Grimgal Of Ashes And Illusion

In the rain-soaked depths of Iron City, former soldier and private investigator Luka Cross is a shadow among shadows, trading in secrets and survival. When a routine job pulls him into the heart of a sinister conspiracy, Luka uncovers a syndicate hell-bent on transforming citizens into bio-augmented enforcers—stripping them of humanity, turning them into tools for corporate power. Forced to ally with Juno, a fierce hacker with her own vendetta, Luka plunges into Iron City’s dark underbelly, navigating betrayal, brutal tactics, and a twisted play for control. As alliances fracture and stakes escalate, Luka must confront his own past and decide how much of his soul he's willing to sacrifice to burn down the machine from within. In a city where every neon-lit corner hides a secret, survival isn’t just luck—it’s the fight to remember who you are before the shadows swallow you whole.

His expression was noxious, that bought me to my knees. It was turbulent, so was difficult to see anything through them. But I saw. I saw. Him. Maybe it was too late but I saw.

R18, smut, no YURI and no NTR ___ Sean is no ordinary being—he’s a half-human, half-beast god, a creature with unimaginable power and dominion over entire realms. For centuries, he’s ruled with an unbothered detachment, watching the lives of mortals and gods alike unfold beneath him. Yet, as time passes, the once unshakable thrill of power fades, leaving Sean restless and disillusioned. The weight of eternity is unbearable, and a strange, almost human curiosity begins to stir within him: What happens after a god dies? Tired of his immortal existence, Sean devises a bold plan to fake his own death. With the perfect deception in place, he disappears from the world he once ruled, leaving behind only whispers and rumors of his fall. He takes on the guise of a mortal, retreating into the human world to observe life from the other side—free from his divine responsibilities and the burden of omnipotence. As Sean navigates the complexities of mortal life, he is confronted with the raw emotions and struggles that he never fully understood as a god. Friendships, betrayals, love, loss, and the fleeting nature of existence become both a source of fascination and torment. Yet, there’s an underlying question that gnaws at him: Can a being like him truly die? As he grows closer to the mortals around him, Sean is forced to face the consequences of his actions and the limitations of his godhood, all while uncovering the truth about life, death, and what it really means to be free. In a world that believes him to be dead, Sean will discover that some things are impossible to escape—even for a god. And, in the end, he must choose whether to return to the throne he abandoned or to embrace the uncertain and fragile mortality he’s come to cherish.

Love, Betrayal, Blood, but not Hatred. Only cold revenge, and a son to complete the family. "D" Section, a nonexistent military unit. "D" for dark, "D" for depth, "D"... for death. It demanded no attachment, and Daemon sacrificed love for it. Years later, the death of his teammates made him feel that he had done enough for the country, so he came back to the city he grew in. But can what has been forsaken be gained back? Because now Evelyn, the one to have breathed vitality in his numb, orphaned heart, had her own life, and a little boy calling her mother. Also, while he left his life full of dead bodies behind, did that life really let him go? From the ashes, will it love or... ? _ _ _ Two lovers who still love each other even with scars left behind by past events. They narrowly miss a chance to meet again and rekindle the lost spark, with him left with an empty heart, and her with her pain renewed, only buried because of the sun of her life, her son, their son… that he knew nothing about. They each continue with their own life in their own way. Their paths even almost become parallel to each other, almost taking the opposite direction with new commitments. But fate be damned, even if it now seems to push them toward each other. From the ashes, their love shall blaze anew. Or maybe not. Find the answer yourself. ___ First draft of characters image on my discord, a channel for fans to get together: https://discord.com/invite/C86EJvCJdd Comment and review, don't forget.

Neva and Rhett, the two youths have their heart strings attached in love. Interfering their peaceful life circumstances unfolds scattering blades in their romance. Ishmael, with a heart of spikes, he looks to mend the wound, searching and failing for his Neva separated from him. Rays of love and joy filtering through clouds of horror in the world, Neva before him once more. The twisted fate entangling them, reveals the game of sphere as misery burns their soul. Concealed life beyond turning pages—one after another. The tale gathers: sin and virtue, tragedy and fortune, strength and weakness, destruction and creation, love and hate. Illusion is where we live; in the Garden of Eden before the fall of man. Illusive is serenity; an evermore sanguine of love. Visionary of Eden in the new earth; sows hope deep in the soul. Delusory pleasure of the world; shall bring us burns in the ocean of fire. Illusive Eden is peace. Illusive Eden is tragedy. The fall of the man, even now bleeding red. The whisper whirls with the dawn of a man. He, who pretends to be the Hero. (The girl who promised to always be together, Forbids him to ever appear, Refusing to recognise him, She disregards all he ever had. Vowing to protect her, He's the terrifying truth she hopes rules lie. Tripping and ripping her, He's the living tragedy looming in on her life. He once was her Elayne, now her hiraeth; He's the villain pretending to be a Hero.)

