A guideline for authors who are new to the business, written by a fan and veteran webnovel reader. These tips are what I think shows the basic quality of a novel, apart from its story. 

Recently, lots of originals have been popping up, and I have noticed that while they have great potential and exciting storylines and settings, the good aspects are buried in errors that could easily be corrected.

Authors, please give it a read. Of course, you will have your own thoughts and difficulties following these guidelines, but I feel that by following as many as you can, your novel will be more liked. Thank you!

Fellow readers as well as Authors, please feel free to mention other tips I can add to this guide to make it more detailed. I am happy to listen to your opinions on changes that can be made to my current guide.

I'm actually a little doubtful there are people still here now... I mean, there's only two Original Works I even want to work on: Those being this and An Adventure Beyond Greatness! ...Though I feel kinda unmotivated when I'm writing by myself and there's no one to talk to. Life's empty these days...

There are times I'm motivated by 'Hey, there might be a comment the next time I post' and then I just wait for it, feel satisfied once I see it, then go write the next chapter because I feel some worth in spending my time writing a story for readers.

I've also tried working on a Gaiaverse RP Amino that has three works as it's foundation (Battlefield Restart, An Adventure Beyond Greatness, and An Identity Beyond Self, that are basically three different variants of Isekai) but don't have any experience in Role-Playing so I don't know how to write the Guidelines. I already made plans to write a fictional universe like the Gaiaverse but there's too little things I am able to do for it right now...

A lot of IRL stuff have been weighing down on my mind recently. I'm not sure if I should be following the trends online to grab readers or just do as I want... Ah, I'm jealous of those who do as they want and don't question it like the characters I create. And also feeling inferior to actual authors...

Anyway, I find myself a better critic rather than writing my own works thanks to my very nitpicking nature acting up whenever I see a good story that only needs some improvements. There are those who I've seen give 'feedback' on stories online but why do I feel they miss the point of being a critic?

I've went around A LOT of websites that have to do with writing and in the end, I found there was one big example of what I mean on closer than I thought Discord. There was a chapter that ticked all my boxes and made me interested as a reader on top of it about its plot but in the end of the day all I saw was a 'feedback' telling this good writer that they 'made a mistake by not explaining the core conflicts and character's personality in-depth'.

This critique really made my head turn as I couldn't understand how they missed the point of the chapter as well as how 'not giving information that isn't needed right now' adds an air of mystique.

I mean, there's a difference between 'narrating' for your audience and 'telling them the details'. The former layers a story with emotions while the latter only make them this 'yep, this is happening now'.

After all, investment doesn't come from knowing the overall situation but the characters who draw intrigue. Question like: 'What are this man's intentions?' And 'Does this person actually mean what they say?' Are what adds subtext that shows that the writer is trusting their reader connect the dots that aren't outright stated in the story.

Of course, there's a difference between holding back information because you yourself don't have the answers and doing it because you have a plan for later. Even Professional Authors like the J.R.R Martin name drop organisations and places before going in-depth once they become relevant later.

What my point is that as long as you have a plan for later, it isn't NECESSARY to give all the information at once. If you summarise the story in the first chapter alone, what will you have for later?

It's like how badly the Cautious Hero Anime could have become if it only repeated its main gimmick without any flare later on (though if your story is based off nothing more than a gimmick then you should keep it as a short story rather than lengthening it for no reason). Instead it actually had a lot more elements that was explored later on.

My reason for going on and on about this is because I feel that there are too many with their critics aiming towards what they want to see later because it's interesting rather than if the written draft is good right now.

I know this sounds similar to what I wrote that time I quite this story which was basically 'I got harassed by people not knowing how to criticise a story properly' but I feel like it's still relevant now.

Well... That's all I got. Be sure to tell me if you guys want a rant or analysis on something and I'll add it to the list of numbered blogs in the Auxiliary Chapters. And you might want to tune in since a plot twist you kinda saw coming but didn't expect to happen will come up in the next few chapters.

The end of the 2nd Arc is near!

(Cover by Darkstar Dust)

This is a story I worked on ages ago that has been refined and edited by adding foreshadowing to events while also simplifying the power system better than before. This story can be considered a prequel to An Adventure Beyond Greatness as it takes place years prior to the events of that story.

Short Synopsis:
After retiring from the battlefield, my life became empty and lifeless. The regrets of my past haunt me in my sleep. Then a change occurred, a King from another world summoned me to fight for his kingdom, but I died even before I could give him my answer. Now, after a fake God allowed me to reincarnate (albeit imperfectly) with my memories intact, into a world filled with magic and swords.

Long Synopsis:
This is about a flawed protagonist who only knew to rely on others and not socialise who gets a second chance to change himself in order to live the life he aimed for in his past life. The narrator isn’t exactly trustworthy since it is purely in his bias perspective while other perspectives given by others fill in the blanks that he either leaves out or twists to suit the situation.

The story itself can be considered a parody of Isekai’s classic tropes which are given a sense of reality as time goes by. As there exists no ‘Demon Lord’, there is also no black and white, only characters opinions and counter-opinions throughout the story.

Alright here are the rules. I am a newbie author so no complaint about it being a crappy story.

