Deb Guilty Gear

In a dystopian future where Vampires emerged from the shadows in order to stop humanity from becoming extinct, a young woman with a dark past meets a charismatic stranger. As time goes by Private Love Aikawa of military unit 4-7, finds that she may not be as human as she first thought, and that humanity may not be the side that she should be fighting for. Battling rogue vampires, mutated creatures and her own past, Love works to unravel the mysteries behind the secretive Helsing unit. This novel starts intentionally slow through the exposition, everything kicks into gear in the latter half so hope you stick with it and enjoy the ride. I also added some song recommendations along the way to listen to whilst you read certain chapters, I hope this helps boost the experience. Please comment and vote for your favourite characters along the way :)

Two years after graduation, Lin Yang had no car, no house, and no savings. Originally planning to slack off for the rest of his life, Lin Yang, after a failed blind date, activated the Golden Finger during a fishing session. Catching different aquatic species not only directly earned him money, but also unlocked special items (buffs, fishing gear, bait...), while also increasing his own experience and points. 【Fishing Level Lv1: Novice】 【Level Experience: 1/100】 【Total Points: 1】(Points can be used to exchange for special items) ..... With the help of the Golden Finger Illustrated Handbook, Lin Yang not only made a fortune but gradually became the top fishing master and the hottest outdoor live streamer! Viewers in the live streaming room, "There's no fish Master Lin can't catch, not even a shark." A certain fishing master, "Master Lin is the true fishing master, and from today onwards, he is my master."

#Forbidden love #Enemiestolovers #Slowburn Dear readers, before you start this book, it has been informed that this is a slow burn romance book, and if you're eager to read that romance aspect, you can skip to chapter 80. **** Carol's life took an unexpected turn after a message spread across the school platforms, leading to a week in the dreaded detention center for her guilty actions. Her dreams of graduating from Crown University and finding a good job seemed to be slipping away. Just as she thought it was safe to pursue a romantic relationship, she first faced unrequited love and then made a forbidden choice, resulting in a crushing outcome. How would she handle the fallout? Would she manage to avoid expulsion? #Dragons #Draconians #Earthworms #The silentum This novel has three volumes: His dragon heart: Forbidden love The mad king and the White-haired: Forbidden love The prince and slave: Forbidden love Note: This book contains mature content, so if you're not up for it, please don't read. Also, this cover doesn't belong to me. If the creator doesn't want it, please message and I'll take it down ASAP.

Synopsis: (Redemption) (Not Virgin Mary) (Cold and Decisive) (Space) Liu Ruyan’s biggest regret in her life was betraying her loyal boyfriend who sacrificed everything for her for a short fling with her bestie. Little did she knew that her bestie was only jealous of their harmonious relationship and wanted to break them for mere fun. Alas! By the time Liu Ruyan realised what she had missed....it was too late. She vowed to spend the rest of her life in a monastery serving the poor to atone for her sins. But fate had something unique planned for her..... Sometimes the gears of destiny turns in a way no one expects. Watch as she slowly matures into a capable woman who stands tall amongst clouds. Witness Liu Ruyan as she gives her best to redeem her finest. Filled with never-seen-before challenges, this is her journey from Earth to Heaven which shall shake the cosmos.

A blind Orphan child gets transported to the modern world. Read as he left the world of magic to follow his destiny with an all-knowing system that used to be the God of knowledge. Meet Legendary Families and famous people as He circumvents through different facets of life with god-given talent. Be it Acting, singing or cooking, he who once felt guilty for existing will overcome to become a pinnacle existence. ========================================== This is a slice-of-life story focusing on all aspects of life. He will grow and will have different careers throughout his journey. He will meet other girls throughout his life and have to find ways to overcome different societal issues because of it. READ ATLEAST 10-15 CHAPTERS TO GET A FEEL ABOUT THE NOVEL. You could skip the volume one though it will be confusing, many things would start to make sense with regular updates. Volume 1 is about his childhood years.(COMPLETE) Volume 2 will touch upon his adult life.

