Shigaraki Protective Of Izuku

Dove Sterling, an eighteen year old Heiress of one of the biggest Beauty companies in the country. She, one day, under an influence of a drug, given to her by a 'friend' by trick, she spends a night with a complete stranger, whom she doesn't even remember. But days later, why she tries to forget about it, and wants to move on with life, her life comes to a screeching half, when she finds out that she is pregnant! And if all this was any less of a problem, her step mother, step brother, and the family of her former fiance were always on her toes! Waiting for every opportunity to see her suffer. But Dove? she wouldn't ever let them have this luxury. Dante Lancaster, the owner of the world's largest security firm, and the heir of one of the richest families, finds himself head over heels with the unknown woman he had spent his first night with. She was almost itched into his mind. But a thunder broke above his head, when he finds out that, the girl was none other than the granddaughter of his saviour. Someone, he respected dearly. But that did not lessen his craze for her. He was obsessed. And then he learnt that she was pregnant with his child! And that was the moment, that he swore to make her his. But life happened, and things spiralled in such ways, that Dove went abroad, giving birth to her son there, while Dante kept fighting his demons, while keeping an eye on her. And after three years... Fate happened in such ways, that he had to protect her and he incharge of her safety. So will our Male Lead be able to use his chance and make the woman of his dreams all his, by heart and soul?!!

*****Viral Book Call 2024 Entry***** Xandria Alcove, heiress to a billion-dollar empire, dreams of living a normal life, complete with first love and sweet romance. The only problem? Her four overprotective brothers. From hacking into her dates’ profiles to staging ghostly pranks in VR escape rooms, Marcus, Dante, Julian, and Theo will stop at nothing to keep suitors away. When Xandria falls for Ethan Soren, a charming young entrepreneur and fellow student at her school who is hiding secrets of his own, sparks fly—and not just between them. With her brothers’ constant interference and Ethan's dark past catching up, Xandria finds herself torn between loyalty, love, and her own dreams of freedom. Can she stand up to her brother’s iron grip and prove her love is worth fighting for, or will their meddling cost her everything? A hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy where family chaos meets forbidden love—perfect for fans of sweet romance with a twist!

When the Tower appeared, I thought my life would change forever. In a way, it did. Supernatural powers, riches beyond imagination, worldwide fame, everlasting happiness... Despite anyone’s wish, I received none of those things. Alas, in the end, things never work out the way you want just by wishing for it. “―Hero... Please, kill yourself. For the sake of the world.” In the end, I was forced into a job I couldn’t let anyone discover. And, in the end... [Enki. You must not falter in the Contract.] “...I know. Even if the target is ■■, it’s the same... I’ll find a way.” ――No matter who it is, the Protagonist cannot be allowed to live. ---------- Discord : https://discord.gg/e5UEkYsAAv Release : 2ch/day

The main character has transmigrated to a Mysterious Fantasy Land as a 'Clan Leader'. This is an attempt to paint a realistic reimagination of this mystical world from the perspective of a family member, be it nurturing Spirit Fields, raising Spirit Fish, and developing clan industries on all fronts. While supporting those undeserving elders, our main character becomes their protection, inspiring the younger generation to make a name for themselves by bravely venturing into the Sacred Land's Academies. The family members in this story are harmonious and unified, working together in a concerted effort for a shared future. This fantasy world is not about passionate battles, but rather, it focuses on the enhancement of various family industries, where elements like monetary resources, facilities, house servants, household generals, clan members, relatives, and in-laws are key. Enjoy this attempt to view the stereotypical Mysterious Fantasy world from a fresh perspective.

A world where monsters and beasts dwell unconquerd but hidden from plain sight. Aworld where darkness devour light,Antraxia the world where chaos is described as beauty. Join me as we uncover the truth behind this world.