Second I am from Europe and even thou I amusing Grammarly mistakes will be made be aware of that

Third I'm a high school first-year meaning I have a lot to take care of and do so if this gets dropped do not complain

This is a harem story so don't even try to dissuade me, I don't care, if you don't like it then stop reading

I am not a robot, I can not pump-out chapters I have a life and things to take care of any complaints about the release rate being slow will be ignored I frankly don't care about those comments as I will always put my personal life above writing chapters for you

I don't want any shit comments, you hear me? If you have a criticizing comment, a comment to help me improve or just generally a good comment then that's all right, but if you bullshit me for bullshit's sake then make sure to eat up that bullshit later I don't want it to stain my carpet

Also, I want all of you to read this and if you see any bullshit comments just point them to this chapter

Finally, this story was made from a flash and an inspiration, I was reading THE TRIALS: Path Towards Godhood and I saw FBI_B1TCH comment on how there are no Black Clover fics and he was right so I was like 'Well balls to the walls' and I wrote this so I don't have anything planned (except the general guidelines) so don't expect me to tell you about the plans for this fic course I have none I literally just make up stuff on the spot

With all that being said I do hope you enjoy this fic and that it reaches 100 chapters, I will try to release a chapter a week at least but no promises are made, I will also try to answer any questions you have in the author's notes so you better read that also there might be updates to these rules in the future

Finally, as a truly final paragraph, I will be doing mass releases depending on my mood, I might be happy or sad and that will determine not only the story but also the releases, and your comments influence that mood so as much as good comments can make more frequent mass releases bad comments garner punishment, such as not releasing for a week or so, so you better watch out

Adam is your typical average college student, he goes to school, he hangs out with his friends, and today is his lucky day. His friend made a friend of his sister go on a date with Adam and he is pumped for finally having a date. Unfortunately en route to the restaurant his fate turns grimm and he dies a horrible death. He wakes up sometime later in a standing position in front of a big bookshelf where a book comes flying down to him. It's the exact same scene as Black Clover, and boy oh boy, the power he is given is special. Now he has no choice or rather the power he acquired changed him and made it so that he has no choice but to get involved with the plot. Time to have some wild, wild fun.

At House of Zeus

Because of the tiring treadmill challenge, Zeus decided to postpone the night party for the CEOs last night which everyone had agreed.

"What are you doing? Why are you sharing our food with him?" Bernard exclaimed when he saw Shawn put some vegetable dish in a bowl and then gave it to Denver.

Dean grinned and said, "Don't be a killjoy flower boy. Can't you see our Bro is consistent? That's the persistent spirit of a man who is trying to get the approval of his in-laws."

"Have you ever been in love flower boy?" Ryu interrupted as he got more meat and vegetables Dean cooked for them.

Bernard almost choked on Ryu's question that made Shawn laugh.

He gave vegetables to Denver since his group was only eating meat the whole time, literally fried or boiled meats only. Gaby did not picked any vegetables for the stocking.

Zeus: "It's your second warning Shawn. I will only give you 3 warnings and if you still break any of my rules… Punishment will come your way…"

Bernard shook his head because Shawn seemed to not care at all.

Dean noticed Bernard's expression so he said with a wicked smile, "You know flower boy that's the power of love. You're willing to sacrifice yourself and give all you've got for the person you love…"

"Stop! For real??? Oh please Dean, you're creeping me out!" Bernard cried out and he saw Dean laughed at him.

Dean was intentionally bullying him. 

"So flower boy tell us, have you been in love?" Dean asked, still grinning.

"Of course I have! I only love one woman since childhood and she was snatched before I even start approaching her!" Bernard hissed.

"Oh really? Such a snail… Hmm, why don't you tell us more about it and let's see what I can do to help you." Dean said teasingly but suddenly paused for a while.

"Oh but before you tell us, I have a love story… a real love story I want to share. Then tell me if this will become a hit if we try to make a movie based on it." Dean suddenly blurted out of nowhere.

Xian who heard the conversation interrupted and said, "Let me hear it too and I'll tell you my opinion, if it can be a big movie hit or not."

The rest of the CEOs started to show their interest too.

Zeus: "All the housemates are informed that your next challenge will be an interesting one and all the rules and guidelines related to that challenge are kept in the store room. One of you please go and get it. Along with the rules you also have three sets of notebooks and pens, one for each team, that are to be used for only writing for the challenge. The task looks simple but I am sure it wouldn't be as simple when you start on it."

Zeus: "It would be an interesting task as it will show your creativity and I hope you all enjoy this task especially the person who talks too much inside my house."

All housemates turned their heads to Dean and the latter raised an eyebrow.

"What? I love to exercise my freedom of speech. You should all thank me since Zeus said it's a very interesting task." Dean responded defensively that made Bernard chuckle.

"So defensive and so guilty…" Bernard muttered mockingly.

Luke entered the living area with the rules book and notebooks and pens that he got from the store room.

Zeus: "So the task is each team will write a good story it could be based on real life or it could be just a fiction and tell that story in front of all the teammates. We will have an audience poll to decide which story would be best fit for a movie. It doesn't matter whatever genre you pick but give it a title. Whichever story won will be given a chance to be produced into a movie under Cooper Entertainment with the approval of Mr. Bernard Cooper of course and the winning group will win great reward. The winning team will be given a day off."


"Day off?" Murmured by the housemates.

Zeus: "Yes, a day-off where you can ask anything you wish for as long as I'm able to grant it then I will."

"Going out of your house!" Shawn, Ryu and Dean answered in chorus.

They heard Zeus' laughter…

Other housemates agreed to grant the winner a day out from the House of Zeus.

