Merlin Cries

The world of Anexia is rotting. The Mist has taken hold over entire continents and continues to spread, not content until the entire world is under its control. Raorka, along with his mother Zoe and father Zack, are thrust into this world after an accident. However they wake up at different parts of the world. Raorka wakes up near the Domed Town of Temuril, where inhabitants speak of the cursed dragon in the woods and the exiled witch who teaches magik...for a price. Zack wakes up near the town of Odania where the red cloaked Chianti Hunters battle against the tyrant mayor and the last Great Kingdom. Zoe awakens near the abandoned Church of Laments, where the cries of persecuted nuns echo, praying for the return of their Goddess and her blessings. Now they journey separately, desperate to reunite with each other amidst the chaos of a dying world.

WPC June 2024 Winner ---------------------------- What would you do, if you could transmigrate to the anime you designed? Upon transmigrate to the anime world, Owen found himself standing at the edge of the arena. A tall, coldly beautiful figure held a staff, arrogantly surveying the crowd! At this moment, the system sounded! [Ding, please choose: 1. Challenge on stage to receive a god-tier reward 2. Abandon the challenge and lose 50% HP!] Challenge! [Ding, congratulations to the Host for obtaining a god-tier reward] [God-tier Talent: Order of Merlin, Host's leveling speed increased tenfold!] [God-tier Skill: Mana Void, Host's surroundings become a no-magic zone!] [God-tier Weapon: Godslayer Staff, the strongest weapon! Can transform into any shape!] Nice, let me show you the power of a transmigrator! At this moment, the system's voice sounded again: [Ding, please choose: 1. Host marries the strongest female antagonist and conquers the world together 2. Abandon the challenge and lose 100% HP!] Excuse me??? Is there even a choice here???

"I'm one game away from reaching the master rank! I'll do it tomorrow, though. A true gamer knows when to refresh his mind and increase his victory chances!" Adam smiled in anticipation as he went to sleep on this special day. However, he could never have imagined the surreal awakening that awaited him. "What's wrong with my voice?!"  "Claws? A tail and horns, too?" [Welcome to the demon realm. You have been selected to reincarnate as a Lord. Conquer this realm of fire and ashes, become its uncontested ruler... or die trying.] Reincarnated as an imp in the cruel demon realm, at the borders of the mythological demon Baal's territory, his life seemed doomed from the start. However, determination sparkled in his eyes as against all odds, he defiantly proclaimed. "No matter who decided to make me start as an imp, watch as I turn into a veritable devil. Even Baal won't hold a candle against me in the future!" Equipped with his unique talent, he started his lord's journey, ready to evolve and prove to those strange realms that demons were more than violent and deceptive creatures... at least he would try. ----------------------- Welcome everyone! This is my second book and my WPC entry. I hope you'll enjoy the journey. You can expect a mix of gods/demons from almost every pantheon and mythological figures, like Heracles, Wukong, Muramasa, Achilles, Merlin, Cu Chulainn, and many others! Please do check out my first book if you enjoy fantasy stories. :)

Merline wanted nothing more than to break free from his monotonous job and controlling family. But when the System arrived, it brought a seismic shift to the world: magic, Rifts, and a chance for ordinary individuals to achieve greatness. Unfortunately for Merline, his initial stats were as underwhelming as his previous life. However, everything took a turn when he unlocked the rare trait {Primordial Will}, which forced all his free points into a single stat—a restriction that came with both challenges and unexpected potential. Forced into a perilous Rift far beyond his capabilities, Merline quickly realized that survival required more than just brute strength or flashy abilities. It demanded unyielding determination and ingenuity. If he wanted to escape alive and seize the rewards that could tip the scales in his favor, he would need to push himself beyond his limits. This story chronicles Merline’s journey as he learns to master Mana Threads and pioneers an entirely new magical framework through Spell Circles. He begins to understand that magic is more than a tool—it's a gateway to a power few can truly comprehend. But with global governments scrambling to manage the surge of superhuman threats, Merline finds himself facing not just monsters and Rifts, but a world in turmoil. In a society where strength dictates authority, who truly holds control?

