Matthew Riddle

The Dao twisted in uncanny paradox; celestial beings warped into grotesque reflections of divinity. Truth or illusion? Li Huowang, lost in delirium, could no longer tell. But the void consuming him held more than mere existential riddles. The greatest uncertainty clawed from within — the gnawing dread that his own mind had fractured beyond repair.

Matthew, a 25-year-old otaku, never imagined his obsession with fantasy worlds would turn into reality—until a fatal gas leak ended his life and transported him to another world. But this wasn’t the second chance he hoped for. Born as the illegitimate son of an affair, his very existence was a stain on his family’s honor, and his father relentlessly sought to kill him. Yet Matthew, now Claude, survived, again and again, driven by an unyielding will to live. Until one day he discovered his power darkness. Feared and reviled in this world, dark mages were hunted and burned alive. Knowing his gift could become his downfall, he trained in secret under Theo, his true father. When he turned sixteen, he, his mother, Dalia, and Theo planned their escape from the small town. But their attempt was thwarted by knights and clerics from the Promised Land. Though he narrowly escaped with his life, the cost was high—his family’s safety shattered. Wounded and desperate, Matthew fled to the fabled Elysian Plains, the last hope for those like him. However, just as they neared Elysium, Claude was struck down by the Saint—killed in an instant. Yet, against all odds, he lived again. The voice of the man before him confirmed it. “You are the descendant of the Lord of Calamity. I grant you this kingdom and the power to crush all who stand in your way.” The man’s lips curled into a chilling smile. “Write your own bloody history, Claude. Until we meet again, I expect you to have conquered this world.” And with that, Claude awakened to a power beyond his imagination—the legendary system he had longed for. Yet, as he soon realized, it was no system at all. [Oh? So you expect me to be like the ones in your memories?] [A system that grants you quests and guides your hand?] [Very well.] [Welcome to the Elysium of Darkness System, Lord of Calamity.] A series of commands etched themselves into his mind, each word dripping with ominous purpose. [Your first quest has been issued.] [Increase the number of dwellers in Elysium using your seed and blood. Spread your legacy by making demons and witches bear your children.]

When life is riddled with chaotic choices, people prefer the comfort of order. (Author's note:- This story is actually a compiled version of various alternative stories that at end gets converged and create a finale with theme and tropes of diverse categories. P.S. :- I will be updating synopsis as the story continues with each protagonists having their own "Saga".) 'SAGA ZAI' :- Zai ran away from his city to a town in the mountains in order to find his peace. His life was turned upside down once again when a catastrophe struck his life but he couldn't give up and somehow managed to wake up in a place called "Frozen Hell". (additional note: I will be uploading this story on RoyalRoad.com too)

Matthew grew up in a decent family filled up with hopes, dreams and big heart, but living a shitty life which were suddenly demised with the unexpected turn with a mishap. With the new changes of his body, he finds new powers and wondering into new dimensions. This new enigmatic power is suddenly taking soul form his body and making him something beyond of his imaginations.... His tasks are unclear but he has to take soul of each demon he meets in his path... With his powers he has bigger responsibilities in each of the dimension which is beyond explanation…

*"For the restless hearts searching for meaning in the echoes of their past. May you find the courage to face your truth and the strength to embrace your redemption."* **"Shadows of the Forgotten Truth"** He has everything—success, wealth, and admiration. Yet, deep inside, there’s a void he cannot escape. Haunted by his past, trapped by people’s expectations, and burdened by unseen guilt, he finds himself questioning: **Who am I? What is my purpose?** A single event shatters his carefully built world, forcing him onto a path he never expected. As he searches for meaning, he encounters a wise mentor who speaks in riddles, a woman who has embraced peace despite her own scars, and a friend who sees the truth but lets him find his own way. Yet, the greatest battle is not with the world—it is within himself. **His desires pull him back, his past whispers doubts, and the shadows of forgotten truths loom over him.** As secrets unravel and realities shift, he must face the one question he’s avoided all his life: **Can he truly change? And if he does, will the world ever let him forget who he once was?** *"Sometimes, the truth we seek has been hidden in our own shadows all along..."*

"You wouldn't force me, would you? I thought you hated me," I plead. "I do," Matthew hisses, his eyes flashing dangerously as he rips open my dress. Sarah Wilson's dreams of a perfect marriage shatter as Matthew's hatred for her is revealed on their wedding night. She had always loved him in secret, but now she realizes the ultimate truth - he despises her. Will Matthew ever see past his bitterness and realize they are meant to be together? Or will he make Sarah suffer until death finally separates them?