Zeus: "Alright then… A day off out of my house for the winning team. Each story should be of a duration of 15 to 20 minutes with no less or more than that. Because I will minus 30% from the total votes should the story is lesser or more than 15 to 20 minutes. The story will also be judged on the dialogues written and spoken, the plot, the originality as well as how well it is actually narrated."

"Before we start remove all the visible clocks in the living area. Why? Because one of the team will tell the story while the other three housemates will count the time manually to become an alarm clock once your teammate reaches 15 to 20 minutes time allowance for the story and you have to stop him, else the vote deduction will take place."


Dean's shoulders dropped and said, "What a stingy Zeus. But at least I will have the chance to tell a story, a great story none has ever told..."

"Yeah, it's your moment and I'm pretty sure Ryu and Shawn will be a clock like me since amongst us you are going to be the storyteller." Bernard commented sarcastically.

"I'll take your sarcastic words as a compliment instead flower boy. I'm in a good mood so listen well." Dean said then shifted his look to Ryu.

"Big Bro, I will tell the story of Auntie Cecile which is not a secret to us," Dean said in a voice enough for Shawn to hear.

"It's okay Dean. Mom won't mind. It's okay if we lose in this round, what matters is that you give justice to mom's real life story, not missing a single detail… She is a brave woman and her life must be an example for many young girls to overcome their worst times and live a life with full of hope." Ryu replied in full conviction.

This was the moment they've been waiting for. He should not miss a single detail.

This was their plan A and it was decided that Dean should tell the story because he was afraid to get emotional and ruin everything in case he be the one to narrate his mom's tragic story.

Zeus: "Alright, you all proceed in the living room and get ready, in thirty minutes we will start."

Untouchables team picked number 1 in the draw so they will have to do the 'Tell Me Your Story' challenge first.

"Don't distract me while I do a summary on this story." Ryu said seriously as he began to outline and write the important details that Dean must not forget to narrate.

After hours of writing...

Zeus: "Housemates are you ready? Dean sit in the center couch and tell us the story your team has decided to share."

Dean began with his introduction and said, "alright this story which I will narrate is based on the real life story of my Uncle and Auntie, my Big Bro's parents. Me and Big Bro Ryu decided to entitle it as -Waiting For You-"

He let out a deep sigh, looked at Ryu then at Shawn where he paused and began to narrate everything…

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Support the author by donating at:
paypal.me/eustoma 
OR 
https://ko-fi.com/eustoma

Kindly read this novel at WEBNOVEL site only. Link:
https://www.webnovel.com/book/12591236105024705/The-CEO-Who-Hates-Me

The meanest person to you could sometimes be the one who loved you the most...
---

Arya Tan made a reckless decision because of a desperate situation. She had to disappear from his sight to save her loved ones. In return, she vowed to repay the debt she owed him if they were to meet again.

Ryu Ken gave his heart to only one woman.
But that woman left, broke his heart and hurt him. So, he vowed to find her, despite how long it would take. He would give her the punishment she deserved.

======
Excerpt:

"Leaving already? You seem to be in such a rush to talk to me. Why don't you spill it out now?"

Stunned, Arya wondered if she was hallucinating. The voice was very familiar. Her mind was spinning; she thought he sounded like Ryu. Then it occurred to her that the anger she was feeling might just clouding her judgment.

She abruptly shook her head and declared, "It's okay, I can wait outside. Dress first and let's talk after that. Call the reception once you are ready."

She heard the man chuckle as if amused, a familiar sound that made her turned around. She gasped when she almost bumped into a man's wet chest.

"Um sorry, you sound familiar." She said slightly, bowing her head to hide her flushed face.

She felt the man's arm encircled her waist while she was abruptly pulled towards him.

He then leaned forward and scornfully whispered into her ear, "Aren't you here to negotiate? I was hoping you had a better offer."

Arya frowned and abruptly pushed the man, attempting to get away from him. Instead, she was pushed back until she could feel her back pinned against the wall.

She tilted her head to look up at the rude man and was left with open-mouthed looking at a familiar face.

She was shocked but mumbled, "Ryu?"

Ryu smirked and stared at Arya's slightly opened lips and said, "Did you miss me? How about this?"

Before Arya can utter another word, Ryu captured her lips abruptly and kissed her roughly.

Arya felt the familiar lips that were deeply probing hers. It was the familiar conquering lips that, for six months, she had missed terribly.

The kiss that made her legs weak. They trembled slightly. Butterflies fluttered from her throat down to her stomach, sending a shiver through her core.

This was the kiss she had been longing for her entire life.

[Warning: novel is r-18]
=============
Author's Note:

Hope you enjoy reading this ORIGINAL novel of mine (It's absolutely a happy ending! Author hates sad ending!). 

If you like the story and would love to support the author personally, you may send donations to the ff:

Buy me a Coffee --
https://ko-fi.com/eustoma

Paypal Account --
paypal.me/eustoma

Many thanks in advance for your support.

With Lots of Love,
EUSTOMA_reyna

P.S. My Other Hate & Love Series (Standalone book):

The CEO Who Hates Me (completed)
The General Who Hates Me (completed)
The Doctor Who LOVES Me (completed)
Loving A Heartless Lawyer (in writing)

contact me at:

Discord Link:
https://discord.gg/PNGkTUy

Facebook Page: @eustoma.reyna
twitter: @EUSTOMA_reyna
instagram: eustoma_reyna

fyi. cover is mine; commissioned art by Shanart

Book Title: Return of the Cold Hearted Empress

Author: Ahce Darato Torres

Date Published: July 4, 2020

Book Status: Ongoing

---

COPYRIGHT © JULY 2020

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book should be reproduced, distributed, and transmitted in any form;

1. Copying and publishing to another novel application/ websites/ social media apps for the intention of offline reading purposes,

2. Copying and printing hard copies for offline reading,

3. Recording or screen capturing shots, and

4. Making unauthorized soft copies using html/ notepad/ pdf/ word document, or other electronic and non-electronic saving methods.