A frail and often ill son of a wealthy merchant unexpectedly embarked on the path of cultivating immortality while seeking a way to prolong his life! During the Tang Dynasty's Golden Age, the world was at peace, the climate was favorable, and the people lived in tranquility. One thousand years later, demonic beings devoured the sky, demonic ghosts rampaged, and sorrow-filled cries resonated everywhere. The Journey to the West reappeared, the Great Sage fought against the heavens, the Heavenly Stem descended to the mortal world, reincarnating anew. Mysterious transmigrations and reincarnations, reality and illusions intermingling, truly extraordinary! Is it just a dream predicted in the prophecy? Or a reality that has yet to occur? Can he eradicate the predestined demonic barrier, eliminate the catastrophes of the Three Realms that have yet to occur, and save the people from utter destruction?

From that day on, secret realms descended upon the world. Bizarre creatures cried out for nourishment, and strange rules lay in wait for the fortunate. These individuals were lured by supernatural abilities and treasures, entering the game for wealth and power. Yet soon, they would go mad with the roles they played, consumed by the savagery. But he was different, always relishing the thrill of fear, savoring the joy of despair. In the razor-sharp twists of fate, "Fantastic, thrilling!" he exclaimed. Then he turned around, smiling and even more expectant— Striding towards hell. [Modern mysteries, rule replicas, heartwarming healing, Sbarazzi.]

Most would expect the daughter of the king of one of the four strongest nations in the Realm of the Angels to enjoy great luxury and power. While her Father may enjoy those things, that isn't the case for Rosemary. The hated daughter only manages to attract disdain from others in the royal court despite her gentle and kind nature. Rosemary was born with a weak body, preventing her from living up to the ideals of her father and his court. Such environment pushes Rose to attempting to end it all. But she is unable to do so as she recalls her older brother's love for her. As she drowns, she cries out for help. But no one is around. No one but a certain handsome man with eyes as cold as her father's.

The Last Magus Emperor, Myrddin Wyllt, fought to his death in battle against the Demon Emperor. 1500 years later Merlin, a 29 year old mage of the Dawnsedge Sword Sect, stuck in the 1st circle initiate realm inherits Myrddin’s spirit after suffering mana deviation. The year is 1224 L.E. (Last Emperor)

In a world where magic and divine power collide, the youngest son of Lucifer, a demon boy born with unimaginable strength, was chained and sealed away by his father to prevent him from destroying Hell itself. At the age of eight, his power became so uncontrollable that even the King of Hell feared his existence. Desperate to keep the demon's destructive potential contained, Lucifer made a pact with the great Merlin, who trapped the boy in the human realm, binding his powers with enchanted chains. Years later, with Merlin dead and a kingdom still fearful of the demon’s release, an elite group of knights, blessed by the gods, take it upon themselves to guard his prison. However, when a war between the mages and knights erupts, chaos provides the perfect opportunity for the young demon to break free. Hidden among the knights, disguised within their ranks, the demon plots his next move. But his escape is just the beginning. Hunted by both the mages and the knights, he must navigate a world where ancient gods, wizards, and warriors clash. As he travels deep into enemy territory, sneaking into the heart of the kingdom, he is driven by one purpose: freedom. Now, with his powers still sealed but his physical strength unmatched, the young demon embarks on a journey that will shake the foundation of both realms. Can the knights stop him before he regains his full strength, or will the demon's wrath bring both Heaven and Hell to their knees? As the demon hides in the shadows of the human world, a new chapter in the war between gods, magic, and demonic power begins. new discord server https://discord.gg/K54kUWjS

Merlin Asher was a young man who died in another world, only to awaken in the quiet heart of Storshallow—a city of whispered cults, mechanical wonders, and ancient secrets best left unspoken. Bound to a new identity and equipped with the memories of the body he now inhabits, Merlin strives to fit seamlessly into the life of a modest boarding-house assistant, concealing the extraordinary circumstances of his arrival. As he carries out his daily tasks and navigates the delicate expectations of Mistress Halewick’s establishment, he becomes increasingly aware that Storshallow’s elegant streets and tidy facades hide shadows far older and deeper than he first imagined. When a traveling scholar named Master Wintrell arrives, seeking forbidden knowledge in one of the city’s most enigmatic repositories—the Eightfold Library—Merlin is drawn further into a subtle web of mysteries. Fragments of occult symbols and unsettling echoes from the boarding house cellar suggest that the hum of everyday routine conceals a realm of hidden artifacts, strange deities, and grand cosmic machinations. Caught between his unassuming role and a burning need to understand the secret currents of this new world, Merlin sets forth on a journey of quiet inquiry, determined to unravel the truth without attracting the wrong kind of attention. In a land where the holy and the horrifying sometimes share the same shrines, Merlin must tread carefully, forging a new destiny before the Ethereal Veil that lies beyond human sight swallows him whole.

