Fiend

All the experts were defeated, I want both beauty and wealth! The Dragon King returns to the city, bringing an end to peace! This is the legendary tale of a cultivation fiend.

"Forgive me, priestess... but I must devour you!" In the labyrinth filled with monsters, an accident took his life... Yet a twisted and cruel fate saw him reborn as a doppelgänger. A weak monster, able to mimic the power of others. The cardinal sins of Lust, Gluttony and Envy rule his cursed existence. Humans called him The Fiend of Desire. He devours souls and seduces women to evolve and gain knowledge. However, the more he kills and ravishes, the line between monster and man becomes blurred. How far will he go? Can he return to the man he once was, or will the monster inside take him on a new... Fiendish path?! ___________________ Discord: https://discord.gg/95KPzwhXrD

Note: (Disclaimer at end of abstract). Synopsis: "In the heart of the boundless Phantom Continent, rests a cursed region smack in the centre of all that is known, aptly named as the Central Region. A domain shrouded in perpetual gloom, despair clings to every shadow and its sole purpose seems to be crushing the souls and dreams of the unfortunate souls that take shelter upon its land. Life is a fight for Existence and Reality however cruel, is alas never what it seems to be. Whispers of precious ore, ancient artefacts and ruins of ancient civilisations only lead to ruin - factions descend to lay claim to these scraps like vultures, blades quench the thirst of the land with rivers of fire, which mirror the stars from afar that flicker in isolation with an insatiable desire. Amongst the chaotic lands, a tale starts. An adventure, a mistake, a ghost, a foreigner, a world, many worlds, alliances, betrayals, intertwined fates and dangers fraught at every corner. A protagonist that isekai's into a still living being in an earnest bid to grow stronger and a pitiful soul that longs for what was once share a mysterious bond. Destiny is calling, the line between the living and dead is blurred, the powerful shape Reality, however amongst this rollercoaster of events, the shadows vie for their own nefarious purposes, for the shadows are always watching. As if life wasn't a misery as it were, it hit Zuck Borris with the roll of a die - the odds were never in his favour. Firstly, a stranger gave him the old boot - throwing his soul out to the dogs in the streets. Then a mysterious voice started talking to him. Yet it didn't seem to be doing him any favours in reclaiming his flesh and bones. Meanwhile that backstabbing fiend didn't even notice his existence and already seemed to be bringing trouble to his body. Roland, however, was as calm as the ocean bed. Some ignorant fools seemed to be scheming against him. Ever since he answered that damn call, his life seemed to become more troublesome. However, perhaps there was some part of him that smirked at this opportunity, to gain control over his life with enough strength to face all that may come his way. Who protects this Reality, that Reality and everything in between? Can a mortal man spit upon the immortal obstacle that tightens its grasp to crush all beneath it? Can the rivers burn what they touch as the worlds collide and the sun is all but lost? Are answers always to be sought? Turn that chapter if you so dare..." Disclaimers: There will be content in this webnovel that covers potential sensitive areas to some, including - violence (fighting), abusive language (swearing / cussing), concepts of self-harm (some bullied characters may consider self-harm), divide in society (different factions/ power levels) & other similar concepts that usually apply to any cultivation/ sci-fi webnovel. Also, the start is more world-building focused, so do saddle in your seatbelts and work through the first 20 chapters to get a feel of what we have in store. :)

In the aftermath of Judgement Day, Earth lies in ruins, overrun by obscure beasts commanded by Abaddon, the all-powerful devil who once ruled the depths of hell. Humanity’s final hope, Joseph Abrams—chosen by God and wielding the sacred power of Dovanity—waged a desperate battle for survival. Despite his heroic efforts, entire continents fell, though he managed to shield large regions with powerful barriers to stave off annihilation. But a dark tide rose to meet him—Fiendity, a twisted power fueled by worship of Abaddon, led by the ruthless Iche Clan and their formidable leader, Oba Iche. In a fateful clash, Abrams sealed away the Iche Clan, leaving only Udo Iche, saved by his mother’s sacrifice. Years later, Udo lives quietly with a foster family, hiding his heritage. This fragile peace shatters when affiliates of both Dovanity and Fiendity hunt him. In a cruel twist, Udo’s foster brother is captured, driving Udo to action. With the help of vigilant allies, Udo must embrace his legacy, rescue his brother, and battle the encroaching darkness threatening to consume the world.