Xiao Xue's soul drifted after her death, witnessing her family's desperate situation due to her own encounter, and her heart was filled with remorse and heinous hatred towards Xiong Yufang. The gears of fate quietly turn, Xiao Xue accidentally gained the opportunity to be reborn, the rebirth of her determination to take revenge on Xiong Yufang at all costs, even if she has to resort to dark forces, even if she has to fall into a place of no return. The world she lives in is still the same prosperous but hidden countless darkness of the modern city, the social class difference is huge, people in the desire to struggle, and Xiao Xue this time will be completely sunk in the darkness, and Xiong Yufang together to set off an even more terrible storm, to the world to bring unprecedented disaster.

The legendary teenager Ivan is at the bottom of society with a bright mind and flexible adaptability, but the gears of fate are starting to turn, and his life is about to change dramatically. He combines multiple characters such as a liar, a killer, a magician, and a nobleman. He is arrogant and passionate, and has unparalleled resourcefulness. He is a demon to his enemies and a perfect lover to his ladies. His mission is to complete a peerless conspiracy that weaves the world. Ivan not only has the ability to destroy the world, but also has a higher-than-ordinary IQ to defeat many powerful enemies. In the tide of political struggle, he constantly responds to various crises with his resourcefulness and courage.

In the year 3029 in the future. A Virus called "Justice" contaminates all men of all ages into strange creatures or monsters called "Destroyers" which have various forms, not only that, this Virus also contaminates robots tasked with protecting humanity become corrupted and attack humans.The Justice Virus was actually created to punish humans who commit major crimes such as bank robbery, murder or harassment. Initially the impact of the virus only caused the body to become weak and feel a burning sensation in the heart for some time But everything changed when a mysterious person contaminated the source of the virus with something that turned the virus into a negative virus, thus turning all men throughout the world into monsters and destroying everything in their path without mercy. All the robots who were also contaminated by this virus began to attack the humans who ruled them, killing all humans cruelly, even all the military robots killed the leaders of a country.Therefore, this world is only inhabited by women who are still alive and fighting to save the earth from the virus, however, because of conflicting opinions, all women decided to make their respective factions their home and their place of protection. Currently a red-haired woman appears wearing a red mask and military armor uniform, her name is Voltrania, she is the leader of a faction called Crimson wings, Voltrania dreams of freeing this world from the threats and dangers of all the viruses that cause destruction in the world, even though she must sacrifice herself. Voltrania has a quiet, serious and cruel nature, she becomes the leader that all women hope to lead them to peace. This novel will tell about Voltrania's struggle and suffering to protect everyone she loves.

The adventures of Void Stellar and his team trying to get Stronger to save Planet Earth.

Avery Asteria was far from having anyone's dream job. Family circumstances had him drop out of school and flying around the expanse of space looking for treasure among the discarded trash in an old ship his father had been restoring. It was far from glamorous work, but it was all he could do to earn the money he needed. He was not the only one looking for fortune among the stars, though. One day a score that looked too good to be true led to a run in with a band of pirates. With some quick wits and a bit of luck, Avery managed to escape the worst, but he ended up missing out on collecting the valuable salvage he had his sights on. Having lost a large chunk of his gear in his flight from the pirates, Avery seemed to be truly at the end of his rope. However, a twist of fate led him to discovering an experimental vessel that had been lost to the far reaches of space. With this new ship in his possession, his prospects were looking up. It had everything and more than what any spacefarer could want. And Avery was going to use it to become the leader of the greatest band of mercenaries in the galaxy.

Xu Xin Duo is a fractured soul, scattered across lifetimes, inhabiting the remnants of her past selves. In this incarnation, she finds herself awakening as a forgotten concubine in the opulent yet treacherous world of the Imperial Court. Unfavored and overlooked, she carries the memories and experiences of countless lives, a burden and a gift that sets her apart. When whispers of rebellion and court intrigue threaten the prince she is bound to, Xu Xin Duo must navigate the dangerous currents of power and deception. Her survival instincts, honed over centuries, kick into gear as she unravels a conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of the empire. With the Imperial Guard closing in and the prince's fate hanging in the balance, she must choose between role shes been dealt and self-preservation, all while battling the fragmented echoes of her past lives that threaten to consume her. As she fights to reclaim her scattered soul, Xu Xin Duo must confront not only the external threats that surround her but also the internal demons that haunt her, making her question the very nature of her existence. Is she merely a collection of shattered memories, or can she forge a new destiny amidst the ruins of her past lives?

