Batman Steel Of Hope

Waking up inside the ruins of an orphanage, Alexander finds himself chained and sold to slavery. A modern metallurgist, trapped in ancient times, watch as he tries to play with the cards fate dealt him. He will make plate armor, invent paper, build roads, teach governance and many more, as he tries to carve a place for himself. But how can such things not attract jealous eyes? The naval superpower- Cantagena, The unstoppable army of- Exolas, The superpower of the east- Adhania, The mercantile confederation- Sybarsis, The religious fanatics- Iyizarid, And the ever-present- Barbarians of the Barren Forrest, All want something from each other. In this ocean of sharks, follow a small carp as it struggles to leap through the dragon gate and establish a dynasty to outlast them all. The cover is not mine. If you are the owner of this cover, comment and I will remove it.

Is Magic really just a wish machine? No! In a universe where Magic truly exists, the ultimate nature of Magic must be as simple and aesthetically pleasing as the laws of physics. This is the story of a mass-produced magical war tool who learned the ultimate nature of Magic. But what of it? Just as birds can fly without understanding aerodynamics, magicians can use Magic without grasping its ultimate nature. Learning the ultimate nature of Magic doesn't mean the tool can instantly transform into a great magician. But yearning for knowledge is a human instinct, and curiosity is the primary driving force of human civilization. Even for Magic, which should seemingly defy explanation, humans hope to understand its inherent operational laws. The pursuit of Magic's ultimate nature requires no reason! The story in this book takes place in an era where steel and gunpowder dance together. Here, firearms are on the rise; armor remains the main character; military theory is changing rapidly, with endless innovations in systems and techniques. And this world has something more than ours: Magic. The world is undergoing a profound transformation, and no one can remain detached from it...

A child who has experienced the death of a parents and bullying from classmates, living a difficult life alone in the world, and always holding kindness and hope, ultimately achieving academic success, love, and new family

a world were the favoured rule while the unfavoured crawl across the ground. faith is a power in this world the heavens,hell or neutral all fight for authority and faith. Follow the protagonist as he finds a path to take control of his destiny away from the chains that cripple his life. a path of efforts,belief,truth and hope. pather: we hear what you say, hope you don't mind joining us in this interactive story.

why,why does everybody hate me....... why did everybody leave me alone......Am i that bad.... Aisha had never thought that her life would be like this. Aisha never asked for anything except love. Her life is like the night of new moon night where there is no light.pain and pain..nothing was left except pain. what a life... .................................................................................................................... Hoping for support on my first novel. comments are well appreciated!

Bound in chains yet yearning for freedom, Alpheo, a modern historian, finds himself enslaved in a land on the brink of chaos. As the empire of Rolmia plunges into civil war following the death of the emperor , his three ambitious sons vie for the throne. In the midst of this turmoil, Alpheo finds the chance to break his chain and escape, leading his companions into the ashes of war, trying to thrive in it, selling their swords to the highest bidder . But beyond the borders of Rolmia, hungry eyes watch as the empire's grip loosens. The Sultanate of Azania, ever the opportunist, sees a chance to expand its domain and influence , while to the south, neighboring principalities breathe a sigh of relief as the once-dominant giant stumbles and falters. In the sea, the confederation of the Free Isle finds their chance to restore their old maritime power , denied to them by an empire that is now crumbling beneath itself , lacking the strenght to stop them. In this crucible of conflict, where dynasties crumble and empires fall, Alpheo find his call and the chance to forge his own destiny amidst the ashes of empires. ----------------

Foreign wish, scrambled dream. I know her wish, but does she know mine? A twilight that begins in school, bringing with it cryptic secrets. Do I really want to know... The true nature of this place? A simple story of a hero and a demon king.

