Conqueror Kiss Gabrielle

| Description | Dom, a man in his mid-twenties, suddenly gets reincarnated into the harsh post-apocalyptic world of his favorite game series, Wastelander. With his previous life ended and his new one just beginning he needed a new goal to strive for, and so with an ambitious heart, he decided to pursue the monstrous goal of conquering the wasteland in its entirety that has been left scarred by atomic fire for some two centuries. On his journey through this new world, he’ll come face to face with all sorts of dangers ranging anywhere from mutants wanting to tear any human they come across to shreds for a quick meal to bandit clans that love to rape, pillage, and sell their victims into slavery. Despite those prevalent threats seeming dangerous enough to deter most from even attempting to set foot outside the confines of whatever safe haven they have, they're not even the worst of what he’ll come across in the pursuit of his goals. Dom’s quest will have him go toe to toe with the many powers that exist across the wasteland and their armies in his quest to one day conquer it. Will Dom achieve his dreams in this life or will he succumb to the many dangers that exist within the wasteland and beyond? | Other information | This is not a privilege novel and never will be. Other Tags: Relatively Ruthless MC, Faction Building, War, Aliens, Space Travel, Mutants, Robots, Exploration, Cannibals, Sex, Drugs, Slavery, Galactic Conquest, Cultivation, MC POV Only | Links | Discord Link: https://discord.gg/NP8e6CymdY Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/PowerArmorGuy

In a hidden world of vampires and ancient curses, Lila, a human from a family of vampire hunters, falls for Lucian, a powerful vampire lord. Their forbidden love ignites a battle between fate, betrayal, and a prophecy that could destroy them both.

In a world where dungeons were an essential part of it, Rein was trying to conquer as many as possible. They were the key to gain powers in the fastest possible way. So, to reach his full potential and to become the strongest, he became a great dungeon conqueror. With his trusty friends and lovers, he was definitely going to reach the peak alongside everyone. Join Rein and see how he went from strong to stronger and then the strongest. __________________ 1. The harem would not be too large(I'm not sure how many but probably just 4-5 main and few other here and there). All the girls would be getting their time and story. 2. The story is starting when the MC is in the middle of his growth stage and not at the very beginning. But his beginning will be mentioned in the story in some form. 3. I don't think I need to mention this, but obviously it will not have any NTR, rape or that kind of stuff. It is actually quite a wholesome story focusing mainly on adventure, action and bit of romance and slice of life. _________________ https://discord.com/invite/7cgm7cDupM you can join the discord if you feel like it. You will be able to found the character illustrations there. The cover does belong to me. Please enjoy reading.

Love, lust, and desire... Austin didn't know much about all that in his past life, for he was average in all aspects of his life. A guy who took psychology and math to learn because he couldn't get into biology, the only exciting thing about him being the fact that when he died, he ended up in his favorite eroge game with the task of getting the girls and making the protagonist a loner. Love, like manipulation or time in hell... That was his choice from the God Of Games... The beautiful girls of tsunderes, the sadist, the masochist, the kuudere, and the...yandere, and more. A world with living, breathing women of high status and power who don't like to share... So what happens when Austin goes behind them?... What happens when the Gods that feel nothing feel for him? What happens when he becomes the gigolo of the Gods?... Well, come and find out as he tried to survive among all the crazy women that exist... [There will be a lot of sex scenes, but it might only start after about 60 or so chapters.] (Note: Hey, first of all, this is not a fanfiction! It's true that the beginning of the story and some parts resemble some novels, but none of the characters are related to others from the novel. Also, the story flow will become completely different later!! Again, not a fanfic! The image does not belong to me; if the creator wants to remove it, message me.) My Discord: https://discord.gg/XyYvJ389mg

• This story contains very DARK and ADULT themes. Please approach with caution. TW contain - Abuse, SA, murder, a variety of kinks, yes even those ones. - Filthy reading. • ••••••••••••• Thalia Onasis - A beautiful young woman whose life has been hard but not so bad with her best friends by her side; Jade & Jasper - Fraternal twins, meeting 20 years ago in their towns orphanage. Everything has changed except the dreams.. The dreams have never stopped, only got more vivid and real - Sometimes a man, Sometimes some kind of demon with wings and horns, but the eyes are always the same. One blue, one black. The creature is frightening but in my dreams I'm not afraid of it but drawn to it. A journey of Thalia getting enslaved and found by a lust thirsty incubus eventually finding out who and what she really is. This is a fantasy story that dives into a morbid story including creatures of all natures including but not limited to incubi, succubi, cambion, fae, ect