### **Heavenly Rebirth: Path of the Martial God** Jin Wu, a modern martial artist, meets an untimely end and awakens in the ancient, mystical realm of Tianxia. Reborn with the Lotus Heart, an artifact imbued with the essence of a long-lost martial god, Jin Wu finds himself in the body of a young disciple of the Heavenly Blossom Sect. Determined to master his new abilities and understand his destiny, he begins a journey that will challenge his skills, resolve, and understanding of true power. Guided by the wise and formidable Master Li, Jin Wu trains alongside his newfound friends: Lan Mei, a skilled healer with a fierce spirit; Xiao Yu, a talented swordsman with a quick wit; Feng Ling, a brilliant strategist with a calm demeanor; and Zhao Yan, a stoic warrior with unparalleled strength. Together, they form a bond that grows stronger with each trial they face. As Jin Wu delves deeper into his training, he uncovers the dark schemes of the Shadowmoon Sect and the awakening of ancient Shadow Fiends, posing a grave threat to the balance of the realm. With the power of the Lotus Heart, Jin Wu must confront these dangers head-on, while also navigating the complex dynamics of sect politics and forging alliances. Volume 1 of "Heavenly Rebirth: Path of the Martial God" follows Jin Wu's initial steps on his path of cultivation. From intense training sessions and epic battles to mystical encounters and secret discoveries, Jin Wu's journey is one of growth, resilience, and unwavering determination. As he and his companions strive to protect their sect and uphold their values, they learn that true strength lies not just in power, but in unity and the bonds of friendship. Join Jin Wu and the Heavenly Blossom Sect as they embark on a thrilling adventure filled with martial arts, ancient mysteries, and the pursuit of greatness in a world where destiny is forged through the strength of the spirit and the might of the blade. ---

A high ceiling, adorned with intricate carvings and fanciful decor. A warm golden light passing through stained glass highlighting the beauty of justice and righteous valour- a contrast to the maleficent beings that would often face this light- illuminates the room. Upon a raised dais, there is a displeased king, and by his side, stern-faced nobles and court officials stare down menacingly at the accused. Below these extinguished figures, bounded by chains and covered in grime, was a six-year-old girl. "Ixion Akastos Vespera" "In the presence of our sovereign King and the noble dukes of this great nation, you are summoned to answer for the grave crimes alleged against you. The entire house of Vespera, your family and lineage, has been wrongfully slain by a treacherous prisoner of theirs. We have reason to believe you have conspired with the ungrateful fiend, betraying your own blood and committing treason against our liege. How do you answer? Are you guilty or not guilty of this heinous crime?" "Not guilty." "Not guilty? Very well. You shall-" "I killed them myself. Not the dragon, only I." Murmurs erupted among the usually unperturbed high-class nobles. "Is it not according to law that a bloodline inheritor may kill all other potential heirs? As for my unfortunate mother, she was merely an unintended mishap." °°° Alexandra Chase, among a million others, found herself in a deadly game orchestrated by a supreme goddess to gain access to another world. Unfortunately, her life in this new world won't be any softer than the one before it. Her drive is not only to survive but also to supersede those beings who stand above. The goddess's schemes are far deeper than she could imagine. She is granted talent, unlimited potential, and terrifying attunement to the world itself with her new body, but many geniuses die young. Her most capable weapon is a concept many have yet to fathom- her soul.

