Independent

In a post-apocalyptic world, society has built a colossal, enclosed city called "The Iron City" where all criminals—no matter their crimes—are exiled for life. Once inside, there is no escape. The city's hierarchy, rules, and economy have evolved independently, creating a brutal environment where gangs rule, resources are scarce, and survival depends on wit and alliances. Will the prisoners who seek different forms of salvation survive until the end? Welcome to the Hell's Cage!

Standalone horror stories, approximately 500 words per chapter, with each story fully independent of the others. If a character's name appears in multiple stories, it should not imply a connection between them unless explicitly noted otherwise.

Eka is a successful career woman, liked by many people around her, an ideal loving husband by her side, and adorable children. In short, a fulfilling life. Eka is a independent teenager who has just turned 18, a fresh university student. Nothing much can be said about him, but he leads an honest, good life. But then, they met, and their threads of destiny intertwined. —A chaotic urban relationship! Updated every Thursday! —Creation is hard, support me on Patreon for early chapters access! patreon.com/EBBYRITH

Meet Amelia, a hardworking and independent young woman struggling to make ends meet. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Ryan, a wealthy and handsome entrepreneur with a sharp tongue and a cold demeanor. As Ryan’s walls begin to crumble, Amelia finds herself falling for his vulnerable side. But with Ryan’s demanding lifestyle, family expectations, and his own emotional baggage, can their relationship overcome the challenges ahead? Themes: 1. Opposites attract 2. Emotional vulnerability and trust 3. Social class differences Character Profiles: AMELIA: - Age: 25 - Occupation: Part-time worker - Personality: Determined, independent, caring. RYAN: - Age: 28 - Occupation: Entrepreneur - Personality: Confident, arrogant, and vulnerable.

In a world where Hell has overflowed onto Earth, Mike, a rebellious and fiercely independent individual, finds himself on a perilous quest to reclaim the Angel's Helm, a powerful artifact that can restore balance to the universe. Joined by Luna, a shape-shifting wolf with a bubbly personality and a penchant for getting into trouble, Mike navigates the treacherous landscapes of Hell, battling demons, and confronting his own demons (literally!). As they journey deeper into the underworld, Mike and Luna encounter a cast of characters who aid or hinder their progress, including enigmatic figures with their own agendas and motivations. With Mike's determination and Luna's antics, they face numerous challenges, from fierce battles to witty banter, all while unraveling the mysteries of the Angel's Helm and the secrets of Mike's past. Will Mike and Luna succeed in their quest, or will the forces of Hell tear them apart? Dive into the world of GENEESSIS to find out _________________________________ NOTE: New chapters will be posted everyday apart from Saturdays and sundays

Megan and Diego have always been at odds. From their first encounter in high school, their personalities clashed like oil and water. Megan, a headstrong artist, values creativity and independence, while Diego, a pragmatic business-minded individual, prioritizes structure and success. Over the years, their rivalry intensified, marked by passive-aggressive encounters against each other. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when they discover that their parents have orchestrated an arranged marriage between them, believing that their differing strengths will create the perfect partnership. Both are initially outraged, seeing the arrangement as a prison sentence rather than a union. Megan dreams of escaping her traditional upbringing, while Diego resents the idea of being tied down by someone he cannot stand.

Anderaint Claire lives her whole life wallowing in wealth. She never leaves the Duchy, the home where she grew up to be an independent and graceful lady. Unfortunately, on the debut to celebrate her 18th birthday, her reality started to crumble. Sentenced to death, who would have thought her execution would bring a catastrophe to the Etrill Kingdom? Instead of living her life peacefully, she fell into an even more pitiful hell. A wanderer told Claire that she was a cursed soul. Will she survive this predicament?

A world-famous hacker and daughter of the most powerful criminal family who ruled the international underworld for many generations is killed when their organization is annihilated in a single night. She is reborn into the body of Iris Long, a teenage pop singer, wild party girl, and spoiled brat. For the former princess of the underworld who lived an overprotected and shackled life, this new life is a chance to finally live the life of freedom and independence that she always wanted. Jin Liwei is the most powerful man in the country's business world. Cold and ruthless, he is someone only a few dare offend. When the infamous Iris Long, who used to chase his younger brother, wakes up from a year-long coma, his unfeeling heart moves for the first time and he falls hard for this unexpected genius girl. She wants to fly freely and soar high beyond the sky. He wants her everything, to tie her to himself and to never let her go. This is her journey to super stardom. This is his journey in accompanying her. Together, they will rock the world while facing many challenges. But what will happen when she discovers that she can never escape from the shadows of her previous life? Will she still be able to live her dream life of freedom and independence? Will he be able to protect her from the dangers? [Warning: Mature Content. Reader discretion is advised.] ### Instagram: Arria Cross (@arriacross) Discord Server: https://discord.gg/cSUhBdz