"Dignity exists only on the blade of a psionic lightsaber, and truth resides only within the range of an ultra-heavy purification beam." The chaotic situation allowed Amber, who had been thrust into the universe-conquering game Starry Sky, to fully grasp the meaning of this phrase... After humanity accidentally acquired warp technology, they spread across the galaxy like a plague. Centuries of united progress inevitably gave way to division. Of course, there were also the "friendly" alien civilizations and restless, unknown enemies lurking on the galactic fringes. But as a fugitive wanted by both the Federation and the Empire, Amber's first priority is... to survive. Key Themes: Interstellar warfare, fleet battles, mechs vs. battleships, solo boarding actions, psionic awakening, alien cat-girls, alien elves...

Could waking up in a body not your own be the worst thing to happen? Perhaps not, or possibly yes. After all, a Prince is after me, and a Duke wants to marry me, but do I want either of them? And if everyone loves me, why did I die in the first place? Oh, and to add to it, the High Mage insists on unlocking my grand potential, but I've never been able to use magic. What to do?

A Strange Boy in a Strange World At the heart of this peculiar realm lies the Forest of Graham, a dense and mysterious expanse surrounded by kingdoms belonging to various races. Across the world, on the opposite side, stretches the Ocean Realm—a place where waters from all directions converge at a single point. This convergence forms the eerie and enigmatic Lost World, a place unlike any other. If you think this world is unique, you haven’t met its inhabitants. Chapter Updates Schedule: Story will be updated on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Daily Updates will be On Patreon! Link: patreon.com/TenaciousJay002 {AN: English isn't my first language so I hope the mistakes won't be too glaring. Thanks for your support, everything helps!} "If you ever decide to unofficially translate my work or if it ends up on an unofficial site, please make sure to include my original link and my Patreon."

"I dare you to kiss any boy in this club Bluey"Sasha's friend said with a smirk and my heart skipped a beat immediately. This is the reason why I don't do truth or dare,I thought and stood from the chair walking away from the table that Sasha and her friends surrounded. I told her that I don't want to come to this club but she insisted that it'll be fine. Now look,I'm about to give a stranger my first kiss,I thought and turned back staring at her. "Come on Bluey , You're no longer a kid.......You're 21 for Christ sake. You can do this ...... Just pick any in the club, kiss him and then walk away"She assured and I glared at her before turning back. I looked around walking slowly and all the guys I was seeing were either making out with a girl or they're so drunk. I searched and then my eyes finally fell on a man. He was sitting quietly sipping from a glass of beer in his hand in the dark side of the club and then I didn't even know when I walked to him. He looked up at me coldly as he felt my presence and believe me he is drop gorgeous. He had some tattoos on his arm and he had this beautiful green eyes......but I noticed he had this cold look in his eyes giving me chills. I turned back one more time and glanced at the girls and they winked at me beconing on me to kiss him. I looked down at the strange man who was still staring coldly at me and bit my lips. I sighed and immediately kissed the stranger,and strangely he reciprocated the kiss making me surprised. I immediately broke the kiss and muttered a "I'm so sorry sir" Before running out of the club without looking back. If only I knew that was the biggest mistake of my life and that was going to be the start of my predicament. . . . Who's she??? Meet Bluey Johnson,she's a very beautiful girl with bright blue eyes. She's known all over the school as the school's hottie because she's really hot and sexy. If you wanna describe someone with the figure 8 shape then use Bluey Johnson,because she's the perfect definition of a figure 8 shape. The only problem with with her is ...... She's very shy and she's an introvert.She also hardly talks to people and that's why she was nicknamed the "hot introvert". What happened when she was forced to the club by her crazy bestfriend and was dared to kiss any stranger in the club.What happened when she did but with the deadly dangerous Assassin. • • • • Who's he??? Meet Dwayne knights,He's a very tall handsome man with a set of beautiful green eyes. He is nicknamed the grim reaper or the Terminator because he's known all over town as a deadly and dangerous assassin. If you want someone dead..... Just call Knights and he'll do it within the blink of an eye. He's cold and hardly smiles.The only time he smiles is when he's killing or shedding blood. According to him.... The smell of blood turns him on. What happened when the naive Bluey kissed him and now he's bound to make her his. You don't want to miss this ride lovelies, So grab your popcorn and relax.

