanity, demons, elves, and angels in a final bid for suvival. As the war grinds to a bloody stalemate, Alexander, a soldier haunted by the brutal realities of conflict, finds himself in the fortified city of Pingyao. Here, he encounters Dr. Jin, a mad scientist whose eccentric genius might hold the key to turning the tide. Dr. Jin reveals the harrowing history of the Shadow Gods and the legendary Eight Blades forged to that could destroy the universe and make everything cease to exist but also rewrite it. Where the clash of steel and gun powered echoes through desolate landscapes and the cries of the fallen pierce the air like daggers, brutality reigns supreme. Blood flows freely, staining the earth crimson as warriors meet in deadly combat, their every strike infused with the raw fury of battle. Amidst the chaos, Alexander stands as a soldier, his sword cut down foes. Each blow he delivers is rage of violence, cutting through flesh and bone with merciless precision. Limbs are severed, bodies rent asunder, as Alexander's wrath knows no bounds. Doing the great battle 7 years ago against Azrael, Eve mysteriously disappeared in turn cause the apocalypse. Across the wasteland, survivors cuts a swath of destruction upon one another, blood flowing like river with the bodies of men, women, and children, with each day leaving a trail of carnage. As the battle rages on, the intensity of the violence only grows, each combatant driven by a primal urge to survive at any cost. Bodies pile up like cordwood, the stench of death hanging heavy in the air as the clash of steel continues unabated. In this crucible of bloodshed, there is no room for mercy or remorse. Only the strong survive, their will forged in the fires of war, their hearts hardened by the brutality of combat. And in the end, only the victor will emerge from the fray, their triumph measured in the bodies of the fallen. by ancient grudges, "Lost Honor" follows the journey of Eve, a once-powerful warrior stripped of her abilities and thrust into a conflict of cosmic proportions. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of alliances and betrayals, Eve grapples with lost memories and the burden of mortality, haunted by the ghosts of her past. Amidst the chaos, a mysterious figure known as Erebus plots to conquer Earth, unveiling a sinister plan that could spell doom for all. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Eve must confront her own demons and forge unlikely alliances in a desperate bid to save humanity. As old enemies resurface and new threats emerge, Alexander & Eve's journey becomes a relentless horror of tragedies of blood and death.

Killian lived a life of simplicity and joy. He had loving parents, loyal friends, and a bright future ahead of him. But all of that shattered in a single night when he woke up in an unfamiliar place. Surrounding him were strangers, each with a deadly weapon. A chilling voice announced the rules of their predicament: they were trapped in a deadly game where only one could survive. Thrown into a world of betrayal, violence, and fear, Killian struggles to hold onto his humanity. But things take a darker turn when he discovers a mysterious system implanted in his mind—a system designed specifically for killing. The more he uses it, the stronger he becomes, but at a cost: his morals begin to blur, and the line between man and monster fades. As Killian navigates alliances and rivalries, he must decide what kind of person he wants to become. Can he find a way to escape the killing game without losing himself? Or will the system turn him into the very thing he fears most—a cold-blooded killer? The clock is ticking. The game is unforgiving. And Killian’s choices will determine not only his survival but the fate of his soul.

___Lost Notes___ In this age of superheroes, the public safety is at the hands of these all so powerful figures. Located in the metropolis of Condor is the worlds strongest hero, UltraMan. In his decade long carrier, he has destroyed multiple conspiracies started by the city's old elite, single handedly apprehended the mafias that encroached upon the weak and feeble and even stopped several alien invasions and infiltrations. It is safe to assume that such a man would have many enemies, but with skin that cannot be pierced by any earthly means and strength that puts the legends of old to shame, how can such a creature ever be defeated? If UltraMan wanted to, he could have conquered earth at any time. So why did he not? No one quite knows. '' In any regards, he is seen as the balancing force of the world. So what happens if he is removed from the picture? What if I removed him? How will the world live? How will "I" live? ....

