Kindle Christian

Christian Evans is a runaway—but not in the way people expect. He’s running from a life that isn’t his, from a family that dictates his every move, and from the one thing he’s ever truly loved: hockey. Now, with nothing to lose, he’s risking it all for a full-ride scholarship at North Lake View University. One shot. One summer. If he fails, his dream dies forever. The problem? Caleb Weston. Cocky. Charismatic. The star center of the team. The worst part? He’s annoyingly good at everything—including getting under Christian’s skin. It starts with a rivalry. Then, a challenge. Then… Christian realizes Caleb might be the only person who sees through his walls. A hockey summer camp. Two rivals pushed together. One challenge that changes everything. Christian wasn’t supposed to fall for the one guy who could ruin him. But some games? They’re impossible to resist. Enemies-to-lovers | MM Romance | Sports Rivalry & Tension Welcome to the It Hurts So Good: Short Stories Collection! This is not a traditional novel—each story is a standalone scene filled with tension, heat, and all the hockey romance you crave. Read in any order. More to come!

The year is 2025. A devout Christian named Arthur Bennett wins a lottery to participate in a revolutionary virtual reality experience at a high-tech company called Elysium. The program utilizes a unique VR pod to immerse users in a world based on a popular anime. As the other participants—a mix of personalities with varying degrees of anime knowledge—prepare to enter the simulation, Arthur remains the only one who has never indulged in anime. Upon entering this new world, he discovers an unsettling truth: pain is excruciatingly real, despite the creators' claims of a dampened pain response. He eventually finds himself trapped in prison, unable to log out, and demanding to be released from the program. Calls go unanswered, and the world of ninjas becomes a nightmare where hunger, thirst, hygiene, and even death are all real. Angered that he was deceived, he abandons all sense of logic and vows to become a villain no one would have ever anticipated.

Tension is brewing beneath the seemingly calm surface of the Two families' household. One of the nation's business tycoons families — the powerful Lucius household, a home governed by strict laws. Silva Lucius, abused by her family and treated as nothing more than a pawn in their schemes, lost her right to inheritance despite being a rightful member. Worse still, her future was shattered when she lost the chance to marry Branden Brando, the grandson and heir of the prestigious Brando family — one of the richest dynasties in the country. But in a surprising twist of fate, another marriage proposal arrives from the Brando household — this time from Christian Brando, the eldest grandson of Loid Brando and a powerful financial giant. "So let me reiterate—are you still willing to proceed with this marriage?" Not your typical FL or ML. So stay tuned and be ready. calculative and ambitious FL.✔️ possessive, obsessive morally Grey ML✔️ Btw, i'm a new author.

If the gods no longer bestow their mercy, then let us kindle bonfires, carry great swords, become skeletons, or heroes of legend.

"3, 2, 1… FIGHT!" the referee shouted. Both of the fighters threw punches at each other, and the crowd cheered. Benjo got hit, Chad got punched, and they just kept striking each other. In the video's of their previous fights they made me watch, they just wrestled and pinned each other, and it was boring. Chad got knocked to the ground and got up once more, then Benjo did the same. Mark and I watched in silence, closely. A lot of minutes later, both of the fighters ran out of breath and just stood meters away from each other, each taking a moment to catch their breath. Both of them really gave their all in the fight, they really showed how much they hate each other. The crowd grew silent, and I looked at Mark, "Damn, that was badass!" "Yeah, I agre-" "WHAT IS THAT!" someone shouted while Mark was talking. I look at the fighters, something glowing caught my eye. Their forearm to their fist, is glowing, glowing and blazing with yellow aura, yellow particles are coming out of the aura like a kindling fire. The crowd are in amazement, and I take a closer look. I saw a lion beside each of the fighters. Two lions, one lion beside Chad, and one lion beside Benjo. Both of the lion are growling at each other. Wait, a lion? When did it get there? There shouldn't be supposed to be lions around here.

The world of Tianlai was one where power was everything. The cultivation world, split into various sects and clans, was governed by a single truth: strength defined status. The stronger you were, the higher you climbed, and the greater the influence you wielded. But amidst all the power struggles, there lived one cultivator who remained unnoticed—a silent observer in the background, untouched by the chaos of the world. Kai Yun was that cultivator.

