Phoenix Hunger Games

Felix Maxwell was destined to be a loser, born on one of the weakest races and on the least favorable of situations, he was forced to face adversity head-on as he traveled across the vast universe where dangers laid in every corner, one day traveling in hopes of riches he stumbled upon a ruin where a supreme being laid imprisoned, in a stroke of bad luck the being laid its eyes on him and tried to take over his body, forcing itself upon him. But fate hadn't given up on him! He woke up in his younger body, 20 years in the past with the fallen being trapped in his soul. In his past life he had been a loser, giving up on things mid-way and never striving for greatness, he was a side character who made the strong shine even brighter, but not on this life. He swore to himself he would strive for glory, he would take advantage of his knowledge and emerge as a supreme being! ...... Novel Discord: https://discord.gg/FTfXXYHnFT This is my Patreon, everyone is welcomed to drop by! https://www.patreon.com/MidGard_Author

In a world ravaged by chaos and loneliness, John's life lacked purpose and meaning. The constant protests outside his apartment mirrored the turmoil within him, their noise a haunting reminder of the unrest he couldn't escape. Lost in unemployment and isolation, John sought refuge in virtual realms, where he could momentarily escape reality. Yet, his existence felt empty, like an abandoned canvas waiting for a painter's touch. With each passing day, he robotically navigated life, seeking something more. In an unexpected twist of events, a sudden explosion shattered his life, leaving him floating in a mysterious void. As panic threatened to consume him, an otherworldly voice offered him an enigmatic opportunity—to rewrite his destiny, to embrace a higher purpose. With unwavering determination, John accepted the offer, and a blinding light transported him to a new reality. His consciousness had returned, but his senses felt foreign, devoid of sight. Instead, he sensed momentous events unfolding—a significant figure being born, destined to become the emperor of a crumbling empire. John VIII Palaiologos, a historical figure tasked with confronting the mighty Ottoman Empire, was now the role he inhabited. As he grappled with his newfound identity and the weight of his responsibilities, he realized that his journey had just begun. The fate of an empire rested on his shoulders, and he was determined to shape history in a way that would bring hope and transformation to his world. --------------------------------------------- [Author Note:] Updates: 3-4 chapters/week *Miss me? Don't be, I'll be much busier than last time, but do try to write, somehow, I might be a tad below my chapters expectation for a couple of weeks depending on how busy I am.* Cheers!

DESTINY GAMES. It has been 85 years since Earth-11 became aligned with Yggdrasil and 73 years since Icon became the first demigod from Earth. Icon, as the first demigod, was privileged to weave the thread of fate for everyone. He was supposed to cut off Yggdrasil and free Earth-11 from the grasps of the other Earths and their god kings. That's why everyone helped him climb the tower of Destiny. But instead of ridding earth of Yggdrasil, he turned the destiny of mankind into seven rings of immortality.  The first ring was for the immortality of power. The second was for the immortality of the knowledge. The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth were for the immortality of the mind, energy, body, and soul. The last ring, the ring of the paragon, was made to rule them all.  Icon kept the ring of the paragon for himself and became a dictator. He ruled with an iron fist for many years. His was a reign of terror. But he was eventually vanquished by the collective effort of the world.  It has been 62 years since then. Icon is no more, but the damage he had done still remains. Earth-11 is still connected to Yggdrasil. The deadly games of the Tower of Destiny still remain, and the fight for the seven rings of immortality still continues.  Kelvin Thorn has just awakened his ability. It came at a good time too since he is running for his life. The ability he awakened saved him, but it came with a cost. He must climb the tower of destiny under the witness of the whole world and accumulate destiny, or he will die.  His situation is not unique. Everyone that awakens, which is mostly everyone, must climb the tower of destiny. It is one of the curses that Icon left behind before he died. But Thorn is different because the seventh ring found him.  The tower of destiny is where everyone granted power by destiny, be they humans, non-humans, or otherworlders, must fight in games of might, skill, and knowledge to gather the power of destiny. They will either die or eventually overcome death. Kelvin will be one of the latest in the line of billions of others in this struggle. 

Raiden Ignatius is like your usual weak mc in cultivation story,this world is based on a distant future where earthlings somehow manages to unlock abilities and grow stronger so the leadership heirachy now changed to a type where the strong rules and the weak is bullied in the society........ What happens when Raiden loses everything he cared about everything he ever loved... Follow the mc who unlocked a mysterious system which allows him to grow stronger on his quest to be ontop and protect those he cares about......