Alicia Cheslyn was betrayed and murdered by the man she loved, pushed from a cliff where they had once dreamed of their future. But instead of staying dead, she awakens ten years in the past, with all her memories of pain and betrayal intact. Desperate to escape her tragic fate, Alicia vows to avoid her fiancé at all costs—and destroy him before he can do the same to her. To gain power and protection, Alicia agrees to an arranged marriage with Duke Arthur De Braose, a man who reluctantly accepts the union to fulfill his dying grandmother’s final wish. Unaware of Alicia’s dark past or her secret agenda, Arthur views their marriage as little more than an obligation. For Alicia, however, the marriage is the perfect way to stay out of her fiancé’s reach while quietly planning his downfall. But as she and Arthur are drawn into each other’s lives, Alicia begins to see him not as a tool but as a man of unexpected kindness and strength. Now Alicia must navigate the dangerous game of revenge while keeping her new husband in the dark. As feelings grow between them, will Alicia’s plans crumble, or will she find a way to rewrite her fate and embrace the love she never expected?

A certain day, something unexpected affected the whole humanity, radically changing their lives. Everybody was brought to another planet from what it seemed to be another dimension, and started playing a “GAME”, which was controlled through the so-called ‘Challenges’. At first, Akari didn’t know what was happening, she was just used to do her job properly. Her high popularity and idolization, which she benefited a lot from, of the old world was now completely useless in this brand-new planet: it was a dangerous place which required completely different set of skills. Finally, with the her coworker, Junichi, she discovered her class and… The dangerous “GAME”… “Hurry and kiss me!” ....... I’m dancing for him Blushhhh

The End of all is a necessity, as was the Beginning. The Four Major Realms were at war with an extremely evil god, hungry for power. The evil god had acquired a device that brought even the other gods to their knees. What power did such a device possess that caused heavenly beings to experience dread? It could strip them of their divinity and erase them from existence! The Greater Gods were silent on the matter and did nothing to stop the evil god's misdeeds. Of course, they and the evil god had an agreement. What it entailed… who knew? The affected gods are desperate, gripped by fear of the evil god. Timothy, a promising individual, was reborn as their last hope in stopping His conquest. That is, if only things were actually that simple… "Those whom the gods wish to destroy... they first call promising." ...Here was a man that loved wholeheartedly, laid down his wants, his needs, his goals, his desires, his body, his soul… his entire existence! Even ready to be used as a soul-less tool for all of eternity... but how were they planning on repaying him? This, is the Birth of the Celestial Conqueror. And now, even the Greater Gods cannot escape their fate. After all, the End of all is a necessity... as was the Beginning. -Main Tags- +WeakToStrong +Romance +Mystery +NoSmut +Supernatural +System +Evolution

Crystal couldn't believe it. The Dragon Emperor, a man of perfect form, handsome looks, and great power, was lying on top of her! And they would share this very delicate and embarrassing position for three days!   Crystal Diante was a woman cursed with terrifying Fate and Destiny. She was fated in sorrow and destined in suffering. She was captured by powerful men who sought to challenge an Ancient Dragon. But the Dragon awakened was much more than a regular dragon. It was the Ancient Dragon Emperor, Adam, the Serpent of the Perfect Morning! He was like a god of the ancient era and revealed not a dragonic form, but that of a man. He was perfect. He was arrogant. He was handsome beyond the furthest dreams that Crystal could dream of. A battle raged as Adam fought Crystal's kidnappers which ended in Adam and Crystal being buried in a mountain. The young woman found herself protected and sheltered by Adam who bore the weight of the mountain. But he, could not leave for he was exhausted. The two shared a tight space. With only little room to move, Adam was forced to lay on top of her to carry the mountain, and Crystal was forced to lie under him. Their lips were always less than an inch apart from each other. When the proud Dragon Emperor spent hours with the girl, he began to use his powers to feed her by transferring energy through the mouth. Each kiss only drew Crystal deeper to the depths of love. For three days, the god and girl talked, kissed, and shared the most joyous moments that they could possible experience. Soon, the Dragon Emperor succumbed to his emotions and betrayed the purpose of his rebirth. He bestowed a Binding Kiss to Crystal. But such heaven could not continue. The gift bestows Crystal with great power, but Adam mysteriously vanishes. Will the magical binding kiss be enough for Crystal to overcome the shadows of treachery that lurk to slay her family? Will she reunite with the perfect stranger and find answers to the mysterious kiss? Will the Pray of the Dragon become the Partner? Dive into a tale of forbidden love, tragedy, betrayal, inherited destinies, and epic battles. Dive into a world of Wizardry and Will. A world of staves of magic and Swords of Power. Journey with Crystal as her life was forever changed when she was... Kissed by the Dragon Emperor.