In a world where the strength of a knight is determined by their mastery of unique breathing techniques, transmigrator Ethan finds himself inhabiting the body of Ethan Darkwood, a newly crowned king of a weak kingdom. With memories of his previous life, Ethan must learn to navigate this strange medieval world while trying to understand his new identity. The kingdom of Verdant Vale is on the brink of collapse, plagued by internal conflicts, external threats. As the young king, Ethan is initially overwhelmed by the enormity of his responsibilities and the intricacies of the medieval political landscape. His saving grace is the discovery of a mystical system that would help him and his kingdom grow stronger and become more powerful. As he grows stronger, he begins to turn the tides for his kingdom. He introduces revolutionary laws, leads his knights to victories in battles, and fosters alliances with neighboring kingdoms. The once crumbling kingdom of Verdant Vale starts to flourish under his rule. As Ethan Darkwood charts his journey from a transmigrator to a beloved and powerful king, he redefines the concept of strength and leadership in the vast medieval world. With his kingdom building system, he not only saves his kingdom from ruin but also leaves an indelible mark on the annals of its and the world's history. ------------- My 2nd book: Legacy of Eldric.

Rowan sees beauty in death. The Order he has sworn to obey only sees defilement. As the reviled Caretaker of the Order, Rowan has accepted his role as a dutiful outcast because he believes it is the only way to prove his worth to the man who holds his sisters’ souls as collateral. With his magic and his voice, Rowan can absorb death and transform it, but only in ways the Order deems acceptable to maintain the stability of the reality it claims to protect Order must subdue Disorder. Reality must triumph over illusion. He is tainted and always will be. Rowan has never questioned those lessons, but that changes the night he harvests a crimson soul that is more than human and chooses to keep it a secret. When Rowan’s song transforms that soul into a beautiful and mysterious man he names Wren, he is forced to accept that sometimes duty is a lie and illusion is the only thing you can trust. As the fabric of the Order begins to unwind and a new kind of Disorder takes hold, Rowan will need to choose again, stand with the Order that held him down, or forge a new path with Wren at his side. He may be the only one who can restore balance to the worlds, but only if he can find balance within himself first. ************************************* Updates 3-4 times per week. Note: This story focuses on relationships. I promise an epic romance, lots of swoon-worthy moments, and a healthy amount of fluff. When it does get steamy…you might get burned. Fair warning for explicit content. I don’t shy away from my spice. There are lots of side characters and couples to fall in love with, in addition to the main couple. If you love the idea of found family, you will be happy. This book is set in a non-heteronormative world, so you will see various gender identities/expressions and types of love. ************************************* Excerpt (if you want the full steamy version, you will have to read the book!): Still reeling from the new magic that coursed under his skin and unsure of how to react to the desire that threatened to take control of him, Rowan froze. Wren's hot breath against his mouth sent a jolt of pleasure through his body, and he choked back a groan. A different kind of panic flared in Rowan's chest, burning him as if he were the one on fire. This was what he wanted, what he'd thought about every night since Wren left. But wanting more was one thing. Acting on it was another. He'd spent so much of his life hiding, he didn't know how to do anything else. One corner of Wren's mouth twitched as Rowan pulled away. When he attempted to free himself from Wren's grasp, Wren just hauled him closer. Rowan liked that he didn't have to think about what to do next. His bare chest thudded against Wren's torso, and the heat from Wren's body merged with Rowan's skin, melting him from the inside out. "What did you just do to me?" Wren's deep voice vibrated against Rowan's chest. "The Disorder of your illusion was holding you captive. I…I absorbed it." "Oh? Where did you learn to do that? Have I been gone that long?" Wren's grip loosened slightly on Rowan's wrists as if he was satisfied now that Rowan was practically sitting on top him. Rowan stared at Wren's lips. He opened his mouth to protest, but immediately closed it again. "I know you aren't going to say that I shouldn't touch you." Wren's free hand splayed over the small of Rowan's back. "Not when you started it." Rowan's breath hitched. "No. I'm not going to say that anymore. Not to you." "I thought you were afraid to be touched." Wren's fingers traced a circle over the curve of Rowan's spine as if testing for a reaction. "I know that I'm not afraid of you." Rowan waited for the panic to set in, but all he felt was desire. "With you, I want…" "You want what?" "I want more." Triumph flared in Wren's gaze before he narrowed his eyes. "Really? Then why are you still trying to get away from me?"

