 
Benjamin was a little surprised.
"You... did you remove the curse?"
He looked at Miles who was in high spirit. He was not as depressed as when he was in the Kingdom of Helius. Hence, Benjamin asked subconsciously.
Miles heard it, humphed, and shook his head, "Don’t mention it."
…Okay then.
Benjamin had no choice but to swallow his doubts and change the course of the conversation, "What did you come here suddenly for? Did you get a mission to assassinate the member of the parliament?"
"No... I got a message from the Kingdom of Helius, you should be interested in it." Miles rolled over, jumped onto the balcony and said, "The Church has just ended a civil war, some of the nobles family’s properties are being confiscated, and many priests died during the process. Now, the people in the Kingdom of Helius are at great risk."
Hearing that, Benjamin raised his eyebrow in surprise.
He did not expect Miles to get the information that he wanted when his information personnel had just entered the Kingdom of Helius. Should he ask Miles to train the dark operation of the academy? 
"How much do you know? Tell me."
Miles replied, "For the time being, the Church was divided into two groups. The group with Grant as their leader is spreading news saying that the Pope is dead, whereas the group with the bishop of St. Peter's Cathedral as their leader is trying to hide this news for his own sake, and this has enraged God. Therefore, they killed that bishop and elected Grant as the new pope."
Crap... so soon?
Benjamin could not help but take a cold breath.
He knew there was a power struggle within the church, and he knew that Grant might be elected. However, he never expected that Grant's would move that quickly.
After all, that bastard was a year younger than Benjamin!
If it was in a few years’ time, with Grant’s status, he would have the automatic rights to the Pope's position. Therefore, from Benjamin’s point of view, the civil strife was certainly not just for the position of the pope. However... there were definitely some contradictions that others did not know about. 
Benjamin could not help but to shake his head at this thought.
He still remembered how Grant used to look like. It was hard to imagine, the naïve boy who was passionate about simulated war games would kill his teacher without any hesitation, and cause a reign of terror in the church.
"...Has he succeeded?" Benjamin came back to his senses and asked.
Miles nodded.
"After about half a month of civil strife, most of the forces of the Church are already under his control. He was originally the sole candidate for the next Pope, and now that the news about the death of the pope is being leaked. No matter how reluctant the other bishops are, they will have no choice but to support his coronation ceremony."
"So... Is he now the Pope?"
"No. I do not know the details, but they probably need some time to prepare. According to some news that I overheard, the coronation ceremony will be held next month."
The coronation ceremony would be held next month...
Benjamin could not help but take a deep breath, a weird feeling welled up in his heart.
Could this be... fate?
He actually did not believe in it. The legend that happened thousands and millions of years ago would be repeated... It was as if God had arranged everything. Moreover, becoming "God’s chosen one" sounded a little narcissistic, as if it was a plot that appeared in the twentieth-century television dramas.
However, as it progressed and developed into this stage, the wheels had fallen into a fixed position. Benjamin had to admit that all of this was way too similar.
Grant would soon become the new Pope, and he was standing at the peak of the mages. Everything played out just like the legend, both of them would be opposing each other in terms of divine arts and magic. Only this time, Benjamin was determined to put an end to this opposition.
Would history repeat itself?
Benjamin felt something heavy weighing on him, it was as if it everything had somehow been premeditated, and they were just chess pieces on the board.
However... no matter what, the situation they were in was different from the legends of Cain and Abel. The legends had it that the brothers were related both in terms of their blood and soul. But now, from a spiritual point of view, Grant was not Benjamin's younger brother.
His stay in the Lithur family and with Grant was brief, so he did not get to develop a close relationship with him. Therefore, even if it came to the point where they need to harm each other, it would not be that hard for him.
"...Can you deliver a letter for me?" Benjamin said suddenly.
"What letter?"
"It can be considered  a…. letter home?" Benjamin shrugged and said, "Now that Grant is going to be the Pope, perhaps, it might be a good thing."
Although the Church and mages were enemies for generations, there was still a relationship between Grant and him. If he were to write a letter and try to get in touch, maybe this could be a turn for the better. 
It was definitely hard to reconcile, but... it was at least worth a try.
"You want me to deliver this letter to the cathedral?" Miles had an unexpected look.
Benjamin nodded and asked, "It is just delivering a letter, is that really that hard? You can get in and out easily, even Grant cannot keep you there."
"That is because they are not prepared," Miles immediately shook his head and refused, "Although I am unsure about it, they should have some anti-spy magic tool. You want this letter to be sent to the hands of Grant, right? However, as long as I sneak in, surely most of the priests will be alerted, and the letter will be completely exposed."
Benjamin thought for a moment and said, "Then deliver it to the Lithur family, they will probably pass the letter to Grant."
"This…"
"I will not let you work for nothing, I will pay you."
"Okay then."
With that, their brief conversation ended. Benjamin was about to get back and continue his meeting. Miles had already jumped out of the balcony and quickly disappeared into the darkness.
As the meeting of the Judgement Parliament continued, the Guild Master was speaking relentlessly, whereas Benjamin lowered his head, took out a piece of paper and pen and started thinking about what he should write. This letter might completely change the situation of several countries, he naturally must consider it carefully before writing.
In fact, when he started writing, he found out that he basically knew nothing about Grant.
Why did Grant cause a civil strife at this moment? How did he think of mages? Was his faith strong? To what extent did his strength growth?
Benjamin felt like he was writing to a stranger.
The feeling of not knowing how to start made him hesitate. However, for the future of the mages, he had to do it. He wrote some good words in the letter, then he wrote his views on divine arts and magic.
Magic and Divine Arts, it was originally the same thing.
In the end, he asked about the Lithur family, sent some friendly hints and ended the letter. He did not expect such a short letter to ignite Grant's brotherhood. However, at the very least, it would make him understand that they did not necessarily have to be enemies.
After the meeting, the mages had left the villa located in Carretas which was exclusive to the parliament. Benjamin had also handed the letter to Miles, and then returned to the academy with his mages. The new semester’s opening ceremony was about to begin, so he had to get back and prepare for it.
However, during his preparation, he went to the potion department to help Miles ask about a way to cure him. Miles might not accept his help, but... no one cared.
"Elder, have you heard of the abyss trial?"
 
 


Kubei was just an ordinary pencil and button pusher working a day job, hating his boss and making horrible speeches when one day he fell asleep after pushing an all-nighter. When he woke up, he was bound to a chair, facing three creepy robed women and in a body way too young and way too weak to be his own. As he slowly came to, he realized that he was no longer in the same universe as he was before. He had teleported to the Kingdom of Helius, where an all-powerful church rules its lands and wages war against the elusive group known only as Mages. Armed with an incredibly cocky neural interface that just won’t shut up and his own sheer wit, our MC will find himself not just fighting to survive, but maybe even something bigger than himself.



Ever since the war I've been using my snakes to travel across the forest and villages. Of course when people see my snakes they usually ignore them, but occasionally people kill my snakes. 

Recently though I've started noticing that less and less people have been killing the snakes, in fact people started whispering to others when they see them. I'm starting to think people have been spreading rumours or something that Their poisonous, or whatever. Spying on humans has never been stranger. A lot more people have been looking around in the forest, searching for something. Maybe Kurts grandson (who I still don't know the name of.) has been telling people about me. If he has then that's good. If it's just a coincidence then that's also good since My snakes are dying less and, eventually, someone's going to find my temple. Like Kurt's grandson. I hope I gain more followers so I can eventually gain the ability to actually grant my followers wishes.
...
...
...
After about what seemed like an eternity the doors to my temple FINALLY open. 
So naturally I recite my epic lines;

"WHO HAS AWAKENED ME?"