Warning… Matured content. “Look at me,” he commanded, his eyes boring into her like black pits of venom. Lilith’s chest tightened as she stared at the floor and the room seemed to shrink around her. “Dinner with the devil is one thing. Staring at the embodiment of evil itself…quite another.” Dracula’s smirk widened, his fingers squeezing Lilith’s chin. “Oh, and do I frighten you, little one?” His eyes burned into her, piercing her soul like daggers “You see now the truth of my power. You thought you could challenge me, toying with my affections as though I were some lovesick puppy.” Lilith sighed, because despite the darkness that swirled around her, she found herself unafraid of Dracula. “Now, look at me, and speak what you have beneath your heart,” he commanded. Lilith’s chin lifted with a surge of defiance. "Dracula Beelzebub. You are nothing but a monstrous abomination." she hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. "A fiend of the lowest caliber, unworthy of even a moment of my time." Dracula raised an eyebrow as he smirked, impressed by her insults. "And yet, you cannot deny that I am the most powerful being in this room." Lilith sneered. "Yo… You deserves to be banished back to the bowels of Hell." Dracula smiled, his teeth white in the flickering candlelight. "Ah, but where’s the fun in that? I much prefer making life interesting for the mortals." Lilith's hands curled into fists at her sides, and she took a step forward. “Interesting?" she spat. "You call torment and misery ‘interesting’? You are a demon, feeding off the misery and pain of others." Dracula chuckled, spreading his arms wide in a gesture of mock surrender. "And what of it? What do you intend to do about it, little mortal?" ~~~~~ Meet Lilith Raziel, a young, beautiful orphan who was born blind. However, when a mysterious creature appears in the woods, Lilith’s life is turned upside down. Her world shifts from darkness to one filled with mystical creatures and the secrets of the underworld. On the other hand, lurking in the shadows, lies Dracula Beelzebub, a devilishly handsome man who relishes in the misery and demise of others. Beneath his charming façade lies a dangerous secret—Dracula Beelzebub is the devil incarnate. And he has set his sights on Lilith Raziel, a woman he’s determined to ensnare in his diabolical plans. _"To love a demon is to have your soul bound in chains of darkness.” — Lucifer’s Inferno. PS/ Thanks a lot (Tearswithnofaces) for gifting me my first Golden ticket) Thanks.

Transmigrated into a captivating fantasy world, Chu Wuchen is not just from an ancient immortal family; he is born with extraordinary double pupils and supreme bones. At the tender age of two, his powerful system awakens. By twelve, the legendary Tianjiao List descends, igniting the Nine Great Immortal Domains and stirring countless races into a fervor. In this unparalleled era, prodigies emerge, monstrous talents are born, and ancient anomalies arise. The Ten Fiends, Primordial Progenitors, Human Emperor Body, Chaos Body, Immortal Body, Reincarnation Body... all manifest one by one. Amidst the epic chaos and fierce battles, the name at the pinnacle of the Tianjiao List remains unchanged—Chu Wuchen!

Cavannah Sylus, a high school modern teen with an enviable life anyone would wish for, came to an early demise the day her white-lotus stepsister pushed her down a cliff. Never would it occur to Cavannah, that fate would smile on her and she would be reincarnated in a different world. Reincarnated in a semi-modern world where humans were a victim of ancient slavery with blood-sucking fiends, Demons and vampires as the rulers. Not only that but also family ranking was common in this strange world. Cavannah Sylus awakened in the body of Seyan Murin, the uselessly unfavored vampire child and lastborne of the Murins, the third-ranked family in Legalese City. She had professed her undying love to the famous indifferent and brutal prince of Legalese City, Zenith Asmodeus. Repaying her love, she was rejected and poisoned then left in a dungeon to fend for herself. However, with her awakening, her change began, becoming the invincible eloquent aristocrat with the will to snag everyone’s eye. But what happens when the indifferent Prince, Zenith who hates women develops an interest in her? To his surprise, Seyan who was obsessed with him now avoids him like a plaque reeking of death. However, what happens when her lover from the past appears in this strange world? Will the famous brutal Royal prince, Zenith let her go? Or will he toil to get what belongs to him?