Five years ago, Sirah made a heart-wrenching decision to end her budding relationship with Dimahom after only three months of dating. Though deeply in love, she believed their frequent arguments and her personal ambitions were insurmountable obstacles. Convinced that Dimahom was a distraction from her dreams of exploring the world, she ghosted him, leaving without a trace. Now, having lived her dream life of travel and adventure, Sirah is ready to return home to her family and a more settled life. As she prepares for her journey back, memories of Dimahom flood her mind. Despite the passage of time and their long separation, her feelings for him remain strong. Dimahom, on the other hand, has never quite moved on from Sirah. Her sudden departure left a void in his heart, and he often wonders about her, even after all these years. As fate would have it, their paths are about to cross once again. Returning to her hometown, Sirah is faced with the reality of her choices and the impact they've had on those she left behind. Amidst family reunions and the warmth of home, she unexpectedly encounters Dimahom. The spark between them is undeniable, but so are the unresolved issues and the pain of their past. In this heartfelt and poignant tale, Sirah and Dimahom must navigate their complicated history and rekindle their connection. Will they be able to overcome their past misunderstandings and arguments? Can they find a way to build a future together, or will the memories of their brief yet intense romance remain just that—memories? "Hope Tomorrow is Ours" is a story of love, self-discovery, and the courage to face the past in order to embrace the future.

"Who are you?" "I am your husband." "No, my husband hates me to the point that he hasn't slept in the same bed as me for years. He avoids me, recoils at my touch, and finds every excuse to stay away. But you... you show me love and affection. You are not the man I married."

Love of Fortune and Steel is a historical fantasy that weaves together romance, comedy, adventure, and the clash of worlds. James, a modern-day banker with an unwavering passion for history, experiences an extraordinary transformation during a routine museum visit. A mysterious supernatural force transmigrates him into a parallel medieval realm—a world familiar yet distinctly altered with its own unique nations, rulers, customs, and the presence of mana, a mystical energy that enhances martial prowess. In this enigmatic land, James encounters Bisera, a formidable and strikingly beautiful general of the Vakerian Empire, locked in a desperate struggle against the powerful Gillyrian Empire. Utilizing items granted by the supernatural entity, James saves Bisera’s life. Grateful and believing him to be a divine emissary sent by the Universal Spirit in response to her prayer, Bisera invites James to join her in defending the Vakerian Empire. As two souls isolated by their disparate worlds, a profound romance swiftly ignites between them. However, Bisera’s devout faith and the heavy burden of her responsibilities compel her to restrain their relationship, fearing that any overt passion might conflict with her duties and incur the wrath of the Universal Spirit, condemning their souls and the Vakerian Empire to ruin. James, enthralled by Bisera’s personality and talent, finds himself irresistibly drawn to her, yet frustrated by the invisible barriers she maintains. The vast differences in their worldviews and customs, coupled with James’s determination to return to his own world—an eventuality that might irrevocably separate them—act as chains on their blossoming love. With his modern knowledge and items, along with Bisera’s reliance on him, James quickly becomes an invaluable asset to the Vakerian Empire. However, this also makes him a target of Vakerian court politics and Gillyrian diplomacy. Their bond is further tested with the arrival of Saralta, a bold and free-spirited cavalry commander from the Vakerian steppes. In stark contrast to Bisera’s reserved and devout nature, Saralta pursues James with unbridled confidence and charm, challenging Bisera’s deeply held beliefs. Saralta’s liberal approach to love ignites a complex and often comical love triangle, forcing Bisera to confront her fear of losing James to Saralta’s advances and her greater dread of endangering their souls should they succumb to their feelings. As the Gillyrian onslaught intensifies, James, Bisera, and Saralta are swept into a maelstrom of love, duty, and faith. Bisera grapples with her unwavering sense of duty and steadfast faith, torn by the love that binds her to James. Saralta oscillates between the allure of freedom and the demands of propriety. Meanwhile, James must navigate his deep emotional devotion to Bisera and his fiery physical attraction to Saralta, all while striving to find a way between the two worlds before losing them both.

Kael Veyne was nothing but a recluse wasting away in the comfort of his room, drowning in stories of heroes and villains while avoiding the real world. But when he’s suddenly thrown into a world of war, magic, and bloodshed, survival becomes his only goal. Lost in a world where magic reigns and warriors carve their names into history, Kael finds himself at the bottom of the food chain weak, talentless, and disposable.

Emperor Arvon: The Imperial legions reign supreme across the mainland. Mighty Orc Chieftain: Each warrior of our tribe wields the strength of ten. King of Sylvan Enclave: Our forest rangers boast an unerring aim. Head of the Alliance of Azure Bay: Our combined fleet commands unrivaled dominance over the seas. The Enigmatic Society: The foretold era is on the brink of dawn. Paul : I don't single out anyone. All present here lack merit. watch as Paul embark on the journey where firearms and cannons triumph over the realm with limited magical influence...