In the shadows of the eternal night, a forbidden love blossoms between a centuries-old vampire, Vinzo, and a determined human, Eliana. Vinzo, a mysterious and handsome vampire, has walked the earth for centuries, seeking redemption for his dark past. Eliana, a fiercely independent and stubborn young woman, is drawn to Vinzo's enigmatic presence. As their paths entwine, Eliana uncovers Vinzo's secrets, threatening to disrupt the fragile balance between humans and vampires. Despite the danger, they find themselves irreversibly bound together. As ancient forces seek to destroy their love, Vinzo and Eliana must navigate the treacherous world of vampire politics, supernatural threats, and their own forbidden desires. Will their love conquer the darkness, or will the shadows tear them apart? *Themes:* Forbidden love, redemption, self-discovery, supernatural politics.

Eumin and Yangmin were returned to the summer of when they were 5. Child geniuses trained by a secure part of the military. They were Weapons instead of Humans having no emotions except to each other. Killed on a assignment. In that life they came upon an abandoned area with a small population full of independent, uniquely skilled orphans and made 2 unique and loyal friends. After being reborn they lived in the village before they moved to the capital City G only to be adopted by one of the 3 powers in the country 'King of the Underworld' Jiang Ai. Excerpt ******* "I'll show you how to live, I'll show you to love and give you all of mine" he whispered as he pulled them closer rubbing Eumin's head and pinching Yangmin's Cheek. ********************* (No Misunderstandings) (Picture is not mine) Has some (Fiction themes such as an animal having some human understanding) which is one reason why I put Fantasy. Updates : 1 time a week + Auxiliary Chapter This story actually has no Romance I just don't know how to change the Genre

I was an author on Webnovel and, surprise surprise, they're a fraud. Don't work for that money-hungry pig of a company; stick to Royal Road instead. °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°° webnovel's biggest issues. Content Quality Issues Oversaturation of Specific Genres - Excessive focus on harem-style narratives - Overreliance on wish-fulfillment storylines - Repetitive power fantasy tropes - Lack of genre diversity Writing Quality Concerns - Prevalent grammar and spelling issues - Translation quality problems - Limited character development - Poor plot structure and pacing - Overuse of overpowered protagonist tropes without meaningful conflict Economic Model Problems Author Compensation - Significantly low payment rates for content creators - 50% revenue share model (comparatively higher than other platforms) - Unsustainable income for most authors - Limited monetization options Contract Terms - Restrictive contractual obligations - Limited author rights - Lack of flexibility in content management - Potential career implications for full-time authors Platform Integrity Issues Authenticity Concerns - Widespread bot activity - Artificial engagement metrics - Questionable review authenticity - Inflated follower counts Structural Limitations - Limited content formats compared to other platforms - Restricted creative freedom - Focus on quantity over quality - Limited development resources for authors Impact on Writing Careers Professional Development - Risk of creative stagnation - Limited growth opportunities - Potential opportunity costs - Career trajectory concerns Alternative Platforms - Royal Road offering better terms - More diverse platform options available - Need for platform diversity in web fiction Recommendations for Authors Career Planning - Maintain alternative career paths - Avoid full dependency on platform income - Develop diverse writing portfolios - Build platform-independent audiences Content Strategy - Focus on quality over quantity - Develop unique narrative approaches - Avoid common trope pitfalls - Invest in proper editing and revision Platform Usage - Consider multi-platform publishing - Build direct reader relationships - Maintain content rights when possible - Develop independent marketing strategies

