Ash Gives Up

- WSA 2025 - Zane Thaleward has always lived in the shadow of his powerful family. Born into the famous Thaleward clan, known for their unbeatable magic barriers and legendary sealing spells, Zane is a disappointment. With the lowest potential ever recorded in the family, he’s been labeled the weakest—a title he can’t escape. Now in his third year at the prestigious Arcana Magic Academy, Zane struggles to survive among proud nobles and talented students who look down on him. Bullied and ignored, he feels trapped in a life where he’s expected to fail.

"From Ash to Aetherblade": Ackah Emile lives in the sprawling city of Veridia, a place where the gap between the awakened Hunters and the powerless unawakened is a chasm. Struggling to support his mother, Abelema, and younger sister, Aya, after the death of his father, Ackah faces a daily battle against poverty and despair. The world beyond Veridia is a dangerous place, swarming with monsters, labyrinths, and dimensional rifts, where only the strong survive. When a sudden, violent awakening transforms Ackah into a "Sword Ascendant," he is granted the power to wield a blade of pure aetheric energy and transcend the limits of mortal swordsmanship. This newfound power offers a chance to escape his desperate circumstances, but it also thrusts him into a world of cutthroat guilds, powerful nations, and ancient threats. Ackah must learn to master his abilities, navigating the treacherous political landscape of the twenty superpower countries, each vying for dominance. He faces monstrous hordes, battles corrupt guild leaders, and confronts the ever-present threat of void invasions. Along the way, he forms alliances with other Hunters, uncovers ancient secrets, and faces moral dilemmas that test his resolve. As Ackah rises from the ashes of his past, he amasses wealth and power, establishing his own guild, the "Rift Walkers," and forging a legend that will echo through the ages. "From Ash to Aetherblade" is a tale of action, adventure, and the transformative power of will, where a young man, armed with a blade of pure energy, carves his own destiny in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.

In a world where power dictates status, Toshi Igasaki is just another face in the crowd—silent, unnoticed, and uninterested in the world around him. Drifting through life with no attachments, he moves from place to place, avoiding attention. But fate has other plans. A mysterious past lingers just beyond his reach, and the world around him begins to shift in ways he can't ignore. As whispers of legends and unseen forces stir, Toshi finds himself walking a path he never intended to take. Some things are meant to stay forgotten. But the past has a way of catching up. Warning: This story contains graphic violence, gore, dark themes, and disturbing imagery. Reader discretion is advised. If you are sensitive to such content, please proceed with caution. I am also posting this story on Royal Road under the username 'Writer_Error'.

He’s a killer without a leash. She’s a girl with a price on her blood. Toki didn’t ask for redemption, he just wanted enough coin to stay drunk and out of trouble. But when a sharp-tongued noble girl hires him as her bodyguard, trouble comes dressed in silks and secrets. Kiyomi isn’t just some runaway with a stick up her sleeve, she’s the hidden daughter of the Emperor, and every bastard from here to the Capital wants a piece of her. Some for gold. Some for power. Some for darker things best left buried. Now they're stuck together on a journey soaked in blood, through crumbling villages, cursed ruins, and the ghosts of a forgotten world. But the greatest threat doesn’t come from demons or assassins. It comes from within. Because the monster in Toki’s chest is waking up again. And Kiyomi might be the only thing standing between him and the edge.

"If the world stands in my way, if people threaten me or those who are dear to me, then I shall become the true darkness, the fear in their hearts that haunts them forever!" Lee Gaon was a professional gamer until one day she was framed as a cheater by a big gaming company and betrayed by those she held dear. Now she is known as Death Eater, a powerful dark entity in the game system world, slicing her enemies in half if they dare mess with her. Her path is now filled with blood and adventure as she desperately tries to find all who were dragged with her into this world—those who destroyed her life. She has only one goal now... "Revenge!" Content Warning: This work contains scenes of gore, violence, and strong language. Reader discretion is advised. Join my discord server: https://discord.gg/eeEctUhTq7

In the nation of Avrael, power is both a blessing and a curse. Sixteen-year-old Ayato Daath, a poor orphan, had always hoped to live unnoticed in the shadows of the city. But when he is forced to undergo The Rite of Manifestation, the ritual that determines one’s magical potential, his worst fear comes true—he is an Elite. Now torn from the only life he’s ever known, Ayato is thrust into a brutal world of magic, bloodshed, and treacherous politics. In a society where the strong prey on the weak, where rival factions scheme in the dark, and where a single misstep could mean death, Ayato must quickly learn one thing—adapt, or perish. And one thing Ayato already knows is that in Avrael, only the ruthless survive.