This book should not be translated in other languages and published in other sites without prior knowledge and proof of permission from the author, Ahce Darato Torres.

Exceptions:

1. Direct quoting a few lines from the book for critical/ literary reviews,

2. Direct quoting a few lines with right credits to the author/ references, and

3. Direct quoting for a 'hugot' post or for certain noncommercial use permitted by the copyright law.

---

Disclaimer.

This is a work of fiction.

1. Names

2. Characters - portrayals, description and detailed characterization

3. Business Ideals - products, details mentioned and process description

4. Settings - locales, imagery of scenes and scenic visualization

5. Events - celebration, ritual events, incidents/ accidents

6. Story Plot Sequencing - Chapter Conceptualization

Are either a product of the writer's unfathomable imagination and/ or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual entities (a person; living or dead/ mythical creatures, animals, and supernatural beings) and all of the things included above are purely coincidental.

---

Story Description:

She is a legendary figure who dominates business and reigns military power. With an ancient ring in her hand, she became prodigiously gifted at almost everything, but pity that she bears a curse of never falling in love. Envied by many, she is trap in a loveless family whose members maim her wings and force her to early death. However, her soul is summoned in the body of a heavily poisoned good-for-nothing miss whom everyone despises and plotted-against.

Now that she has taken over, who dares to bite her back?

Wherever she walks danger and miracles follow! Accepting a new life in another era fills her journey with endless adventure, there she meets several powerful figures who become her closest allies and help her discover the truth about her mysterious death.

---

Co-author(s): None 

Editor(s): None

Translator(s): None

Country: Philippines

Region X: Cagayan de Oro City

---

Writer's Social Media accounts (you can follow, DM, or support me through and negotiate about the book); 

- Facebook Official Account: Ahce Darato Torres (Aceyoung)

- Instagram: Ahce Darato Torres (@9ahcedaratotorres9)

- Twitter: Ahce Darato Torres (@999aceyoung999)

- Wattpad: Ahce Darato Torres (@9AhceDaratoTorres9)

- Webnovel: 9ahcedaratotorres9

(Ps: My accounts have the same profile picture so it's not hard to distinguish.) 

---

(Letter to the Readers)

Dear Readers,

Greetings to my beloved readers, I just want to thank you for giving this book a chance to be heard. It has been a few months since Covid19 wreaked havoc around the world, tucking us into our homes for safety and security. I am delighted to be able to write and present such odd Ancient-Chinese themed novel to all of you. I know somehow most people around my age and younger are bored at home, so might as well motivate everyone to read and enhance their reading comprehension/ critical thinking skills. As an amateur Filipino teen writer I am not expecting so much from this book, but I can't help it, I want to be able to share a story to the mass and escape the world of reality for a while. Your reviews, comments and support are very much appreciated so don't forget to leave a note. I as a college student also want to improve my writing skills, so I'll thank everyone in advance. And I just want to remind everyone to avoid plagiarism, let's respect people's property and just enjoy reading, get lost in the world of imagination and have fun.

Please keep yourselves safe and follow WHO guidelines.

Love lots,

Ahce

She is a legendary figure who dominates business and reigns military power. With an ancient ring in her hand, she became prodigiously gifted at almost everything, but pity that she bears a curse of never falling in love. Envied by many, she is trap in a loveless family whose members maim her wings and force her to early death. However, her soul is summoned in the body of a heavily poisoned good-for-nothing miss whom everyone despises and plotted-against.

Now that she has taken over, who dares to bite her back? 

Wherever she walks danger and miracles follow! Accepting a new life in another era fills her journey with endless adventure, there she meets several powerful figures who become her closest friends and help her discover the truth about her mysterious death.

Chapter one: 

[4 years later...]

In a dark, desolate room a girl roughly pulled her covers over her head. Her fists clenched tightly together as tears flowed down her face.

  'Why.. why... why!' Kept echoing in her head without ending. She clearly just read that the book would have a happy ending. But what happened! Nothing was more tragic than the chapter she recently read! 

   When she thought of the tragic end of her favorite character her eyes started to glow with malice. 'That author is the true villain!' How dare they kill her Feng Qi and leave those dogs alive!

  The girl flung off the cover and sat up. 'No! It won't end like this.' Her eyes flashed with determination as she stood up from her bed. 

Meng yin, an online author, had been reading 'Defying Moonlight" for three years while waiting for the Korean translations of the story. Finally her impatience even drove her to learn Chinese so that she can complete the story.  

For someone with nothing else to do like Meng, it was quite easy to learn a language, however she was lazy by nature. Therefore, to get her to push herself it took quite a lot. Yet... it ended in such an idiotic way.

No! She would kidnap the author and force them to change this! After all, such a huge flaw cannot be ignored. A demented spark entered her eyes. He will not and absolutely cannot die!

She stumbled toward the door only to reach it and stop in her tracks. With a violently shaking hand, she reached out toward the handle, the cold metal sent chills through her skin. Meng's entire being was telling her to turn the handle, however she couldn't. 