In Mainland China, Yahya Li, a handsome young man, 16 years old of age, mixed heritage, half Bahraini from his mother, Yasmin, and half Chinese from his father, Cheng Li, endures a profound tragedy during his school years. His mother died in a car crash when he was 10 years old. Despite being young, this memory has haunted Yahya to this day, and he still suspects something was wrong about it. Though he cried to his family head father and begged him, sadly, nothing happened, and he can't do anything about it. Yahya's fully Chinese brother, Zhang Li, is the pride of the family, excelling in academics and earning admiration from all. Zhang Li's mother, Li Mei, embodies the full Li family bloodline, adding to the complexity of Zhang Li's heritage and the expectations placed upon him. However, Yahya, not being a full-blooded member of the Li family, faces constant bullying and abuse from Zhang Li's gang at school, leaving him feeling isolated and undervalued. Yahya’s life takes an extraordinary turn on a ordinary day when accidently a large tree falling down on him, catapulting him into a mysterious dark blue space. As he regains consciousness in this new space, the Summoning System within him awakens: [System Awakening: 10%... 50%... 100%] Chosen for his resilience and humility, Yahya is granted the immense powers of a Lower God of Summoning. This newfound ability allows him to summon entities from various dimensions, or if he's being summoned. Guided by the System, a creation of fate by the laws of nature, Yahya embarks on a journey of self-discovery and power.

“For the one who held us together, even when we could not. Though you are gone, your love remains eternal.” The 9 regions were once a whole world. "That's not reality." This world has no beginning and prophecies say that this world has no end. "Because we are not in a world but in Fragmented Time." "Will they able to survive? Or will we be out of time?" The Demise of Fate started and destruction loomed over. "How can this be true? Was this all fake or there was no truth from start?" "You all were betrayed by your own kin!" The Nexus Stars opened their eyes, the three worlds, all faced the same savior. "You were born here, Will you abandon your own kind?" "The people here were given hope by you, why do you want to take their last hope away?" "We don't want to keep you here, you are free but the people here are bound." Aron Zephyr, He himself don't know how his life can be so complex, deaths, betrayal, responsibility, surviving, sadness, he can cope with all emotions because of him. Zander Stood there, a beautiful golden butterfly kissing his cheek. Because of them, he was never alone. Zane, Livia, Velester, Lisa, Yulius, Tempest, Sera, and them.... Atleast he was not alone... ---- Original cover. Bl theme. Main Reciver, many side cps. Survival, infinite flow, fast pace.

Cater, a hybrid hiding his demon-vampire blood, lives as a servant in Avalor’s palace, where King Arthur hunts all supernaturals. When a prophecy names Cater as the only one who can protect Prince Alric from a looming darkness, he must risk revealing his secret. As danger rises and forbidden feelings grow, Cater and Alric must fight together to save the kingdom—or lose everything.

In the world of Drasia, where diverse lands and cultures intertwine, the focus of attention shifted dramatically to the Olympus civil war, a conflict that threatened to reshape the balance of power across the realm. Amidst this turmoil stood the city-state of Draconia, a formidable and influential entity known for both its prowess in trade and its swift, decisive actions against any who dared to oppose it. At the heart of this turbulent landscape emerged the enigmatic figure of Alex, known as the God of Balance. With his keen strategic mind and unparalleled leadership, Alex led his armies not only in battle but also in the advancement of civilization itself. He provided them with the tools of war and the means to propel their societies forward. Yet, beneath his outward facade of strength and determination, Alex harbored a deeper understanding of the delicate equilibrium that governed the world. As the Olympus civil war raged on, Alex saw the need for intervention to restore balance. He marshaled his forces and intervened, aiming to bring about a swift conclusion to the conflict. However, as peace seemed within grasp, Alex witnessed a subtle shift, a realization that perhaps war itself was necessary to maintain the fragile equilibrium of the world. Join Alex on his journey as he navigates the intricate web of alliances and rivalries, leading the unofficially most potent nation in the world – the Empire of Draconia. Built upon the foundations of blood, sweat, and tears, Draconia embodies the vision and determination of its founder, Alex Luker Draco. As he grapples with the complexities of morality and power, Alex endeavors to ensure that his actions reflect the principles he espouses, shaping the destiny of nations and leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of history. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ This is my first ever written novel came from my imagination that started in highschool although im not a skilled novel writer this is my first and many other stories i wish to release Release dates: only on fridays other days depending on the reason or context also i have to say sorry for the few dozen chapters since my editors were d*cks that they didnt properly format it.