Does anyone expect to see DEATH on their birthday? No. She neither. But she saw. And not just one or two but the death of her entire family. She like anyone else also wanted to enjoy that special day when she was supposed to be the happiest. Her Birthday. But it turned out to be one of the saddest and most painful days of her life. Then what? She was supposed to feel devastated and have a trauma that would take ages to get used to right? But alas! The poor child did not even have time to grieve. Another tragedy hit her. After losing her family she was only left with her best buddy. But as luck would have it she also lost her in the most cruel way possible. A second trauma scarred the life of the tiny child who had just reached the age to understand the world. But that was still not the end. It looked like she was in the middle of a tragic ocean where wave after wave of miserable experiences crashed into her one after another. On top of that, she seemed to be some kind of evil force that sucked the life out of everyone who showed her kindness. Thus at the age of five, she learnt her lesson to be independent in the harshest ways possible from Life. But those experiences made the once helpless and weak girl, the strong, independent and powerful woman she is today, Olivia Basu. Since then she kept all her actions in control until that one encounter at VN High School during her mission as an undercover student named Ankita Dey. ______________ This story consists of several side couples some of whom belong to the LGBTQ+ community. This is a slow burn. Contains mature content. THE COVER PHOTO IS FROM PINTEREST

It's important to remember the following text: There were two sisters, one who fit in and the other who struggled to be understood. Phoebe was the popular one, she had the love of her parents, many friends, and no shortage of admirers. Phoenix, on the other hand, didn't let societal opinions bother her. She had always been independent and managed just fine on her own. Perry couldn't get Phoenix out of his mind after their dance at the club. He was a catch, but Phoebe had known him first, and she didn't want her unconventional sister to take away her chance with him. As Phoenix and Perry's unconventional love story unfolds, they face many challenges. Their slow-developing love becomes a part of Phoenix, who is not like everyone else. However, they will surely face obstacles along the way.

Mech battles are the lifeblood of Megacity 14. Overseen by the city-nation’s government, hundreds of gangs, corporations, and independent teams compete to be the best in the annual battle royale. Eighteen-year-old Marvin Yao is a prodigy, a mech pilot who is quickly rising in the ranks. But right when he has the championship in his sights, he is murdered. Now, with his consciousness inhabiting the very mech he used to pilot, Marvin must work alongside a ragtag team to uncover the truth about his death and prepare for the impending tournament, where much more than a few million dollars are at stake.

Meet Myra, a gutsy human girl who's had enough of her dreadful relatives. She's determined to break free from her family's grip and make it on her own. But little does she know, her quest for independence is about to take a wild turn when she catches the eye of none other than the Demon Lord of Arcardia. Yep, you heard it right. Myra's got the attention of one of the most powerful beings of the realm, and things are about to get intersting. As sparks fly between them, Myra finds herself drawn into the world filled with Vampires, werewolves, witches, and, of course, demons. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Myra's in for a rollercoster ride of danger, passion, and secrets as she navigates her way through this supernatural romance. Will she and the Demon Lord defy the odds and find Love, or will their differences tear them apart? Join Myra and the Arcardian Lord on their epic journey through a world of magic meets mayhem, and love knows no bounds. Get ready for the fantasy romance like no other!

In the advanced human kingdom of Becktham, technology and magic coexist, with powerful generals and elite soldiers guarding its secrets. However, beneath the surface, a hidden world of vampires exists, with humans mistakenly identifying them as "demons." Quinn, an independent vampire, is on a quest to reclaim her lost tenth relic—a silencer that shoots explosive magic bullets—hidden in an underground dungeon filled with deadly mechs and advanced robots. This relic is crucial for Quinn to gain the power needed to face and defeat the superior demons threatening her existence. Complicating her journey is the Crow Association, a terrorist group with its own dark agenda. Led by the enigmatic Sovereigns and Vanguards, the Crow Association has forged a secret pact with a high-ranking vampire, aiming to eliminate rival vampires by any means necessary, including the use of silver bullets and artificial creations.

A highly ambitious attorney, Evelyn Hart, has one goal: making partner. She’s fierce, independent, and driven. But she has little room for anything outside her career, let alone romance. That is, until Grayson Blackwell — a successful, wildly handsome, and notorious lawyer from a competing firm — joins her firm under mysterious circumstances. Their chemistry is undeniable, but so is their rivalry. Both find themselves competing for the same coveted partner spot, with their boss setting them against each other. Evelyn and Grayson’s fiery clashes in the courtroom and boardroom only heighten the tension simmering between them. Despite their best efforts, they find themselves drawn together by an electric, unstoppable passion they can’t ignore. As they find themselves in a heated affair, Evelyn starts noticing things that don’t quite add up about Grayson. Secrets unfold, and she realizes he has a hidden agenda that could bring her career — and heart — crashing down. But what happens when she discovers Grayson is battling between his ambitions and a growing desire to risk everything for her?