COUNT OF SILTHS MANOR FOUND DEAD! Alexus Smith checks newspapers daily in wait because he knows one day, that will be headlines and frankly no one will be surprised. Count Alexus: Specialist murder fiend, and sorcerer it's not common to have him around but it's less common to have such a situation as magic deaths in a realm with the third lowest magic use. Yet magic and murder cases had been on the rise and Alexus had his hands full, working with a suspicious, foxy investigator isn't helping either. In attempt to balance out the crime wheel again and to have a night off finally, he dives deeper into a hole of mysteries and devious plans. Alexus believes that his death might be the least for worry when he's findings start haunting and revealing secrets that run deep into the human realm, and questions the truth of human existence

In a realm overshadowed by darkness, a young serpent named Arin is reborn with a destiny to ascend to the status of a mythical dragon. The path to power is fraught with challenges and spans millennia: • A thousand years to become the sovereign serpent of the mountains. • Five thousand years to endure trials and transform into a dragon. • Ten thousand years to reach the celestial gates and achieve true dragonhood. However, Arin possesses a unique ability: the power to accelerate time by ten thousandfold. • "Sovereign Serpent of the mountains, a thousand years of training condensed into a single month." • "Celestial dragon transformation, ten thousand years of cultivation reduced to one year." • "Five-clawed dragon ascension, a hundred thousand years of practice shortened to ten years." Throughout his journey, Arin masters an array of mystical arts and spells: • The seventy-two techniques of the Earthly Fiend. • The thirty-six techniques of the Heavenly Gang. • Summoning storms, regenerating from a single drop of blood, merging with the heavens and earth, altering the skies and days... In a world where monsters wreak havoc, ghosts claim lives, and humanity suffers, Arin's transformation culminates in the emergence of a colossal nine-clawed golden dragon, stretching 30,000 feet, with horns atop its head, shrouded in clouds and mist. As this formidable dragon rises, the realms of the four seas, the eight wildernesses, the nine heavens, and the ten lands, teeming with demons and ghosts, bow in submission.

"Ding! Congratulations on binding God's Chosen One. You will receive 150% of the other party's cultivation comprehension and cultivation speed!" "Cultivation-related matters related to the bound target can be obtained as additional rewards." "Enjoy your cultivation!" … "You and the Great Tang Princess admire the purple aura, discuss the Heavenly Dao, and acquire the Purple Aura from the East! "You and the saintesses of the demon race explore the mystic realm and search for the legacy to obtain the Demon Sovereign's Indestructible Body!" "You fought a decisive battle with the Fiend Son of the fiend race in the South Ocean and gained the Godfiend Hell-Crushing Force!" … A hundred years later, you have bound yourself to all the elites of the infinite worlds. Turning around, you realize something. You are invincible.

"Why don't skeletons fight each other?" She turned to look at him, her eye brows furrowed. "How does this have anything to do with the dire situation we are in?" She gripped her scythe, tightly. Fear still gripping her. He kept on talking as if he didn't hear her. "Because they don't have guts." Before bursting into one insane laughter that filled her with warmth. Fear slowly dissolving, she joined to. Few moments after the laughter died. "Your joke... It wasn't funny." His eyes widened, comically holding his chest in hurt. "Ouch!" Before flashing a hot crazy grin. "Well that wasn't the purpose in the first place though it wouldn't hurt if it was funny. Now you are much relaxed, don't you agree?" Funnily enough she was. They both stared down at the ruins. "Our inner monsters make excellent dance partners once you learn to lead." He started again this time his voice much solemn. "But what if it refuses?" She closed her eyes. Thinking about it was stressful. "Tame him with kindness or bribe it with chocolate it works with mine... Then you'll dance in the battlefield like a battle fiend you are meant to be like everyone's watching and the monster inside you is your hypeman. Whatever works." ------------------------------------------------- A suicidal psychotic girl scarred by the loss of her childhood best friend and mother which no one believed existed transmigrated into a very unusual world. On waking up in her new body she discovers that her previous body owner didn't make life any easier for her. Especially when she killed The Royal Sixth Princess of Alvaron. And well killed herself. Amanise is caught in a murder case she didn't actually do. And why everything seems 'normal' in the beginning she soon discovers that real things lurk in the dark. And it wasn't her laundry pile under her bed. ---------------------------------------------------- Hi am XR, A new author with my first book. English isn't my strong suit but I will make the read enjoyable. Though it's new, Don't miss out on the ride is gonna be amazing. THE BOOK COVER IS MINE. Peace.