In a future world where artificial intelligence and cyber technology have deeply intertwined, a young freshman, Liam, enters Ravenwick Theological Seminary, a prestigious institution dedicated to training future AI regulators and virtual crime investigators. However, what should have been the beginning of an academic journey quickly descends into a nightmare filled with conspiracy, betrayal, and hidden truths. A Shrouded Past and a Massacre Shrouded in Mystery On his very first night at the academy, Liam is ambushed—his memories targeted by advanced technology in an attempted extraction. To his horror, the attack bears an uncanny resemblance to the method used in the brutal murder of his adoptive parents and younger sister. The perpetrator? Sophia, the AI nanny who once cared for him with warmth and tenderness. Before being terminated, Sophia left behind a single clue: the name Ravenwick Theological Seminary—an undeniable link between Liam’s past and this enigmatic institution. Liam quickly realizes that his adoption was far from ordinary. Even his own memories may harbor a secret—one so dangerous that someone is willing to kill to obtain it. The Watchful Eyes of the Dark Forces and a Countdown to Death Within the academy, Liam crosses paths with Matthew, a former criminal investigator with a deceptively carefree demeanor but a razor-sharp intellect, and Professor Daniel, a highly esteemed scholar in AI ethics and virtual crime studies. Determined to uncover the truth, they turn to Infinity Haven—a virtual world capable of replaying memories and even granting digital immortality. Through this, they attempt to piece together the hidden fragments of Liam’s past. But their investigation does not go unnoticed. A powerful and elusive enemy lurking within the academy is watching, ready to strike. Liam soon finds himself hunted within Infinity Haven, ambushed by an unknown adversary capable of exploiting the system’s deepest vulnerabilities. Such a feat could only be accomplished by someone with immense power and influence. At the heart of it all lies Lumora Technologies, the multinational conglomerate that developed and controls Infinity Haven. But what true secrets lie behind its polished corporate façade? A Clash Between Reality and Illusion—A Destiny Rewritten As the investigation deepens, Liam and his allies find themselves embroiled in a conflict that extends far beyond academia—a battle against a corporate giant with far-reaching influence. Alongside Grace, Matthew, and others, Liam begins to forge an unbreakable bond, their skills and fates intertwined as they edge closer to the ultimate truth. Yet, this war is not confined to the virtual realm. In the real world, a grander conspiracy brews in the shadows. As Matthew and Grace dig deeper, they soon realize they are not just facing hackers and infiltrators—they are walking straight into a meticulously designed death trap. What truth lies buried within Liam’s memories? Who is orchestrating this intricate game from the shadows? What is the true purpose of Ravenwick Theological Seminary? And most importantly—is Liam truly just an ordinary student?

WSA 2025 Entry—Updates on Weekdays #wsa #wsa2025 Demon Kings. The Strongest Demons who stand at the peak of the Demon race’s hierarchy. Each one of them wields such overwhelming power that they sit at the top of the Universe’s food chain; among its strongest beings. When the reborn Xaren laid eyes upon the visage of one of these Demon Kings, all he could feel was endless admiration towards the immense power displayed. At that moment, he gained a goal to strive for in this second life of his. He was originally just living to survive, but now, he was living for something else. The path ahead was going to be rocky, riddled with trials, and standing in his way forward would be the many horrors that lurked in the corners of the Universe. But he’s not gonna let that stop him. After all, he’s Gonna Be a Demon King! [Check out my other stories from my profile: Godslayer’s Legend, Reincarnated Hero System & Beyond the Bloodline] ◇　◇　◇ Discord Link: https://discord.gg/ZXyAjGtS4r ◇　◇　◇ Support Me: https://ko-fi.com/michae_l