Since the death of Raven's mother, her life is not the same as before, her father has a new wife, which has caused even more trouble between the two... Despite Raven being miserable, her foster brother Kio is always there for her. Almost, the two are alike, Kio left his parents after he deliberately failed the entrance exam at PMA. Due to their stubbornness they chose to live independently of their parents… until they became underworld fighters and gang fighters… What kind of life awaits them? Can they even get out of the trap of the life they chose?

In the bustling city where the nightlife pulses with energy, Mia, a talented dancer at a popular nightclub, finds herself caught in a whirlwind of passion and intrigue. Every night, she captivates the audience with her sultry performances, but behind the spotlight, she longs for a deeper connection. One fateful evening, she meets Alex, a mysterious and alluring stranger who seems to understand her in ways no one else does. Drawn to his magnetic presence, Mia is swept off her feet as they share stolen moments between dances, igniting a fiery romance that feels both exhilarating and dangerous. As their relationship deepens, Mia discovers that Alex has secrets of his own—he’s not just a charming patron; he’s a successful entrepreneur with ties to the city's elite. Torn between her growing feelings for him and the fear of losing her independence, Mia must navigate the complexities of love, ambition, and trust.

Hana Park is the only biological daughter of Bethany Walker, owner of a food manufacturing company, Heftier, and Il-Kang, the eldest son of the Korean-based conglomerate, Euta Group. Competing to inherit Euta Group, Hana backs out when her father dies and her grandfather tries to manipulate her into becoming an asset for him by marrying the only son of the Korean-based conglomerate, Hanmin Group, Han Tae-seong. But Hana refuses and breaks contact with her father's family. Violet Evergreen is the daughter of Bethany's cousin. Violet's father was arrested and prosecuted for abusing Violet and her mother, leaving Violet in Bethany's care and her mother in a vegetative state. Pulling out from the marriage, Hana decides to become independent so that she won't be able to get pushed around again. But in doing so, she failed as her education was mediocre. Seeing her daughter miserable, Bethany decided to get Hana a job at her niece's brother-in-law's company, Gunther Enterprises. Reluctant to travel to a different state for work at first, Hana eventually agrees after finding out that her adoptive sister, Violet, was also leaving with her to live with her arranged fiance, Han Tae-seong. Feeling betrayed by her mother, Hana couldn't do anything but accept the offer to stay with Violet and eventually convince her to back out of her marriage. Gunther Middleton, despite being from a rich family, went independent to start a new company and succeeded evidently. Gunther's sister-in-law, Harper, was the cousin of Hana Park. While Gunther refused to get married, Harper tried her best to set Gunther up with multiple people. So when Harper found out that Violet was coming to live in her State, she couldn't help scheming with Bethany to get Hana and Gunther involved. Not every story is a rom-com with a meet-cute. Bethany sent Hana with Violet with a personal scheme in mind. Will this scheme finally become a turning point for Hana? For better or worse?

Alexa's life is a never-ending cycle of exhaustion and heartache in a dilapidated house on the city's outskirts. Since her mother's death, her Governess has resented her existence from losing financial support with her gambling addiction. With each passing day, Alexa works tirelessly to make ends meet, cleaning up after her drunk guardian and managing the household independently. Despite her efforts, her guardian's reckless behavior only worsens, and soon, the weight of her debt threatens to crush them both. It's a thrilling tale of survival, temptation, and the high cost of freedom. Alexa is caught between the past and a perilous future. Excited but nervous, she moves from the slums of the Philippines to the pinnacle of American power and into the world of the Royal. Journey with me how Alexa navigates her life as 'The President's Daughter and her Royal Whirlwind Romance.' *** Follow me on IG, FB, Tiktok. @AJZHEN

Meet Ivy, the independent and simple woman who grew up in the Province. The woman who loves without equal and boundaries, the girl who will fall in love with Sommer Mendoza, who until now cannot move on from her previous love? Totoo kayang masakit magmahal ng taong hindi pa tapos magmahal ng iba? May naghihintay kaya na magandang wakas para kanilang kwento?

second chances don't always come with a guarantee, but sometimes........some times, love deserve a replay meet Emily Patel, a strong-willed and independent woman who thought she had found her forever love in Ryan Thompson. but life had other plans, and they went their separate ways, leaving her heartbroken. Emily Patel thought she had forever closed the chapter on love. heartbroken and shattered, she believed she'd never again experience the thrill of falling in love. the memories of her past relationship with the charming and captivating Ryan still lingered, a constant reminder of what could never be. year's went by, and Emily built a fortress around her heart convincing herself that she was better off alone. but fate had other plans, when she least expected it, she him. a kind, gentle, and handsome stranger named David Grayson, who challenged everything she thought she knew about love As she slowly let her guard down, Emily discovered that her heart was still capable of beating for someone new. but the fear of getting hurt again loomed large.