Wu Xiuxin almost ended her life after a tragic incident that erased all her memories, leaving her mind like a vast, dark void. However, despite being naive about her past, numerous scenarios keep repeating in her head that would make her go insane especially after seeing crimson blood. It gives her a sign to be aggressive and the worst is to kill people. Madam Lu, who took accountability to her, sent her to school and gave her an assignment in exchange for her benevolence towards her. And that is to look after her son. Both of them met in an unexpected event. Xu Yuan, who was also known to be the king of Class 11, frightened every student he met. Despite being a troublemaker and having terrible behaviour he was still able to convince and to be loved foolishly by many students on campus. Wu Xiuxin on the other hand successfully made it to school where Xu Yuan is in and especially made it to Class 1. She experienced being treated badly but she was prompted to fight back, which left a horrifying reaction from her classmates and was immediately sent to Class 11. Yet, it would be a big help to keep their distance with Xu Yuan closer and would make her assignment into success. Wu Xiuxin couldn’t believe that after entering into a prestigious school especially the Class 11 and meeting him would not be as easy as it seems but she never thought it would turn her life miserable. Since she was known differently and being unfaze, Wu Xiuxin is not the type of person who’s willing to give it up easily. Aside from that, there were people who would also wants to capture her. Whoever they are she never hesitates to end their lives. There were still people that she would meet that had something to do behind her condition and the reason behind her tragic past. Will she be able to grasp all the memories back that she lost? Or… Will she be able to overcome the worst situation she was in and achieve the assignment that Madam Lu assigned to her?

In the year 2341, Alex Summers is an ordinary college student haunted by recurring nightmares ever since the release of the groundbreaking VR game Eclipse of Eternity. These dreams speak of a prophecy and a mysterious calamity, but no one takes his fears seriously. When a freak accident ends his life, Alex awakens in a world that feels eerily similar to the game. Confused and disoriented, he must navigate this strange reality, unraveling cryptic clues about his connection to the game, the nightmares, and the unsettling forces that seem to be watching his every move. With danger lurking at every turn and reality itself bending, Alex’s journey becomes a race to uncover the truth—before it’s too late. ______ I wish you would like this novel. if your reading this then it's not a coincidence. it's the calling, the message indicating you should give a shot in reading this novel. this novel may not be good as others but I'll try my best to structure the plot and I wish for your support.♡

A world thats rushing towards a dark ending. An slave traveler that yearns for his freedom. A fire that will consume anyone who stays behind. Will he be able to break the chains that bound him and reach the peak or will he just die like a sheep waiting to be slaughter. Wach him rise from the bottom and tries to discover why he came here. To save the world or rush it to that dark ending. This is a story of a traveler

Henry Esprit and Andrea Leno are a new couple in their Junior year of high school, however they both have their own hidden sides. Henry come from a clan of exorcists, specializing in exorcising evil spirits and other spiritual beings. Andrea comes from a family of demon slayers, who specialize in killing and sealing demons. This is a story of Henry and Andrea who seek to advance their lives and relationship while hiding their secrets and protecting each other.

Warning! Really heavy on the slice of life. Enjoy! ================================== The Blackwood Barony, a lush paradise on the outskirts of the Kingdom of Naloria, is the home of the Balmore Household. Led by the skilled and powerful Sir Garret Balmore, the Forest's Warden, this group of formidable knights safeguards the kingdom's frontier. Living and training in the heart of the forest within the Blackwood Keep, a massive fortress, they have honed their combat skills to perfection, their might rivaling even the Barons' forces. The eldest son of Sir Garret is called Eldric and he was once one of the stronger knights in the household an even had the honor of saving the crown princes life. He basked in that glory, but that all turned awry as he was framed for staling the second prince's horse. He was to be sentenced to death, but luckily for him the crown prince came up for him. He was excused from death due to his military service at the border and him saving the crown prince's life Even though he was excused of a death sentence, his core was broken an he was exiled. Left with nowhere to go he travelled west. When he came a undiscovered area rich in life and sustenance he decided to build himself a home. When he was finished building his house a sound resounded in his mind. * Ding * Congratulations for building your Keep and awakened the Knight Household system. Thats right. Eldric has awaited 20 years for his golden finger without much hope and on this very day he has found his salvation. Join Eldric as he starts his journey and building his own kingdom. ------------- I created a discord server for those wanting to enjoy it in more detail? https://discord.gg/UYvHsZGhrC

nous suivent Aquisielle qui à transgresser une loi fondamentale d'absolute son créateur

Ella was betrayed on her 25th birthday by Alpha Eric, leading to a one-night stand at a bar. She Initially mistaking Eric for just a call boy, later, she discovers that he is actually an Alpha of a pack, leading to an unwanted pregnancy. She ran away without a trace, bearing and taking care of the twins alone. It's later turned out to be an interesting romance. What happens when Eric discover that the twins are actually his? Will Ella forgive Eric for betraying her?