At a young age, Anya's only dream was to live a simple and peaceful life. But it seemed fate had other plans for her - to become an orphan and roam the streets. Until she was kidnapped by the country's largest crime syndicate. She was forced to do and follow every mission assigned to her just to survive. Despite everything, her dream remained the same - to live a simple life. A mission was assigned to her in exchange for her freedom. She was to pretend to be someone else and become the fiancée of Christian Oliver Carter. How long could Anya keep up the act? Could she accomplish this mission if the secrets of her past were revealed? What if fate didn't agree with her again and wanted to ruin her life? Would she ever be able to escape the world she was trapped in?

After breaking his back working with the Hero's Party, Chris wound up facing a dog's death. 'Please, let me be born into a wealthy family in my next life…' When he next awoke, he was the young master of an immensely wealthy family. However, he wasn't just any noble son but Christian van Baren Kazar—the infamous, good-for-nothing bastard of the Magic Empire's Dark Magic Clan. "Aaaagh! What the hell?!" There were only two years left until Christian was fated to meet an untimely death. And even if he managed to survive that long, he still needed to stop the end of the world. Chris had only one option if he wanted to survive and enjoy a life of wealth and luxury: seize control of the Dark Magic Clan and become a Demon King himself. Though the odds were stacked against him, it seemed doable enough. Why? 'Because I'm a genius!'

… “Is something wrong?” He sighed. He stayed quiet for a few seconds before he spoke. “I don’t think we should continue this partnership.” His tone sent chills down my spine.  “What do you mean?” I questioned. “Your feelings,” he said ‘feelings’ like the word disgusted him, “have changed and it no longer aligns with the agenda.” “How dare you? Who gave you information that helped get your company back from the Gulfs? Who was it that kept feeding you information about the Gulfs businesses. It was me.” I yelled, my tone no longer friendly.  I’d met Gabriel when he had recently lost his company to Christian. He was at the brink of bankruptcy and Christian had made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He’d been stupid enough to sign a contract without reading it because he was desperate, and ended up losing more than they’d originally agreed. “Now that you have your precious company back and some shares in the Gulf enterprise you think you can dump me with a stupid excuse like our motives no longer align? Don’t you fucking dare. I own you.” I shook with rage, ending the call before he had a chance to reply to me. My rage immediately became fear when I turned around and saw Christian standing by the door in my room. “So you did take me up on my offer.” He was smiling, and the contrast in his words and demeanor only made me more afraid. 

In the year 50 AD, Rome’s Ninth Legion, known as *Hispana*, mysteriously vanished during a campaign in Britannia. What no one knew was that they had been transported to a world of sword and sorcery, a realm ruled by the fearsome Dark Lord Raptor. For two generations, the legionaries fought, adapted, and forged alliances with magical races, learning to coexist with unknown gods who granted them powers to face the darkness. After an epic final battle, they defeated Raptor, and at the moment of their victory, they were returned to their original world. But something has changed: for them, only 52 years have passed, but on Earth, 400 years have gone by. The Rome they once knew no longer exists. The Empire has transformed, and Christianity is beginning to spread. The legionaries, now bearers of a faith in the "New Gods" who aided them in their struggle, return with a mission: to restore Rome’s former glory and spread the word of their protective deities. However, their return will not be easy. They must face a world that sees them as relics of the past, distrustful emperors, and dark forces that seem to have followed them from the other world.

Beneath the bustling city， the shadows of the apocalypse lurked. The black spores spread silently， twisting bodies and minds. Gin's lab made some people disappear without a trace， turned others into monsters， and some into the rich. Now it was the turn of a mysterious young man， Mo Wen， to make his choice...but he made the wrong one. "Gin， with a sinister smile， grew curious about what Mo Wen was mumbling. He brought his ear close to Mo Wen's lips， only to hear a faint voice: 'Dad， I'm so scared...'" FREE on Kindle Unlimited now Available on Amazon shop https://www.amazon.com.au/City-Shadows-Pubang/dp/B0DTYBH95G https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-N2roSb3Qs

you Meet Susan James, a young and ambitious professional who lands a job at Aderiola & Co. Limited, a prestigious company owned by the enigmatic and stunningly handsome Christian Aderiola. Christian is a self-proclaimed skeptic of love, but Susan can't help the instant attraction she feels for him. Their undeniable chemistry leads to a passionate one-night stand, but Christian's aversion to love threatens to derail their budding connection. As they continue to cross paths, Susan finds herself torn between her growing feelings for Christian and his refusal to acknowledge the emotional depth of their encounters. Will Susan be able to break down Christian's defenses and prove that love is real, or will their whirlwind romance fizzle out due to his stubborn beliefs?