I ask, trying not to sound as excited as I really am.

"Hello, Serpent Deity. We are here to ask if you really can grant wishes."

Ah So he has been spreading rumours about me.

"AS LONG AS IT IS WITHIN MY POWER I CAN INDEED GRANT WISHES!"

I reply.

"I told you the rumours were true big brother!"

A young boy says, who from the looks of it is most likely is the little brother of the one who asked the question.

"Will you grant my wish?"

The big brother says.

"WHAT IS IT YOU WISH FOR?"

"Oh I kinda thought you would read my mind or something. I wish to be the strongest swordsman in the world!"

A wish like that, what a selfish thing. Honestly even if I could grant wishes this guy doesn't deserve it.

"A SELFISH WISH LIKE THAT IS UNWORTHY OF BEING GRANTED BY THEE!"

I yell hoping they just leave.

"Fine then, I challenge you to a dual if I win you MUST grant my wish!"

A dual? Is this guy stupid? I'm a literal god and also have no reason to fight him. You know I'm starting to think spreading news of my existence might be a bad thing.

"FINE I WILL FIGHT YOU! HOWEVER IF I WIN YOU SHALL NEVER ENTER THE FOREST AGAIN!"

I hope he doesn't actually try to fight me, I haven't fought anyone in... ever. I'm sure I would completely destroy him but I also don't want to move.

"AAAAAAGH!"

He screams charging at me. This guy truly is the dumbest person I've ever met.
With the swipe of my tail(or body since I kind of am just a really long tail with a head.) I slam into him launching him into the temple wall. "Crunch, Crunch" Were those his bones? Well whatever.
I turn to the little brother and roar

"*ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!*"
He runs, obviously, but not before he picks up his brother. After this I resume the look out with my snakes. Of course I never actually stopped the look out since I see through all of their and my own eyes at the same time, but I was more concentrated on my main body at the time. I see them running away towards a village but some people see them leaving the forest and ask them about why their running. I can't hear them from where my snake is, and I can't get closer because the two brothers would certainly attack my snake, but I can assume they tell the people about my whereabouts. 
I may have done something a little problematic but I wouldn't know that until about two days later.

(If you guys have anything to tell me or to criticize my writing about then please do so in the comment section so I can improve, Thank you.


A practically unknown Snake god slumbers well, until one day a young man stumbles upon his temple.

Soon this Lazy deity will have a lot more worshippers than he thought possible.


There are only 7 God ranks that I’ve thought of and with each the gods gain new powers.

Forgotten Deity - 0/0 followers

Lesser Deity - 1/100 followers

Greater Deity - 101/500 followers

Lesser God - 501/1000 followers

Greater God - 1001/2500 followers 

True God - 2501/10000 followers

Celestial - 10001/100000 followers

PEPPER and Blue were stupefied for a moment. The guy who stood by their table was the person who belongs to Blue's list of her most hated people. It's their editor, Brian.
"Wu~ Editor Brian, it's you!" Pepper spoke after she recovered from the shock. Her aura shouts happiness. No one would ever want to ruin her good mood.
"Oh, Pepper Mint? You went here with your friends?" Brian said, looking at Pepper's companions, but he intentionally stared at Blue a little longer. Unexpectedly, he showed a bright smile. "Didn't expect that Blossom is here. Eat as much as you like, okay?"
"Will you give us a discount?" Blue asked Brian.
"Of course not." Brian said, maintaining his blinding smile. "Ah, are you almost finished with your manuscript? You can message me when you need anything."
Hah, Blue understood Brian's intention. He's pretending to be kind so that Blue will feel moved and feel guilty that she's still not submitting her manuscript to this angel-like dude.
Blue also smiled widely at Brian. "What I need? Hmm... Oh! Then, can you extend the submission time? It's quite impossible for me to finish writing the whole novel in a span of two weeks."
"Hah, don't kid with me. You're the master of all the masters of procrastination. That's the thing you're doing best." Brian's smile finally loosened, but he smiled again when he realized that the girls still haven't answered the survey.
He handed the tablet he's holding to Alena.
"Will it bother you too much if I'll have you answer this survey?" Brian asked Alena with a gentleman tone. Blue wanted to puke, and Pepper is blushing so much because of Brian's 'gentlemanly' actions.
Alena said nothing and got the tablet from Brian's hand. She answered the survey quickly and handed the tablet back to Brian.
"Thank you for answering, kind miss. This gentleman is hoping to meet you again." Brian left the three's sight and Blue wanted to hit his head with her shoes.
"So that's your director. He's quite goodlooking." Alena commented and Pepper smiled in glee.
"Right, ah? Look at him, smiling like that. My nose wants to bleed badly!"
Blue cringed at what Pepper and Alena had said. Wait 'til they experience his treatment to Blue. Blue's sure that they would surely eat their words.
The three left the breakfast house and parted ways as they stepped out of the breakfast house's gate.
Blue changed into comfortable clothes when she arrived at her house. She suddenly had the will to write so she prepared her laptop while she was changing clothes.
She went to her kitchen and gathered junk foods to eat while she's busy writing. When her workplace was ready, she started to type her novel's next chapters and the only noise that can be heard in the room is the sound of her fingers pressing the keys of the keyboard.
When she wrote about 10 chapters, she checked the time in her wall clock and saw that it's almost 8PM. She glanced at the window and saw that the sun is nowhere to be seen. She sighed and opened the packaging of her favorite potato chips.
She started to write again and decided to stop after she wrote the 38th chapter. Hah, what a very productive day! Blue wanted to praise herself because of her dedication to her work.
Blue suddenly felt thirsty so she saved all of the files and shut down her computer, picked up her phone, and went to the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator to pour water for herself, and she almost lost grip on the pitcher's handle when her phone suddenly beeped.
Blue drank the water and unlocked her phone. It's a notification from words by you.
Right, when a notification from words by you popped up on her phone, that means that the notification is related to HeavenlySweetPotato. All notifications from other users are muted.
She realized that HeavenlySweetPotato sent her a message.
〖HeavenlySweetPotato〗: 「Yo, I'm planning to grant one of my readers' request. Like, I'll post something, asking everyone about their request, then I'll use a randomizer app to choose whose user's request shall I grant. Will you do the same?」
Blue's eyes furrowed. What does she have to do with it? If he wants to do it, then he should do it. No need to ask her if she'll do the same.
Suddenly, her phone beeped again, indicating that HeavenlySweetPotato sent her another message.
〖HeavenlySweetPotato〗: 「Don't think too much :) It's just almost all of the authors of Moonflower are going to do this thing. It's up to you if you'll do it or not.」
Oh. Who told him that she's thinking too much? She isn't, okay?
Right, both of them are authors under Moonflower Publishing Company. Blue almost forgot. Only the two of them never revealed their faces. They don't even go to the company, and they never met each other in person.
Blue sighed and typed a message.
〖SakuraKiss〗: 「I'll also do it, but maybe after I finish writing my manuscript.」
Sent!
Blue's eyes widened when HeavenlySweetPotato responded to her message quickly.
〖HeavenlySweetPotato〗: 「Tell me when you're going to post :D Let's post the message at the same time :)」
〖SakuraKiss〗: 「Oki~ Right, you're already finished with your manuscript?」
Blue thought for a while before sending the message. Is it inappropriate to ask about a co-writer's manuscript?
Hmm, the two of them aren't even close...
Blue planned to delete the message but it's too late, because HeavenlySweetPotato had already responded to her message.
〖HeavenlySweetPotato〗: 「Just a few chapters and some editing, it's all done. I think I'll be able to submit it the day after tomorrow. How about you?」
〖SakuraKiss〗: 「Just finished writing the first half T_T」
〖HeavenlySweetPotato〗: 「That thing... It's your fault. You're too lazy, ah.」
〖SakuraKiss〗: 「...」
Blue didn't respond anymore and went back to her room. She started to write again because she's still not sleepy.
After writing a few chapters, she glanced at the window.
What the heck? The sun is already rising, and she still haven't slept a bit.
As she was scared that sleeping late... or not sleeping at all will harm her body, she saved her files and went to the bed to sleep.
She slept soundly and when she woke up, it was already night time.
Damn, her body clock is ruined badly.
Realizing that she still haven't ate a decent meal for the whole day, she rushed to the kitchen and cooked noodles for herself. For her, noodles is very decent. It may be unhealthy but nevertheless, it keeps her alive.
But who knows, it may also be the cause of her sudden death.
When she finished eating, she took a bath and started to write again.
When she realized that it was already midnight, she turned off her laptop and dozed of to sleep. She's very happy with her progress. The last chapter she wrote was the 57th chapter. 13 chapters left, and she's all done.