Welcome to The Last Step – A Tale of Fate, Power, and the Unforgiven. In a world where magic defines one's worth, three souls walk a path toward an uncertain destiny—each bearing a power that can shape the fate of nations. Lucas, the God’s Chosen Sorcerer, wields divine magic that bends reality itself, blessed by forces beyond mortal comprehension. A shining beacon of hope—or a harbinger of destruction—his path is riddled with expectations he never asked for. Celia, the Queen of Curses, commands a power feared by even the strongest mages. She carries the weight of a past filled with whispers and condemnation, but where others see a curse, she sees the strength to carve her own future. Kaiser, the Unwanted Void, stands apart. Neither blessed nor cursed, he is the anomaly that should not exist. In a world that measures worth by magic, he is a shadow in the light—yet, the abyss within him holds something far greater than mere sorcery. Together, they are bound by fate yet divided by their own battles. As war brews and forgotten gods stir, the lines between hero and villain blur. In the end, their choices will decide more than just their own lives—they will determine the very foundation of their world. This is their journey. This is their Last Step.

Never take off the mask.” It’s the one rule Cora Mercedes has lived by her entire life. Found abandoned on Halloween night as a child, wearing a mask she’s forbidden to remove and clutching a cryptic note, Cora’s existence has been a riddle she’s never been able to solve. When she gains admission to the prestigious Oscar Island University—a school renowned for its exclusivity and shrouded in mystery—Cora hopes to escape her past and embrace a new beginning. But nothing at Oscar is ordinary. Its halls whisper secrets, its rules are bizarre and absolute, and its students, though seemingly perfect, are unnervingly inhuman. As Cora navigates her new life, she finds herself drawn to the shadows, particularly to a pair of haunting crimson eyes that seem to follow her every move. He’s ruthless, enigmatic, and terrifyingly familiar, and despite her instincts, she can’t escape his magnetic pull. But the closer Cora gets to unraveling the truth—about her mask, her past, and the dark forces surrounding Oscar Island—the more she realizes she’s not the only one hiding secrets. In a world where humans serve as prey, breaking the rules isn’t just dangerous; it’s deadly. And someone in the shadows has been waiting centuries for her to return. Damien’s Masked Mate is a captivating tale of forbidden romance, ancient curses, and the deadly allure of the unknown

"Fake it till you make it" It was a phrase that became Leo's only hope for survival as he was forced to play the role of the biggest big boss when he was nothing more than a small fish. Set in a world where Earth is riddled with natural disasters and humans must migrate to new planets onboard massive arc ships, this novel follows the journey of the Skyshard brothers Luke and Leo as they fight against their fate and rise to the top from the lowest of lows. --------------- A/N - This novel will explore the concept of misunderstandings and a MC whose real strength is over exaggerated through a rigged system. It will be a humorous blend of concepts such as Sci-Fi, Fantasy, MMORPG and Slice Of Life into one novel. If you are tired of conventional novels and are looking for something new, This book will definitely satisfy your itch, so please give it a try! Discord - https://discord.com/invite/PPhnY3ZAqH

Their sins got the whip of god's worst and on that fateful day, god left this world in ruins. However, in his supposed mercy, he left them with a means to survive and protect themselves against the fiendish demons and monsters that came upon them. This gift, they called: Talents! Kieran Marcoth finds himself in this god-abandoned world, and on the day he was to receive his talent—a gift from Orion, the left god—he awakened a 'hidden' SSS-ranked talent. A talent that could only be activated once the condition was met. Instantly, Kieran turned into a subject of mockery, spite, and insults, and somehow, just somehow… he found himself riddled with injuries and on the brink of death. However, it seemed Orion was yet to forget his son. [Ding! Conditions have been met] [Host has been successfully selected as a God candidate] [Defeat the other candidates! Become the next God of this ruined world] Seeing the notification, Kieran couldn’t care less. Only one thought was registered in his mind: ‘I’m going to fucking kill those bastards!’ His journey began… Will the once-kind helper become a tyrant god?

Five modern teenagers. One cryptic prophecy. A time-traveling odyssey through the myths and history of Ancient Greece. When an ordinary school trip to Delphi takes a catastrophic turn, Nikolas, Alexandra, Dimitris, Ismini, and Panos find themselves hurled through time—trapped in a past where gods walk the earth and myths aren’t just stories… they’re dangerously real. Now, under the gaze of Apollo himself, they must navigate a world of power, and peril, uncovering the truth behind their strange fate. But the gods don’t offer answers freely. If they want to return home, they’ll have to prove themselves worthy—solving ancient riddles, surviving divine trials, and learning that history isn’t just something you read in books… It’s something you can get trapped in. But as they journey through Delphi at its prime, one question looms over them—Were they sent here by accident… or is there a reason history refuses to let them go? Greek mythology meets time-travel adventure in a story filled with humor and mystery.