Dear Readers, Before diving into the story synopsis, let me introduce you to an exciting world of interconnected tales, each exploring different themes and ultimately coming together in a grand narrative. Welcome to the Shadowverse: An Epic Interconnected Universe I’m thrilled to introduce you to the Shadowverse, an expansive and experimental universe where stories and characters are deeply interconnected. Within this universe, I’ve created three distinct narratives, each with its own rich journey and character development. While each story concludes with a proper and satisfying ending, they all contribute to a grander narrative that reaches its peak in the final chapters of Rebirth of Hope. 1. Rebirth of Hope (Fantasy and Adventure: New Tropes) In a fractured world, powerful bloodlines clash in a deadly tournament to rebuild the Alderson Disk, Earth’s last hope for survival. As alliances shift and rivalries intensify, a prophecy looms, foretelling a savior who will guide humanity’s fate. The future of Earth hangs in the balance as the tournament unfolds. 2. Shadow Ascension (Villain) Delve into the rise of darkness within the Shadowverse as ambitious figures seize power through any means necessary. This story explores the motivations and machinations of those who will stop at nothing to reshape the world in their image, setting the stage for an epic confrontation. 3. The Obsidian Voyage (System) Embark on a daring journey across uncharted realms as explorers seek the lost secrets of an ancient civilization. The stakes are high, as the knowledge they uncover could either save their world or doom it, with every decision impacting the broader Shadowverse. Throughout these tales, you’ll discover references and connections between the stories, which I will highlight in the chapters where they appear. These connections weave a complex and engaging web that leads to a thrilling conclusion in the Shadowverse. I hope you enjoy this new experimental concept as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it. Your support and feedback are invaluable as we explore this universe together! Welcome to the Shadowverse where every story matters, and where your adventure is just beginning. Story Synopsis: In a future where Earth lies in ruins, the destruction of the Alderson Disk has left the planet shattered, with half of it uninhabitable. The remaining half is divided into 14 nations, each ruled by powerful bloodlines with unique abilities tied to ancient weapons. These bloodlines have governed their lands for centuries, but survival is becoming increasingly difficult as resources dwindle and the wasteland encroaches. The only hope lies in a prophecy that foretells the Reborn Disk, a tournament to choose a warrior who will guide humanity in reconstructing the Alderson Disk. However, there is a lingering fear that the prophecy might be wrong, and the chosen warrior could be the very force of pure evil that leads to destruction instead. Thorne Malrath, a warrior from the Malrath bloodline, is skeptical of this prophecy but finds himself thrust into the tournament, where the stakes are higher than ever. Beyond the shattered lands live the Outlanders, non-bloodline survivors who have mastered science and technology. They seek to rebuild the Alderson Disk for their own survival, leading to a clash of ideologies with the bloodline warriors. As both groups race to gather the vast resources needed, they must confront ancient secrets, deadly creatures, and the vast challenges that lie ahead. The story follows Thorne, King Tiberius, Olivia, Garek,Lucien, and other powerful warriors as they navigate a world where science and magic collide. They must unite with the Outlanders to rebuild the Alderson Disk, but mistrust and old grudges threaten their fragile alliance. With the future of Earth hanging in the balance, the final battle will determine whether the world is reborn or falls into chaos.

In the distant future, the last remnants of humanity survive in floating megacities above a war-torn Earth, ravaged by rogue AI war machines. The only thing keeping civilization from total annihilation is the Aegis Corps, an elite force of mecha pilots armed with advanced ExoFrames—giant humanoid combat machines designed to counter the AI threat. Sixteen-year-old Leon Vance never wanted to be a soldier, but when his brother vanishes during a classified Aegis mission, he is forced to enlist in the academy, hoping to uncover the truth. What he doesn't expect is to bond with an experimental ExoFrame, "Thanatos," an outlawed prototype designed for one purpose: destruction. With rogue AI forces evolving beyond human understanding and conspiracies brewing within the highest ranks of Aegis, Leon finds himself at the center of a battle that will determine the fate of both mankind and machine. Will he become the hero the world needs, or will Thanatos consume him first?