BLUE immersed herself in writing for the past few days, and she successfully sent her manuscript to Brian.
〖Editor Brian〗: 「Hehe, great job~」
〖Sorrow Blossom Qin〗: 「Hehe, I almost died. If ever I'm not able to complete this message I'm sending to you, then I'm probably de...」
〖Editor Brian〗: 「Heh, go and take a rest. When are you going to post the message about your readers' request something?」
〖Sorrow Blossom Qin〗: 「Dead people doesn't post something x0x」
〖Editor Brian〗: 「Just do what you want T_T」
Blue laughed after seeing Brian's last message. She closed the Hello app, where Brian always sends her a message, and clicked on the Words by You app.
She looked for HeavenlySweetPotato's account and sent him a message.
〖SakuraKiss〗: 「Hello, I'm going to post the message.」
〖HeavenlySweetPotato〗: 「Then I shall post it too...」
Both of them went to the home page of the app and clicked the plus sign to create a new post.
〖SakuraKiss〗: 「Hello, PinkKisses~ Do you have a request? Just reply here in my post and I'll pick an entry by using a randomizer app. I'll only grant one wish from one user~ I'll record the process of randomization and post it in here~ The reply section of this post will automatically close after 30 minutes ^_^」
Posted!
Just a few seconds after she posted it, the post already has a number of replies. Blue visited HeavenlySweetPotato's profile and saw that he posted the same thing. The number of the likes, replies, and shares of their post are constantly increasing.
Blue locked her phone and decided to just check it after 30 minutes.


AFTER 30 minutes, Blue unlocked her phone, and checked the replies on her post.
〖CallMeHello〗: 「Post a picture of your crush~」
〖Babebibobu〗: 「SING FOR US!!!」
〖Paipaipiu〗: 「Can you give honest criticisms to HeavenlySweetPotato's works?」
Blue was devastated, because those comments are just a part of the very small minority. She wanted to cry, because the rest of the comments said the same thing, and she wasn't sure if she'll be able to grant that request.

Blue is a fashion designer envied by her colleagues because her name is remarkable in the fashion industry, but little did they know, she's also a web novel writer in Words by You, a writing platform famous in their country.

Light is a web novel writer in Words by You, main genre is Mystery/Thriller, but little did his readers know, he's also a manhua artist, famous in that industry.

These two people, they don't get along very well.

What if one day, they need to work with each other?


Note: the photo used for the BC is not mine. Full credits belong to the real owner.

A whole week passed since the kidnapping incident. In a sense, they completed the mission as Renna, the young elven girl, was brought back safely...but not without casualties. 

Originally, King Adrian would have a major event 2 days after the rescue in order to announce to the citizens the next step of the kingdom. But ever since the incident, King Adrian has locked himself up in his study room for an entire week. 

"Is King Adrian still eating well? What is he doing..." Grant said to Braum. They were currently outside the study room's door. 

"He's working. For the entire week, he has been working. He told me and General Tobias to tighten security along our and the elven border while he is rushing to create various reforms to develop the kingdom faster. *sigh* I am worried as well but the King just had a traumatic experience so this might be one way to deal with it...How is it going on your end?" Braum asked Grant. 

Grant replied. "These mercenaries are not simple. We are having a hard time finding any more traces of them, even with the help of Detective Bedford it's taking a while. Well, the mercenaries themselves are not that strong and intelligent but..." 

"Slaven. That person. He's probably the brain. Without him, we would've already dealt with the mercenaries long ago. How many people do you think they have?" Braum asked. 

"Hard to tell for now. But he said his goal is to enslave the entire elven race. Knowing that he could be hiding thousands of mercenaries in our region. With that number, it's reasonable to believe that they probably have multiple bases." Grant answered. 

"Well, keep trying...the only thing that struck me weird is that one of the elves seem to know who Slaven is," Braum said.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Grant's voice showed surprise.

"You weren't there. The King and I reported what we witnessed to the high elders of the elves and Chief Kylantha. When we mentioned Slaven's name, one of them reacted to hearing the name...very subtly. One of the elders...But I can't really question him since he's so high up in the elven tribe." Braum answered.

Braum stared at Grant for a while after saying that.

"I got it. I'll investigate." Grant replied. "What about the elven girl? King Adrian specifically requested the elves that he would take her to this castle and raise her personally after hearing she did not have any family members left...I wasn't sure if that was a good idea." Grant continued. 

"Renna is doing fine. Sometimes she cries without any warning but the presence of King Adrian, her survivor, always calmed her. I think leaving her with the elves would've been worse since it'll make her grief about her brother even more. She's probably in there right now." Braum looked at the study room's door before turning back to Grant again. "Well. I'll get going now. The King had me working extra hard as well....let me tell you, the direction he's going to take this time is quite unique." Braum continued.

"I'll get going too. The event is tomorrow. I'll need to make sure everything is secure." Grant replied before disappearing in a flash of light.

Braum looked at the disappearing Grant before also walking the opposite direction. 

--

A young girl was laying on the floor reading a book. The book seemed to be aimed towards children as there were colorful illustrations with the texts being less pronounced. The girl's ear was long and her beautiful blonde hair was scattered on the floor. She was Renna, the young elven girl. 

"King Adrian...let's play again." She looked up from her book towards a man who was busy writing documents on his desk. King Adrian was out of his suit but he was still wearing the white shirt underneath with his upper part unbuttoned. The current season was summer so it was quite hot and moist, even indoors. 

King Adrian stopped writing and looked at Renna on the floor while smiling. "We'll play after tomorrow, okay? After the event tomorrow, we'll take a tour of the whole city!" King Adrian said cheerfully. 

"Yay! I want to see the city!" Renna replied. 

King Adrian flashed a bittersweet smile. 'I am glad she is starting to recover....the first few days she was here, she couldn't stop crying about her brother's death at all. I had to calm her down on my lap while I was working. I'm glad...' King Adrian thought. 