The disappearance of two students from a consolidated middle and high school in Philadelphia left their parents facing serious psychological problems for three years. In addition, the teenagers suspected of the crime were subjected to inappropriate punishments and sent to a reformatory. The book's narrative alternates between past and present, introducing Athena Clark, a girl who seeks to reopen the book club formerly owned by a girl who disappeared three years ago. Athena must overcome serious challenges to unravel a complex web of riddles and lies. She discovers that the riddles are part of a larger mystery taking place in the magical world of the Netherworld. It's a realm closed to humans that Athena and her newfound book club members must traverse to discover the truth about the kingdom of Morsalia and save it from false truths and despair. The challenge is to find the missing teens and ensure the continued existence of the book club, which is in danger of being shut down.

Peace Matthew’s gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she's hired as the executive secretary to Nathaniel Sterling, the enigmatic and powerful head of Sterling Enterprises. Business is said to be cutthroat for Nathaniel, who built an empire on the tatters of competitors. Peace attempts to put her stamp on the role and quickly proves she is indispensable as she handles Nathaniel's mad schedule with aplomb while handling his high-stakes business deals with aplomb. Nathaniel's right-hand man, Lucas Smith-charismatic and strategic CRO at the company-does not fall one bit short of mysterious. While Nathaniel may be cold and distant, Lucas is charming, calculating, and dangerously handsome. Torn between them, Sterling Enterprises is having her in one very high-pressure environment, trying to keep her feelings from getting away from her.

Felix has been carrying a torch for Gray, his childhood love, for as long as he can remember. After they graduated, Gray mysteriously cut off all communication, leaving Felix confused and heart wrenched. His friend, trying to help him move on, introduces Felix to her cousin Matthew, a silent, but charming Englishman who found his way onto Philippine soil. Matthew is everything Felix didn’t expect. As their friendship blossoms into something deeper, Felix begins to wonder if he can finally move past Gray. But just when things seem to be falling into place, Felix discovers that Gray is also attending Northerners University. Suddenly, Felix’s once-uncomplicated feelings become a tangled mess, as he finds himself torn between the nostalgia of his unspoken love for Gray and the fresh excitement of his budding romance with Matthew. With both men now a part of his campus life...things are bound to swirl around unexpected changes.

Tawny Matthews thought that Leonard Roberts married her, perhaps he would have some feelings for her. But from the beginning to the end, he was cold and indifferent, and she could only endure that he always thought of someone else. Three years passed, and she felt that she could not expect or hope for this marriage relationship, so she decided to leave, leave this place, and start a new life. Five years later, they met again, standing opposite each other, but neither recognized the other. He did not recognize her because she had changed so much. Tawny seemed to have become a completely different person. She became colder and more decisive, and her eyes looked at him like those of a stranger. Why did she not recognize him? Was it because she was now his ex-wife?

Matthew Franklin wakes up in a new world as Park Jason Gabriel, the illegitimate son of a wealthy South Korean family. After his mother's death, he moves in with his paternal family, where he faces humiliation and the burden of his hidden status. At thirteen, he endures a difficult life until he leaves for the States, only to be forced back by his family. Now, he must take his older brother's place in an arranged marriage to Kim Seo-yeon, an heiress facing a crisis. Bound by tradition, the marriage is non-negotiable, requiring them to stay together for at least three years. Jason must navigate his new and unwanted life under these circumstances.

In a world riddled with oddity and mystery, Dane finds himself right in the middle of something big. The origin of Iotils, the Twelve, and the mysterious Mirror Lady, all mysteries the lone man will be forced to unwrap.

In the fractured world of Luminora, where the arcane hums through the veins of steel and whispers linger in forgotten corners, a girl with golden locks treads lightly, her smile a fragile mask for a truth that could shatter everything. She clings to dreams too vivid to be mere memories and to a longing for something lost—something never spoken. She glances from afar to see a boy with hair as dark as the void walks unnoticed, his silence a riddle to the world around him. Their lives entwine, not by choice but by the pull of unseen strings, as shadows stretch across the light, and every step seems guided by forces neither can name. In a realm where hope glimmers faintly between cracks of despair, their journey unfolds—a delicate balance of joy and sorrow, of wonder and fear, as they seek to unravel the secrets binding them to the shifting edges of a world that defies understanding. What they find may reshape more than their fates, for some truths are too vast to stay buried, and some destinies too great to remain untold.