Earth was devastated by "The Fall"—a parasitic reality called the Forgotten World began consuming our own—humanity survives in isolated settlements surrounded by corrupting darkness. The city of Valtaros stands as one of civilization's last bastions, ruled by the Church of the Maw, which venerates a mysterious entity believed to be humanity's salvation. Elias, a ruthless survivor from Valtaros's slums, discovers strange black markings spreading across his skin—the dreaded sign that the Black Maw has chosen him. Forced to undergo its lethal trials that few survive, Elias must navigate a dual-phase ordeal that tests both his skills and his moral character. As he confronts the true nature of the Maw and its connection to humanity's past, Elias faces a fundamental choice: cling to his survival-at-all-costs mentality or embrace sacrifice to forge a new balance between realities.

Stucked between a bitter reality and a strange fantasy, Annabel is in a state of dilemma. Will she be able to make a choice?!

Xu Lian was never meant to survive. Branded as a traitor by her own sect, she flees with nothing but a jade pendant—the only clue to her forgotten past. Hunted and wounded, she stumbles into the paths of two powerful men: Bai Zhi, the ruthless Demon-Slayer of the North, and Jin Yue, the unpredictable Fallen Star of the West. Both men are bound to her by fate, yet divided by destiny. Bai Zhi sees her as a key to unraveling the secrets of immortality, while Jin Yue, drawn to her fiery spirit, offers her protection at a cost she does not yet understand. As war brews between mortals and immortals, Xu Lian discovers that her pendant holds the power to either break or reshape the balance of the world. But power demands sacrifice. And love, even more so. Torn between duty, love, and the painful truths of her past, Xu Lian must choose—between a heart as cold as the winter moon or one as untamed as the raging fire. In the end, only ashes will remain.

In a world where reality is shaped by unseen forces and eldritch whispers, Silas Veyne, an outcast with nothing to his name, is thrust into a clandestine struggle between ancient entities and secret societies. The world operates on a system of Occult Ascension, where those who grasp forbidden knowledge can transcend their mortal limits—but at the cost of their sanity, identity, or worse. After a desperate encounter leaves Silas bound to an enigmatic force known only as The Nameless Witness, he is forced to navigate a treacherous path filled with shadowy rituals, hidden organizations, and nightmarish horrors lurking beneath the veil of normalcy. With each advancement, he uncovers the buried truths of the world, growing stronger yet more entangled in an eternal cycle of fate, where every choice might be his last. When the world is shaped by whispers, do you listen—or do you become one of them?

The reclusive Peak Master Fu Ran held onto a simple wish, a fleeting hope that the man of ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶d̶r̶e̶a̶m̶s̶ his nightmares, would have stayed in his dreams! Since a young age, Fu Ran had been plagued by prophetic visions of his own demise at the hands of a tyrant emperor, but he had managed to keep some semblance of self with a simple fact: dreams couldn't kill you. But what happens when conjured fears become real? When they exist outside sleep? Fu Ran must struggle with learning to deal with an unwanted presence in his day-to-day life as he discovers that there's far more to this tyrant emperor than he first thought.

A cursed soul trapped on a battlefield seraching for the sun. Rumors has it that a demon in a black armor appeared on the field, many stated than even if you killed it, he came back to haunt you until your last breath. You may not remember it, but your soul was doomed from the beginning if you crossed path with him in another life. If you crossed path with me.

“I don't like judging people, but sometimes I can't help it. I don't like talking behind people's backs, but sometimes I do. I just want to live a good life, but sometimes I can't.” Love, Betrayal, Blood, but not Hatred. Only cold revenge, and a son to complete the family. "D" Section, a nonexistent military unit. "D" for dark, "D" for depth, "D"... for death. It demanded no attachment, and Daemon sacrificed love for it. Years later, the death of his teammates made him feel that he had done enough for the country, so he came back to the city he grew in. But can what has been forsaken be gained back? Because now Evelyn, the one to have breathed vitality in his numb, orphaned heart, had her own life, and a little boy calling her mother. And while he left his life full of dead bodies behind, did that life really let him go? From the ashes, will it love or... ? _ _ _ First draft of characters image on my discord, a channel for fans to get together: https://discord.com/invite/C86EJvCJdd Comment and review, don't forget.