Author: Lone Raut Synopsis: When I was alive, I was just another name on a serial killer's twisted list—who targeted mens of culture. Death should have been the end. But instead, I woke up in the dark, chaotic world of Saint's Odyssey, a fantasy novel I'd once read with disdain. This isn't just any story. It's a world where the so-called "hero," a two-faced hypocrite, uses his charm and manipulation to set off a chain of events that will destroy half the world. As fate would have it, I’ve been reborn into this world—not as some mighty warrior or divine savior, but as a villain. The gods, the villains, the heroes—they think they hold the pen to fate. They think they control this story. Well, they’re wrong. This is my story now. And I won’t stop until I’ve rewritten every line. Watch as I conquer this world they thought was untouchable. Let them call me a villain—I’ll wear it like a crown. In a tale where every battle is a step toward conquest, and every betrayal is just another play in the game, one thing is clear: I didn’t choose this war, but I’m going to win it. Where the rules don’t matter, and the script is mine to flip.

KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL and KILL

Ashe, a fallen princess, sets her journey for vengeance against her mother's murderers. As she travels the world to find her prey, she was met with adversaries and hardships on the way. But each time she defeats an enemy in front of her, she gains power as well.

When a mysterious voice announces that their class has been selected to participate in a game of life and death, the students of Class 3-B are shocked and terrified. They are transported to a mysterious a remote island, where they are given bracelets that monitor their vital signs and poison capsule that will detonate inside them if they break the rules. Adding to their terror, each student soon realized they'd gained a supernatural ability-abilities that could just as easily save them or turn them into deadly weapons. As the game begins, some students try to cooperate, some try to escape, and some try to kill. The game tests their friendships, morals, and sanity, as they face the ultimate choice: kill or be killed.''

Haters to lovers

The war that ravaged the Great-Land for 500 years comes to a finale. A result of the appearance of the strongest mage in history, the Mage Emperor. Since he was a boy, Dominic had dreamed of surpassing this great mage. He joins the Magic Knights; the faction created by the Emperor’s original squad, the Monarchs, in hopes of achieving his dream. But as a Captain, he realizes how corrupted this world is. Human experimentation, oppression, racism, assassinations, genocide… He decides to fight against it, becoming a rebel leader with an army designed to destroy the root of this corruption and unite the kingdoms. All the while a similarly conflicted mage builds their own army with their own idea of fixing the world.

A witch, a pirate and the devil himself come knocking at destiny's doorstep for young Woodes Roger, as setting sail to look for the whispered treasure that seemingly controls the sea may lead to more sacrifice than gain. Welcome to the edge of the map, as here there be monsters.

Warning: This story will contain 'Mature' content, read at your discretion. Currently in Hiatus A soul from the modern world was lost in the void after dying mysteriously, and ended up entering the seal of the eons-old Total Ancient Dragon Trancendent-Entity Of Lust, a being far lost into Ancient history, and after convincing this being to become his master. The young soul was set to reincarnate and start a new life from birth, to someday free his new master, while also working to accomplish his dreams in this new life. For such, his new master, gave him a pet Phoenix, imbued him with their dragon bloodline, and he even received a system. Despite all this, the world where he would find himself was not a simple one. A journey that would go beyond anything he expected awaited him ahead.

Here’s a brief synopsis for To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: In the racially segregated town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s, young Scout Finch and her brother Jem are raised by their widowed father, Atticus, a principled lawyer. Through Scout’s innocent eyes, we witness the struggles of morality and justice as Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman. The story delves into themes of prejudice, courage, and empathy, juxtaposed with Scout’s journey of coming of age in a community steeped in fear and intolerance. The mockingbird symbolizes innocence and the harm caused by prejudice, leaving readers with a profound message of hope and humanity.

Charlotte loses everything and goes on the run after her entire species is attacked in the soo called holy wars. Finally she finds stability in a small town near the border under the guise of Avery. With the hero's party believing that they have brought the demons to extinction. They decide to settle down in a quite town now that their mission has been fulfilled, which just so happens to be the same one where Charlotte is hiding. Can Charlotte now known as "Avery" hide her secret.?? Will she chose to take revenge for her species?? Can she finally find peace in her life after experiencing the horrors of war??