In a world where medieval castles stand alongside neon-lit cyberpunk cityscapes, two young souls embark on a journey that will test the limits of hope in the darkest of times. Daglan and Rozeree, adopted siblings with intertwined fates, set out across a continent teeming with diverse races and conflicting technologies. As they grow from innocent children to battle-hardened teenagers, their paths diverge but remain connected by the shadows of their past. Rozeree, haunted by trauma she can't escape, seeks to forge her own identity in a world that seems determined to define her. Meanwhile, Daglan is driven by a singular purpose: to avenge his parents' murder and rescue his long-lost sister from the clutches of darkness. But in this realm where swords clash with holograms and magic mingles with machinery, nothing is as simple as it seems. As Daglan closes in on his parents' killer, he must confront not only the demons of his past but also the harsh realities of a world where hope struggles to survive. Will Daglan find justice and redemption? Can Rozeree outrun her demons and claim her own destiny? Or will the darkness that threatens to consume them both prove too powerful to overcome? Dive into this dark fantasy where medieval lore collides with futuristic innovation, and discover whether the flame of hope can truly endure in the face of unimaginable adversity.

War casts its shadow over the Republic of Nuukormit. The sands of the Aemitan deserts bleed into the snowy lands, drowning them in anguish and despair. A Quneq commander, enslaved after failing to defend his homeland, must carve a path back from the farthest reaches of the world. To free his people, he will wield ice and steel—or perish in the attempt.

This is a world where pain is someone else's pleasure, and pleasure sometimes leads to the worst pain. This is a dystopian world where the kingdom of Orin, a large kingdom that rules across seas of land, protects itself from the outside world by its large walls--known as the Iron of Orin. It's been decades since the people of the kingdom have even heard of stories of other's venturing outside of the wall--what's beyond it? What is the kingdom hiding so ruthlessly that it's forbidden to cross over to the other side? One man is quite curious of the wonders and evils that await beyond that wall, but he has other worries to--well--worry about. Introducing Alaric William Smith, a man known to be one of the greatest inventors of his generation. He's tall, smart, handsome, a bit mad (as inventors usually are), and a pocket full of sunshine that grabs the attention of many. Only problem is, he ends of receiving the attention of the dark Mage of the Tower, Maggie, who yearns for his love and hand in marriage, something he really doesn't want to give, yet may have to if Maggie earns the King and Queen's blessing. Desperate for a solution, Alaric needs to find a way out if this situation, and fast. Oddly enough, it just so happens that Madam Bigod, a woman known for her unamused expression and callous nature, offers him a deal--persuade her pure son to indulge in romance with Alaric, and she'll bestow upon him any desire Alaric wishes. Oh, there is a bit of another problem that leaves Alaric in a bit of a pinch--it so happens that Madam Bigod isn't talking about her eldest son Cedar, but her youngest, Joan, Commander of the White Lilies and known to be the most coldest, ruthless man in the kingdom. Alaric has a lot on his plate, and it starts with capturing the steel heart of Commander Joan Agnes Bigod.

Upload both wattpad and webnovel “Summoned to another world, Jack was meant to be a hero. Instead, he forged an empire.” In a world ruled by knights, magic, and divine warriors, Jack refuses to follow tradition. Armed with advanced technology, military strategy, and unyielding ambition, he builds The Celestial Imperium—a nation where progress surpasses prophecy, and power is forged through innovation. But the world does not welcome change. The Holy Kingdom fears his rise. Demon warlords lurk in the shadows. Ancient factions scheme against him. As enemies close in and war erupts, Jack faces one undeniable truth: To survive, his empire must dominate—or be destroyed. Published Jan 20 2025 Old title: The Exiled Sovereign: A world of Heroes and Machine Please reach out if you have any suggestion or comment.

A time traveler ends up in Batman's world and becomes Batman. He finds out that every time someone dies, he gets stronger. To protect the world, will he become a better hero or a ruthless killer who lets violence fuel his power?