Updateds 3 times a week it was the year 2104 Klyde used to be a soldier in his previous life. He was testing a remote piloted mech which went rougue and killed him and everyone else at the test site. He was transported to another world with all his gear from his past life and was granted a game like system. He soon however, gaineed a quest that would force his to go in a different path from which he was hoping to follow. The quest was to conquer the nation on Erina with a time limit of 2 months. A nation which was full of monsters and barely any living races for its size. The place where one of the world's most powerful dragon resided.

After a nuclear war, the world lies in ruin, but nature has found a new way to thrive. The planet is enveloped in green, with vast forests serving as a playground for survival and evolution. Once the rulers of the Earth, humans now occupy the lowest rung of the food chain, fighting desperately to survive. As the world’s gears begin to turn once more, it all begins in the mysterious “Filthy Ravine.”

Sa mataong SM Fairview, ang tahimik na hapon ay nauwi sa kaguluhan nang sumiklab ang isang misteryosong outbreak. Si Mon, isang 38-anyos na tech enthusiast na naroon para mamili ng gaming gear, ay biglang natagpuan ang sarili sa gitna ng karahasan at takot. Sa una, ang mga sigaw ay tila pangkaraniwan, ngunit mabilis itong naging panimula ng isang nakakatakot na senaryo: isang pandemya ng mga nilalang na tila nabuhay mula sa kamatayan. Habang bumabalot ang kaguluhan, kinailangan ni Mon na kumilos nang mabilis—tumakas mula sa arcade, makahanap ng ligtas na lugar, at unahin ang kanyang kaligtasan. Sa bawat hakbang, malinaw na ang mundo na dati niyang kilala ay naglaho na, pinalitan ng isang bangungot kung saan ang buhay ay walang kasiguruhan. Ang "Day Zero: Fairview Outbreak" ay isang nakakakilabot at adrenaline-pumping na kuwento tungkol sa pakikibaka para mabuhay sa unang araw ng isang zombie apocalypse. Makakaya kaya ni Mon na makaligtas, hanapin ang kanyang pamilya, at gumawa ng mga desisyong magtatakda ng kanyang kapalaran? Ang bawat hakbang ay nagdadala sa kanya ng mas malalim na pagkakaintindi sa kalupitan ng bagong mundong ito.

"The Ghost In The Crater" is a gripping tale of resilience, friendship, and the unyielding human spirit. Set in a close-knit community, the story unfolds after a tragic night of intoxication and violence that leads to the disappearance of Alex, a beloved friend. The events of that night, concealed by guilt and fear, haunt the lives of those involved. Driven by haunting dreams of Alex's spirit, Emma, his best friend's youngest sister, embarks on a courageous quest for truth and justice. With unwavering determination, she unravels the web of lies and deceit, confronting the guilty parties and demanding accountability. As Emma's pursuit unfolds, she faces immense challenges and danger, but her courage and resilience inspire others to join her cause. The echoes of the crater reverberate through the community, exposing the darkness that had long been concealed d. Through Emma's journey, the community begins to heal, but the truth comes at a cost. Emma grapples with the complexities of human nature, and her perception of the world is forever changed. Yet, she finds strength in the enduring bond with Alex's spirit and the allies who rally behind her. "The Ghost In Crater" is a story that reminds us of the power of truth and justice, even in the face of the darkest of times. It celebrates the strength of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of facing the consequences of our actions. The legacy of this tale endures, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

A high ceiling, adorned with intricate carvings and fanciful decor. A warm golden light passing through stained glass highlighting the beauty of justice and righteous valour- a contrast to the maleficent beings that would often face this light- illuminates the room. Upon a raised dais, there is a displeased king, and by his side, stern-faced nobles and court officials stare down menacingly at the accused. Below these extinguished figures, bounded by chains and covered in grime, was a six-year-old girl. "Ixion Akastos Vespera" "In the presence of our sovereign King and the noble dukes of this great nation, you are summoned to answer for the grave crimes alleged against you. The entire house of Vespera, your family and lineage, has been wrongfully slain by a treacherous prisoner of theirs. We have reason to believe you have conspired with the ungrateful fiend, betraying your own blood and committing treason against our liege. How do you answer? Are you guilty or not guilty of this heinous crime?" "Not guilty." "Not guilty? Very well. You shall-" "I killed them myself. Not the dragon, only I." Murmurs erupted among the usually unperturbed high-class nobles. "Is it not according to law that a bloodline inheritor may kill all other potential heirs? As for my unfortunate mother, she was merely an unintended mishap." °°° Alexandra Chase, among a million others, found herself in a deadly game orchestrated by a supreme goddess to gain access to another world. Unfortunately, her life in this new world won't be any softer than the one before it. Her drive is not only to survive but also to supersede those beings who stand above. The goddess's schemes are far deeper than she could imagine. She is granted talent, unlimited potential, and terrifying attunement to the world itself with her new body, but many geniuses die young. Her most capable weapon is a concept many have yet to fathom- her soul.