In the grand and influential kingdom of Auroria Dominion, renowned for its wealth, advanced magic, and unmatched political power, a new chapter in the royal legacy is about to unfold. Ruled by the wise and just King Aldara, Auroria thrives on trade, magical innovation, and ancient knowledge. At its heart lies Solstice City, a magnificent capital and home to the esteemed Arcanum Royal Institute, where the brightest minds from across the realm come to hone their talents. As the new school year approaches, tensions rise within the royal family. King Aldara, driven by a desire for change, proposes a controversial plan to bring the son of the infamous Merlin—a powerful and feared wizard—into the kingdom's fold. Despite the protests of his brother, Headmaster Thaddeus Aldara, the king is determined to give the boy, Melanthius, a chance to prove his worth. Meanwhile, in the dark and foreboding Caldara Bastille, a prison on the desolate Ironclad Isles, Melanthius, known as Inmate Zero, endures a life of isolation and fear. Raised in captivity since birth, Mel has known little of the world beyond the prison walls, his only companions the guards and the dangerous inmates. Despite his harsh upbringing, Mel adheres to a strict moral code, refusing to let his father's dark legacy define him. As the headmaster and king devise a daring plan to retrieve Melanthius from the depths of the Bastille, the stage is set for a dramatic clash between the past and the future. With the help of a mysterious dragon hybrid, the kingdom will attempt to bring Melanthius to the prestigious halls of Arcanum Royal Institute, where he must navigate a world of power, politics, and hidden dangers. But Mel's journey is fraught with challenges. Haunted by his father's legacy and burdened by the expectations of those around him, he must learn to balance his extraordinary abilities with his desire to be good. As he steps into the unknown, Mel's presence at the institute will not only test his resolve but also shake the very foundations of Auroria Dominion.

This story is kind of based on the Arthurian legend. ******* He was called many things. Bastard, the False King, The Traitor, Treacherous Knight. Sir Mordred was a villain, one who according to the prophecy of the grand wizard Merlin, would destroy the kingdom of King Arthur Pendragon. And he did but at the cost of his life. As he lay dying on the bloody ground of Camlann after the mighty clash between him and Arthur, a bloody tear fell down his face. All he wanted was to be acknowledged by his father but all the things he did eventually led to disaster. Now with death’s cold hands grasping him, he hoped for a short peace before the fiery rings of hell. But that was not the end of his journey. ******* “Hold up.” “What is that infernal noise?” “Oh my goodness! It's driving me crazy! And it's not stopping!” Mordred sprang awake, slamming his fist on the digital alarm clock on the nightstand. 'What in Merlin's Beard is happening!?', he thought when he realized something. Well, a lot of things. First of all. How the heck is he alive? Second. What is a digital alarm? That's when memories that didn't belong to him flooded his head. They felt familiar but everything was wrong. How the heck is Morgan Le Fay his sister? She was his aunt! And how is the wizard Merlin so young! “Oh. I get it now”. He, Sir Mordred has been reborn in the body of a different version of himself, in a modern and futuristic world where he is the youngest son of Arthur Pendragon. But even in this world, He is the hated son of the High King. "Now what?", Mordred realized that the world he is in now is different from his previous one, with the only familiar details being the names of the people he knew. “Oh? Are you still reading?” Mordred smiled, looking at the readers. “Well, how about you join me on this new crazy journey in a crazy new world of heroes, villains, monsters, and even gods?” “Are you ready?” "Let's go!" ********************************************** The story is loosely based on the Arthurian legend. I am only using the popular names but the plot is different. The story is purely fictional with a few things from the actual legend being incorporated along with some stuff from other popular works. The characters may have different personalities from the original ones from the legend. There will also be names that may seem quite familiar as well. The cover image doesn't belong to me. Please check out my other work: The First Deviation.