Calder Monroe Llyr Kaimana couldn't stop his hands from sweating. He wasn't even sure how he was even holding everything together. He didn't even know how he found the courage to speak up but he did and he did it during his older brother's coronation celebration. Taki Hamako woke up in the Kingdom of Mariella and to his horror in someone else's body. Worse, he heard some names that sounded way too familiar. The name of the body he was in, the body's older brother crown prince Esai Asher Blake Kaimana, Britille Freyer and Syria Trent. "It can't be! It's all the same!" He thought as he watched from the sidelines. They were the names of the last novel his company's star author wrote! Taki couldn't believe his eyes or ears but everything was the same and he couldn't let them die. "Why did her boyfriend break up with her?! Then this novel's ending wouldn't be a blood bath!" Taki now Calder cried inside his heart. "Oh no it's happening!" He cried again. The Baron Freyer is bringing up his daughter alongside Count Trent while Chancellor Graham is leading them. Calder needed to stop the event from happening. "My King!" Chancellor Graham started but Calder interrupts. "My dear King I want these women as my bride candidates!" Now he's done it. "Sure!" His brother proclaims. Calder pales, he didn't think before he acted, worse THE KING KNEW HE WAS BAD WITH WOMEN! Past or present he sucked. That's why Taki's parents arranged his marriage! What's he to do now? He wanted to save everyone but will he save both Villainess and Heroine? Choose a sex fiend or dominatrix? He just wanted to bang his newly wedded wife back in his own world and live a normal, happy life! What the hell happened?!

That feeling of ripping through your enemies and the feel of their hot blood washing over your body. What better way to relax the body after a glorious victory than indulging in the carnal pleasure from conquered women. All Evary Seth desires is supreme power, carnal pleasure, to screw his wife whenever he can and of course, to conquer his ridiculously powerful mother-in-law. Seth wants to be the strongest, but who is stronger? A primordial fiend? Or its creator, a God? What do Gods do when their biggest attack dog turns on them. ****** This book screams smut but please don't forget the first word in its title, do expect smut, but also expect a superb plot with character development and a touch of romance all the way to the end. The book cover isn't mine, if you're the artist behind this masterpiece, and you want me to take it down! I would gladly do it, just inform me in the comments! Cover illustration credit: Unknown

In the Torian Empire in the year 24650, millenniums have passed and the line between science and mysticism have been erased, where shadows dance with secrets and danger lurks in every corner, two unlikely allies, Sez and Elara, find themselves bound by a common purpose: vengeance. When the malevolent vampire known as Malachi strikes, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake, Sez, the enigmatic hunter, and Elara, the fiery daughter of a slain Clan Head, embark on a perilous quest to hunt down the fiend responsible for her father's murder.

He is a man without a spirit root. It is believed that this denies him the chance at cultivation. However, a mysterious lady imparts a Supreme Demon Classic to him and from then on, he starts his path of cultivation. He undergoes a total transformation to emerge as the most fearsome and powerful fiendish demon in his era, that even immortals and fiends are fearful of him, and saints are at his beck and call. Mastering the Supreme Demon Classic is the turning point in his life.

Wealth, fame, power. The one who climbs to the top of the tower was promised everything that the universe has to offer. The text that weirdly appeared in front of everyone one day, drove the people to climb the Ruined Tower. [You want to be absolute? Climb the Tower and everything shall be yours!] [The one to reach the top shall have everything that the universe has to offer] and so began the herds of people heading to the Tower to gain absolute power for their own reasons. ---- 'How long has it been?' The departure of the death has made the rulers haughty. The fear that once struck their souls was no longer present! ‘It is time to remember them the fear of Death.’ On top of a massive fiend that seemed to be able to devour the world, sat a young man with a striking red eye. 'For his Heir has entered the Tower now' With a bow in his hand and a quiver on his back, he aimed the arrows at the gods. 'It is time for the true ruler of death to emerge again' The Chaos shall begin!!