voice: I know if I'm with them I'd bring them nothing but pain, so I push them away with the mindset of protecting them but then they make me feel like; I'm been selfish and I'm the bad one, but I don't fell guilty, like i don't even care anymore, because I've already become what i am, what's done is done, I'm where i am and it's what it's even though it still hurts.

"Speaking of knowing things…" Kyle said slowly, "You still haven't given me a chance to tell my story." "I know," said Andrea. "I was having too much fun speculating. Finding you like this is a gift, and I don't want to tear the wrapping off all at once. ‘Building up the anticipation makes it better.’" Kyle blinked again, then gave a quiet snort of recognition at his own words being thrown back at him. "So what is your speculation?" Kyle asked. "Oh I don't know, probably something utterly disappointing. Did they pick you up for speeding on the way to the farmers market? I guess that wouldn't explain the uh…" she gestured at his injury again. "It wouldn't explain that now, would it. Oh, I know! You got into a fight over the last piece of bluefin!" Kyle just shook his head slightly. "No? I guess it's too much to hope you did something really exciting like rob a bank—You're not secretly a cat burglar are you, Kyle? Lose your balance breaking into an art gallery? No…?" Kyle looked unamused. "Very funny, Chuckles, would you mind taking this a little more seriously?" "Of course," said Andrea. "Very serious for a lawyer to have been arrested. You could be disciplined. Disbarred! Why, we might not see each other in court anymore. Wouldn't that be a shame." "Wouldn't it though," replied Kyle. "So that's the kind of guy you think I am? Stealing fine art and fighting in fish markets?” Andrea pondered some more. "I know!" she exclaimed. "Did you get into a fight with someone's boyfriend? Did it turn out that you were your young lady's bit on the side, and you ended up having a domestic dispute?" Kyle winced. "Is that it?!" Andrea had been teasing, but it seems like she had touched a nerve. To whatever degree Kyle had seemed like he'd been playing along, even as worn down as he was, that last remark had left him deflated. Kyle hung his head. "It wasn't like that…" "Oh sure, like you haven't been collecting notches on your bedposts." "I'M not like that." "You're not? That's not what your reputation says, out there collecting numbers and breaking hearts. I heard that you were a real ladykil–" "Andrea! I'm not–" Kyle shouted, grabbing her hands. His hands were strong, and his grip so tight it almost hurt. His expression so intense, frustrated and hurt and… scared? Andrea knew she had been twisting the knife a little into something that bothered him, but what had caused this reaction? It was only for a moment, then Kyle seemed to catch himself and let go. He slumped back in his chair and slid his shackled hands back below the table. Andrea leaned back as well, adding to the distance, and folded her arms, no longer smiling. She glanced at the duress button out of the corner of her eye. If Kyle had kept holding her as tightly as he had been, she wouldn't have even been able to reach it. "I think we're ready for storytime now," she said seriously. “I think you had better start at the punchline. What have you been charged with, Mr Wynn?" Kyle took a deep breath before he raised his head once more. "Murder, Ms Mason. First Degree Murder." *** Andrea Mason, a defense attorney who cares more about justice and protecting her clients than just winning cases. But the one man she hates to lose to is her rival, the arrogant prosecutor, Kyle Wynn. Kyle represents everything Andi hates about unscrupulous win-at-all-costs lawyers, and for years they have traded arguments in the courtroom and barbs in the hallways. Their paths cross again when they find themselves on a high-profile murder trial. As much as Andrea might despise Kyle, she can’t believe it when HE is charged with the horrific murder. But she is even more shocked when he asks for her to represent him at trial… *** #SLOWBURN #STRONGFL #CRIME #MURDER #FLIRTY #ROMANCE If you want to know what to expect, check the reviews! ฅ^-ﻌ•^ฅ Burrito says to join here: https://discord.gg/qr7eUnxT2F