Her eyes became downcast and her hand dropped listlessly by her side. She hadn't stepped out of her apartment for so long that even the thought of going outside terrified her. Even for him, she was hopeless.

Meng slowly dragged herself toward her computer and dropped down in the chair. Her two pale hands slowly reached toward the key board. 

 After the end of the novel, Meng wasn't able to cope.  Feng Qi, the villain in the novel, was her only escape from her cruel reality. He, just like her was someone who saw the truth about the world around them and refused to be apart of it. 

Meng took the route of just shutting it all out and using books to make her own world. While Feng Qi took the more dangerous route of trying to change the world into a better one. One without sects and their rules or any other boundaries that could exist. He wanted equality to be based on strength and knowledge rather than alliances and money. 

  Because of his ideals, royalty hated him and because he was royalty, the commoners didn't like him. Yet, he still he never swayed from his path. When he was left without anywhere to go he still did not give up. 

Sadly after all of the torture and disappointment, he turned insane and decided that the only way to change the world was to rebirth it.  

   Meng could feel his desperation through the novel and his anguish when he was killed. He tried to save the world but not once did anyone try to save him! 

  Tears fell down Meng's face as she opened the discussion board and typed in a comment. 

EmperorFQ: [Thank you author for making someone called Feng Qi. Your novel gave me life when nothing else could. It pushed me to start writing and even when everyone thought my novels were too depressing to read, I continued doing so. I pushed myself because I thought if Feng Qi could survive all of the hatred thrown at him than why can't I? But, now I realize that none of it mattered. Feng Qi didn't change anything and neither can I.] 

Meng turned away from the screen while wiping her eyes and prepared to go back before a ping sounded from her computer. Her eyes opened wide when she saw that she had been mentioned in a message. 'They responded?'

Opening the message, a sense of wariness formed in Meng's heart.

The Monk: [The story is very bad isn't it? Unfortunately, it is outside of my guidelines to fight against fate. If you want to save Feng Qi, would you like to give it a try?]

Meng stared at the cryptic message, unable to decipher what it meant. Was the author messing with her??? 

Too tired to find out Meng, turned off the computer. She didn't want to fight anymore. If she couldn't take the author hostage and force them to change the book in real life what sense did it make to argue with them over a discussion board.

With that Meng turned off the computer and stood up. Her eyes were empty as she walked back to the desolate twin bed in the middle of the floor of her small room. Lying down, she closed her eyes with the feeling that tomorrow she won't be waking up.

Meng Yin, a shut in, dies of a broken heart when the author of a novel kills off her favorite character. She wakes up as a mob character of that very same novel called Ru Gu Meng. 

Realizing that she had transmigrated in the same novel of the character who gave life to her horrible world, she swears to make sure that this time he won’t be the one that dies. Reborn as a princess of a lowly kingdom, Meng has to dig herself up through political turmoil and murderous sect’s to protect the only light she has left. 

Follow Ru Gu Meng into a mystical world of cultivation, demons, and magic. Where she uses her intellect, power, and instinct to carve a way for the person she will always protect. 

No matter the cost, those who harm the one’s she protects will die!

———————————————————————

*Main character is not sane at all at the first part of the story due to extreme child abuse. Therefore while reading the story please keep that in mind if she accidentally or meaningfully murders some people or acts wildly.

*The main character does not start out smart as she is literally a shut in who has only been outside a few times in her entire life. 

*Release: Book is being edited.

*Picture does not belong to me.

*Tags:

[Femaleprotagonist] [Reincarnation] [Yandere] [AntiHero]