In the final year of high school, Christian’s ordinary life takes a dramatic turn when he is struck by lightning, awakening the Idle System, a manifestation of his dream. What begins as a personal fantasy quickly transforms into a new reality for Christian, who revels in his newfound abilities while the world around him remains blissfully unaware. However, as Christian adjusts to his extraordinary circumstances, strange and unsettling events begin to unfold globally. Would the genre of the world also become Fantasy or would it stay exclusive to him?

A battle field, love versus religious beliefs, conservative family members, cultural norms, societal standards and personal insecurities, does love even stand a chance. Damilola had never fit perfectly into society's expectation, she was what people liked to call a tomboy. She is raised by her mother Mabel who supports her in the way she knows how, on the surface Dami's life looks fine but inside she suffers from personal insecurities, caused by past experiences and the fact that she didn't fit into her society. Helena is a biracial medical student raised by a conservative mother, Helena is the perfect Nigerian child, a medical student, a loyal christian, that is until she meets Dami. Both girls crash into each other's lives, igniting sparks in each other that they didn't know they could, they keep their relationship a secret and attempt to exist in a bubble were none of their societal problems exist, but reality had other plans for them. This story isn't just about romance, it's about love and redemption, it's about identity and self discovery, it's about family and sacrifices, and most importantly it's about second chances.

Engravidar do chefe após uma noite juntos e de repente deixar o emprego como stripper era a última coisa que Serena esperava, e para piorar ele é o herdeiro da máfia. Serena é tranquila enquanto Christian é destemido e franco, mas de alguma forma os dois precisam fazer isso funcionar. Quando Christian obriga Serena a participar de um noivado falso, ela se esforça ao máximo para se encaixar na família e na vida luxuosa que as mulheres levam, enquanto Christian luta com todas as suas forças para manter sua família em segurança, mas tudo muda quando a verdade oculta sobre Serena e seus pais biológicos é revelada. A ideia era fingir até o bebê nascer e a regra era não se apaixonar, mas os planos nem sempre saem como esperado. Christian será capaz de proteger a mãe de seu filho que está por vir? E eles acabarão desenvolvendo sentimentos um pelo outro?

Tomber enceinte de son patron après une aventure d'un soir et quitter subitement son emploi de strip-teaseuse était la dernière chose que Serena avait espéré, et pour aggraver les choses, il est l'héritier de la mafia. Serena est calme tandis que Christian est intrépide et s'exprime librement, mais d'une manière ou d'une autre, les deux doivent faire en sorte que ça marche. Quand Christian oblige Serena à accepter un faux fiançailles, elle fait de son mieux pour s'intégrer dans la famille et la vie luxueuse que vivent les femmes, tandis que Christian se bat autant qu'il le peut pour garder sa famille en sécurité, mais tout prend un tournant lorsque la vérité cachée sur Serena et ses parents biologiques est révélée. Leur idée était de faire semblant jusqu'à la naissance du bébé et la règle était de ne pas tomber amoureux, mais les plans ne se déroulent pas toujours comme prévu. Christian pourra-t-il protéger la mère de son enfant à naître ? Et finiront-ils par avoir des sentiments l'un pour l'autre ?

Aria’s life was simple; a medical student, a devoted christian and a future she could control—until the night it all fell apart. Tricked, she found herself saving a wounded man who shouldn’t exist. His presence stirred something primal within her, a pull she didn’t understand and a fear she couldn’t ignore. Bound to him by an invisible thread, she couldn’t escape the intensity of his gaze—or the heat of his touch. But nothing could prepare her for the danger that awaited. Forced to accompany him on a treacherous journey, Aria found herself thrust into the deadly politics of a kingdom ruled by a formidable king and his twin sons—one charming yet distant, the other cruelly intoxicating. Amid whispered secrets and simmering tensions, Aria becomes a pawn in a game far darker than she imagined. “You don’t get to decide my future,” she spat, her defiance flickering like a candle against his towering presence. The King’s lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. “Your future was decided the moment you walked into my court, Aria. And you have no other place in the world except by my side.” Her pulse quickened as he stepped closer, the rich timbre of his voice rolling over her like a storm. “You will bear my mark, stand by my side, and serve as my queen. Do not mistake this for a choice—it’s an inevitability.” “I would rather die,” she shot back, her voice trembling as his hand tilted her chin to meet his piercing gaze. “Then you’ll die with my name on your lips,” he said, his thumb brushing against her jaw. “You belong to me, and not even death will change that.” The man she travels with hides a past that could shatter her resolve, the twins threaten to unravel her very being, and the king sees her as more than just an advisor—he sees her as a temptation he cannot have. As desire tangles with deception, Aria is drawn deeper into a world of forbidden touches and unspoken truths. In a tale of passion, betrayal, and dark secrets, Aria must fight for her life, her heart, and the truth—before everything she knows burns to ashes.