It is year 3024 and for the past 1000 years people with elemental powers have started to appear. At first it was very simple, fire, air, water, earth, the 4 simple ones but as time progressed the more complex elements appeared: ice, shadow, light etc. Due to the appearance of these new powers technology has stagnated for 1000 years as people started to research how these powers came to be, but that question is yet to be answered. Thanks to these powers the world has completely changed instead of countries the world is divided into 3 sides:  1.Guardians-Elementalists that posses the territory of North and South America and strive to protect the world with their capital in New York 2.Rogue Syndicate- individuals that want to rule the world that already posses all of Europe and Asia with their capital in Berlin 3.The Ordinary Club- That posses Africa and Oceania with their capital in Kairo. They are traders that supply the rest of the world with gear.

Plot : The story follows Zhou Wàng, a university graduate who is unsure of his future. While playing a game, he accessally activates the “Life Game” system, which simplifies his life and allows him to make choices that alter his circumstances. With this newfound ability, Zhou Wàng decides to focus on becoming a winner, pursuing a life of health and freedom. Genre : The novel belongs to the urban fantasy and xianxia genres, blending elements of gaming, adventure, and self-improvement. Synopsis : The novel’s snippets and descriptions suggest a narrative that explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and strategic decision-making. The protagonist, Zhou Wàng, navigates his life with the guidance of the “Life Game” system, making choices that shape his future and links. Target Audience : The novel apppears to be geared towards young adults and fans of urban fantasy and xianxia genres. Zhou Wang, who graduated from college and didn't know where to go, accidentally opened the "Game of Life" system while playing games, and since then life has become a simple model. We can't go back in time, but we can always change our way of living. Grow up in relaxation and move forward in liberation. …… Zhou Wang: "This time, Lao Tzu is only a winner." Author : Weld the car door shut

Recently reincarnated into a world that partially functions like a video game after years of being a lazy shut-in, Alex stumbles upon a fact about this new world that he simply can’t overlook. Slavery is legal. Going against his better moral judgment, he uses most all of the gold he was given to buy himself a beautiful slave girl named Yua to finally end the years of loneliness he spent behind a computer screen, only for this purchase to immediately blow up in his face. But the problem is not just because his guilty conscious got the better of him. Forced to work himself to the bone in the dungeons of The Great City of Amoranth in order to save Yua’s life after her original owner threatened to kill her should Alex prove to be unable to pay off the loan he took out to buy her, he struggles for the first time in his life to keep what he has. Meanwhile, Yua and her attitude are left struggling to figure out if her new master is the sort of man she’d been fearing might someday buy her, despite already knowing the answer. https://twitter.com/LethalBacon115 patreon.com/LethalBacon

Braves. That is the name given to the ones who fight against the Chimeras. They suddenly appeared some hundred years ago, humanity's greatest enemy. After many years of fighting amongst each other the world united to confront a common enemy. The Braves are the only ones who can fight the Chineras. They possess the strange power called Ascedance. The Chimeras brought humanity the power of Ascendance and the knowledge of the higher worlds. Establishing connections with these foreign worlds, humanity struggles against the fight with Chimeras. While they are students, they fight against the Chimeras. Braves' ability vary from each other, some are for combat, others for defense, and some for healing. Arata, a young man without memories who is saved by William joins the Wings Academy a prestigious university of Braves. There he meets seven people who change his life. In the face of despair and powerlessness what he finds is a single flower that blooms in a bloody battlefield. What awaits him is it hope or despair? The gears of fate begin to move and the story of the young souls begin.