The kingdom of Eclipsara had two princesses. They were known for their beauty everywhere. However, the younger princess was more favoured by everyone for some reason unbeknownst to the elder princess. The elder princess let her heart harden and darken with pain and jealousy...and died a premature death. However, to her surprise, she found herself in her younger self as if time has reversed, along with a mysterious entity that seems to 'cohabit' her body along with her consciousness. And this entity says it accepted her 'request' which she has no recollection of ever making in the past, and it will help have her...revenge?

Book One: After Lilith's mysterious disappearance, Ivy must follow her mother's last instructions, leading her to a bizarre land with new and foreign people. Unbeknownst to her, the people of that land are aware of her eventual arrival. However, they are also wary as they've received a prophecy that Ivy could be the savior of their colony or the one who destroys it. Book Two: Still, Zoe is left feeling distracted and distant several months later. Hope is not lost as she receives surprising news that she may(if she plays her cards right) be able to see Ivy again. Book Three: ---------------------------- Next Up is that one dream we all had when we were kids. When we would leave home in search of adventure and all sorts of creatures in our imaginations ran wild in this world. ----------------------------- I will update this story every Monday and now Saturday with a new chapter. "I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com" as well as ScribbleHub

Andrew finds himself stuck in a pit of emotions, and when he meets a girl, he feels hope rise up. But what he doesn't know is that her happiness is at stake. He needs to push her away so as not to lose what he still holds most precious. Will she be able to understand and stay by his side?

Exiled from the revered and cloistered Spiritual Sage Realm, he is summoned back for a harrowing mission that could imperil humanity itself.

In a world where magic dictates destiny, your worth is determined by two things—Talent and Bloodline. Asvorn has neither. Branded as worthless from birth, he was abandoned by his parents and cast out of his village, left to survive on scraps and endure a life of scorn. For twenty-two years, he lived on the outskirts of society, invisible, unloved. But when starvation and despair push him to his limit, he makes a choice—to leave his wretched life behind and seek a future in the capital of Vaelthorin. Armed with nothing but sheer will and a makeshift weapon, he embarks on a journey riddled with danger, where even the weakest creatures could end his life. Yet, beneath his frail exterior, something stirs—something unseen, something forgotten. Is he truly worthless? Or is there more to his fate than what the world has decided for him? Asvorn’s journey has begun, and with it, the first embers of a fire long thought dead.

"Some betrayals can be forgiven. This one cannot." Lukas was a ghost. Buried. Forgotten. Erased. Until now. Serena Hawthorne built her life on a lie-one that kept her safe, powerful, untouchable. But the past has sharp edges, and when it returns, it doesn't knock. It tears through the walls, leaving no escape. Because Lukas is back. He doesn't want apologies. He doesn't want suffering. He wants control. And he will take it. What begins as a calculated game of vengeance soon turns into something far more dangerous. Hate tastes like desire. Obsession feels like fate. Every touch, every whispered command, every cruel smirk pulls her deeper into the trap-until she can't tell if she's lost in him or if she wants to be. But Lukas isn't here for pleasure. He's here to destroy her. And when he's finished, there will be nothing left. No mercy. No escape. Nothing but ashes.

He was born a stain in the werewolf code, a phantom in human society. He learned the rules of survival in the rust-stench of junkyards. When three women reached into the abyss to save him: One with ink-stained hands, offering a dagger of salvation; One with a serpent’s silver bracelet, gripping a bloodied scepter; The last with ballerina gauze, hiding a poison-dipped rose. He paid in scars to understand: The cages woven from gold by humans, the thrones forged from bloodlines by wolves—they were all the same prison. When the crimson moon rises, the new king must choose: Let three loves become claws to tear the world apart, Or shatter his pride to forge a path never seen— A third road between species.

Haruto Takeda, a twelve-year-old prodigy with a passion for football management, has spent years honing his skills in the virtual world of “Global Football Manager 2050”. Born into a wealthy family, Haruto has always had the resources to pursue his dreams, but he yearns for something more than just playing games. When a bold idea strikes him—to create a real football team from scratch—he sets out on an ambitious journey to turn his virtual expertise into reality. Leaving behind the comforts of his luxurious home, Haruto ventures into the nearby village of Hanamura, where he discovers a group of passionate but disorganized players. Despite their skepticism, Haruto convinces them to let him take the reins as their manager. With his sharp mind, strategic thinking, and unwavering determination, he begins to transform the ragtag group into a cohesive team. But the road to success is far from smooth. Haruto faces challenges at every turn—doubt from the players, opposition from rival teams, and the pressure to prove himself as a young leader. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the true meaning of leadership. As Haruto and his team grew stronger, they set their sights on competing in local tournaments, aiming to make a name for themselves in the world of football. But their journey is about more than just winning games; it’s about proving that age and background don’t define one’s potential. “Team Up” is an inspiring tale of ambition, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself. Through Haruto’s eyes, readers will experience the thrill of chasing a dream, the struggles of overcoming obstacles, and the joy of achieving the impossible. This heartwarming and action-packed story will resonate with anyone who has ever dared to dream big and fight for what they believe in.