[Mature Content] [18+ Only] [Hidden Relationship] -------------- "Do you like what you see?" I asked provocatively, feeling his gaze travel down my bare skin. Christian knelt on the bed, leaning over me. I noticed how his eyes darkened with a deep desire. "Yes, Leslie, I like it very much," he replied in a whisper, placing his lips on mine. His kiss sent a wave of fire through my body, making me crave his touch even more. -------------- Twenty-year-old Leslie Moresi is the second daughter of the prestigious Moresi family. While her life may seem glamorous from the outside, the reality is that she is a bird locked in a gilded cage. Controlled and unable to make any of her own decisions, she begins to feel all of the color fade from her life. One day, she attends an important business dinner with her family, where she meets the elusive Christian Vittoria, the most eligible man in the country -- turning her life upside down. So what if he is about to become her brother-in-law? #noharem #hiddenrelationship #smut

Christian Morgan,a rising football star, sees his dreams shattered after a devastating injury on the field. Just when he thinks his career is over, a tragic accident changes everything, when he is injected with nano machine join him as he dominate the world of football with his nano machine

Noah, a shy 15-year-old, has always felt a quiet presence in his life, hearing a voice that once told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” But as he starts high school in a new country, doubt creeps in, and he begins questioning his faith. Is God still with him? In his journey through uncertainty, Noah opens up to his friend Eli, whose steady faith helps him realize that faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about seeking, trusting, and finding God in the small moments of everyday life. As Noah learns to embrace the process of searching, he discovers that faith isn’t perfect, but it’s real. Through doubt, kindness, and perseverance, he finds peace in the journey—and learns that God is always present, even in the unanswered questions.

The Night of Hunting Games Written by Pubang Illustrated by Gentle Coda FREE on Kindle Unlimited and Kobo Plus now! Young monk Alex used to wander through the peaceful temple and village, his heart calm and serene. But then, a beautiful girl suddenly entered his life, stirring feelings within him. Just as their emotions began to grow, an unexpected alien hunting game put their lives in danger. Crisis after crisis, they discovered their true purposes. Upon first meeting the girl, Alex said, “My master told me I must not be attached to worldly desires…” https://amzn.asia/d/ffnJv1Z https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/the-night-of-hunting-games

Venus Bellingham is a rookie police officer from a renowned family of extremely talented police officers. But she lacks even the basic skills needed to do the job: she can't shoot a gun without missing her target; she can barely hold her own in a fight; and she always ends up landing herself in trouble. As a result, Venus' father scorns her for being a disgrace to the family. To win her father's approval, she takes on a life threatening case by herself, without telling her superiors. She goes undercover to investigate the most dangerous mafia gang, The Inferno, while pretending to work for them. But the stakes are high: risk being found out by the The Inferno, and their leader, Danté, will kill her. If she is found out for going undercover against orders, she could lose her badge, which is the only way she has to make her father proud. She makes unexpected friends along the way, including the funny and soft hearted gentleman from The Inferno, Nick, who makes it clear from the first moment he met her that he genuinely cares about her - maybe more than she realizes. Or, the stoic and mysterious Damian, also part of The Inferno, who has his frozen heart melted by Venus, bringing out the warm, soft version of himself that he hides well. And then there is the handsome and intriguing leader, Danté, who even threatens to kill her the first night that they meet. Though he infuriates (and often scares) Venus, she finds herself drawn to him, for he was more than the monster she initially thought him to be. He would burn the world for the one he loved, and those that try to take her from him. As she uncovers the secrets of the mafia and a dark truth hidden within the police, Venus will face danger and broken trust, making her question who the real bad guys were; and where her loyalties should lie. She learns from the mafia how to become a stonger person and what it means to be seen for the person she is instead of the person she needs to be. She might be stronger than she knows... As Venus unravels the mysteries of both worlds, will the newfound strength she gains be enough to face the challenges that lie ahead? And will an enemy turn out to be the one to kindle romance in her tattered heart?