This planet is home not only to humans but also to countless other races: beasts, elves, vampires, dwarves, and many more. Beyond these sentient beings, there are animals that have undergone mutations—creatures known as monsters or mutants. When these monsters are killed, they vanish without a trace, leaving behind no bodies, no corpses, and no lingering scent. This mysterious world is called Cronos . At the heart of this tale is a young man named Lucferre Caelum , who dreams of bringing peace to Cronos—a world where monsters no longer terrorize humanity, where people can travel freely without fear, and where life unfolds in harmony. Unlike most, Lucferre possesses an extraordinary ability: he can see the dark mist enveloping the monsters. However, when he tries to share this truth, no one believes him—not even his childhood friend, who outright denies his claims. By the age of sixteen, Lucferre had already joined the military. By twenty-three, he rose to become a first-class squadron leader—an elite soldier with the rank of Major. His journey takes a dramatic turn when he is tasked with escorting the Prime Minister to the city of Nubesturrim . What was supposed to be a simple mission quickly spirals into disaster when a colossal dragon-like creature appears, throwing everything into chaos. Lucferre loses consciousness during the ordeal and awakens in a wooden hut deep within an uncharted forest. It is here that Lucferre learns the horrifying truth: all of this destruction is the work of Demons . Determined to restore balance, he resolves to eliminate the Demons plaguing various regions, weakening their influence before confronting the strongest Demon of them all. Along the way, Lucferre meets new allies who reignite his hope, proving that his dream of peace is no longer just a distant fantasy. “I will help you,” one ally declares. “I will stand by your side until the end of our days.” Throughout his journey, Lucferre receives guidance from Goddesses and Angels alike. Even his childhood friend joins him as a trusted comrade, shouting, “Count me in—I’m fighting alongside you!” There is also someone who has waited for him for centuries: “Since the day you were born, I have been by your side. From afar, I watched you grow day by day, week by week, year by year… until the moment you fell from the skies…” But Lucferre’s path is far from easy. As he battles the forces of darkness, he faces betrayal from unexpected quarters. A false deity accuses the real Goddesses, sneering, “She is nothing but a Demon, just like the man standing before you. Why risk your lives for her? Kill her before it’s too late.” When Lucferre demands to know who this voice belongs to, it answers with chilling pride: “…I am God.” Among the challenges Lucferre must face is a monstrous foe he encounters early in his journey—a creature so powerful that he knows he will have to confront it again in the future. Betrayal cuts deep, shaking Lucferre to his core. “…Why did you succumb to the darkness?” he cries out. “Why didn’t you fight back before it was too late?” Yet, despite the betrayals and hardships, Lucferre refuses to give up. He presses forward, driven by his unwavering determination to achieve his dream. The future, once foreseen by the Goddesses, has now become unpredictable. Lucferre must forge his own path, guided by his instincts and the prophecy that whispers of what he might accomplish if he succeeds. His ultimate goal remains unchanged: to create a peaceful world, free from the shadow of Demons.

After several months worked in the most craziest circumstances, fully pressure and consentration to pull The International Emporium Corp out of the crisis finally all become dust in one blink. The Feng Empire Corp had aqcuisitioned their company mercyless and brutal. Maximillian Feng, President of The FEC did not give them the slightest space to be negociated. Emporium was taken over in a lightening and lethal attack. Her father, Mr Kent Lim as the President of Emporium was defeated viciously. Known widely as a respected, cold-handed and skillful man in corporate and investment world, finally became a loser in one night. One week after aqcuisition he got heart attact and passed away cause of deeply depression and sadness His daughter, Aiden Lim ... stood alone in the world to challenge the demon king, Presiden of The FEC, Maximillian Feng. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. ........ The time arrived finally... !!! She faintly listening his step moved forward to the executive meeting room and the door opened slowly by her secretary. A handsome-evil looked like- man was entering the room with his dominant, aloof and arogant style. Stood in front her face to face like an ancient god, very powerful and aristrocratic at the same time who wanted to punish the sinner. She held her breath for awhile and gazed deeply into his. His piercing eyes met with her cold gaze sharply... and she realized that the battle would be continued through his domineering way. Cruel and heartless...!!!