Being an independent woman who said she needed any man? That is what she thought until he came to change her beliefs. " I want to make you mine Laila" Adam said sincerely. " Dream on!" Laila said with a deep frown tired with the man's constant pestering. " you are already mine in my dreams...."

In the city of Lunaris, magic is more than a tool—it's a currency, a source of power that defines status and influence. Aldara, once part of the elite Mage Guild, now works as an independent investigator after leaving behind the dangerous politics of the magical world. But when one of the most powerful mages in the city, Solon Meron, reports the impossible—a theft of his most protected spells—Aldara is drawn into a mystery that threatens the very foundations of Lunaris. As she delves deeper into the case, Aldara uncovers a pattern of spell thefts targeting the city’s most influential mages. But these aren’t just random robberies; whoever is behind the thefts is wielding ancient magic long thought to be extinct—magic capable of breaking through the strongest defenses without leaving a trace. With no clues and a growing sense of dread, Aldara races against time to discover the identity of the mysterious thief. As tensions rise within the Mage Guild and the stolen spells begin to surface in dangerous places, Aldara must confront not only the hidden enemies within Lunaris but also the ghosts of her past that still haunt her.

SYNOPSIS: After a painful separation from her boyfriend, Bing Shi gets an opportunity to meet him again. Under one condition. To get her wish granted, she will have to travel to different worlds and finish all the assigned missions from the System HeadQuarters. In each of these universes, she's thrust into the company of the creme de la creme of men - alpha males who could stir butterflies in even the most self-assured and independent women. Will she be able to keep her cool around these magnetic hunks, or will her resolve crumble like a stale cookie? Amidst the chaos, Bing Shi stands firm: "I want only one thing – my boyfriend." In a cosmos filled with temptation, will her loyalty and love for her boyfriend emerge victorious? [Author's Note]: Don't be fooled by the term "quick transmigration." Each arc is a full-length romance novel in its own right, complete with side characters that are capable of development. :3 Illustrator/Artist: E.Y.R. E.Y.R's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_snoozy_cat_/

The story of My 26-Year-Old Female Tenant follows the protagonist, Zhaoyang, an idealist with a sensitive personality who values friendship deeply. While pursuing his “Castle in the Sky” and the ideal partner he dreams of, he encounters the warm and unique Micai by chance. From the start, their connection feels timeless, and as they get to know each other better, attraction blossoms into a genuine and heartfelt bond. Micai’s independence and kindness touch Zhaoyang profoundly, leading him to rekindle his own inner desires and aspirations. Amid ordinary yet comforting moments, they explore life and dreams together. Zhaoyang gradually realizes that his distant ideals are intricately intertwined with Micai’s

Reborn in a world that was both familiar and unfamiliar to him, Adrian found himself in a time he recognized as 361 BCE, a period marked by the battle between a Mauryan empire and the independent state of Kalinga. Opening his eyes in the body of an infant on the battleground of the Kalinga war, he looked towards the sky, which was bathed in blood. But something was different here. While he expected the time and names to be the same, the world was not. The battle that should have been fought with swords, spears, and arrows was instead waged using an energy he was unfamiliar with, called mana. This world, in which he was now a part, was different from the history he remembered. It was a world where magic existed, and the magus determined which kingdoms held more power over others.

Princess Alaina in Blackmoore is faced with a terrible choice: she either wed the threatening King Alistair of Black Night or risk losing all that is important to her. The fiery princess has captured Alistair's heart, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to elevate her to the position of queen. Alistair is notorious for his cruel rule and evil reputation. Alaina is forced to negotiate the evil forces around her because she is caught between the need to defend her realm and her yearning for independence. Alaina's determination will be put to the test as danger approaches and love is turned into a weapon. Will she be able to defeat the strong monarch and free her people, or will she end as just another piece in his mindgame?


Zen Beschimer, a boy of 13 years gets his life changed upside down after the colonization of his country and the assault at his orphanage. In order to retrieve everything, he lost and for the independence of his nation he has to join an organization called Incubus Cutthroat, that prominently focuses on eliminating the devils and maintaining global peace. Will Zen be able to return to his normal life or is it his fate continue on?