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

In the realms above, supernatural beings of unfathomable magnificence exist, far beyond mortal comprehension. These divinities wield unimaginable power, capable of obliterating worlds with a mere breath. However, what unfolds when these gods meet their demise? Set in a remote corner of the vast universe, long after the apocalyptic Thousand Millennium War of the Heavenly Beasts and Deities, this tale delves into a forgotten world. Here, the ashes of fallen gods descend upon an insignificant pebble, adrift amidst the cosmic tapestry of space and time. Their impact alters the life of a proud young man, who embraces the abrupt changes thrust upon his world. Refusing to yield to the clutches of fate and karma, he dares to defy the heavens themselves. Will he triumph over an insurmountable destiny, or succumb to fate like gods of unimaginable might did before him? The dreams of a deceased deity and the fate of a dying world hang precariously, hinged upon the future of this young man. He treads upon an endless bridge, forged from the corpses of the fallen. Unlock this epic saga of death, sorrow, war, blood, love, vengeance, and triumph with your own eyes. *** You can also reach out to: Discord:https://discord.com/invite/QQ3vybav Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=9xjl0tq1cs3e&utm_content=qx5nrdu

Aric Valerian, the fourth prince of the Valerian Empire, bears many titles: The Forgotten Prince, The Whore's Child, The King's Bastard—names that have been spoken more than his own. Born with a crippling illness and devoid of mana or ki, Aric was a disgrace, scorned by his family and the court. But when the gods cured him and gifted him the strength to fight, Aric dared to hope. He sought glory in battle, only to be betrayed by his brother and sent to die in a hopeless war. In his final moments, as death closed in, a mysterious text appeared before him… [Would you like to change your fate?] After being given another chance, Aric embarks on a ruthless journey to claim absolute sovereignty. [Ki Circulation Mastered: Strength +10] [System Upgrade: Advanced tactical planning unlocked] [Hidden Fortress Established: Stronghold security +15%] The forgotten prince claws his way through the treacherous landscape of imperial politics, he is forced to make impossible choices, each decision pushing him further down a path soaked in blood. He learns that true power demands sacrifice, and the price of vengeance may be his soul. ------------------ This book contains dark themes and depictions. The mc is a ruthless cynic, and is closer to being a villain than he is a hero. Main themes: Politics, Kingdom building, strategy, war

Life in the Dustlands is unforgiving, governed by the iron-fisted rule of an empire that is emboldened in power and greed. However, through a tradition called the Horkos and the people’s wavering will to fight, they maintain the control of all life in the palms of their hands with promised hope for a better life. For the past 14 years, every month, a randomly chosen number of citizens are given a choice, where a life of luxury awaits them inside the empire’s walls. However, when Kage’s father—the last of his family and the greatest forger in Dustlands’ history—disappears without a trace, Kage uncovers the dark truth behind the empire's tradition. Determined to find his father, Kage infiltrates the empire’s stronghold, nestled on the mountainside to the north. What he discovers shatters his world: the promised luxury is a facade, and the citizens taken by the Horkos are being slaughtered to create weapons of war. As the empire announces the final Horkos, Kage realizes he cannot take them down alone. With a secret of his own and the determination to gather a team of crooked souls, he vows to bring the empire to their knees and rescue his father—if he’s still alive.

In a kingdom where dragons are extinct, and civil war has left the land in ruins, Eamon Valaryon, a royal bastard, is thrust into a deadly game of power after his father's brutal murder. As dark forces rise, Eamon must choose—claim a throne he never wanted or watch the kingdom burn. In a world of betrayal and bloodshed, can he rise from the ashes, or will the shadows consume him?

Growing up on the streets of New Pandora after the usurption of Earth, John never expected anything good from life. He survived just to survive, no purpose in mind and no hope. However, even he did not anticipate Awakening and becoming a successor of the Gray Family - an elite family at the peak of the world wielding unimaginable power and wealth. He was born without a Gift and a curse that painted his hair black and filled his eyes with a bleak darkness. Watch as he reaches for the apex of existence and uncovers the hidden plot behind his curse. "In this sixth life, I will have it all!"

Anir is an unemployed guy that lives with his father in A.S.O.D, the capital of Miraco, one day while he was at the cafe, he received a call that his father was hitten by car and is now in the hospital, and there, when his father was at the last moments of his life, he whispered in his ears to check his diary. After his father's funeral, he goes home and check's his diary, and discovers his secrets and the truth about his death, he then starts his journey for revenge.