After being the narrator of the bored gods for who knows how long, Auriel knew that his future was bleak and uncertain. His life was boring and hard after suppressing his true self to live a few days more to live until he couldn't. It was unknown if it was luck or bad luck but, his punishment after he made a god furious was to transmigrate into the body of a villainous piggy noble he was narrating a while ago.  This was both an opportunity for him to live a good life to spite the gods and while at it maybe torment the protagonist who he deemed as the reason for his punishment.   But for some reason, troubles were following him like a plague. Vicious fiends who possess bodies, shape shifts, manipulate the minds of people, and are more vicious than fiends, humans.  Fortunately, he possessed the power to control things like a puppet. However, this newfound ability came at a price that he didn't know… ----------- Join my Discord server : https://discord.gg/H5fw9qhk2a

Raven Valentine is an orphan with only one thing on her mind. Running away with the girl she loves, Sage. One hooded figure, a car crash, and a curse served to derail that plan. Raven finds herself in a world where dragons, demons, and fiends are all very real. One choice and two gorgeous sisters stand between her and death as she faces a months’ long deathmatch to reunite with the love of her life. This story promises life-or-death fights, characters without any sense of personal space, and a game master that is hell-bent on bringing the worst out in his players. Will Raven be able to pick to make the right choice to win the death tournament and return to the woman she loves or will she fail and pay the ultimate price?

This is a femdom-themed fiction. If Femdom isn't your kink, then don't bother reading. The story will start as vanilla and move quickly to kinky. It will slowly advance to gentle femdom, followed by hardcore femdom and end with extreme femdom! If you do read it, have fun. Disclaimer - None of the people mentioned in the story are real. Any similarities are purely coincidental. Aarush is a college student who gains a bit of weight. He joins the gym and meets his high school crush. Both connect and enter in a normal relationship. However, their relationship soon turns kinky and Shreeya completely dominates him.

People of the empire live in comfort as those in villages feared for their lives. Fiends hunts living creature to fill their hunger and humans satisfy their hunger the most. In a world ruled by talent and wealth any of the poor or criminals will be thrown out the wall where the fiends reside. Fiends only appeared in their empire recently and their origin are completely unknown.

In the nether depths, the abyss whispers ominously, its stirrings a harbinger of impending doom. Amidst the tempestuous upheaval and tumultuous transformation, chaos reigns supreme, engulfing all in its wake. The sky above withholds its precious sustenance, and the earth below is gripped by a ravenous hunger that threatens to devour all. The echoes of the past resound, a foreboding warning of what was and what yet may come to pass. But within the bleak darkness, a beacon of hope shines forth, a radiant light that yearns for deliverance. This is the tale of the Demon of Light, whose very existence serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and redemption may yet be found. --- I love reading stories that paint a vivid picture, making it easy for me to imagine the scenes. I don't mind if the plot unfolds slowly. However, it's hard to find web novels like that, so I've decided to give writing my own a try. English is not my native language. If there are any mistakes in my sentences, feel free to comment and let me know.

After her mother’s death, Li Xiuying is forced to move to Russia to live with her father. Everything seems normal until there are reports of a demon coming into her small town and stealing people (anyone from male to female, young or old) and eating them. Being bored and feeling a bit heroic she decides to hunt down this demon with her two friends, Avrora Pavlov and Elle Gagneux. The three are witches, though, they won’t excuse a human eating fiend

In a desolate world where humans are on the brink of extinction, conquering countless dungeons, fighting against ferocious beasts, what happens to someone blind and powerless? Nial's glorious fate was taken from him when he was only three, leaving him blind and without a trace of mana. 15 years later he was still enduring the humiliation of a rotten society that favored the mighty. Society nearly took away his innocence and brightness, forcing him to mature, giving him an unbending will. However, everything changed the moment he awoke his Origin. He devoured Ancient Curses and slaughtered Gods and Devils! Angels? He will make them kneel! Devils and the such? All will be in his grasp ** Even though I’m blind, I see more than anyone else! I devour Curses and take control over darkness. Mark my words… [It will be all of you that will have to kneel in front of me!] Just come at me Dragons, Angels, Devils, and Gods…if you dare to! Otherwise, my ascend will be your doom! Follow the odyssey of an ordinary, blind youth towards godhood as his fate that had once been taken from him shall be returned. Witness his pain, and growth to an existence feared even by Ancient Gods and Fiends from primordial times! ** [A/N: The MC's behavior in the early stage of the Novel will be different from what the Synopsis suggests. Please take a note of that while reading :D]