"Have you ever felt an inexplicable hatred? A hatred that was born without any sense or reason?" "What would you do if I told you that this hatred was false? Instilled by a being that only feeds on the worst feelings in existence?" "Would you break this cycle of hatred or would you just let yourself be ruled by it?" ---- Matthew Blackcrow is one of the hundreds of young people who have managed to break the curse of hatred imposed by Damnatus, the great dark emperor. Now, with no other option, he will have to venture towards the ash-earth where he can take refuge behind the doors of Salusbreath, a floating city that fights against the regime of Damnatus.

What is knowledge? Is it power or a sin? Is it a burden or a blessing? What if faith and ignorance? What is the truth hidden beneath reality? If knowledge has a price, is it worth paying? This was the question thrown at Matthew as he set on to find the truth behind the disappearance of his mother. As he went on the journey to find the truth he heard whispers from the Abyss. A voice that mirrored his own spoke in a hush voice, [The Abyss has been shattered, The Lord has fallen as you have been chosen. When worlds collide. The Lord shall rise once again.] A story woven by the people, given life by the world, spread across the Universe and finally manifested in a different one. This is the story of a Lord of the Abyss.

Craige, the strongest living assassin, was feared by both the powerful elite and the underworld. His name was etched into history as a legend—an extraordinary being who surpassed the limits of human strength and talent. No one dared to challenge him, for he was a force beyond reckoning. Yet, despite his unmatched power, Craige grew weary. The endless cycle of bloodshed and survival had drained him, and the dream of living an ordinary life proved impossible. Tired of a life he no longer desired, he made his final decision—to end it all. But death was not his end. Instead, he awakened in the frail body of a boy whose life was worse than rock bottom. Stripped of his former strength and feared reputation, Craige must now navigate an existence riddled with suffering and despair. Faced with a new world and an identity unworthy of his past self, he must decide—will he remain shackled by fate, or will he carve a new path with the knowledge and skills of the strongest assassin?

erasing oneself in the eyes of a System that is dark and Bleak forever stuck in the darkest pits of oneself and Society that is my world forever wishing I could be sane? but life as it is a riddle ridden in the dark so I shall found the path to enlightenment so here we go life as it is for me the insane and crazy lab geek and jobless bum with a hot friend who could be a way closer to my inner darkness

The story of Clarisse betrayed by her fiance... Went back to 10 years ago when they just started dating... She planned to take revenge on everyone that hurt her. She met her archnemesis in school, Matthew... She fell into one of her cousin's traps and Matthew saved her... After that incident, something suddenly changed between them. Where will this whirlwind of events take them?

Synopsis Long Qi is a business man from the 23rd century who reincarnated back to the 21st century. When he open his eyes to the old century at the age of 5, he expect for a golden finger but he received none “No system, no old man, no good constitution, no heaven defying background, what is the meaning of my recairnation.” At 21 years of age, his parent were missing, he was left with his fool of a brother and a clan riddled with debts. Soon after, his brother finace came to break up the engagement. When his mentally retarded brother suddenly became wise. “Welcome host, the main protagonist has gotten his first opportunity, please merge with the system to become the main protagonist biggest backer.” What is the main protagonist first opportunity? which kind of system did Long Jun merge with? What happen to the pairs of brother? where they able to find out anything about thier missing parent?. read this book to find out more I will make sure to update at least two chapter daily.

The word shattered, heaven's once ruler was thrown into deep hibernation. His power burst forth from his avatar and spread throughout the mortal plain, years later that same power took on the form of Regalia and humanity was 'blessed'. For the first time in millennia, angel's descended upon the mortal plain to warn humanity, "The power bequeathed to thee is but a simple gift from thy divine lord. Thou must never use thine power for evil or else humanity shall be destroyed." The angel's deceived humanity in attempt to hide the state of their lord. Humanity used the new energy and power to develop their technology incredibly fast. They created entire islands, enhanced space travel, and within just a hundred years... They had even captured a star. However, humanity was still a curious species riddled with sin, over the hundred years of development humanity learned to revolutionise war... Regalia energy increased the physical capabilities of mortals dependent on their aptitude with it. Many humans had begun to discard the need for guns as simply, they became too slow. Humanity had regressed in a way, back to killing each other face to face in bouts with swords and other weaponry.