Ashes of Eternity is a tale carved from the bones of a shattered world, where humanity stands at the precipice of its own rebirth. Centuries ago, the skies darkened, and the earth shuddered under the weight of humanity’s hubris. The great cities, once symbols of progress, became tombs of glass and steel. From the ashes of this apocalypse, a new kind of human emerged—scarred, powerful, and unyielding. These “Children of the Ashes” possess abilities born of the cataclysm, a gift and a curse that binds them to the fractured remnants of the world. This is a story of resilience and loss, of love found in darkness and hope that refuses to die. It unfolds in a landscape both desolate and hauntingly beautiful, where the echoes of the past clash with the fragile threads of a future yet to be written. Here, survival is a war against both the elements and the human heart. Amid this desolation stands Serin, a young woman burdened by a power she cannot fully control. Her journey begins in the ruins of Haven, a crumbling bastion of humanity. There, she discovers the remnants of an ancient prophecy, one that speaks of a chosen few destined to rekindle the light in the dying world—or extinguish it forever. Alongside Serin is Kael, a warrior haunted by the ghosts of his past, and Elyon, a mysterious wanderer whose secrets could either save or doom them all. As their paths intertwine, they face enemies born of both man and myth—creatures twisted by the cataclysm, and a shadowy council that seeks to wield the Children of the Ashes as tools of dominion. Yet the greatest battle lies within, as Serin and her companions grapple with the cost of their powers and the fragile bonds that hold them together. The ashes of eternity whisper a haunting truth: from destruction, something new must rise. But what is forged may not always be pure. In this tale of sacrifice and redemption, every choice matters, and every soul carries the weight of the world. Brace yourself for a journey into the heart of ruin, where beauty and terror walk hand in hand, and the line between salvation and damnation blurs.

[My WSA 2024 Entry novel! Please vote] In a world where mythical beings have fallen into an "eternal slumber," a thriving underground market exploits the stolen essence of these dormant creatures. At its epicenter are dragons—majestic beings desired for their scales, organs, and prized eggs. The most coveted treasure of all is a dragon's name, a key that holds the power to control its very existence. Dragon Lord, guardian of a clutch of dormant eggs, lives in isolation atop a hill, surrounded by a forest that veils his castle. He bears the scars of past betrayals, having been deceived by those who feigned love to steal his treasures or claim his head as a bounty. Jaded and cold, he trusts no one, living a solitary existence. However, his solitude is shattered when a woman unwittingly stumbles into his life. Yara finds herself in Dragon Lord's treasured den amidst a battle between the dragon and thieves. In a twist of fate, she mistakenly bonds with the dormant eggs, breathing life into them. Reluctantly, Dragon Lord allows Yara into his world, and their journey unfolds amid the looming threat of underground organizations seeking to exploit the dragons for profit. As the eggs come to life, so does an unexpected connection between Dragon Lord and Yara. Despite his cold and jaded exterior, he finds himself unable to ignore her presence. Yara, too, cannot deny the pull she feels towards him, and emotions begin to burn beneath the surface. Together, they must navigate the challenges of waiting for the eggs to hatch, fend off those who seek to exploit the dragon and its offspring, and confront the secrets that Yara harbors—a revelation that could destroy everything. In this tale of flames and gold, two scarred souls in a world where trust is a rare and precious commodity must confront the ghosts of their pasts. They navigate the dangerous currents of love and deception, protecting unborn dragons from a world hungry for their magic. Will their bond withstand the trials ahead, or will the flames of betrayal engulf them in the end? A/N: It starts out SLOW, because I tend to get lost in the pages and be descriptive but once it gets to the action, it really picks up! Looking forward to growing with you all on this journey!!!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AMRahi This is a somewhat satiric xianxia story, mainly focusing on mystery solving, absurd humorous situations, and cultivation politics. [ Synopsis ] The universe gives some of us gifts that we may utilize to achieve our goals, reach the highest peak of our vision, holding an edge over every competitor. The universe also takes away taken-for-granted abilities from some of us, restricting us at every step we take forward, bombarding us with obstacles, and rendering us incapable of touching our aspirations in life. How would YOU lead your life, had you fallen among the latter minority? Across the vast Macrocosms of Man, the world of cultivation continues to demonstrate its brutality, its hazards, and its never-ending cycles of conflicts. One day, we find ourselves becoming conscious of the truth of our world....and that's where our story begins. As someone meant to be a weakling, you need to think of sources of power other than pure cultivation- and that's what our protagonist, Han Xuhan excels in.