A young woman has her world shattered as she find herself in the midst of a reality bending turf war, as a race to find the culprit behind a series of strange incidents begins. Only through learning of the power to create mystical objects known as "constructs" will she be able to survive. Will she climb her way to the top, or fall flat like the many who came before?

Sequel to Lord of Mysteries

Hello, everyone. If you're reading this, you may have read my other stories. I'm starting this one as a bit of a "getting back into it" story. (The synopsis will be further down) Both stories I've written will continue in the near future. (I have to re-read them because I've experienced a massive bout of memory loss.) Apologies for those of you waiting, but I had unavoidable circumstances that impeded my writing experiences. The cover isn't mine but it's been lightly photoshopped. If you want it taken down, tell me. (Signed by Author on April 25th, 2023) Anyways, time for the synopsis: Lia was a simple girl in her previous life. Well not really, considering she was the hit woman for the largest mafia organization that operated within the United States. Over the years, her exceedingly high kill count, and overall success rate was something to be afraid of. Her personality was something akin to pure confidence, bordering on arrogance. She dealt with people the same way she did her enemies. By ruining their lives in the most horrific ways. IE: Setting them up for FBI investigations, having their houses repossessed by the government, or even having them framed for a serious crime. Lia was someone that no one wanted to ever cross. If you did cross her, you might as well have signed your own death certificate! That was until she was smacked in the head by a falling piano. While following through on a hit, no less! I mean, come on! A piano?! that's unfathomably crazy. Well, despite getting hit by a literal piano, she still managed to finish the job. But the very next day, she choked on a sandwich and nearly died! Her luck seemed to have literally bottomed out. This "streak of bad luck" had continued in her life for years! Literal years! She had come so close to dying so many times that she was genuinely confused as to how this could happen to someone! From falling down a flight of stairs to nearly breaking her neck during a cartwheel (despite having so much experience that she could do them with her eyes closed.) Lia had experienced so many near-death experiences that she had become entirely immune to the weird circumstances happening around her. Eventually, the bad luck did catch her. She was minding her own business, walking through the streets of Seattle when a coin rolled across the ground and tripped someone else, who dropped an umbrella, which she tripped over. Her fall had her land directly into the flow of moving traffic. She was then hit by a small square-body pickup truck. It had a small sticker of a smug smiling face attached to its front bumper. Lia had died because of what was essentially a coin. A coin had actually managed to kill a human being. Not just any human, but one of the most feared people within the US. Warnings for all readers: -This novel will (at some point) contain lesbian sex scenes. -System tag doesn't mean in the most literal way. (you'll find out more if you read it.) -This may become a Yuri harem novel (haven't decided.) -Will contain very strong LGBTQ+ themes