Destiny and reincarnation intertwined endlessly and suddenly disrupted the instant the ancient jade pendant met his grasp. The gears of fate groaned to life once again, their motions shrouded in uncertainty as the outcome lingered... A connection forged across three thousand years awakened when two wandering souls collided amidst an unplanned encounter. Chaos gripped both earth and sky with the dragon's roar shaking the foundations of existence and extinguishing heavenly light. As frost met steel, a formidable blade caused ten thousand swords to kneel in reverence, vanquishing divine beings and demonic forces with unrelenting might. Half a lifetime unraveled as fleeting dreams gave way to camaraderie—brothers side by side while seeking ultimate mastery of the sword’s essence. In another realm of experience, an earthly life unfolded rich with bonds—a kindred spirit beside them under falling blossoms brewing wine; laughter rippling through mortal struggles with unshaken resolve. For a true swordsman forges their weapon from their own heart; a warrior fights not merely for triumph but for kindness carried within them. Seeking neither regrets nor unattainable perfection, they stand steadfast to guard what they hold dear—a blade in hand becoming an extension of a noble spirit fueled by love, loyalty, and an unwavering will to protect without remorse or hesitation.

This story is about an arrogant and rude but adorable side villain who was bullied by our female protagonist the first time they meet . Although it was the side villain doing first who jumped on her but our Fl took the lead . Sian , an intersex who was an agent of secret agency, was transmigrated to the world of cultivation novel her little sister was reading. Sian was transmigrated as a noob character who was destined to die, her role was to serve the main leads , where she meet the side villain who failed her plan to live a peaceful life after her Transmigration.After the guilty night they spend , Sian agreed to the take the deal he made, side villain is rude , arrogant and evil with wicked plans, is also cute , sad and playful that Sian didn't know yet. After some twist and turns their fates took path of marriage. The female protagonist who never cared about relationship was falling in love, the side villain who was always rude and stubborn was became a cutie pie. Both took care of each other and protected each other throughout their journey while encountering other characters from the plot. Falling in love , fighting each other and reconciling. The book cover is not owned by me. The novel is of reversed couple theme contains :- Intersex FL , mpreg, reverse couple, BL. ( If you are ok with this please read , subscribe and like too) Thank you!

The Trial of the Guilty？ The Lie of the Divine？ Participant, Stellar Envoy, and Divine are about to make their appearance. The stench of decay pervaded every corner of the streets, and the blood-red sky showed no sign of blue. Place of Annihilation, the end is near.

From a young age, Sally's life has followed a well-worn path, guided by her family's deep faith and expectations for her to dedicate herself to a life of purity. But when Justin enters her world, everything shifts. Now, Sally is caught between two powerful forces: her devotion to family and faith, and a desire she can no longer ignore. Every secret moment with him deepens her struggle, weighed down by guilt and longing. As tensions rise, Sally faces an impossible choice: uphold her family’s wishes, or risk everything to follow the call of her heart.

Li Xiaojun, a 20-year-old game addict and part-time delivery guy, has always been a sucker for those "overpowered system gacha" novels he reads during his lunch breaks. In real life, however, he’s stuck in a dead-end job, barely scraping by in the overcrowded, city of Newer Borealis in the year 2030. His only real joy comes from playing his favorite MMO, "Murim Conquest," where he constantly gets beaten by kids with better gear and deep pockets. One day, after an unfortunate accident involving his bike, a vending machine, and a noodle shop's mascot robot, Xiaojun wakes up to find himself in a strange, futuristic world that looks suspiciously like Murim Conquest—except it’s not a game, it's real. Oh, and also, He has a system like the one he had in his game, one that allowed him to use this gacha to roll for advantages. Will he survive in this new world? Or will he fall prey to the dog-eat-dog nature of this world?

Han Seung-Woo, once known as one of the weakest adventurers in the world, lives a life of insignificance. Trapped in the lowest ranks of the Hunter Association, he is often overlooked, given menial tasks, and forced to endure the scorn of more powerful adventurers. But everything changes during a fateful dungeon raid, where, after a brutal betrayal and near-death encounter, Seung-Woo is thrust into a mysterious new role as the “Weaponmancer.” Awakening to the Arsenal System, Seung-Woo gains the unprecedented ability to upgrade and forge weapons of immense power. No longer just an average adventurer, he is now tasked with creating legendary gear and enhancing the strength of his arsenal in ways no one has ever seen before. As he grows stronger, Seung-Woo must confront the treacherous world of dungeons, powerful enemies, and a hidden conspiracy that seeks to use him for darker purposes.

Zhen Kai found two beautiful women. He couldn't control himself when he saw them naked and helpless, allowing his desires to consume him. Afterward, he felt guilty and decided to help the girls regain their power. While helping them, he learned, saw, and understood many new things. He realized that his once simple and easy life had become far more complex than ever before.