Opening her eyes, she becomes the eldest daughter of the Great General of Liuyin Kingdom. She is the modern girl that transmigrated into a world that only respects the strong. Bullied by her cousins... Broken engagement... She did not care about all of that. Her motto is inspired by one of her favourite anime, Hyouka: "If I don't have to do it, I won't. If I have to do it, I'll make it quick." "You already come into this Lord's hug. Don't you dare to run?" A Lord threatens her. "Do you think I'm scared of you? You can keep dreaming." She spoke back. She just wants to have a peaceful life, however, can she has it? Author Note: - The cover image for this novel credit goes to its creator. I just only edit it -Please check my other novel as well: Reborn: Space Intelligent Woman

The Fire Pheonix is about a female fire pheonix named Huo who didn't know she had immense powers in her until she met Vulcan the blue phoenix and young prince of the mystical realm of Aethoria, where ancient magic dwells. As Huo discovers her powers, she learns she's the last living heir of the legendary Fire Phoenix Clan, thought to be extinct. Vulcan, with his guidance and mentorship, helps Huo unlock her true potential. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to reclaim her birthright and save Aethoria from the dark forces of the Shadow Syndicate, led by the ruthless sorceress, Lyra Vulcan's morher who practiced evil magic until she became totally evil. As Huo and Vulcan navigate treacherous landscapes and battle formidable foes, they uncover hidden secrets about their past, their families' histories, and the ancient prophecy that binds them. With the fate of Aethoria hanging in the balance, Huo must master her powers, confront her destiny, and decide whether to follow her heart or her duty as the rightful Fire Phoenix Queen.

In a world turned into a deadly game, Alex Grant, an ordinary high school student, finds himself thrust into an apocalyptic reality where Earth has been selected as Game World N31459. With invaders and monsters descending from the skies, humanity is forced to fight for survival. As Alex navigates through the chaos, he discovers a game-like system in his mind, granting him access to items, abilities, and quests. Using a rare "Blessing Stone," he gains temporary god-like powers, boosting his strength and endurance. Tasked with surviving the first week of the invasion, Alex fights terrifying creatures and encounters other survivors, each struggling to adapt to their new powers and the terrifying monsters attacking their world. Along the way, he earns valuable loot, including rare "Awakening Stones" that promise to unlock even greater power. With his R-level potential, Alex quickly becomes a force to be reckoned with, but the battles only grow more dangerous. The world has become a brutal game of survival, and Alex must use every advantage he gains to protect those around him and unravel the mysteries behind the invasion.

A sequel story to " The Ascendent". For more : Read Epilogue.

Now, I know what you're thinking, “is this another superhero story where the heroes always beat the bad guys and are over dramatic. Or the villains always beat the good guys and are over dramatic?”. I know, I know— the stories gets kinda boring after a while when the heroes or villains always win. Well, sorry to disappoint you but this is that type of story. But this is where there are no heroes saving the day or the villains ruling the world. No, this is the story about in between the line, the small grey line that no one sees but is always there. The grey line you can cross at any moment. This is about the story where the Vigilantes— the anti-heroes win. The villain’s to the heroes, the nightmares to the villain’s, the guiding light to the people who can’t defend themselves when no hero is there to save them. The True Heroes. The Heroes that can either win or lose, but ultimately still win because that’s what people want in a story.

[WSA 2024 Entry] Everyone is playing a regal game. Everyone except Lucia (who probably should). After her father faced accusations of trying to seize the throne from his father and king, he was exiled along with his family. They were no longer royalty, but his wife would not have it. She was friends with the queen of Vershia and used that to her advantage. Her two older daughters were the right age to marry the two princes, and she would make that happen come what may. That became a problem when the oldest daughter was ignored by the crown prince, who formed a friendship with the youngest of the girls. There was still hope; Lucia could become the future queen. But Lucia was not groomed for this role. She did not want to live for the type of marriage she could snag. She did not want to take the man who had been planned for her sister. But that’s the thing with plans, isn’t it? She never planned to fall in love with the man, and there she was: an unwilling participant in the regal games. Would she capture the crown? How would everything affect her relationship with her sister? Was there ever pleasing her mother?