Born in the royalty, raised as a commoner. Raemir learned to live modestly, blissfully ignorant of this past. But his quiet life held mysteries even he couldn’t ignore. As whispers of a missing heir began to swirl, Raemir discovered a truth that would forever alter his destiny: he was the last surviving prince of a fallen kingdom, a ruler exiled and hidden away to protect him from those who sought his bloodline’s extinction. Now, armed with his growing gift and a newfound sense of purpose, Raemir must navigate a dangerous path back to reclaim the throne and a legacy he never knew was his.

To the world Lucas was the perfect CEO. He led the family company to become the biggest in the country. He also had the most beautiful woman for a lover and with gorgeous looks that would make anyone fall for him, he had it all. However, it all came crashing down one day when he got that letter. A letter that made him question his very existence. A letter that unhinged him.

the world has changed in a very strange way- after one of the world's biggest conspiracies has been unfolded, humankind finds itself face to face with a world of werewolves and other cryptids. Luckily humans had developed their own army that could fight werewolves, it is called the R.A.Ws (Rise Against Werewolves). Rain is a typical human girl who recently lost the last of her family, after her brother's funeral, Rain falls asleep on one bench in a local park- what happens next is up for you to read.

Roger was a prisoner at the young age of 15, serving a sentence of hard labor in his parent's stead. That all changes when he is summoned to the mirror world, Avar, where magic can be harnessed and claimed. The government, however, is not so keen on letting their property escape, and Roger must learn to master his powerful magic of copying other abilities or become nothing more than a prisoner again. The magic of Avar must face against the mechs of Earth, as the politics of two worlds collide in a battle that will shake the stars.

a gamer is thrust into a new world out of nowhere a world he could only dream of before with magic, kingdoms even a bit of technology anything he could think of how will he use his new found power in this world will this world change for the better or worse can he break the habits that have become ingrained into his very being come along and find out on this wild adventure in a universe of fantasy and magic

Victor dies in a mugging and gets reincarnated in an alternate version of his world's past where magic and creatures of myth and legend exist. How would his knowledge affect the familiar yet unfamiliar world around him? Read and find out.

One fateful day, humanity was inexplicably blessed—or cursed—with the ability to control fire. Flames, once a force of nature, now bent to the will of men. Some saw it as a divine gift, a path to prosperity and power. Others feared it as a gateway to destruction. Entire civilizations were transformed overnight, with new rulers rising from the ashes, wielding their newfound powers like gods. But with great power comes even greater consequences. As rival factions and flame-wielding warlords clash for dominance, society teeters on the brink of collapse. Those who reject the power struggle fight to uncover the truth behind the mysterious phenomenon, wondering if there is a hidden price to pay for this dangerous gift. In the midst of this chaos, a young orphan named Takashi Ren discovers an ancient prophecy that suggests the flames may not be a gift from the gods, but a test—or worse, a trap. As Takashi Ren sets off a perilous journey to discover the secrets of the flames.

In Veilara, a land ruled by shadows and power, Dr. Alexander Cain awakens in a world where every secret demands sacrifice. Once a scientist obsessed with defying death, he now finds himself reborn in a realm where the strong prey on the weak, and immortality lies just beyond mortal reach. Armed with a mind built on logic and ambition sharpened by solitude, Cain will stop at nothing to conquer Veilara’s mysteries. He wields artifacts with deadly drawbacks, forms alliances bound to end in betrayal, and survives battles that test the edges of his sanity. Yet, each step toward power exacts a greater cost, as Veilara’s darkness begins to consume everything he once was. As Cain navigates deadly alliances, ancient artifacts, and mystical forces, he must face the question that drives him: Will he reach eternity, or will Veilara break him before he can rise?

In the peaceful village of Kumbhaka, Drona's heart is filled with dreams of becoming a knight. But when tragedy strikes and his home is reduced to ashes, he finds himself betrayed by the kingdom he once served. Cast out and abandoned, Drona loses the woman he loves, consumed by anger and despair as those he trusted turn their backs on him. Driven by a desire for revenge, he enters a dark world where he encounters a formidable, powerful being who awakens a hunger for power within him. As Drona embraces this new path, he sets his sights on those who wronged him, determined to reclaim what was lost. In a quest fueled by vengeance, he learns that loyalty is fleeting, and even the purest of hearts can be twisted by betrayal. Witness Drona's transformation from a hopeful boy into a master of dark magic, navigating a world where the line between hero and villain blurs.