Book Title: Fated to Love You (命中註定愛你)
Author: Ahce Darato Torres
Pseudonym: AhceSthirteen
Date Published: May 19, 2020
Book Status: Ongoing
---
COPYRIGHT © MAY 2020
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this book should be reproduced, distributed, and transmitted in any form;
1. Copying and publishing to another novel application/ websites/ social media apps for the intention of offline reading purposes,
2. Copying and printing hard copies for offline reading,
3. Recording or screen capturing shots, and
4. Making unauthorized soft copies using html/ notepad/ pdf/ word document, or other electronic and non-electronic saving methods.
This book should not be translated in other languages and published in other sites without prior knowledge and proof of permission from the author, Ahce Darato Torres.
Exceptions: 
1. Direct quoting a few lines from the book for critical/ literary reviews,
2. Direct quoting a few lines with right credits to the author/ references, and
3. Direct quoting for a 'hugot' post or for certain noncommercial use permitted by the copyright law.
---
Disclaimer.
This is a work of fiction.
1. Names
2. Characters – portrayals, description and detailed characterization
3. Business Ideals – products, details mentioned and process description
4. Settings – locales, imagery of scenes and scenic visualization
5. Events – celebration, ritual events, incidents/ accidents
6. Story Plot Sequencing – Chapter Conceptualization
Are either a product of the writer's unfathomable imagination and/ or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual entities (a person; living or dead/ mythical creatures, animals, and supernatural beings) and all of the things included above are purely coincidental.
---
Story Description:
She was a legendary figure, a genius neurosurgeon, a renowned lawyer and one of pillars of wildlife conservation. Her brainpower was too horrifying that the government saw her as an imposing threat to their jurisdiction. One day Feng Jiang Lei was sent to work for diplomatic relations with the terrorists and deal with the aftermath of risking her life to fulfill her duty. It could have been successful, but she was assassinated and died by the hands of her childhood best friend. Remembering that no matter how important a person is to you, there will come a time that love will abandon and betray you.
He was the son of an affluent technological expert, a professor from Harvard University and the heir to AdTech-Space Developers Corporation. Professor Qin Xue Rong spearheaded the expedition to Jupiter and ventured the lands of the unknown yet one night the great red spot appeared without warnings, thus putting everyone at risk. He could have saved his life, but he sacrificed his own to save his people and send them back to earthly safely. He was then sucked by the storm, bringing with him was a 17-Petaflop Titan Supercomputer and Valkyria the most advanced space humanoid robot.
But the gods seemed to have different plans. Two lost souls with untimely death were fated to meet in the era of the past and change the mistakes of the history. One became the wicked and outrageous miss who was banished to the mountains as the star of destruction. While the other was the fool who was stripped from his noble title and left to rot in the forest. Despised and plotted against, will they survive the test of time?
"What are you inventing hubby?" she asked
"A cultivation booster for my wifey!" he answered
"Will we get richer?" she asked again
"Indeed the richest!" he answered and kissed her forehead gently.
---
Editor(s): None
Translator(s): None
Country: Philippines
Region X: Cagayan de Oro City
---
Writer's Social Media accounts (you can follow, DM, or support me through and negotiate about the book);
- Facebook Official Account: Ahce Darato Torres (@Thirteen)
- Instagram: Ahce Darato Torres (@ahcesthirteen)
- Twitter: Ahce Darato Torres (@AhceSthirteen)
- Wattpad: Ahce Darato Torres (@s_ahce_thirteen)
- Webnovel: sahcethirteen
---
(Letter to the Readers)
Dear Readers,
Greetings to my beloved readers, I just want to thank you for giving this book a chance to be heard. It has been a few months since Covid19 wreaked havoc around the world, tucking us into our homes for safety and security. I am delighted to be able to write and present such odd Ancient-Chinese themed novel to all of you. I know somehow most people around my age and younger are bored at home, so might as well motivate everyone to read and enhance their reading comprehension/ critical thinking skills. As an amateur Filipino teen writer I am not expecting so much from this book, but I can't help it, I want to be able to share a story to the mass and escape the world of reality for a while. Your reviews, comments and support are very much appreciated so don't forget to leave a note. I as a college student also want to improve my writing skills, so I'll thank everyone in advance. And I just want to remind everyone to avoid plagiarism, let's respect people's property and just enjoy reading, get lost in the world of imagination and have fun.
Please keep yourselves safe and follow WHO guidelines.
Love lots,
Ahce

Previously on Writer's Chatgroup…

LickMyShoes: What you write impacts the reader and it is an author's responsibility to know what kind of message their novel is giving out to others.

Sleepis4theWeak: True. But, it is the reader's own decision to be influenced or not. Either way, both have responsibilities and own mind.

Murakami Takai: Our brains seek out the "lesson" that is told through story. And if that "lesson" is saying, "**** is good and normal and you should do it," then go figure.

Mr.DropDeadSexy: That's like saying it's a child's own decision to do drugs when their parents are both drug addicts.

CoolGuySan: People are influenced by things we have no control over.

Mr.DropDeadSexy: It's not just ****, but pedophilia as well.

CoolGuySan: Like reaaally shitty.

Mr.DropDeadSexy: If a pedophile is exposed to a culture where pedophilia and **** are normalized, a bunch of unfortunate kids are going to be needing therapy pretty soon.

Sleepis4theWeak: It is a shitty thing done by shitty people.

CoolGuySan: Also I know for a fact that younger audiences read here.

Mr.DropDeadSexy: Younger audiences are curious as well. You think an r-18 tag is gonna stop them? Of course not.

[A/N: It's true. If there are young authors, there are also young readers. The youngest author I know in the discord chatroom is around 13-14 years old.]

Sleepis4theWeak: Tagging of r18 doesn't help.

TrueDawn: Man r-18 content on WN should be removed.

Elyon saw the name and he knew that the time has come. Mod 'TrueDawn' has finally stepped in.

Murakami Takai: Oh boy.

Mr.DropDeadSexy: If you use "f*ck" more than once it's automatically rated R.

SpicyGinger: Author responsibility? Srsly? Then what about those famous stories where the protagonist commits suicide and it ends with that? Is it promoting suicide? Is the author wrong?

Mr.DropDeadSexy: By most country guidelines 'Glorifying' suicide is a huge problem.

TrueDawn: *sigh* Guys. 

Mr.DropDeadSexy: When 13 Reasons came out, there was huge outrage.

Truedawn: Just stop this discussion.

SpicyGinger: That's just a wrong pov…

Mr.DropDeadSexy: Many psychologists said it was incredibly problematic and never should've been released.

Truedawn: I don't want this to become an argument between which one is better. I do agree that glorifying things that shouldn't be glorified is wrong. Like suicide, ****, pedophilia and so on.

SpicyGinger: In a story for kids... sure there is responsibility... but for an adults work... the writer can depict whatever he wants.

Truedawn: Plus authors should really think of what they're giving to readers. r-13, r-16, r-18 it doesn't stop young people from reading it at all even adults get affected.

CoolGuySan: Honestly they're just bigger kids with bigger problems.

SpicyGinger: @CoolGuySan But they are adults. They can make their own decisions.

CoolGuySan: Adults don't always make the right decisions.