Destini never expected her new apartment to lead her into a world of danger and forbidden love. After a drunken mistake, she stumbles into the wrong apartment, only to encounter Gabriel, a handsome and enigmatic landlord with a deadly secret. As their paths cross, Destini discovers that Gabriel is no ordinary man—he’s a demon bound by a curse, and his past is filled with darkness and deceit. Despite the growing tension between them, an undeniable attraction ignites, pulling Destini deeper into Gabriel’s world. But as she unravels the mysteries surrounding the apartment building, she realizes that the cost of discovering the truth may be more than she’s willing to pay. With danger lurking around every corner, Destini must decide if she can trust Gabriel or if she’s simply another pawn in his dangerous game. Will love conquer the curse, or will the demon’s kiss consume them both?

In the infinite universe composed of planes, the number of planes that had gained fame with their might and traversed millions of years was no more than the fingers on one hand. Among them was the Celestial Plane, inhabited by beings known as the Fatihs. A young Fatih named Ülgen had just graduated from the academy of the Celestial Plane and was about to take his first step towards becoming a true Fatih in the infinite universe. He knew that his journey would be filled with countless dangers, and he was ready!

The Sect Master Luan decided that it was time for a change. Since he had failed to become an Immortal he decided to use the system that was granted to him by a benefactor in the distant past. Now, he watches as countless otherworlders descend and wreak havock upon the worlds while growing stronger. He will destroy the Immortal Path that denied him and create his own. He will help his cute players that somehow know of him, he will help them achieve their dreams within the Myraid Worlds! Follow our cute player Kuro as he sets off to unleash untold chaos as the unlucky fool who recieved the great Luan's favor! ====== Gacha will cause chaos, dunno how much, but it will depending on how much you guys donte to my kofi https://ko-fi.com/emperorkuro Anyways peace...im tired. =======

Death... Rebirth... That’s how it usually went, right? Death, then rebirth, a cycle that seemed as old as time itself. But nobody ever really stopped to ask the question — what happened after Death? After dying in his previous life, Cronos is reborn into a new world with a singular, powerful role — Town Lord of Blackwood, a struggling territory on the brink of collapse. The previous lord vanished, and the town’s resources have been squandered by a self-serving council. Now, it’s up to Cronos to take control, rebuild, and restore his town’s former glory. But his mission doesn’t stop there. Cronos isn’t just tasked with saving Blackwood; he must rise through the ranks, conquer neighboring territories, and dominate the region. The path ahead is daunting, filled with enemies both within and beyond the town walls, but Cronos is determined. Nothing will stop him from conquering what’s his.

every chapter is 2500 words long and will have 1999 chapters. 35 new chs/week "The Conqueror's Path" is an epic tale that follows the life, struggles, and triumphs of Alexander the Great, exploring the intricacies of his rise to power, the complex relationships he formed, and the profound impact he had on the ancient world. From his childhood under the tutelage of Aristotle to his unstoppable military campaigns across Persia, Egypt, and into India, Alexander’s journey is one of ambition, destiny, and inner conflict. As he pushes the boundaries of what is possible, Alexander must grapple with the cost of greatness—his identity, his morality, and the fate of those closest to him. The novel intricately weaves together the political, military, and personal facets of Alexander's life, presenting his growth as both a leader and a man. It delves into his friendships and rivalries, the burdens of leadership, and the ethical dilemmas of conquering foreign lands. At its heart, it questions the meaning of power and whether one can ever truly fulfill their destiny without losing themselves in the process.