"well we are horny and you happen to be available, ha ha ha" uncle says with a develish laugh taking off his clothes while my father stroked his manhood backing Lilly against the door. "please sir , please don't do this to me I beg you" Lilly prayed but the more she cried the more aroused they got , it was as if her please and tears were a turn on to them. "Dad , please let her go ,we won't tell anybody about this please" I begged but unfortunately my father and uncle were not ready to let go our maid . "Call me Dad one more time and we'll let her go and fuck you instead" My father said charging towards me and I froze. He pulled me up and examined my body. "well your body is just as appetizing as your mother's" my father said giving me a hard squeeze on my ass and I whined in pain. "oh you dirty girl , you love what daddy is doing to you huh" he said licking his lips and kissed me on the forehead pressing his manhood on my belly. "Relax baby your day will come too" he said and pulled a rope fastening it hard on my body. "I don't want you escaping or tying anything stupid, watch and take some notes" he said and left me getting back to Lilly who has been crying hopelessly. . . . I am Nina , and this is my life story.

From the moment I understood the weakness of my flesh, it disgusted me. I craved the strength and certainty of an immortal vessel. Thus, through pain and flames, I forged it. "From death through flames, to life again, the Heavens will forge, an eternal man!" *** He was once but a man, a young one from Earth, a man that crossed over to another world. After a long string of both fortunate and unfortunate events, he was killed, only to be resurrected by the powers of a Phoenix. Gerald, in his eternal pursuit of power, went and joined a Sect of powerful Cultivators where he learned to properly use his newly gained magic powers in the unfamiliar world, and with a tiny compounding advantage, began to dominate his enemies. He pursued not strength, money, or women, though those too were gained along the way, instead, he craved a body to withstand and witness the end of the world. "What use is money without a long life to enjoy it? What use are the fancy sword techniques and mystic arts, if you can’t take a hit? How many mistakes can one make, before a mortal wound brings them down? It takes just one, and you never see it coming." *** Join, and follow the story of Gerald Fireborn as he explores his new world, pursuing immortality at any cost while avoiding succumbing to death for the second time. PS: Although the story is a continuation of the previously completed book Black Onyx – Forgotten Magic, NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE PREVIOUS STORY IS REQUIRED! The book is written to be enjoyed on its own, so yeah... Enjoy!

Welcome to The Evolution Games! A hub of entertainment created to amuse the commoners and line the pockets of the rich all across the universe! In these games, race doesn’t matter, status doesn’t matter—nothing matters except your ability! It’s a platform that meets all your needs, from sports to battle royales to even fishing! If you want it, it has it! This collection of deadly games lets the races compete with whatever special gifts the universe has given them, whether that’s the cheat-like abilities of the dragons, the runic manipulation of the elves, or even the countless elemental abilities that have evolved! Everything is done in a 100% immersive Virtual Reality Simulation, or VRS! Rain Janus, an average college student, is suddenly exposed to the universal powers that dominate his world. This drastically changes his fate—and his entire life. However, everything truly changes once he meets a former criminal hiding on his planet. What caused this person to become a criminal? How did this criminal change Rain’s life? Did they even change his life? ***This story may start a little slow, but its pace will increase after the first volume, which is expected to be around 10–15 chapters (still undecided and only an estimate).*** ***This is a WebNovel Rising Star II so PLEASE give me some love and attention, you know shower me with some beautiful power stones when it becomes available, an honest review here and there never hurts anyone, and I'll even take hurtful comments if it has at least some way to improve within it.*** * I’ll be also releasing an extra chapter for every 15 Powerstones in a given week (may change) and every 20 collections. These chapters will be uploaded after Volume 1 is finished and I start a consistent release schedule.*

Ken is a smart runaway with a dark past, who after a near death experience finds himself waking up in another world. Chosen by Lilith-a mischievous spirit-he's thrown into "New Oasis", a world of high risks where 10,000 players duke it out for a single, ultimate wish. In a land teeming with bustling cities, treacherous mountains, and unyielding foes, Ken has but 5,000 coins, his wits, and the unreliable guidance of Lilith. The goal is to obtain eight legendary gems via twisted games and players who are far more cunning, Beyond that wish, Ken carries the weight of his crimes, unsure what began it all. With redemption, revenge, and freedom hanging in the balance, Ken risks everything in the New Oasis, where only the strongest-or smartest-will survive.