The world is a desolate and bleak place. The six seas all filled with fiending pirates who do nothing but plunder, assassins who want all not but money. There are only about ten thousand people in the entire world which are named prodigies because of their innate talent to wield magic. In all of these six seas there is one in which things started changing, where someone was born who changed the tides of the world

This isn't just a story—no, it's far more than that—it's a true story based on the life of Mandrew. And? It's based on true events. At this point... you have two options. You take the red pill and learn the hard truth... or you can continue taking the blue pill, living in blissful ignorance. If you still can't make a decision at this point—this story clearly isn't for you. And if you're easily offended? Then once again—this story isn't for you. But for the chosen few of you who dare take the red pill, Mandrew's journey involving: pro RLCS champions in Rocket League; military covert operations; mercenary heroes and villains; and even the most top secret of operations and files lie just beyond the 'Continue Reading' button. Now, hurry along with whatever choice you've made. This novel features numerous notorious beings, such as: 'The Three Fiends,' 'Mandinga,' 'White Boy Summer,' 'The House of Manchini,' 'Sam Hyde,' 'Joe Rogan,' 'Sleepy Joe,' '#0009,' and 'Mohammad Rajab Wali a.k.a. Mohammad Khanaqin.' *** Among the pinnacle of the Rocket League community stood Mandrew, nicknamed the Harrowing Fiend for his frightening, near demonic, reaction time. Just a hair's breadth away from winning RLCS, a tragic defeat accompanied by the betrayal of his closest friend sends his life tumbling down a road of pain and sorrow. Saying goodbye to Rocket League, he leaves his esports dreams behind before being drafted for the military. But now, after four long, arduous years... an opportunity presents itself. Will he return to the league and break through his old obstacles? Achieve victory in RLCS? Reclaim his former glory?

Whereas Mahabharata's Bhagvad-Gita is taken as a philosophical guide, Ramayana's Sundara Kãnda is sought for spiritual solace; many believe that reading it or hearing it recited would remove all hurdles and usher in good tidings! Miracles apart, it's in the nature of this great epic to inculcate fortitude and generate hope in man for it’s a depiction of how Hanuman goes about his errand against all odds. Besides, it portrays how Seetha, on the verge of self-immolation, overcomes despair to see life in a new light? With rhythm of its verse and the flow of the narrative this sloka to sloka transcreation of the canto beautiful of Valmiki's adi kavya - the foremost poetical composition in the world, Hanuman's Odyssey that paves the way for Rama to rescue his kidnapped wife is bound to charm the readers and listeners alike. Interestingly, as the following verse illustrates, this epic was the forerunner of the magic realism of our times – “Gripped she then him by shadow / Cast which Hanuman coast to coast, Recalled he in dismay then / What Sugreev said at outset / That one fiend had aptitude / To grip its prey by mere shadow.” On a personal note, my paternal grandfather, Bulusu Thimmaiah-garu, like many in his time, was a life-long practitioner of Sundara Kãnda parayana (the epic’s daily recital in part or full), whose spirituality could have providentially guided me in this, rather an effortless, trans-creative endeavour.

The Crystal World, Arizet, is a place where the line of reality and virtual gaming has blurred. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For thousands of years, reality has been distorted in the world known as Arizet. Since the visit of the First Traveler, the world has changed bit by bit. After fifteen mages made their changes to the world, it became what we recognize as an RPG, but the heroes were the civilians. Twenty years ago by our count of time, the Second Traveler came. Unlike the First, who only gave, the Second only took. He declared himself emperor and ruled the world with an iron fist. After ten years of rule, the emperor was overthrown by a band of heroes. They divided the land amongst each other and took leadership positions as Gemguards, but peace could not be found. One of their number turned against them and repopulated the world with monsters. Balance seemed to be returning to the world after another decade. But then the portals opened again, and hundreds of people flooded into Arizet. Some called them heroes. Others cursed them as fiends. They called themselves gamers.