'Slaven...In the name of Vathria, I'll hunt you down.' King Adrian said in his mind. 

Renna stood up from the floor and approached the desk. 

"King Adrian, what are you working on, anyway?" Renna looked at the desk with curiosity. 

"Well, here's the list." King Adrian showed Renna the list. 

1. Military Reform-Establishment of ranks and divisions, 
2. Trade Reform-Innovation and startup incentives
3. Education Reform- 12 years of basic education and re-establishing universities
4. Mages Reform- Establishment of a Mage Academy and towers
5. Agricultural Reform-Crop rotation, pesticide, mass-production
6. Manufacturing Reform-Establishment of factories and mass-production lines
7. Finance Reform-Establishment of banks and the new cashless card. 
8. Homeland Security Reform-Establishment of formal identifications and passports
9. Foreign Relations Reform- Establishing trade cooperations with other nations
10. Domestic Security Reform-Establishment of the Police force. 
11.
12

The list went on and on. 

"Whoah.....you worked on this for the whole week? Alone?" Renna's mouth was wide open. 

"Well...not just this week. Here." King Adrian handed Renna a book. The book was titled 'Contingency of Losing The War: Rebuilding Vathria in a New World'. 

"What is this?" Renna inspected the book. Unlike other books she had seen, this book was made crudely and did not seem intricate. 

"I made that 10 years ago when I was 15. You see, I had come up with a plan to re-establish the kingdom if we lose the war....which happened. That's why I'm here right now." King Adrian replied. 

"Can I read this?" Renna said with starry eyes. It seemed she was fascinated by it. 

"Of course." King Adrian replied. 

Renna started to open and skimmed through the book. "Are you sure you're able to do all this?" Renna said with an amazed face. She did not read everything yet but she got the gist of it. 

"Well, I don't know yet. Truth be told, many of the reforms will not be completed for a long time and may take years...but...our population is limited and our kingdom is still small. We're sitting ducks if we can't compete with other kingdoms and threats....let alone the evil forces." King Adrian replied.

"Can't we elves help you? Perhaps if we all come here you can do it faster!" Renna said happily. 

King Adrian snickered. "I wished it was that simple. We're still two distinct groups and although I made a blood pact with your chief, it doesn't mean everyone trusts one another yet. But sure, if all the elves help with our development, it would be much faster." King Adrian replied. 

"We should!!! I'll tell Chief Kylantha next time! We elves are too suspicious about everything! Even when people like you come to help us! My brother was also—" Renna started rambling but stopped when she mentioned her brother. 

Renna's face started to tear up again. "My brother...."

King Adrian got up from his seat and pulled Renna to his lap. He put Renna's head on his chest. "Sshhh sshhh. There there. C'mon. I'll play with you now." 

"Hic hic" Renna cried on his shoulder. This was something usual for the last 7 days. She would suddenly start to cry when she remembered her brother, even after she tried so hard to take her mind off it. 

King Adrian and Renna stayed like that for a while.

Hear ye hear ye.

There existed a Kingdom named Vathria, the last stand of good against the evil forces. The capital Dathria was breached and the kingdom was lost. With a heavy heart, the young king who just took the mantle decided to abandon his kingdom with some of his people to another world where he can rebuild yet again. 

But the young king knew that the evil forces will soon follow them to this new world. The king must prepare a mighty force before the enemy's arrival. Follow him on his journey to build a new empire, one that would dwarf his previous kingdom and able to withstand the evil forces. 


Disclaimer: Bored college student here, this is sort of a kingdom-building novel. I'm quite busy so most chapters might not be proofread very well.  (I'd rather work on my school papers).

Cover: All rights of the cover image goes to the original artist. It's a placeholder before I have my own cover (someday).

When he raised his sword and put off his helmet ( sallet ) as the one who deserve for the success, a handsome face of a king who is to reform the authority appeared. As soon as his movement, a thousand of red war flags were flew up the sky by the soldiers. Then, the war-cry from them came out loudly in unison. The war had ended. It was finally ended.


After looking at the dead bodies beneath his legs, he looked up the orange-red coloured sky. His golden hair were flew swiftly as the breeze flew through. From now on, he was going to establish the fair authority for this country.


                        THE         END
                         ~~~~~~~~~


Comment 1 : What…what… what kind of
                        ending is that ?! 
                        Where is the female lead?!
                        Where is the village girl?!

Comment 2 : Where are the princess
                        who helped him gone?!

Comment 3 : If so, let him marry with
                        the young wizard is a good 
                        ending, too.

Comment 4 : Hey, hey, fujoshi are not
                       allowed here. This is a
                       harem novel, you know? 
                       Shuu…shuu, go back to your
                       home.

Comment 5 : What's the matter if we
                        ship them ?! It's our right ,
                        OK ? What, you don't even
                        have someone to ship you
                        like that, right ?

Comment 6 : You … you !


" Aren't you cold … ? "


A man asked as he hug a young man who weared only a white shirt, sitting infront of the computer screen with one leg on his chair, and leaning his head on his kneel.


"Of course not … "


Even the young man did not look back and answered him casually as his looks were stick on that screen, the man softly kiss the young man's neck.

" itchy … "

When he shrink back as he wanna avoid that kiss, the man slightly laugh.

" I admit that I have to give up the space in your mind when compared to that novels, Swey."

The young man look back the man who had said these surrendered words and then he make a sign to come near with his fingers. When the other's lips come near, he turn aroun his scoivel chair to face him. And then the two pairs of lips begin to stick deeper and deeper.

" Don't you go home … ?"

After the heavy kisses, the young man turn back to his computer screen again and asked. The man showed the face of letting a child as bad as he want. Although their kisses are hot and exiting enough to do some naughty perfomances next, that boy is now expelling him from his apartment.

" Ah, the rumors that Ni Swey doesn't let his partners to sleep in his own apartment is really true… ."

A young man who named Ni Swey turn around again and smile softly to the man.

" Ko Htet, you also have to go to your work tomorrow, right ? A model need to be energetic. Otherwise, you may get troubles at your tomorrow's photoshoot… "

The man said " You, Swey…" in a sighing voice and after getting another goodbye kiss, has to left the condo apartment.

Ni Swey, his creations are even metaphored as the golden creations amongst the 20th century writers by the readers. His writing abilities are especially his unique thinking styles and innovative story lines.

In addition to them, loads of characters with high-intelligence, and deceptive, tricky, and doubled-faced characters are added into his novels. Even the readers know his bothersome habits in writing, they can't stop reading because of the story plots that aren't easy to predict and different types of characters that can attract them.

That writer, Ni Swey, always change the plot in a surprising way as a ploy to his readers. Although he's not doing it deliberately, but even not killing his own characters is a kind of blessing plot for him, so there is no hope for the romantic plots in his novels.

The protagonists in his novels were always oppressed, got constraints, and even some of his novels are ended like "living poorly ever after".But apart from these, the story lines and backgrounds are written from a special, unique vision and so the readers just have to ignore his tricky manners and read these novels.

The one thing that his readers don't know is that his mind was empty of emotion apart he was writing about additions, feelings, and dreams. To be exact, he is some kind like with Alexithymia.

That's why, whenever Ni Swey heard someone saids his creations were schmaltz, he laugh out loud. Schmaltz… although his creations couldn't be considered as the highest rank, they can absolutely made people get lots of emotions from them.