Max, an ordinary student, found his world upended when powerful, chaotic, God-like beings descended upon Earth, bestowing grand and bizarre abilities upon humans while compelling them to participate in their perverse games.

By the way I should probably say this, but English is not my first language so I'm still learning the grammar there will be time that I will just edit them because the grammar is bad, and a friend is helping me with it. I love stories and I was able to make friends happy with them. I want to do this or try to at least make someone happy reading the story that I come up with hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy making this story. (By the way there may be times that I use comment to change a bit of the story)

After being treated unfairly and killed Bella is given a second chance to life to take her revenge and save the world with the only condition that she does fall in love. This gets spiced up when she crosses part with her mutual enemy Leon Copeland and they are compared to get married to one another by their family ... [Bella what are you doing? I thought I make the rules clear?] She heard butterfly said and quickly shut her eyes trying to comprehend her emotions "You did but I'm just human, and my baby needs his dad," she said coldly and picked up a glass of wine. ... "What the fuck has come over you?" Leon screamed seeing his wife pointing a gun at him "Nothing.. it's simple I want you out of my way" "Your way?What on earth are you speaking about.." he asked perplexed as he could feel his life draining bit by bit out of him "I want to be the queen" Bella replied coldly "But you are already one" "I want to be the one and only Mafia ruler and I don't need anyone's support especially not that of a motherf**ker like you" "So you want to kill me? Tell me what would you tell our kids and family? I was never in your way and I wouldn't" Leon said hoping he would calm her, he was still unaware of what in actual fact came over his once loving and sweet wife... Will she be able to keep to this one rule and save the world or would fall in love and ruin everything? Schedule update. Stay tuned

So, let me get this straight, I die not knowing how, get reborn as a mythical bird, my parents are dragons and this levelling system is crap. If that isn't bad enough, I'm also terrified of flying. I'm never going to get used to this, am I? (Strong language) ---Slight summary of each volume--- Volume 1: Developing & growing up Volume 2: Romance & vengeance Volume 3: Home life & invasions Volume 4: Aftermath & exploration Volume 5: Soulmates & hunting Volume 6: Heavenly & ...

“The Phoenix Ascendance” The Phoenix Ascendance, a tale to behold, Of a phoenix bound, its destiny untold. To Li Yan, an ordinary youth, Whose path is forged through trials and truth. Hardships rise, like shadows to fight, Schemes of his master cloud the light. The Pavilion Master of Murmurs schemes, A weaver of whispers, a breaker of dreams. If you dare not tread where legends lie, You’ll miss a journey where spirits fly. A story of fire, of struggle, of gain— To pass it by would be your pain.