When Merlin went on a trip with her friends to a tourist destination, they came across a serene lake with calm and crystal-clear waters. While she was deeply engrossed in admiring the lake, one of her friends playfully pushed her, causing her to fall into the water. Unable to swim, she sank deeper and deeper, with no one coming to her aid. Her vision grew blurry and eventually faded to darkness. When she regained consciousness, she was shocked to find herself in an unfamiliar place. The surroundings were filled with ancient, old-fashioned buildings reminiscent of a bygone era. "Where am I?" Merlin murmured in shock, her eyes darting around the strange environment.

When seventeen year-old Whisky and his classmates are kidnapped and trapped in an abandoned warehouse, they're forced to participate in a twisted game of survival. With no escape and no mercy, they must fight each other to stay alive. As alliances are formed and broken, Whisky must confront his darkest fears and confront the true nature of humanity. But in this deadly arena, can anyone be trusted? With each passing day, the stakes grow higher, and the body count rises. Will Whisky emerge victorious, or become the next victim between the 'Cries of Rebels? Blood, Sweat and Tears: The Price of Freedoom!!!

This is a story of a young girl who died at the age of 20 without achieving any of her goals without being able to make her siblings wish come true and it did haunt even on her last breath, maybe the heavens did hear her cries and gave her a second chance in life as a person she always wanted to be and that not only changed her life alone but also the lives of people surrounding her in her present love and the last life.

Maria is subjected to immense horrors at far to young an age. When she cries out for help her prayers are answered with the blessing of a goddess. Will she be able to overcome the trauma of her past and find love for her destined mate, or will she be doomed to a life devoid of love.

Sam: "After feeling responsible for his father's death, Sam takes fate into his own hands, to finish what the old soul of his father had started. But even if he does get what he desires, will it be enough to fill the void?" Ifan: "Ever since he became an orphan, the only person near his side was Sam- but it doesn't feel good to live up to someone's expectations. Silent cries and sorrows of when you care, Does it? Faiza: When a detective becomes so obsessed with a case. Could it be duty, personal or Forbidden sensations? And wanting to escape is just a thought away." Ayat: Wounds, scars and suppressed voice will always urge its way to bleed again. bandages lead a long way, How can she make it essential?"

The MC gets reincarnated into the world of Vikings and with his abilities he adds the worlds of Yugioh/Naruto/ DBZ/ Mortal Instruments/ Shadowhunters/Riordianverse/Spartacus/Supernatural/ Sandman Comics and Show/ Constantine Show and Movie/ Lucifer Comics and Show/Potterverse ( Hogwarts Legacy, Hogwarts Mystery, Harry Potter), MCU/Marvel Comics/ Marvel Anime/Marvel Games/Marvel Shows/Marvel Movies/ DCU/DC Comics/DC Games/DC Comics/ Middle-Earth/Buffyverse/ Merlin AU/ Dresden Flies/ Underworld MC gets three gifts, one is the skill silver tongue from Inkheart with a huge spital Farm with a ton of Resources including a Huge Library in his mindscape. The second was an Encantus with every magic in the multiverse and the last was a body, Mind, and Soul with godly capabilities like strength, speed, recovery...etc.

"Do you know how it feels having to listen to all these voices in my head but the one voice, the one voice I want to hear which is constantly trying to reach me but it can never really get to me. Do you really know how that feels? Have you ever thought of how hard this is for me!? She cried. Rowan moved forward and pulled her in his arms. He hugged her tightly wanting to end all those feelings of despair in her head. He knew exactly how she felt he knew how being trapped in your own feelings felt like. Charlotte hugged him back tightly ignoring all her other thoughts. She felt a lot of comfort while being in this man's arms. She cried all her pain away and when she was almost done Rowan leaned down whispered in her ear, "It's okay for you to feel like this but never forget that I am here with you and that we are a team Charlotte, so what you are feeling is exactly what I am feeling." Charlotte never knew that such small reassuring words from this man was exactly what she needed to wash all her troubles away and make her feel a million times better. This made her realize that she was not alone in this and that Rowan was with her in every step that she made. Charlotte wondered why it was only him who could make her fell this way and make all her troubles go away and that is when it hit her, he has never called her by her first name.

[18+] Shen Yanyue shared a steamy night with her unrequited love, Lu Beichen, a.k.a. the 2nd prince. They would eventually married, but would her love be reciprocated, or would the one night and union break them further apart? Was there a deeper meaning that connected their fates? Whose cries did she hear in her dreams? And how should she deal with the hot mess on her bed, while finding herself entangled in a revenge plot that began their story?