Comment --- : His another Schmaltz.

After he had read the last comment on the computer screen, he shut down it and go directly to his bed. He lay down on his bed emotionlessly which had been messed up by some mature playings of two adult men and then he laugh out faintly.

" Schmaltz… "

Then, he close his eyes, breath in and out deliberately and fall into a sound sleep.

=====Schmaltz=====

Who would ever know whether the worlds created by the writers come alive in the unknown universe ?

Character 1 : That's too much !

Character 23 : Of course , brother…

Character 14 : Sis, are you a character  
                          who got killed in the
                          novel, right?

Character 23 : Yes…

Character xx : Ugh, I hate him so much
                         that I'm gonna explode!

Character yy : Hey, the last character is
                         coming here.

Character last : … … …

Character yy : You'll be the last one until
                         he write the new novel.

Character 14 : He made us to get in a
                          hardship just to have a
                          moving plot for his
                          readers!

Character 1 : Hey, if you say so, I was
                       even killed in my 
                       own novel !

Character 23 : So sad for you, brother. Is
                          there anyone who can
                          give him lessons ?

Character yy : Who can be? He is the
                         creator of us.

Unknown : I'll grant your wish.

Characters : !!!

Unknown : I'm a trickster, a god who like
                   to mess up with humans. As
                   your wish seems interesting, I
                  can grant it for you…

Characters : How you gonna do that ?

Trickster : I can send the last character
                   to him and he'll tell the
                   message instead of you,
                   alright ?

Character last : Me ?

Trickster : Others, agree ?

Characters : Yes !

Character last : … … …

Trickster : Just remember, as you're a
                   part of data, when the chip on
                   your neck  that represents
                   your life is broken you'll
                   automatically transported
                   back to this world. Be careful
                   of it. Now, wish you goodluck
                   when you meet with your
                  creator, Vincent.

Characters : Goodluck, Vincent.

Vincent : … … …

Schmaltz means artistic works, such as music or writing, that are intended to cause strong sad or romantic feelings but have no real artistic value.

He who create empty Schmaltz but when his character comes into life, will his works are still empty ?

(This is the sypnosis from the original author )

This story is about a famous writer who can't feel the emotions and his own character who has hidden his own emotions. 

The whole novel is interesting and I love it so much. That's why I translate it from myanmar to english.

The two characters named Ni Swey and Vincent and this webnovel is one of the novels from Hope's universe of the author Anna Lynn.

If there's any mistakes or error in my translation, you can notice me and I'll fix it.

Thanks again my lovely author for the permission.

Janey told herself if she just kept busy, she could prevent the meltdown that had been threatening all day. She made soup for her mom and ran her a bath. She put fresh sheets on beds for Adam and Evan, and cleaned up the kitchen. As she was putting the last of the dishes in the dishwasher, Joe hugged her from behind.

"You're running at ninety miles an hour, babe," he said, his lips brushing against her neck.

She attempted to squiggle free of his embrace. "I need to toss in some laundry."

"Not tonight."

Janey turned to him, primed for a rare fight. But when she saw only love and concern on his face, she sagged against the counter.

"You're completely exhausted. Let's go home."

"You can go. I should stay here in case my mom needs me."

"I'm not going anywhere without you, and Grant will be here for your mom. You need sleep."

"The boys will needÑ"

"To fend for themselves. The boys are grown men who manage to survive without you the rest of the time."

Her lip began to quiver, a sure sign of impending meltdown. "But I have toÑ"

He wrapped his strong arms around her. "Stop, Janey. Just stop."

Despite her best efforts to contain it, a sob hiccupped through her, and the floodgates opened.

He ran his hand up and down her back. "It's okay, honey. Let it all out. It's been an awful day."

"I'm sorry," she said, wiping her face several minutes later. "My dad..."

"You can't imagine life without him."

Her heart ached as she shook her head.

"Neither can I."

"What happened today was a big reminder that someday we'll have to live without him." She looked up at Joe. "How will we ever do that?"

"I have no idea, but thankfully that's not something we have to think about anytime soon." He wiped the tears from her face. "Let's go home. You need some time with the menagerie."

At the reminder of her beloved pets, she forced a wan smile for his benefit. "And with you."

"And with me." 

"Let me tell my mom I'm leaving." Janey kissed Joe and went upstairs, where her mother was getting into bed. "Mom? Are you all settled?"

"Getting there."

"Joe wants to take me home. Will you be okay?"

"I'll be fine. Go on ahead."

Janey perched on the edge of the bed. "Grant will be back shortly. He went to get Dad's truck at the marina."

"Oh good. He and the boys can use it."

"They can fight over it like old times."

Linda offered a small smile as her eyes filled.

"What, Mom?"

"I've been thinking about how you just never know what's going to happen. I was in such a big rush this morning. Late for a hair appointment. Dad was in the shower, and I left without even saying good-bye." She looked up at Janey. "What if that'd been my last chance to see him, to tell him..."

Janey blinked back tears of her own. "He's not ready to leave us yet."

Linda sat up to hug her daughter. 

"I can stay if you don't want to sleep alone."

"Go sleep with Joe. Make sure you never miss a chance to tell him, to show him."

"I won't." Janey kissed her mother's cheek. "On that note, love you, Mom. Always haveÑeven when it seemed like I hated you."

Taken aback by words they rarely said out loud, Linda said, "I always knew the hate phase was an act."

"You know everything. That's why we call you Voodoo Mama."

Linda scowled. "I hate that name."

"Which is why it's so fun to call you that," Janey said with an evil grin. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Janey?"

She turned at the doorway.

"Love you, too," Linda said. "My little girl who saved me from having five boys and then turned out to be the hell-raiser of the group."

"At least I never ended up in jail like Mac the Golden Child did." None of his siblings ever missed a chance to mention Mac's night in jail after he and Joe got caught flattening mailboxes in Big Mac's truck.

"True," Linda said.

Janey blew her mother a kiss and went downstairs to Joe.

Luke made good use of the time Sydney was gone to make dinner and clean up the kitchen. While the crutches were a pain, they were necessary since he couldn't bear to put an ounce of weight on his injured ankle. Being hobbled this way was going to seriously suck, but Luke refused to lie around and feel sorry for himself.

As he worked in the kitchen, the conversation he'd had earlier with Sydney kept running through his mind. He could feel her edging toward a decision to stay on the island, to stay with him. She said she had things to take care of before she could make a plan for the next phase of her life. Of course he was dying to know what she needed to do, but he didn't want to ask. She had her secrets, and he had his.

He couldn't say, exactly, why he hadn't told her that he now owned part of the marina. It wasn't that he didn't want her to know. Deep inside he suspected his reluctance had something to do with the differences in their social status. Syd and her family had always been well-off, while he and his mother had struggled. Those differences had driven them apart once before, and Luke was afraid it could happen again.

He could level the playing field a bit by telling her about the partnership, but he didn't want to wonder later if that played any part in getting her to stay. Except for during his mother's illness, Luke had never given a shit about money. As long as he had what he needed, what else mattered? He wanted Sydney to stay because she loved him and couldn't imagine life without him, not because she was impressed that he owned a successful business. He wanted them to have a real chance at something meaningful. 

A knock on the door had Luke hobbling into the living room. Opening the door, he was surprised to find Grant McCarthy there. "Come in," he said, swiveling on the crutches.

"Hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all. How's your dad?"