18+ Quick Transmigration BL/LGBT, M-Preg MC/Phoenix/Bottom/Shou/Switch, ML/Top/Gong/Switch-only for MC Both MC & ML are complex characters, and each arc will highlight the different sides to their personalities so some arcs MC maybe a power bottom and in some ML takes charge. But mostly MC is bottom, and ML is top. Join us as we follow a young anti-hero named Phoenix, as he tries to free himself from the clutches of whom ever kidnapped him and imprisoned him, gain power & knowledge in order to take them down & regain his memory that's been locked away from him. It seems that someone else was after Phoenix too but for what and why would they help him escape? Solaris the sentient A.I. system that hacked into The Jailer System that had been forcibly bound to Phoenix's soul and helped to spring Nix from his prison but for what reason and at what cost? No good deed goes unpunished and nothing absolutely nothing in the multiverse is ever completely free. But what choice does Nix have? Surely following Solaris' missions cannot be worse than what he left behind right? Is this just another way for his captors to abuse him more? Can he ever be truly free when he just spent the last 32 thousand years being forced to live one horrific abusive life after the other. Can he even dream of healing when he cannot forget even a single moment, he spent in that hell hole? This story begins at the end of his imprisonment from "hell" and follows his journey to discovering himself, regaining his lost memory and discover who and what was and is behind all this. But can he handle the truth? What happens if he were to learn that he was being punished for crimes against the celestial Dragon Emperor and heaven itself? Could he truly be capable of such a thing and if so, what will he do then? One could definitely say that Nix is an anti-hero, since he is not benevolent but would not stand for injustice happen to the innocent or those, he deems worthy enough to care for and about. Nix is cold, apathetic & keeps everyone & everything at arm's length. Despite his cold, arrogant, apathetic & aloof exterior, Nix surprisingly has a big soft heart for animals & children, as well as all things cute & adorable but he would never admit it. ML: Hey what about me? Nix: What about you? Who are you again anyways? ML: ...? Solaris & Author: eating popcorn & booked peanuts (I know they aren't for everyone, don't come for me) ML: Nix how can you say that? Mrs_TNT do something he's being hateful again for no reason! Why must he always push me away? What did I ever do to him? Author Mrs_TNT: Is that a serious question right now? Well, I guess you'll have to read to find out. This story begins at the end of his first imprisonment and follows Phoenix as he tries to recover his memories from before he was imprisoned and bound to the Jailer System as well as gain power and complete the missions given by Solaris until he can finally be free and exact his revenge before he has his soul annihilated so that he never reincarnates again. I may do flashbacks or even write a prequel after this novel is finished depicting his long, long journey just to get to the beginning of this novel. Be Warned! There will be several triggering topics addressed in this novel, though it is not a dark romance it does touch on abuse: neglect, mental, verbal, physical and sexual. This is a Boy Love, LGBT or gay romance novel that will have explicit scenes. I will not be putting warnings up as I go along. I am working through some of my own trauma through writing this novel, so I understand it is not for everyone. That said this is very loosely based off some of my own experiences and any coincidences between names, places or events is just that a coincidence and have nothing in common unless I state other wise and will credit it if I do as well. Cover art was made by me using A.I. image generator and editing it myself. I hold all rights to this novel.

Feng Zhijiu was born frail and was told that she would not live to be 25 years old. However, she lives her life with positivity and strives to live life to the fullest. Until one night, her fragile body was suddenly struck by lightning, and she died. Transmigrating to another world, she discovered a new world where humans, spiritual beasts, demons, and gods coexisted. Blessed with a space and countless books, she took the first step into the world of cultivation. As she uncovers the mysteries of the world, she realizes her background is not as simple as she thought. Accompanied by her disciple and lover, Feng Zhijiu slowly discovered the truth behind everything.

After completing a hardcore game after numerous attempts, Elias felt that he had finally succeeded in doing something in his life. However, this happiness proved fleeting. With the game conquered, there was only a deep feeling of emptiness left. "You win" As he stared at the simple yet deep message, he was left wondering... What now? What was the meaning of his life now that the game was conquered? Yet he knew that he was only lying to himself. Deep down, Elias already knows the answer. He had already died the moment he completed the game. His life lost all meaning the instant he completed the game. Thus, with a smile, he decided to end his life. There was no point in living further. After all, Isn't the pursuit of happiness the ultimate aim of all living beings? He had found his... only to lose it just as quickly. As Elias pulled the trigger, expecting nothingness to follow, he found himself in a strange space along with a new feeling... The one of hate. "I hate the world so much that I want to destroy it." "I hate myself so much that I want to destroy myself." "I hate the unknown so much that I want to know everything." "I hate the unknowable so much that I want to comprehend everything." "I hate the unforgivable so much that I want to forgive everything."

Be it looks, luck, grades or money, Owen's always been bottom of the barrel. Despite this he acts with a good heart and selflessness. One day his good actions are rewarded by a homeless man who gives him a mysterious coin that changes his life after a single flip. [Updates every Thursday]

Ayame remains alone after her father died in a fire that burned the whole city, leaving her the only survivor. She was took in by the Team V, but she reallg misses her town and father. After hearing about a misterious crystal that can grant any wish, she decides to find it to bring her father back.How will her goal will change after meeting an old friend from the same city? She decides to make a wish to the Crystal in order to see her father once more.

Lock city, a city located in Advran beaming with the occasional splashes of blood in homes for decades and the culprits never found. Bonnie, Luis and Leah, an unlikely trio have noticed the crimes have a certain pattern, leading them to the belief that the culprits have a connection. A sinister play is at hand and they don't know how long it will be, for the entire country to fully be drenched in blood of its own people. Bonnie and Luis have to work through this while navigating feelings and secrets that have been kept under wrap for years, maybe this is a chance for the pair to finally open up.