Investing in cryptocurrencies can seem like an exciting way to grow wealth, but it comes with its fair share of risks. I learned this the hard way. After diving into the world of crypto trading, I quickly became entangled with a company that promised huge returns, only to find myself swindled. Trying to recover lost funds in the world of crypto can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're unsure who to trust or where to turn. I had heard about the lucrative opportunities crypto trading offered and got involved with an online platform that seemed legitimate at first. They presented themselves as experts, offering professional trading strategies and helping users navigate the volatile crypto market. However, over time, things started to unravel. The platform began showing signs of suspicious activity, and before I knew it, I had lost a substantial amount of money. I was devastated when I realized that I had been scammed out of over $82,050. The experience was emotionally and financially draining. I spent countless hours trying to reach out to the platform for explanations, but my efforts were futile. I was left with little hope, facing the grim reality that my money might never be recovered. I almost gave up, thinking there was no way to reclaim what was rightfully mine. But fate had other plans. Through some online research and a bit of luck, I came across Rapid Digital Recovery, a company specializing in helping individuals recover funds lost to online scams. At first, I was skeptical after all, I had already been scammed, and the idea of trusting another service felt risky. However, after learning more about their track record and seeing numerous success stories from others who had been in similar situations, I decided to give them a try. From the moment I reached out to Rapid Digital Recovery, What sapp Info: +1 41 4 80 7 14 85.. I knew I was in good hands. The team was professional, empathetic, and knowledgeable. They explained their process clearly, keeping me updated every step of the way. They worked diligently to trace my funds and communicate with the fraudulent company, negotiating on my behalf. To my surprise, they managed to recover 90% of my lost funds, along with some of the profits that had initially lured me into the scam. It was an immense relief to see that, despite the challenges, there are still organizations like Rapid Digital Recovery who genuinely care about helping victims of online fraud. My experience with them was nothing short of life-changing, and I am incredibly grateful for their support. Email INFO: rap iddi gita lrecov ery @ exe cs. com...If you find yourself in a similar situation, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Rapid Digital Recovery. Good work deserves recognition, and I can confidently say that they are the reason I was able to recover a significant portion of what I had lost.

In the beginning, Shangdi created the heaven and the earth. In seven days, he made the greatest of all his creations. A few years later, humanity worshipped its creator and respected its progenitor while I, Lu Xifa, the greatest of all the heavenly angels, was forgotten with time. When I tried to take my life, I ended up back in Genesis. Now, in my second life, I will cultivate to take over heaven or die trying. Check out the story of Lucifer, the fallen angel, told in the Xianxia style of Chinese novels.

A gothic short story cause why not.

The twelve year old prince was just coronated as the king after his father's death.A rebellion took place and all the members of the royal family was killed but it was rumored that the king escaped. Teri,the 7 year old of the son of the great general was rumored of being a half ghost and interacts with ghost.He was called the weaver.He was the second weaver after centuries in his family bloodline.He was born dead and was buried in a box but his mother heard the baby cries from underneath the ground and dug the box out.with shock,the baby was still alive with red threads on his fingers.The rest that was with her ran away but she kept the child and the red threads choose him. Teri's father,the great general refused to serve the new king.He showed Teri a box which contained three objects that will find their owners just as the red threads found him.He gave it to his second daughter,Darlene who was 11 years old and told his wife to escape with the children to a faraway place.The great general was then killed after his family escaped.The constables looked for his family but couldn't find them. His wife found about his death days later.As a woman with no source of income and three children,she remarried. The happy days were little as Teri's step father hated that Teri could interacts with ghost so he gave him a poisoned pastry which made him blind.But still ,he hated him and wanted to kill him but his mother intervened and was killed. He heard his mother scream and his first sister's ghost,Selena,told him what have happened.With fury,Teri killed his stepfather and destroyed his mansion.He ran away with his sisters, Selena's ghost,Darlene and elley,his little sister who was 5 years old Years has passed,17 year old Teri still has the items in the box.The sword,for the king of the former dynasty,the red whip and the flexible spear. would he be able to find the owners of the items?

In a realm steeped in ancient prophecies and magic, Aiden, an ordinary young man, discovers he holds the key to Eldoria's fate. As he grapples with newfound powers, a diverse group of allies joins him in a quest to thwart an encroaching darkness. The intertwining threads of friendship and romance weave through mystical trials, fae mischief, and personal redemption. Together, they face betrayals, unveil long-buried secrets, and confront the ultimate challenge: a final confrontation that will decide Eldoria's destiny. Will they emerge victorious, or will shadows cast a permanent veil over the realm?

LGBT - BL OMEGAVERSE 18+ The Wyne family is a famous wealthy family in Zondalian, a country famous for its progress in the eyes of the world. And their main heir is a handsome man named Daren Harry Wyne. Unfortunately, Daren was born as an Omega who always made trouble until his parents were fed up and annoyed with their own son's behavior. Until one day, a bodyguard is hired to watch over Daren from all sorts of dangers. Both from outside and from Daren himself. "Bodyguard, again? You've got to be kidding me. I can protect myself! I don't need an Alpha to protect me!" However, Daren realized that there was something different about his new bodyguard. There was something he was hiding. Something he couldn't reveal. "Who are you, Mr. Bodyguard?" Kill Me Protect Me, Mr. Bodyguard.