Aurora had once been a woman enchanted by the allure of the king until he betrayed her and used her for his selfish interest, then proceeded to plan her execution. Bitter and restless, her spirit cried for another chance to avenge herself, and it was granted. This time around, she would make sure to not be deceived by him once more. She teams up with the exiled prince Lucian who had now managed to make something of himself after being betrayed by his power hungry brother. As both of them set off on a mission of revenge and to take what is right there’s, feelings are aroused and secrets are uncovered. What will this quest turn into?

I had always seen myself a certain way, as good and loving daughter and a girl who enjoyed reading and laying on the grass in my clearing staring up at the sky. A simple and good person. But this world is cruel to simple, good people. ---- In the year 1674 I was sentence to death. The people I grew up with, laughed and cried with, the people I shared precious memories with abandoned me, scorned me, called me horrible things and laughed as I died. But the thing about death is... It's not always permeant! But theirs would be. Their deaths would be a long bloody nightmare! ---- Scarlet Grey was betrayed and abandoned by those she thought would always stand by her. So when the opportunity for vengeance is presented to her by a devilishly handsome stranger, she takes it and with it she became the eternal companion of an insane ancient vampire... Evan Evers. And sometimes... Insanity's contagious.

"You dared to disobey my words and tried to run away from me. Now your family will pay for your disobedience," he roared at her. "Please don't hurt my family. I'll not run away from you, please," the girl cried, begging him. "Welcome to hell, beautiful flower. He completely destroyed me, and now I'll destroy his most precious flower," he declared, laughing maniacally. "Please help me remove his touch from my body, please, I beg you," pleaded the girl. "You are not in your right mind, love. I can't do this," he restrained himself from devouring her soul. "If only I hadn't made that promise, you wouldn't have to go through all this. I'm sorry, my love," he cried while hugging her. Get ready to know the journey (twists & turns) of Sebastian and Petal's married life.

Within the popular VRMMORPG "New Genesis", there was a ranker by the name of Arthur Holmes, commonly known by his in-game alias “Merlin”. Arthur was one of the few original beta testers still playing after 30 years, he was originally a ranker, a player whose entire goal was to stay at the top, ahead of everyone else. However after 15 years he sacrificed his player ranking in search of knowledge. Arthur became a lore hunter, a player who indulges himself with the world's vast lore and unexplored history, preferring to uncover the world’s secrets rather than endlessly fighting monsters. At the age of 48, 30 years after the game came out, Arthur uncovered the greatest secret of all, and yet, ironically, his negligence in levelling up was the one thing holding him back from realising his goal, he knew he would never be able to catch up to the rankers, a gap of 15 years was Impossible to overcome. If only he could restart… ----- Super gifts will grant you a dedicated shout-out within the story. (Gifts of 5000 coins or more, those that get announced globally.) And you can join us on discord here: https://discord.gg/Wh7F8yQ Thank you for all the support, I appreciate all of you!

" Yeonwoo!" said young master Kieran i felt a ting in my heart as Kieran cried my vision was red, crimson red blood gushing out of the cut "Your ladyship forgive me for interfering but you will be going out tomorrow and the scar can be permanent" i said the metallic taste entering my mouth she grits her teeth and slaps me across the face her wring scratching my check leaving a small unnoticeable scar "take him to his room i don't want to see his face!" she said getting a handkerchief from a close maid i bowed and took the young masters pale soft trembling hand and walked to the cold stuffy attic together.

*****[I DO NOT OWN THE ART IN THE COVER ALL CREDITS GOES TO THE ITS CREATOR ]***** In a dimly lit room filled with tension, a woman struggles through the intense labor of giving birth to twins. The air is thick with emotion as her blue eyes reflect a mixture of pain, determination, and anticipation. Outside, a storm rages, mirroring the turmoil within. The father, a stoic figure with sharp gray eyes, watches from a distance, his thoughts clouded by the weight of impending fatherhood. As the woman gives birth, one of the twins is weak and unnaturally pale, a stark contrast to the other who cries out with life. The family, unaware of the significance of the still child, names the twins Lucas and Mykel. The Duke, the father, maintains an unreadable mask, his eyes lingering on the fragile child, sensing something wrong but concealing his worry. The tension between life and death hangs in the air, and a deeper mystery begins to unfold as the family’s future is marked by this birth, shrouded in unease and hidden emotions.