Jack Turner was a normal seventeen year old boy. he went to school, had a job, and other then the fact that he lived alone in his grandpa's townhouse, he lived an ordinary life, until the day he saw something he wasn't supposed to see, in the end he lost his life. then God brought him back to life. placing "the seal of anointing" on his left hand. now Jack finds himself dragged into the world of the supernatural. he joins the "church" a secret sect of Christianity dedicated to fighting the most fearsome paranormal threats the world has ever seen. little does Jack know that he has a destiny of biblical proportions. status: [currently on hiatus.]

[Mature Content] "Please, call me Christian," he insists. "And I know this might be intrusive, but I can't help but wonder if there's anything I can do to help. Professionally or personally." Surprised by his offer, Marilena considers the possibilities. Here is a man she barely knows, the boss of the man who just broke her heart, extending a helping hand. Perhaps in the storm of her emotions, a strategic alliance could be forged. "Well," she begins, a spark of determination igniting in her eyes, "there is one thing you could help me with, Christian." With a newfound determination, Marilena approaches Christian with a proposition. "Help me show him what he's missing," she says, her eyes sparkling with a blend of mischief and resolve. Christian's lips curves into a wry smile. "I'm in, Marilena. Let's make him regret ever letting you go." _______ In "The Boss's Persuasion," delves into the captivating world of Marilena Chauque, a resilient woman who, after a heart-wrenching breakup with her boyfriend, finds herself entangled in a web of unexpected emotions. Desperate to make her ex-fiance jealous, Marilena enters into a fake relationship with none other than her former lover's charismatic and influential boss, Christian Ngale. As Marilena navigates the complexities of their faux romance, the lines between reality and pretence blur, leading her to question her true feelings. Christian, known for his charm and enigmatic presence, proves to be an unexpected ally in her quest for revenge and self-discovery. As the charade deepens, Marilena is forced to confront the consequences of her actions and the unexpected twists of a game that initially seemed harmless. "The Boss's Persuasion" is a tale of love, deception, and the transformative power of unexpected connections, as Marilena grapples with her emotions and the possibility that her fake relationship may lead to a truth she never anticipated. Will Marilena's pursuit of revenge ultimately become a journey of genuine love, or will the intricacies of her plan unravel in ways she never imagined?

In a world where power and ambition reign supreme, Lina Ray stands as an unshakable force. A cold, ruthless woman who has carved her empire in the worlds of fashion and music, she refuses to believe in love. Hardened by experience, she sees emotions as nothing more than distractions, weakness she cannot afford. Christian Romano, the formidable Charming ASURA of the underworld, a man of pragmatism and ambition. When their worlds collide amidst the grandeur of Italy, fate weaves a tangled web, drawing them inexorably closer together. As Lina and Christian embark on a tumultuous journey of collaboration, their connection deepens, transcending the boundaries of their disparate lives. As they navigate a ruthless battlefield of ambition, betrayal, and control, their partnership is tested at every turn. But when dark forces threaten to dismantle everything they've built, will Lina and Christian remain adversaries, or will their connection become their greatest strength?

Neptune3 studios movie best friends in the world fan fiction story Olive, Adam and Esther.