"Much better and full of beans. Kicked me and my mom and Janey out. Adam and Evan will be in on the eight o'clock boat, so they're taking the next shift with him."

"Glad to hear he's feisty. That's a good sign."

"How's the ankle?"

"Pretty good for now. I'm told that keeping up with the pain meds will be important the first few days."

Grant winced. "I know you've heard this a hundred times already, but we're all so grateful for what you did. When I think about what could've happened..."

"Probably better not to think about it. How about a beer?"

Grant shook his head. "No, thanks."

Luke headed toward the kitchen. "I've got stuff on the stove."

Grant followed him. "I figured your lady would be tending to your every need tonight."

"No such luck. She had to go check on her dog, who had surgery earlier this week."

"Ouch. Second to a dog."

"I know, huh? Such is my luck."

"Must be nice to be back with her again."

Resting on the crutches for support, Luke dumped the pot of pasta into a colander in the sink. "It's amazingÑand complicated."

"What happened to her is such a terrible tragedy. How's she doing now?"

"She still has some rough moments, but for the most part, she's doing well."

"I'm glad you're getting another chance with her."

"I just hope it works out this time."

"And if it doesn't?"

The question sent a shaft of fear zipping through Luke. "I don't even like to think about that."

Grant dropped to one of the stools at the counter. "I hope you make out better than I did."

"I take it you talked to Abby."

Grimacing, Grant nodded. "Twice."

"And?"

"She says it's over. She's actually going to marry that guy." He looked up at Luke, devastation marking his features. "Can you believe that?"

"I can't imagine either of you with anyone else."

"Neither can I."

"So what's the plan?"

"Haven't exactly got one."

"You can't just give up."

"She's engaged, man. Getting married in October."

"She's not married yet."

Grant crossed his arms. "She was pretty damned clear earlier when she said it's over for us."

"A lot can happen between now and October. You might have to bide your time. Wait for your chance."

"Is that what you're doing with Sydney?"

"I'm trying to give her space to figure things out. Sometimes it's hard to be patient, because I know what I want."

"I hope you get it."

"Back atcha." Luke raised his water bottle in toast to Grant. "It's good to have you home."

"I wish I could say it's good to be here, but between this thing with Abby and what happened to you and my dad, this visit has sucked the big one." 

"Nowhere to go but up from here."

"No kidding." Grant took a long look around the kitchen. "This place is exactly as I remembered it."

"It's been brought to my attention that I'm in a time warp. Syd's going to update me."

Grant smiled. "You or the house?"

"Both, I suspect. You know meÑif it ain't broke, don't fix it."

"I envy you," Grant said.

Luke snorted with laughter. "You envy me?"

"You know exactly where you belong in the world. You're doing what you love in a place you love. Must be nice."

"You don't love your work?"

Grant's jaw tightened with tension. "Haven't for a long, long time." He uttered a sharp laugh. "First time I've said that out loud." Shaking his head, he said, "I've spent the last three years spinning my wheels. I kept thinking if I gave it one more year, I could turn things around, but it went from bad to worse. Now my career has gone to shit, and I've managed to lose Abby, too."

"Wow, sorry, man. I had no idea about the career. I figured you were flying high after the Oscar win."

"That's what I wanted everyone to think. It's a heck of a thing to win the big award and feel like such a loser afterward."

"I certainly know nothing about writing screenplays or writing anything, for that matter, but I can't help but think a break from it all might be just what you need. Put it aside for a while, help out at the marina, chill with us, enjoy your sister's wedding. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself, and maybe things will begin to click again."

"That's not bad advice," Grant said with the wry grin the high school girls had gone wild over.

"Glad to be of service. You know how it is out hereÑslow, quiet, peaceful. A few weeks of that and you'll be a new man."

"Or I'll be going out of my freaking mind."

"Mac thought the same thing, and look at him now."

Grant laughed. "As domesticated as it gets."

"Exactly."

"Thanks for listening to me bitch. It's good to be back with my real friends again."

"It's good to have you." Luke heard the front door open, and damned if his heart didn't do a happy dance in his chest.

Sydney came into the kitchen carrying Thomas. Her cheeks were red from the warm summer day, and her eyes were bright and animated. She was so beautiful she took his breath away. 

"Oh, hi, Grant," she said. "I wondered whose truck that was."

"Hi, Syd." Grant reached for his nephew, and Sydney handed him over. "Hey, pal. What've you been up to?"

Thomas hugged his uncle. "I saw Buddy, and he has a funny hat on."

"My dog," Sydney said for Grant's benefit. "Cone of shame so he won't pull out his stitches."

"Ouch," Luke said, wincing. "He must love that."

"He's still kind of out of it, but in a day or two, he'll be furious about it."

Thomas squiggled out of Grant's embrace and scooted over to check out Luke's crutches.

"I'm going to split so you guys can eat," Grant said.

"You're welcome to stay," Luke said. "I made plenty."

"Thanks, but I'm supposed to be babysitting my mom tonight, so I'd better get home." When Luke started toward the door, Grant stopped him. "Stay put. I can find my way out."

"Thanks for coming by."

"Thanks for the pep talk."

"Anytime."

After they heard the door close, Sydney turned to him. Something about her seemed different, but he couldn't figure out what. "You're giving pep talks now?"

Luke shrugged. "He's going through a rough patch." He reached down to ruffle Thomas's hair. "How'd we end up with this little guy?"

"Mac and Maddie needed some time to themselves, so I took him with me to see Buddy. I figured we could feed him dinner and give him a bath. Mac is going to pick him up later." She paused and bit her bottom lip. "I hope it's okay I brought him here."

"Of course it is. Everything okay with Maddie?"

"Except for Mac driving her crazy wanting to take her to specialists."

Chuckling, Luke said, "I can only imagine how worked up he must be."

"At times like this, island life is challenging. He wants her near doctors and hospitals."

"I can understand that." Luke took a closer look at her, still trying to put his finger on what was different. "What about you? Everything okay?"

Seeming surprised, she flipped her eyes up to meet his gaze. "I'm fine, why?"

"No reason." Maybe he was looking for trouble where there was none. "I made spaghetti."

"That's perfectÑjust what I promised Thomas, but you shouldn't be on your foot. I was going to make dinner for you."

Propped on the crutches, he leaned in to kiss her. "Now you don't have to."



Maddie Chester is determined to leave her hometown of Gansett Island, a place that has brought her only bad memories and ugly rumors. Then she’s knocked off her bike on the way to her housekeeping job at McCarthy’s Resort Hotel by Gansett’s “favorite son,” Mac McCarthy. He’s back in town to help his father with preparations to sell the family resort and has no intention of staying long. When Mac accidentally sends Maddie flying over the handlebars, badly injuring her, he moves in to nurse her back to health and help care for her young son. He soon realizes his plans for a hit-and-run visit to the island are in serious jeopardy, and he just may be “maid” for love.

Share in the life of the McCarthy family as well as their many island friends in this much-loved sexy romance series.

Maid for Love and the Gansett Island Series are created by Marie Force, an eGlobal Creative Publishing Signed Author.

"Coulson you aren't making the right decisions," Skye said as she stood on the other side of the cell.

"I know that Grant was right when he said that I will start making decisions that won't be correct and may hurt the team. That's why this one even if wrong will only end up with me being hurt" Coulson said as he walked out of Vault D.