However, Qiao Yu's departure did not make Bo Hanshi give up the search. He began to frantically search for a woman named Qiao Yu, and his voice, his appearance, and even his personality began to change. He no longer just needs someone like Qiao Yu, he has to find her, it can only be her. He muttered to himself: "Qiao Yu, come back, I am willing to repeat the mistakes of the past, this time, you can play me to death." His world has lost its color, and only thoughts and regrets for Qiao Yu remain.However, six years have passed by like a fleeting breath, and everything has undergone earth-shaking changes. Qiao Yu, from that high-ranking young lady, has become a single mother. Life has pushed her to the edge of food and clothing. Her face no longer has the smile of the past, only humbleness and loneliness remain. And Bo Hanshi has transformed from a humble talented man into a man of the hour on the Forbes rich list. His eyes still have that loneliness, but they are more dignified and unparalleled domineering. When they met again, Bao Hanshi's eyes were scarlet. He leaned against Qiao Yu's ear and said bitterly: "Qiao Yu, thanks to you, I am where I am today." His voice was full of hatred. Meaning and self-deprecation. Qiao Yu raised her head and bit her lower lip to hold back the tears in her eyes. There was a trace of fearlessness in her smile: "Then Mr. Bo should thank me. If it weren't for me, Qiao Yu, Mr. Bo would still be the poor boy with nothing. " As time passed, their relationship became more complicated. Bo Hanshi pushed her into the corner, with anger and pain in his eyes: "Qiao Yu, how dare you marry someone else and have children?" But there was only deep despair in Qiao Yu's eyes. In the end, Qiao Yu chose to walk towards the vast and deep sea and jumped down. She said: "In Baohan, I gave this life to you. Now, I don't owe you any more." At that moment, her figure disappeared at the end of the sea, leaving only Baohan's cry and pain. However, Qiao Yu's departure did not make Bo Hanshi give up searching. He began to search frantically for a woman named Qiao Yu. His voice, his appearance, and even his personality began to change. He no longer just needs someone like Qiao Yu, he has to find her, and it can only be her. He murmured to himself: "Qiao Yu, please come back. I am willing to make the same mistakes again. This time, you can kill me." His world has lost its color, leaving only his longing and regret for Qiao Yu.

Everyone cheered in unison: Long live the Hero Hiraeth! We had all been through so much, lost so much in the last five years of holy war. We cried happily when Hiraeth raised the flag of the Holy Empire high and cut off the head of the last blue demon. "My sweet Sasha, tell me what we can still be in this terrible darkness." I never knew how to answer that, not even when I saw her being burned at that stake and crying out for forgiveness from the Mother Goddess of the citizens who once cried out to her. "You were the only one who could accept the demon I have now become, Hiraeth."

On a boundless and vast continent, countless nations rise and fall, weaving a tapestry where culture and power intertwine in a dance of prosperity and conflict. From the untamed lands of the north to the bustling harbors of the west, the solemn kingdoms of the heartlands, and the enigmatic empires of distant realms, this land teems with both opportunity and peril. Beneath the endless struggle for dominion, ancient beliefs clash with burgeoning ambition, and the clash of iron and the pursuit of glory etch eternal scars upon this earth. In the tide of destiny, kings, dukes, heroes, and envoys are drawn together, their fates entwined. The lands scorched by war are not only marked by ruin but also by the defiant cries of those who fight to reclaim their homes and uphold their ideals. As the wheels of fate turn, secrets buried deep within history will decide the future of this continent. Whether it will be consumed by fire or endure will depend on the swords in their hands and the unyielding resolve within their hearts.

When he hit me, I didn't say a word. Not even a squeak, I was too tired to fight back, not anymore. When he was with her in our matrimonial bed, I cried myself to sleep in the guest room. Then, he did the unthinkable and threw me in jail because of his mistress. That’s when he crossed the line - Zahra Zahra and Ali have never crossed paths before. Not until a random arrangement crosses her parents’ minds.Life is not all roses…Ever since they got married, Zahra has had to handle a great ordeal with her husband, who has extra-marital affairs right in front of her face. When her patience wanes, and he pushes her into Jail, she returns bigger and better.