#KINGDOMBUILDING #MILITARY #SLICEOFLIFE ***THIS NOVEL HAVE BEEN ABANDONED/DROPPED*** Un groupe d'amis en la noirceur de la nuit se font dévorer par un phénomène pour qui le mot d'étrange n'est point suffisant a le décrire . Années 1200 les Almohade/Al Muwahhidun une entité surpuissante règne en maître sur l'Afrique du nord et la péninsule Ibérique , rien et personne n'aurait pus prédire que cette même superpuissance vivait ses dernières heures de gloire et qu'une sombre ère qui allait durer la moitié d'un siècle pointait son nez sur le cœur de cet empire du Maghreb . Nos protagonistes se retrouvent en plein dans la tourmente de cette période trouble où Sultans/Califes de l'empire se succèdent a un rythme alarmant rappelant la période l'Empire Romain d'Occident , la criminalité connais une hausse , l'empire recule de face aux chrétiens Ibériques et les dynasties vassales à l'empire , pour la première fois depuis 2 siècles les routes commerciales transSaharienne , d'Al Andalus et du Maghreb son sujettes à des raids constants des bandits et criminels en tous genres , le commerce ralentit , l'instabilité se repend , les vivres et marchandises ne circulent plus , les famines accompagnées d'épidémies se déclarent dans tous l'empire , les officiers et bureaucrates de l'empire meurts de façon étrange et misterieuse , ceux qui leur succèdent ne font chaque années que renforcer leur image d'incompétence et de corruption , tous dans l'empire espèrent un messie qui les sauveras eux et cet dernier rempart de l'Occident islamique des loups affamés d'Europe . que fera nos protagonistes pour survivre et vivre en cette période trouble et confuse ? parviendront ils a survivre face aux imprévus de la vie en cet empire qui n'est qu'une simulations titanesques du concept de décadence. English version A group of friends in the dark of night are devoured by a phenomenon for which the word "strange" is not enough to describe it. In the year 1200, the Almohads/Al Muwahhidun, an overpowering entity, reigned supreme over North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. Nothing and no-one could have predicted that this same superpower was living out its final hours of glory and that a dark era that would last half a century was about to dawn on the heart of this Maghreb empire. Our protagonists find themselves in the midst of the turmoil of this troubled period, when the empire's sultans and caliphs succeed one another at an alarming rate, reminiscent of the period of the Western Roman Empire, crime is on the rise, the empire is retreating in the face of the Iberian Christians and the dynasties vassal to the empire, for the first time in 2 centuries the trans-Saharan trade routes of Al Andalus and the Maghreb are subject to constant raids by bandits and criminals of all kinds, Trade was slowing down, instability was spreading, food and goods were no longer circulating, famines accompanied by epidemics were breaking out throughout the empire, the empire's officers and bureaucrats were dying in strange and misterious ways, and those who succeeded them every year only reinforced their image of incompetence and corruption, everyone in the empire was hoping for a messiah who would save them and this last bulwark of the Islamic West from the the hungry wolves of Europe. What will our protagonists do to survive and live in these troubled and confused times? Will they manage to survive in the face of the unforeseen events of life in this empire, which is nothing more than a titanic simulation of the concept of decadence?

The story follows Prince Abdullah ibn Bulghin, the ruler of Granada, as he strives to protect his kingdom from two major threats: Christian invasions that endanger the Islamic lands in Andalusia and the ambitions of the Almoravids in Morocco, who seek to expand their influence in the region. The narrative focuses on the prince's strategies to safeguard his realm and maintain control amid these pressing challenges. (Harem only wives_ No system_ The hero is a normal person whose personality will develop over time Anyone who has information about this period, tell me the date will change a little. The story develops and begins in the ten chapters and you are ascending)

On the Genealogy of Morality: A Polemic (Genealogy of Morals) is an 1887 book by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. It consists of a preface and three interrelated essays that expand and follow through on concepts Nietzsche sketched out in Beyond Good and Evil (1886). The three trace episodes in the evolution of moral concepts with a view to confronting "moral prejudices", specifically those of Christianity and Judaism. Some Nietzsche scholars consider Genealogy to be a work of sustained brilliance and power as well as his masterpiece. Since its publication, it has influenced many authors and philosophers. In the "First Treatise", Nietzsche demonstrates that the two opposite pairs "good/evil" and "good/bad" have very different origins, and that the word "good" itself came to represent two opposed meanings. In the "good/bad" distinction, "good" is synonymous with nobility and everything which is powerful and life-asserting; in the "good/evil" distinction, which Nietzsche calls "slave morality", the meaning of "good" is made the antithesis of the original aristocratic "good", which itself is re-labelled "evil". This inversion of values develops out of the resentment of the powerful by the weak. In the "Second Treatise" Nietzsche advances his thesis that the origin of the institution of punishment is in a straightforward (pre-moral) creditor/debtor relationship. Man relies on the apparatus of forgetfulness in order not to become bogged down in the past. This forgetfulness is, according to Nietzsche, an active "faculty of repression", not mere inertia or absentmindedness. Man needs to develop an active faculty to work in opposition to this, so promises necessary for exercising control over the future can be made: this is memory. Nietzsche's purpose in the "Third Treatise" is "to bring to light, not what ideal has done, but simply what it means; what it indicates; what lies hidden behind it, beneath it, in it; of what it is the provisional, indistinct expression, overlaid with question marks and misunderstandings" (§23). As Nietzsche tells us in the Preface, the Third Treatise is a commentary on the aphorism prefixed to it. Textual studies have shown that this aphorism consists of §1 of the Treatise (not the epigraph to the Treatise, which is a quotation from Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra). This opening aphorism confronts us with the multiplicity of meanings that the ascetic ideal has for different groups: (a) artists, (b) philosophers, (c) women, (d) physiological casualties, (e) priests, and (f) saints. The ascetic ideal, we may thus surmise, means very little in itself, other than as a compensation for humanity's need to have some goal or other. As Nietzsche puts it, man "will rather will nothingness than not will".