**In a world where hunters fight monsters to survive, Vlad is the weakest of all — an F-rank hunter barely scraping by to support his family. Mocked, betrayed, and left for dead in a dungeon, he awakens the** **"Celestial Forge System,"** **a limitless power that lets him turn monsters into war machines and wield their abilities as his own.** **From rusty exosuits to star-forging fortresses, Vlad builds an unstoppable mechanical army. With every battle, he evolves — rising from a forgotten weakling to a Cosmic Machine God who bends reality itself. Yet, beneath his overwhelming strength lies a heart that beats for his family, and a budding love for Elaria, an elf princess destined to become a goddess of light.** **As gates to other worlds tear open and eldritch horrors threaten the universe, Vlad ascends beyond mortal limits. With divine wings of metal and a crown of stars, he faces cosmic annihilation with unwavering pride — not as a hunter, but as the sovereign of steel.** **"I am not a savior. I am creation itself. And I shall forge salvation with my own hands."**

Shreedha, a formidable gangster who runs business in twelve countries , is at the pinnacle of power when someone her own stabbed her back. In a shocking twist , she transported to a different world completely different from her ethnicity. But a queen is queen no matter the situation or world. What kind of challenges does she face? Would she be able to adapt to this new world while hiding onto the core of who she really is or will the trials of the new reality forces her to undergo a profound transformation? Join Shreedha on her journey of self discovery where she finds out what does it truly mean to be a queen unbound.

Billions have perished, leaving only a few million survivors. After his death, Eric is summoned to another world that has been nearly destroyed by corruption. The gods’ influence has all but vanished, and it is up to him to rally the remaining survivors, reclaim the land they lost, and restore the gods’ cathedrals. In doing so, he grows stronger, inching closer to awakening the gods from their eternal slumber. Time is running out. Not only are unimaginable abominations preparing to strike, but Eric faces a deadly challenge from within. His system, a mysterious force aiding him, comes with a dire warning: [WARNING] [Each time the system responds, it consumes host essence. When essence runs out, the host’s soul will perish along with the system.] [Recommendation: Communicate only when absolutely necessary.] [Current essence: 940] [1 essence = 1 word generated by the system.] [Choose your next words wisely.] ---------- If you’re brave enough to join us, the Abyss Watchers can be found here - https://discord.gg/3evkMwNyZC

A dying world, rotting from within. A boy cursed by it, yearning for freedom. Dragged into a game of divine deceit, Yuki Veritasis walks the path of Ascension—where hope is a sin, and survival demands sacrifice.

Once a failed tamer, Rivan died a pathetic death in his past life, unable to awaken his powers. But fate had other plans—when he opened his eyes again, he found himself in the body of Zeyren, an abandoned tamer scorned by the world. Armed with a mysterious system, a forgotten prophecy, and his unique Mechanic Master ability, Rivan can now fuse technology with monsters, transforming them into war machines—cars, planes, and weapons beyond imagination! But the world is far more dangerous than he remembers. The ruling powers fear the return of the one foretold in ancient prophecy—the Haunted Hunter who will shake the foundations of their rule. Assassins lurk in the shadows, ancient beasts stir from their slumber, and a mastermind watches from the darkness, waiting for his move. With his newfound strength, legendary beasts at his side, and vengeance burning in his heart, Rivan will carve his own legend. From the lowest depths to the pinnacle of power—he will prove them all wrong. Action | System | Monster Tamer | Evolution | Machine Master | OP MC | Hidden Identity New Chapters Every Day at 10:30 PM (IST)! Don't Forget to Add to Library & Drop Power Stones!q

HOPE is the only charge in us which enables us position at different aspects of LIFE. H- Happiness, O- Optimism, P- Purpose/Promise, E- Endurance. The Choices you make, make your life. Love is Hope, and hope is the reason why we are still living.

Kira Santos has one rule: never sleep with a Dominion operative. As the most successful smuggler in the Outer Rings, she's stayed alive by keeping Dominion forces—and their arrogant officers—far from her cargo hold and even further from her bed. Until Commander Julian Blake storms her ship during a routine "inspection," and her well-honed instincts scream that he's the most delicious danger she's ever encountered. Blake has spent three years hunting the infamous Santos across star systems, telling himself it's about justice and not his obsession with those defiant amber eyes and curves that haunt his dreams. Now, with her finally in his custody, he's shocked to discover the notorious criminal is even more intoxicating up close. The raw electricity between them threatens to short-circuit his sense of duty. When a rival syndicate targets them both, Kira and Blake are forced to forge an uneasy alliance. By day, they dodge assassins and navigate treacherous space lanes. By night, their verbal sparring explodes into a passion that leaves them both scorched. As the heat between them reaches unbearable levels, they'll have to decide what burns hotter—their need to maintain control, or their desperate hunger for each other. Sometimes the finest line in the galaxy is the one between surrendering to your enemy... and surrendering to desire.