Throughout history, certain individuals have left an indelible mark on the world they lived in. These figures rose above the chaos of their times, leaving behind legacies that shaped kingdoms and empires, some rising to greatness, while others crumbled into obscurity. In every era, there are those whose influence is undeniable—some revered, others feared. The title of Conqueror is reserved for those who wield unstoppable power—figures of absolute dominance who are both admired and dreaded. A conqueror’s name echoes through history, forever etched as a force that could bend nations to their will. In a world where mystic power came from nature, where people harness this nature into tools of calligraphy, arts, poetry, music and others as a form of powers—holding the key to possible and creative powers, the Ming Dynasty is on the brink of looming disaster as it ignored the threat of a conqueror. Amidst a turbulent era of war and political chaos, the emperor and his court ignore a dire warning of a rising conqueror, too consumed with internal strife and external threats to take action. The second prince, determined to perform in the stage of the Ming Dynasty, takes the conqueror matters into his own hands. With the possibility of the crown’s future at stake, having the emperor being ill, he forms an unlikely alliance of criminals from the royal prison, as last effort, offering them a chance at freedom in exchange for one final mission: to kill thy conqueror.

Sophia, a shy and introverted college student, lands an internship at a prestigious company. On her first day, she accidentally kisses the CEO, Alexander, in the elevator. As they work work together, Sophia and Alexander grow closer, but their differences in social status and age threaten to tear them apart

Yu Xi, a superstar of the 24th century and international celebrity who spans movies, TV shows, and music, had lost her life in an accident and suddenly found herself waking up in another body and was bound to a system called the Star Maker System! If it was just a simple transmigration, then why would she actually go back to the 21st century? That was hundreds of years ago? It was okay to live in such an ancient time, but what was going on with the useless body that she had possessed? Yu Xi was now just a good-for-nothing trainee who had no status or connection because the previous owner of the body had already offended everyone! Moreover, why does she need to kiss others to stay alive? In the end, Yu Xi had no choice but to embark on an arduous path of forcibly kissing men, fighting against all who blocked her path, and reaching the top of the entertainment industry again in another era. However, all that Yu Xi had done was only because she wanted to extend her life for survival! So what was going on with these men in front of her who wanted to cling to her? + - + - + - + - + - + Also known as: “Kiss is life”, “The system has no moral principles”, “I want to reach the top”, "The system is adding more and more targets to kiss", "There are too many men to kiss". + - + - + - + - + - + Please help support me at: ko-fi.com/xanaclarke

Story Background: This is a world where vampires and humans coexist, and the status of vampires and humans has been reversed. Character Settings: The female protagonist is Cynthia, a red-haired vampire girl. She is the offspring of a human and a vampire. As a result, she can enjoy sunbathing in the afternoon and taste delicious human snacks. With her fair skin and eternal youth, she has won numerous suitors. However, every full moon night, a violent aura will appear on her. The male protagonist is a silver-haired man. Although his specific identity and background are not described in detail in the story, he has a great attraction for Cynthia. Story Synopsis: Cynthia has no trouble dealing with the pursuit of numerous vampires and vampire hunters. And she has a love story full of fun and twists and turns with the silver-haired man. From their initial acquaintance, when Cynthia called herself "Little Bunny", to a series of light-hearted, humorous and slightly ambiguous interactions later, such as "Mr. Hu, you have a little bunny to sign for", their feelings gradually grew deeper during the bickering and playing around. Although Cynthia would be chained up by the silver-haired man, the chains were always loose. She would even tie herself up with ropes, pretending to be captured, and the silver-haired man would cooperate with her by untying the chains and setting her free. All these details reflect the unique affection between them.