Zenith: Neither sides are totally innocent or totally guilty. 

WWfire: Can we stop? This is why censorship is a debate. *facepalm emoticon*

Zenith: It's a choice from either sides.

Truedawn: People have their own beliefs and it's not our fault if they believe in that or not. Mr.DropDeadSexy, SpicyGinger, stop. Let's just all calm down. 

Elyon sighed as he read the comments. Truedawn has drawn the line and it means that the discussion has come to an end. The authors also want to change the subject. CoolGuySan decided to initiate the change and threw some random topic to start a new discussion. 

CoolGuySan: U've all seen endgame?

Truedawn: Nope.

Mr.DropDeadSexy: Endgame was trash the end.

CoolGuySan: What? Y? *cry emoticon*

Zenith: Lel. I liked it.

Truedawn: I heard Antman entered Thanos' ass was that true?

[A/N: That would really be interesting if it happened.]

Mr.DropDeadSexy: It would've been better if he did.

Truedawn: aww anyways for Ironman.

Zenith: It was more like a tribute to fans than an actual movie.

Mr.DropDeadSexy: The amount of plotholes in endgame — some writers in this discord could've done a better job.

CoolGuySan: Anyway u guys read any good novels lately?

Elyon: Yes, mine. Shamelessly promote own novel lmao.

Zenith: @CoolGuySan Yeah. I was reading my novel. I usually don't say the truth so loud.

CoolGuySan: My short attention span is my biggest problem honestly.

WWFire: Me, a student trying to save money, didn't watch, Black Panther and Endgame *derp emoticon*

Truedawn: Me, no money, can't watch hence.

Elyon: Why would you watch black panther when you have pink panther?

The discord chatroom resumed their happy go lucky ways and another episode has ended…or was it?

-------------------------------------------
A few days passed since that heated debate on the Writer's Discord Chatroom. Elyon was curious and asked the other authors who were not present during that debate the question "What is a Story?" The answers he got were quite tame, compared to the ones he had back then.

Elyon: What is a story to you as an author? *points imaginary microphone to a baby dragon*

Zehel2218: For me as a reader, novel is everything that makes me want to live on.

Cultivator_Requiem: But a story can be a ship to another world! Or a message from the past! Or a stupid creation of a 11-year-old edgy kid!

Longsun Fullmetal: There are many different forms of a story. All of them with a different purpose and goal. Some of them merely seek to entertain, others wish to send a message. 

Some are about inspiring while others seek to cause specific emotions of the readers, Many stories were made by people who are disappointed with the "real world", reflecting what's happening around them inside their story, maybe wishing to escape it or suggesting a solution to the world's problems. The list is endless.

There are so many different types of stories we could keep this up all day honestly. But I think we can agree on one thing. A story is either enjoyable or not.

[A/N: Oooof! I had to dig for your "epic comment" Longsun.]

Elyon: Too hardcore.

Zehel2218: @Longsun Fullmetal Nice one.

Sleepteddy: I need to improve my English, for the sake of my reader's health.

Adorable miaomiao11: Me too.

Murakami Takai: me 3.

Zehel2218: me 4.

[A/N: me 5. ]

Mishak: Stories are escape from reality.

Cultivator_Requiem: But there is one thing that is not part of a good story, FILLERS.

-------------------------------------------
Author's Thoughts

When I decided to start writing Writer's Chatgroup, this particular episode on the discord chat made a deep impression on me. If I remember correctly, It was just a week after I joined the server.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. It is their right, their choice and something that they need to decide on their own. Most of the time, arguments and debates are often caused by conflicting opinions. 

Even outside the boundaries of the discord chatroom, these conflicts happen. One good example of this is voting for politicians (President, Senators, etc.) You'd be surprised that sometimes your friends, family, relatives, classmates, acquaintances, co-workers (name it you have it!) will not always agree with you on your choice of candidates.

There are times when you get "heated discussion and debates" on why this particular politician is good, why he/she is bad, so on and so forth~

So why am I telling you this stuff? Mmm, it's because I don't want the authors of the discord chatroom to kil- *cough* I don't want the readers to judge their favorite authors for voicing their opinions and beliefs. 

We as authors write our stories so we can pass a message to you, so we can entertain you, so we can give you something to do when you're bored and have free time to spare. 

In turn, we get happy if people read our stories. Just like what the author PoeticPenguin shared in a comment in one of the chapters of Writer's Chatgroup.

"I can't make someone laugh so I have defaulted to make my readers interested. Also, I wholeheartedly agree with you. A comment is basically 300 dollars plus bragging rights. Wait no, more than that. It's also a glimpse of heaven on earth."

~PoeticPenguin

So my beloved readers, please give us that $300 plus bragging rights. It helps pay the bills and make both of us happy. It's a Win-Win for everybody!

--------------------------------------
Meet and Greet some of the aspiring authors of WebNovels!
Discord Chatgroup : https://discord.gg/sBHSFVm

Have you ever wondered what your favorite Authors in Web Novels do during their free time? Don't forget that Authors are humans too and they have their own quirks and opinions. 

How can those Domineering CEO's that you love to read even compare to the manliness of our drop dead gorgeous authors who cries like little babies when they are stressed out and can't write anything due to Writer's Block!? Cultivation Chat Group can't even compare! 

Join our fearless Author Elyon as he show you a world filled with Frustrations, Stress, Anxiety, and Procrastination! 