_________________________________________

Coulson holds Hank Thompson at gunpoint after a warning that his life is in danger. This is just before Sebastian Derik knocks him out from behind. Thompson is bound and gagged in his workshop. His wife and son are locked in a closet. Coulson is also tied up. Derik lets him know that pain gives him back his memories. It's how he found all the others from the Tahiti Project. He wants to know what the alien writings mean. He is willing to do whatever it takes to find out.

Hank Thompson escapes from his bindings. Some deep-rooted training helps him assist Coulson in breaking free as well. Thompson rushes his family to safety while Coulson momentarily neutralizes Derik. A mighty struggle ensues. Skye and Mack arrive. They threaten to shoot Coulson, who has Derik trapped by the neck. He is not trying to kill him. He is trying to get him to look down at the massive toy train design Hank Thompson had constructed. From above, it looks like the alien writing. It looks like a city.

Coulson tells Hank Thompson that they could use a good, former super spy like him. That is not going to happen. Thompson is happy being the family man he is now. He thanks Coulson for his second chance and give him his card. As for Sebastian Derik, he was turned over to the proper authorities. He has also found his peace. So has Coulson. The compulsion to carve is gone. He can feel it. Now all he has to do is figure out why the alien was so determined to get to that city.

"So what now boss," asked Hunter.

"Wait for the news from Ward. In the meantime, we will take advantage of his gift of Bakshi. But another thing I need to tell you is that I am not crazy, well not crazy anymore. I have been trying to solve a puzzle, just like Hydra. And now it's our job to find the mystery city before anyone else." Coulson said as he spoke to his team.
____________________________________
Since Grant had several hours to kill before he met with his family, he drove the car left by Shield for him and drove it towards the north of Boston to Breakheart Reservation, about half an hour away from his parent's home on Charles River. Christian probably didn't know about his five-year-long camping trip so he wouldn't expect Grant to be drawn to nature and wouldn't look for him in there. It also was a perfect location for getting some of the downtimes he desperately needed and it was sparsely populated by humans he would see or hear someone coming from a long way.

After some relaxation, he was ready to meet his family. Driving through the streets of Beacon Hill on his way to his parent's house made Grant surprisingly nostalgic. Although the house the word family lived in now wasn't thankfully the house which he had grown up this was the same general area while he never had been happy with his family over our grant still had happy times especially with Elizabeth and Thomas he had even made some casual friends who had joined him on Adventures in the neighborhood.

Grant reached the correct address and parked the car in front of their enormous 7 million dollar house on chestnut Street he was still early so he had some time to sit there and listen to Christian's phone calls as he was driving to the house. The first one was pretty stereotypical, so that had to be his wife Anna.

"I am sorry hon" Christian was saying regretfully Grand rolled his eyes at the 'hon' even if he hadn't been sure that Christian's marriage was for show the syrup sweet endearment would have kept him off the only question was whether Anna believed it. "I will try to make it home this weekend but with the strategy meetings it's just.. ok love you"

Christian's 'love you' was said in a flat tone. Anna didn't sound like she was all that broken up by the prospect of a Christian free weekend guess she doesn't by his act Grant didn't really blame her.

Grant remains in his car and listening, he had seen his mother appear quickly through the windows a few minutes ago watching him said there without making a move to enter their house undoubtedly made his parents anxious a state he was all too willing for them to experience. And he needed to know what was going on with Christian. If he was lying to Anna about his whereabouts over the weekend, his brother was up to something.

His patience was quickly rewarded as question weighted all of 5 seconds before calling another woman "It's me" he told her smugly "yep wide open my family's summer place" his voice took an intimate tone. Grant smiled as he understood what was going on "Did you get my present?" Christian laughed, "Of course, it's see-through that's the point." Grant rolled his eyes a cheating politician was so close that he was or was disappointed in Christian expected better or worse Grant briefly pondered that whether this information would be helpful for him or not but then saw Christians car turn the corner and he shook his head to clear his mind he needs to focus.

Christian finished his phone call his black SUV slowed to let Christian out, then sped off to park somewhere close. Grant waited for a few more minutes then got out of his car, crossed the street, and rang the doorbell.

A small, dark-haired woman with heart-shaped features opened the door. She first looked impassively at Grant then her brow furrowed and a puzzled expression crossed her face. A second later, her eyes widen and her mouth dropped. "Mr..... Mr..... Grant, is that you?" she asked disbelievingly.

Grant also went through memory lane when he saw the woman and remembered who she was the smiled fondly at her. "Yes, Galina it's me. It's been a long time. How have you been?" 

Galina had been with the word family for as long as Grant could remember she drank the household with her husband Pyotr maintained the yard and vehicles and did any general maintenance that was required. The couple had always been kind to all the children in the house but specially Grant it was delena who first taught him how to speak Russian.

" I never thought I would see you again"

A boy Reborn in the Marvel world as Grant Ward after he cursed the guy for being stupid. How will he live the life different from the original Grant ward let's see.

At first the power he gains isn't that good with regards to being in Marvel world but he will be gaining more power in the future so don't judge it based on that as my Grant Ward would become the strongest Human in the future.