In a kingdom where fate is determined by the stars, Princess Elira has always been bound to a prophecy she cannot escape. Marked by the celestial alignment at her birth, she is destined to marry the ruthless Crown Prince of Vandir and unite their warring realms. But when a chance encounter with a mysterious traveler named Kaelen awakens her heart in ways she never thought possible, Elira is faced with an impossible choice: fulfill her duty or follow her soul’s desire. Kaelen is no ordinary wanderer. Hidden behind his mischievous grin and piercing amber eyes lies a secret that could shatter kingdoms. Born of forbidden magic, he is a Starforged—an immortal created to serve the gods but cursed to live in shadows. Drawn to Elira by an inexplicable connection, Kaelen knows their bond could destroy the fragile peace between their lands. Yet every stolen glance, every whispered word, deepens the bond neither can deny. As Elira’s wedding day draws near, political alliances unravel, and long-buried secrets rise. The stars themselves seem to conspire against the lovers, their paths fraught with betrayal, ancient curses, and the wrath of the gods. To defy her destiny, Elira must uncover the truth behind the prophecy that chains her and harness the forbidden power locked within her soul. But love comes at a cost, and one kiss could rewrite the fate of not only Elira and Kaelen but the entire realm. Fate’s Forbidden Kiss is a sweeping tale of star-crossed lovers, treacherous magic, and the unyielding strength of the heart. Will love triumph over destiny, or will the stars tear them apart forever?

Sera's only hope was to be recognised and loved by the Crown Prince. For the sake of recognition and love from the Crown Prince, Sera did everything including planning the murder of Eva. Sera's dislike for Eva made the Crown Prince's attention diverted to her, making her willing to plan this. Unfortunately, in the midst of preparing the plan Sera was caught by the Crown Prince and earned her a death sentence from the Empire. However, in the midst of the punishment process Sera returned to five years ago. She did not want to repeat what she had experienced. Sera is determined to mend her ways and fulfil the responsibilities she neglected in the past.

I Am Gabriel In a world torn by conflict and division, an enigmatic figure descends from the heavens, shaking the foundations of mortal understanding. Gabriel, a being of ethereal beauty with four angelic wings, awakens in the frozen north among the Vikings, a people hardened by war and survival. Stripped of his memories but gifted with immense power, Gabriel quickly becomes a beacon of hope, a force capable of healing, creation, and unimaginable destruction. As he aids the Vikings in a desperate battle against a barbarian horde, rumors of a god walking among mortals spread like wildfire across the lands. From the **snowbound North** to the **golden deserts of the South**, and the disciplined empires of the **East**, rulers, warriors, and scholars scramble to understand this being’s motives. Is he a savior, a threat, or something far beyond human comprehension? Yet, even as Gabriel shapes the world around him, questions haunt his existence. Why was he brought to this land? What is the source of his immense power? And why does he feel a growing connection to the people he has chosen to protect? As kingdoms prepare for alliances or wars, and Gabriel’s influence spreads, his presence begins to unravel secrets buried deep within the fabric of the world. Forces, both divine and malevolent, take notice, and the stakes grow higher than anyone could imagine. Will Gabriel become a unifying light in a fractured world, or will his very existence plunge it into chaos?

WARNING:[MATURE CONTENT] >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> In modern day new Orleans, a centuries-old vampire gladly Blackwood, is bound by a blood oath to marry Kiara Grey, a mysterious and beautiful young woman believed to be human, unbeknownst to kaira she harbors a secret that could destroy the fragile peace between humans and vampires. As kaira and Vladimir navigate their complicated engagement they must confront the darkness of their own pasts and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. But when kaira begins to experience strange and terrifying occurrences she realizes that she's not who she thinks she is. Can their love overcome the secrets and lies that threaten to tear them apart, or will the Shadows of their past destroy their future together. Let's find out in this series.

Rudraksh Maurya, a genius scientist of the 21st century, had dedicated his life to unraveling the mysteries of the universe. But a freak accident brings his journey to an abrupt end—or so he thought. When Rudraksh opens his eyes, he finds himself in the body of a young Ashoka, the destined Emperor of the Mauryan Empire. Alongside this second chance comes an extraordinary "System," granting him access to future knowledge and technologies. The System sets him on quests, each offering rewards that could alter the course of history. With his unparalleled intellect and the tools of tomorrow, Rudraksh begins to reshape the ancient world. From revolutionizing warfare and governance to introducing groundbreaking innovations, he sets his sights on not just uniting India but conquering the globe. Yet, the journey is fraught with peril—betrayals, battles, and the ethical dilemmas of wielding godlike power. As he walks the thin line between ambition and morality, Rudraksh must decide: Will he become a benevolent ruler, or a tyrant consumed by power? "Timeless Conqueror: Reborn as Ashoka Maurya" is a riveting saga of reincarnation, wisdom, and destiny, where one man’s vision for the future collides with the challenges of the past.