The Crown’s Ashes Elaris was born to rule, but betrayal stole her throne before she could even claim it. Left for dead by those she once trusted, she is forced into hiding, alone and powerless. But the throne is not just a seat of power—it is bound to an ancient spirit, one that whispers in the shadows, offering her strength at a dangerous cost. Determined to reclaim what is rightfully hers, Elaris trains under an old soldier, sharpening both her mind and her supernatural abilities. Along the way, she finds an unlikely ally in Malrik, a man as ruthless as he is enigmatic. Against her better judgment, she begins to trust him. To love him. But love is the cruelest weapon of all. Malrik’s betrayal cuts deeper than any blade, revealing a web of deception far greater than she ever imagined. With her heart shattered and the throne slipping further from her grasp, Elaris faces an impossible choice—submit to the throne spirit’s hunger for power or forge her own path, even if it means sacrificing the man she once loved. The throne demands blood. And Elaris must decide whose will be spilled.

In a world where the strong reign and the weak are left behind, Riven is nothing more than an afterthought—a boy overshadowed by his powerful allies, mocked for his insignificance. Yet, beneath his seemingly ordinary exterior lies a strength he dares not unleash. When a devastating battle sends him plummeting into a forbidden land where no one survives, his allies mourn his death, believing their weakest link is gone forever. But Riven’s fall is only the beginning. Rescued by a mysterious figure, he endures a year of relentless training, forced to confront the truth about himself, his power, and the unseen forces shaping his destiny. Now, when his friends stand on the brink of destruction, Riven returns—not as the weakling they once knew, but as a force beyond their comprehension. The world will soon learn that the boy they overlooked is the one who will burn through the shadows and reshape their fate. But will his newfound strength be enough to stand against the unseen forces pulling the strings from the dark? The battle for survival has begun. And in the end, only ashes will remain.

A young orphan boy, raised in a run-down blacksmith shop, spends his days hammering away at horseshoes and other mundane tasks. Despite his humble beginnings and the harsh realities of his life, he dreams of something greater. Determined to escape the life of poverty that has bound him, he makes a vow to himself: he will forge the greatest weapons the world has ever seen. With nothing but his raw talent, a relentless drive to improve, and an unwavering desire for success, the boy sets out on a journey of self-discovery, honing his craft and building the skills necessary to create weapons of unparalleled quality and power. Along the way, he will face numerous challenges, form powerful alliances, and confront the shadows of his past, all while striving to carve a name for himself as the greatest weaponsmith of all time.

In the Ashen Reach, a cursed wasteland of black dunes and ember-storms, Torv “Ash” Kren runs alone, hauling glowing ember-shards in a battered sled. Once a raider, he quit when his crew torched innocence—now he trades magic fuel for water, machete chipped, coat patched, one job from death. An ember-storm cracks his sled—shards spill—when Lysa “Ember” Vey stumbles from the haze, half-dead, clutching a red-hot Core Ember worth a fortune or a grave. Lysa’s an ash-witch—bends shards into fire-blades, hunted by warlord Krax for a 10,000-shard bounty. She offers Torv 2,000 to run her to the Free Drift, rebel camp past the Dune Wall—or leave him dry in the sand. Torv’s gut says ditch her—warlord’s hounds close—but her ember buys time, and his Ash Runner Sense wakes: kills earn miles, power grows. They trek—raiders bleed, storms burn—Torv’s machete sings (+500 miles, Dune Dash), Lysa’s fire cuts deep. Krax’s dogs tear closer—ember-teeth glint—when the Core cracks, whispering: “Free me, claim all.” Truth hits: Lysa’s bounty’s fake—Krax wants the Core that cursed the Reach. Torv’s past crew died for it—he’s bound to the ash. Miles climb (Ash Veil, 1,000)—lungs scar, Lysa’s shard burns her grip. At the Dune Wall, Krax looms—Torv carves, Lysa flares—Core shatters, Reach shakes. Warlord falls—shards rain—but Torv’s ash-coated, Lysa’s bleeding. A new ember glows west—next run calls. Grind, fire, survival—will Torv and Lysa outrun the curse, or burn in it?