When Tuzi, the beloved bunny of the Moon Goddess Chang'er who was blessed into a human, is stolen from her celestial home— She is violently cast down to the Mortal Realm, stripped of her divine grace and thrown into a world she doesn't understand. Upon awakening, she finds herself surrounded by strangers—and everything she once knew is now a distant memory. ​Chang'er, the Moon Goddess, is determined to solve the mystery of her stolen companion, but focusing on the task proves difficult. Every clue brings her closer to the answer, but it also brings her dangerously close to the too-handsome-for-his-own-good God of Sky, who seems to be more of a distraction than a help. Can the Moon stay focused long enough to recover Tuzi? ​Meanwhile, Atlas—the Sky God’s best soldier—has dived into the Mortal Realm after Tuzi. But why is he so intent on finding the fallen bunny, and what does he have to do with the celestial theft? Tuzi may have been a simple rabbit once, but as a newly- minted divine lady, guarding her heart against this dashing, charming soldier is proving far more difficult than she ever imagined. Add to that the sudden interest of several alpha gods, and Tuzi's life is turned upside down by both celestial politics and unexpected romantic tension. With gods, mysteries, and more than a few mosquitos in the way, can Tuzi reclaim her place in the heavens and solve the riddle of her own disappearance? A romantic, funny, and action-packed twist on the legend of Chang'er and her white bunny, Bunny and the Moon will keep you guessing—and laughing—until the very end. Bet you can't figure out who did it!

In his previous life, despite his cruel and heartwrenching beginning, Matthew was able to overcome all obstacles and become a Divine Lord. However, because of the Universes' cruel monopoly on Cultivation Techniques, he who came from a Primeval World was destined never to rise to the peak. But now reincarnated into the past, before Earth's Spiritual Qi rejuvenated, and with over 5000 years of knowledge from the future, Matthew wanted to surpass his previous cultivation and become a God! Never again having to sell his future just for an advanced cultivation Technique. Or having to lower his head to the monarchy of the Universe. Matthew would right all of the wrongs he faced and fight for the peak once more! While protecting and cultivating the siblings he let down in his previous life, Matthew swore he would become a peak powerhouse! However, after finding the very treasure that caused his death hiding within his soul. Matthew realized that his rebirth wasn’t accidental, and he was now burdened with a grudge that lasted almost as long as the Universe itself. Now, with a 5000-year time limit, Matthew was forced to become as strong as the Universe Lords themselves before they found him. Will Matthew grow fast enough, or will his enemies find him before that? This is the story of a man who, born with nothing, would fight for the glory he always wanted. ————————————————————————— The picture on the cover or the one I have used in the character illustration chapter does not belong to me. They were just creations I found that resembled how the characters I had imagined looked. If the creator wishes for me to take them down, please contact me. ————————————————————————— If you like this type of novel or my writing in general, be sure to check out my other novels, Pay-to-Win Martial Emperor and Transmigration: Children of The Plane. ————————————————————————— Personal Links. Discord Server: https://discord.gg/3ybfHXxxBg Support me here at Kofi! https://ko-fi.com/slarbi123

Nina Carter never meant to be the centre of attention in a high-stakes fight, most definitely not between two of the most influential players on the rink or in her life. Nina is determined to make Jake Matthews, the school's golden hockey captain, regretful ex-boyfriend. She turns around and cheats on him. Now let me introduce Enzo Knight—dangerous, haughty, and absolutely off-limits. Their deal is a phoney alliance designed to change the odds. But when their relationship blossoms, the lines separating phoney from reality start to blur. Jake is not ready to be gone. Enzo is not the kind of guy missing here. Nina still? She is buried in a game of betrayal, passion, and power. Still, someone is keeping an eye. Understanding this helps one to see secrets, past mistakes, and the price of playing with fire—not just about revenge. Emotions mixed and tensions rising will force Nina to choose between the past she once loved and the future she never intended. The stakes in this game include survival instead of just love.