In a world overrun by supernatural creatures and magic, phoenixes are known to be 'extinct' creatures of a distant past that were commonly referred to as 'Creatures of Calamity' and yet, contrary to that belief, they were also known to be creatures of sublime peace and indomitable mental fortitude. Our main character, Arthur is one of two princes of the Phoenixes. Born into a race that must remain hidden, lest they risk losing their lives to their mortal enemies, the Dragons. As life in the castle becomes more 'suffocating', the prince sets his sights on something... interesting. Barthlorn School of the Supernatural: An elite academy meant to train only the best to fight the Dark Forces of the Supernatural. Hunters, Dragons, Shifters, Warlocks, Healers, Magic and so much more are to be found within the walls of the great School. With so much to learn and so little to lose by doing so, the prince seeks adventure within the walls of the Academy. Like all oblivious main characters, nothing prepares him for the adventures he will find at great school. Nothing prepares him for the strength of the bonds he creates there... and with those bonds comes the frailty of his race's most sacred secret. Revealing the existence of his kind could quite literally mean death for all phoenixes. ............................. PS. The cover photo is not mine.

Hanjun, who used to live alone, wakes up in a strange, old church in a different world called Eorera. In this world, there are two gods: the God of Light and the God of Darkness. A thousand years ago, the God of Darkness created demons and attacked humans. The God of Light was nowhere to be found, and people believed they were abandoned. Hanjun finds himself mistaken for being the God of Light by an old priest who was praying for help against the demons. Even though Hanjun is not actually a god, he ends up in a divine body on a stone throne, realizing he has lost most of his powers. He decides to help the humans by recruiting players from Earth through a game he creates called "God's Games Online." He sends out gaming equipment for free to a few selected players, who will enter the game to help protect Ulon Town from the approaching demons. Hanjun also creates a game system and an NPC guide, using the old priest named Barry to lead the players. Hanjun hides his true identity As "Holy Son" and starts preparing to gather faith and regain his power to protect the people of Eorera. Note: 1. Slow-paced story. 2. There is no female lead in this book.

After a millennium of monotony, the hidden immortals found themselves utterly bored with the endless cycle of existence. Growing weary of merely observing humanity from the shadows, they decided it was time to stir things up a bit. The immortal known as Doyen took the initiative to gather individuals from various backgrounds and corners of the globe, crafting a pocket universe complete with an island that served as a hub connecting different mini-worlds through portals. This island became a playground for the abducted humans, thrust into a brutal survival game. Doyen extended invitations to his fellow immortals, encouraging them to select champions for their twisted contests. If the humans failed to amuse, the immortals had the option to exert direct control over them. Each participant received a familiar egg and a backpack filled with essential gear, as they were cast onto the island designed to push their limits, all for the entertainment of the watching immortals.

In a world consumed by the rat race, Haruto Oshima stood out as a bright student who despised the rat race everyone seemed trapped in. His dream? A life filled with success, excitement, and lots of wealth alongside his middle school girlfriend, Kanna. Haruto devoted himself intensely to his study, Achieving brilliant success in every exam, and took decisive steps toward achieving the life he aimed for. However, everything changed when Haruto's girlfriend Kanna broke up with him during their last year of middle school, leaving him deeply affected. Just as he was suffering from overwhelming sorrow, the world got hit with a virus known as Covid-19! After years of struggle, the world finally recovered from the pandemic, and people resumed their normal lives. However things didn't remain the same for Haruto Oshima, his educational path was suddenly brought to standstill, costing him five years of his educational life. Haruto’s lack of education forced him to do an ordinary job at a mall as a counter boy forcing him to live a life he always hated, plunging him into boredom and eventually into depression. Things keep getting worse for Haruto as his hatred for his own life started increasing day by day, eventually a tragic event hit his life forcing him to join a game named “Smiley Face Game” where players compete against each other in hope of winning millions of dollars. Unaware of the fact that this seemingly innocent game would turn into a “Human Massacre Game!”

The first rays of dawn pierced through the dense foliage of the Azure Mountains, illuminating the verdant landscape in a soft, golden hue. High atop one of the mountain's peaks, a figure lay sprawled on the ground, unconscious and battered. As the sunlight caressed his face, his eyes fluttered open, revealing a pair of piercing blue irises.