En un oscuro mundo navega la magia y la espada en un vals de potencia y ambición. El Instituto de Ascensión se alza torre al cielo, donde se templan los elegidos en magos y guerreros extraordinarios. Ambos, nobles como plebeyos se unen para ocupar un lugar en las clases prestigiosas, sometidos a retos que ponen a prueba tanto sus talentos como esfuerzos. Nuestro personaje, muerto miserablemente despierta, reencarnando en una realidad antes escrita por el mismo. ¿El problema? Esta novela la escribió hace mas de 10 años y apenas recuerda, nada, por si fuera poco, parece que en esta historia... Los dioses no lo respaldan....

Sequel “I'm the illusion of your love” Veronica knew what secret Horace Mann High School was hiding when she decided to join it. This place was still an elite school for students coming from rich families, so after many conversations with her parents, she managed to get in. In the second year, something disturbing starts happening at the boarding school. The teenager and her brother have a special ability: they can hear sounds and, worse, see frightening images. Will history come full circle again, and will the ghosts of the past choose Hannah's children as their victims? Will the youngsters be able to cope with the demons of Horace Mann? Will they and their friends manage to finish what their mother was unable to do?

In a world abandoned by its gods, Ban, an immortal with a mysterious past, roams the desolate lands seeking revenge. The gods once enslaved humanity, but now, their neglect has left the world in chaos, ruled by dark forces. As Ban journeys, he encounters Bel, a former elven princess on a mission tied to an ancient prophecy. Together, they face an enigmatic entity—a black mist capable of destroying entire civilizations. With the lines between revenge and justice blurring, Ban must confront his past and decide the fate of a world teetering on the edge of destruction.

On Earth, she was many things, but the world knew her as a survivor—the kind willing to do whatever it took to make it through another day. In a destroyed, monster-filled wasteland, her weapon was seduction, her looks the only shield she had against death. Let them call her a slut; at least she was alive. But death never came. Instead, she finds herself in Jeper, a strange, seductive world ruled by powerful alien beings. And among them stands Caelum, an enigmatic, infuriatingly confident alien leader with a presence she can’t ignore. His dark gaze sees through her games, his every word a challenge, and for the first time, she finds herself unarmed in ways she can’t control. Now, with survival at stake and no way back to Earth, she must navigate Jeper’s dangers—and resist Caelum, even if everything in her longs to fall into his grasp. ************ She hadn’t planned on running into Caelum tonight—not here, not like this, with her heart pounding and her carefully practiced confidence crumbling under his gaze. The cold stone corridor felt smaller as he approached, his footsteps barely making a sound, yet the weight of his presence pressed down on her, making it impossible to focus on anything else. “You seem… lost,” he murmured, a wicked smile ghosting over his lips as he closed the distance between them. His voice was a rich, silken drawl, his tone unreadable, like he knew every thought swirling in her head. She fought the urge to step back, to shield herself from the effect he had on her. Caelum wasn’t just another alien ruler to charm her way past—he was dangerously perceptive, with an intensity that twisted her stomach in ways she wasn’t used to. “What makes you think I’m lost?” she replied, trying for defiance. But he just leaned in, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips as he tilted his head. “Because the woman I’ve heard about, the one who survived Earth’s ruins by any means necessary… she doesn’t look away.” His gaze slid down her face, lingering just enough to make her throat go dry. "And she wouldn’t let a place like Jeper scare her.” She forced herself to meet his eyes, to ignore the steady pulse of heat building between them. She was supposed to be in control; that was how she’d survived. But Caelum was close enough that his breath brushed her cheek, and the way he looked at her made her wonder if maybe, just maybe, there were parts of her she hadn’t yet discovered. “Maybe Jeper’s different,” she whispered, trying to keep the trembling out of her voice. Caelum leaned in even closer, his lips brushing the shell of her ear as he murmured, “Then show me what makes you strong enough to survive it ******** This is not my cover I found it on Pinterest

In a historical world where gods, demons, and humans coexist, the demon queen Aria inherits her mother’s mission to bring peace between demons and humans. Aria’s path takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love with Leon, a human swordsman with a tragic past. Their powerful love faces immense challenges as the gods send Selene, a divine warrior, to eliminate Aria. As Leon’s love for Aria awakens his latent powers, making him the strongest human, he raises his sword to fight against the gods. Meanwhile, Selene’s encounters with Aria and Leon challenge her beliefs, leading her to fall in love with Leon despite her mission. Torn between her duty and her heart, Selene’s internal struggle reaches a climax as she joins Aria and Leon in their fight against the gods. The final battle tests their love and loyalty, revealing the true nature of good and evil. In the end, the gods are forced into a truce. Aria, acknowledging Selene’s love for Leon, allows her to become his second wife. Leon’s acceptance of Selene brings harmony and a new era of peace, demonstrating that love can bridge even the deepest divides.