Flames fluffed up in the air, bellowing out the uneasiness held inside by everyone. A warm, comfortable feeling embraced them as their eyes lit up. They all simultaneously drew their hands forward close to the fire.
It wasn't as if it was cold outside though, even if the weather dropped plentiful from the afternoon heat. This was a tradition that had already been built into even Grant's mind in the two weeks he had lived here. They all looked at each other and a weak smile emerged from their faces.
"See? Already doing this feels much better, yeah? And no one seems to be watching us anymore. We were probably worrying about nothing," Rhett said as he picked up a plank of wood from a pile beside him and carved into it with a knife.
Rhett didn't usually carve by the fire. He had said he liked carving when he wanted to calm down and focus on one thing. Grant's insights provided him with a different assumption, however. Did Rhett still feel uneasy enough that he just wanted to have a weapon on him at all times?
"What're you making this time?" Saraiya pulled her hair out from her ponytail and let it flow down. "Another turtle?" She tried brushing the leaves and knots out of her hair.
"Not a turtle! A tortoise!" Rhett shook his head. "And of all people to not remember the difference, miss nature writer."
Saraiya smirked.
Grant smiled and looked up at the sky. A feeling he always dreamed of. Not so much of the exact circumstances surrounding this night, but to be around people who he felt wanted him around.
"What're you looking at?" Saraiya changed her focus to Grant.
"Oh, nothing. Just thinking."
"Hmm, what of? Tired of us yet?" Rhett asked as he chipped away at the block of wood.
"Not quite." Grant weakly laughed.
"Good," they both said in unison.
Even though Saraiya had her backpack on the ground next to her, she had yet to take out her notebook. This was the first fire Grant had participated in where she hadn't written anything. There definitely was something going on.
"Hey guys! Mind if I join in for the fire?" An unexpected cheerful voice shot across the empty street. Grant, Rhett, and Saraiya all looked at each other before slowly turning their gaze towards the voice. "Sorry, you guys don't mind right? I'm sure you don't, I'm always here during the fires after all," Ambri said.
The group remained silent. Her attitude had completely flipped, she was no longer in any type of serious mood. 
Rhett was the first one to speak up. "Yeah… It's fine, we don't mind."
"Great!" Ambri smiled as if the previous hours never happened. "So, I have some good news for you guys." She stood next to Grant, shadowing over the fire.
This is too much, Grant thought. She was trying too hard, why didn't she just apologize for the tense environment earlier and call it at that? It's not like anyone was mad at her, just confused.
"What's that?" Grant said as he watched her from his peripheral vision.
"I was told that I could bring you guys into the Axis of Cygnus concert at the bar next week." She smirked. "Free of charge because of yours truly."
Rhett, who was previously on edge from her disturbing happiness, jumped forward. "No way! For real?! Why didn't you even tell me sooner that they were coming?!"
Saraiya scratched her head with a faint smile, while still giving off a troubled expression.
"It's just a small show they are willing to do on their way to Montria. Think of it as an intimate practice session, at least that's what they said to us. Still, it should liven up the place for an evening."
"Axis of Cygnus? Who is that?" Grant interrupted.
"Grant! I showed you them that first night we had the fire, the band Kale introduced me to."
"Oh, yeah." Grant nodded his head slowly, unimpressed. "They were, uh, interesting."
"You gotta go man!" Rhett looked over at Saraiya. "You as well!"
"Yeah, I'll think about it…" Saraiya answered.
"I guess I can try to go," Grant said, knowing Rhett wouldn't take no for an answer. There would be nothing else for him to do anyway, and he knew he didn't want to spend a night without the usual crew in Lyros. Especially after tonight.
Rhett jumped up and down, dancing around the fire as if taming it.
He really was always able to change moods quickly. His happiness was one thing Grant could count on. If he was in a bad mood, he knew Rhett would do whatever it took to bring his and even other's happiness levels up. He reminded him of how he used to act towards Elijah, someone to help keep him on the right track, keep his spirits high.
"When is the concert?" Rhett continued dancing around the fire.
"Exactly a week from today. Maybe I can even let you meet the bandmates." The contrast between herself hours before and now, still struck Grant with disbelief. Was this really the same person? 
Within an instant of Grant thinking that, the mood changed. 
"Hey, Saraiya." Ambri's eyes shot into her.
The fire crackled in the quiet night with sparks of embers falling around their feet.
Saraiya scooted back in her chair and avoided making direct eye contact. "Yeah? What?"
"You didn't happen to do anything exciting without us, did you?" Her mouth formed a crooked smile.
"N-no, of course not. I just went into the fields to read and write. There wasn't even anything worth writing about…"
"Hmmm." Ambri stepped closer towards her, still glaring into her eyes. "What a shame… Well, hopefully you can find something you want to write about soon." 
The atmosphere grew tense. Ambri's expression no longer forced a cheery smile, but a disturbing leer. Rhett slowed his dancing and dropped himself back into his seat, eyes dashing between Ambri and Saraiya.
Grant tried to distance himself from the conversation, staring into the bright flames. 
"Well, anyway, just thought I would stop by and give you guys the news. Our regular bonfire night is still going on for tomorrow right?" Ambri asked.
"Yeah, we'll be right here," Rhett answered.
"Good, I'll make sure to tell Kale." She walked in the opposite direction, waving her hand.

Grant, twenty years old, was tired of being a prisoner to his job, parents, and city. He had been fed to believe all of it was deserved. The thought of breaking free from his current life felt undeserved. But his ability to tolerate everything was wearing thin, he was about to crack. He began to wonder that maybe all the blame put on him wasn't entirely his fault.
	
A coworker told him about a small village, Lyros, where he could move. The price seemed too good to be true. Despite that foreboding feeling, he decided to leave his previous life behind. Could Lyros bring him the freedom he pursued? Or was it just another place that would take hold of him, refusing to let go?

Chapters will be posted every Monday and Thursday!

Cover Art by @DaisukeSenpai1

Now that the promotion had been made, Yamishi spoke to Jin about the shipping. Jin agreed to be in charge of this job and decided he would get his parents to help pick up the stock the next day and hold it at the studio before shipping it off to customers.

It was now time to head home and post it on his social media pages. After Yamishi said goodbye to his friend and called his mother, he waited in a cafe for his pick up.

Soon he was picked up and brought home. By that time it was around 12:45 pm in the afternoon. 

Yamishi opened up his phone to go to his social media. He clicked on the 'post new' feature and uploaded the new promotion.

The promotion used music and visuals to which gave of a feeling that could only be described as unique. It made people want to buy the clothing just to flex it upon their friends. The number of likes and comments immediately exploded only proving what Yamishi already knew.

In the promotion was a link to the website Yamishi used to sell his clothes. The website had already had over 2000 clicks. Of course, not everyone who clicked would be able to afford but surely some could. After all, a lot of his fan base was rich and large spenders.

Yamishi pulled up his website and changed to 'coming soon' section to house his new clothing line promotion with a bunch of different icons to click on. Each icon took a person to a different clothing item. The clothing items were then set to 'in stock' and within 5 minutes the first 10 pieces of clothing had been brought.

Yamishi smiled as he realised the clothing would sell out once again. "Hahaha, Ryuk... Do you see how amazing I am?" 

Ryuk who was currently eating an apple looked up at Yamishi with a smile, "indeed Yamishi... Indeed you are keke."

Soon the stock would sell out and Yamishi could pay off all debt he owed and then mass produce clothing for his own gain.

Yamishi put his phone onto his table in his room and took out the death note from it's hiding place once again. Immediately after checking his door was locked he sat down at a desk and began writing names and their associated time of death.

As Yamishi wrote down names one by one, he thought to himself, 'Hmm, R has been rather quiet as of late. Maybe I should go and speak to him.'

But if he didn't have at least a bit of advancement in the case what would Ryuzaki think. He was becoming bothersome to Yamishi's plans and thus Yamishi had decided he needed to try taking out R when he least expected it.

"Ryuk? What was the shinigami deal with the eyes again?" Yamishi asked as he continued writing names into the note.

"Kekeke, so you're considering it?" Ryuk answered with a creepy cackle. His voice made it seem like he was trying to draw Yamishi into this deal.

"Ryuk... Do you believe me to be ill? Maybe even dumb?" Yamishi replied harshly, yet with calmness in his voice. Like a scolding from an old monk.

"Kekeke, not at all. I didn't expect you to be tempted by such things.. Just like Light." The shinigami mumbled. 

'You always compare us, but am I not already more powerful than him?' Yamishi though in displeasure. Nevertheless, he continued, "Just tell me please."

"The Shinigami Eye deal allows a Shinigami to grant the human it is currently possessing Shinigami Eyes so that they can see the name and lifespans of other humans. In exchange for this power, the human gives the Shinigami half of their remaining lifespan. This is the deal kekekeke" Ryuk replied with a smile which reached from eye to eye. This smile was so large that it gave Yamishi a weird feeling.

"I see" was the simple reaction Yamishi had when faced with this deal. He would not take such a deal.

Of course, Misa could take on the shinigami eyes if she owned a note. But because she didn't, according to the rules of the death note, she wasn't able to receive the eyes of a Shinigami. Yamishi also subconsciously put this thought out of his mind due to his slight attachment to Misa.

"Ahh, this is such a pain," Yamishi sighed as he sat back in his chair, tired from writing names into the death note

****

Exchanging and writing on the Death Note between the gods of death is no problem.

****

Yamishi Yagami, a young talented student renowned for his intellect, runs into a Shinigami on his way home from school. 

The Shinigami looks to Yamashi with a look of intrigue...

"Are you as bored as I am?"

"Yes"

Little does Yamashi know that this shinigami has just found his new Kira


*Warning: includes scenes with sex, torture and violence. You have been warned.*

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