WELCOME to The Webnovel Writer's Chatgroup!
--------------------------------
Meet and greet some of the aspiring authors of Webnovels. Join us on discord!
 https://discord.gg/sBHSFVm

P.S The Cover Drawing is not mine. I just find it nice so I used it. Full credits go to the owner.

It is another work day.
 Mystery or no, I still have a work to do. After that article, I think I managed to make my point clear. None should ever dare cross me. In my journalism clothes of slacks and blouses, I have to put on another covering of trench coat to keep me warm. Outside my apartment awaits freezing cold wind all around. I can't stand that. With the clouds being gray, I can't help but be gray as well. 
 As I walk the pavements towards city center, I see cars slowing down. Cars all around begin honking each other's horns with no regard whether or not they should be honking it in the first place. It went as far as a creation of a traffic jam. Must be a car accident up ahead. I follow the heavy traffic flow all around me to find the source of this. I hear passers-by speculating the source of this, but none give a coherent answer.
 As I draw closer to the source, I could hear some person speaking one's heart from a megaphone.
 "Down with the RSC! Resign Raphael Concepcion! We will not stand for the abuses we suffered under your grasps! Stop contractualization! Enforce worker's safety!"
 That's when I understood what's going on – a rally. I look up ahead, and there it is. The striking RSC headquarters with its monogram logo and towering building of sorts. I know I'm still a kilometer away from the rally itself, but I could already hear the words clearly as it is. Even the passers-by comment.
 "Bullshit! You are only causing traffic. Rallies don't even work! This should be illegal."
 "We have work to do too, you know! If you really want worker's safety, you should just get to work and let us have our safety!"
 Another common scenario with the rallies. People think about themselves more rather than the problem itself. It's a pity that this is the scenario. Different figures are surrounding me –the oppressed, the oppressor, and the spectator. The spectator is even divided into two – the ones that care and the ones that don't. I have to fight my way through the crowd to even get closer. I can't believe that such a rally would cause this amount of traffic. The traffic jam all around created grid locks at the intersections and exits. 
 At the center, I could already see the source. Workers in white surround a woman standing in a soap box. From over here, I cannot see who it is, but it is clear to me that she fights the same rights.
 "Let us have proper work hours! Let us have proper working conditions! Let us have proper wages! We are the core of your company, Raphael Concepcion! Not you! You don't even have the guts to name your successor! Assure us that we have a future. Our jobs depend on you!"
 All around me are people holding placards of their advocacies. Yes, it had to be written in blue for it is the color of the Concepcions. Clearly, this is a peace rally. Not a single policeman dare interfere. Some say it is illegal, but it is not. If it is, this would have ended already. 
 Even though the crowd is sweating in the heat, they stand their ground with their picket signs. Unlike the misconception tv shows had spread, rallies are not noisy at all. The only one that is noisy is the speaker. All the others are silently holding up their picket signs. 
 Silently, I pull my camera out. Hey, I did not know a story is going to come my way in some form. As I was about to click my camera, it happens. 
 A man pulls me from my chest and mouth away from the rally and into the foliage behind me. It all happened so fast. I did not even have the time to scream. This man pulls me tightly to the point that I can't even do anything to see who it is. As I try to wrangle my way out of this, he only strangles me tighter. At first, all I see is the foliage, but soon enough, the sun once again shines, and we are back on the streets.
 Before I could process the thoughts of where he intends to bring me, I hear a car open behind me. As I was about to look back, he tosses me inside and slides the door shut. Turns out that it was not a car – it's a van. 
 "Ms. Aguinaldo, good morning."
 Before I could speak my heart, someone already greeted me in kind regard. I'm already tired of hearing a woman I have never seen threatening me. Unfortunately, this time, it's no woman. It's a man. I look up to see that it is Raphael. He sits so calmly with his smug of a face as he drinks his morning tea. 
 "Are you crazy, Raphael Concepcion!" I exclaim. "I was just taking a picture of the rally! I – "
 "And you were intending to write a story on this," he interrupts firmly. He only rubs the point clear by drinking another sip from his tea. I don't understand this man. How could he drink tea as he watches a rally unfold before him? 
 "I don't have time for this!" I look behind me to see if I could get out, but there is that man that pulled me away. He stands at the door as if he would guard me from running away.
 "I have the doors guarded, Ms. Aguinaldo," he says clearly. "Just take a seat and listen. It will not take long."
 And that's when I realize I'm still on the floor. Raphael's henchmen just tossed me on the floor of this van without regard. So, this is the situation of journalists in this country – just some rag doll that can be tossed on the floor. I lift myself off the ground and sit near him. Clearly, he's not letting me out until I listen to what he has to say.
 "Why the hell did you kidnap me?" I ask bluntly. "I just passed by the rally. I had no tip from anyone to tell me that this happening." 
 He takes another sip of his tea. Turns out that it was the last sip. He hands the cup to his front-seat driver and wipes his mouth of the remaining tea. "It doesn't matter, Ms. Aguinaldo. This rally happened quickly without my prior knowledge. Soon enough this will be the headlines of every news outlet. If not Lucia City Times, it will be AMC TV breaking news. I know. This is how it goes." He then looks around to investigate the situation. It turns out that if I were to walk (or be pulled) into the greenery, it would lead me to the city highway leading to Lucia City Times Headquarters. The highway, of course, is in grid lock due to the rally. Cars are even honking impatiently.
 "I will not stop you in writing an article about this," he says to me. "Clearly, that's way past pleading point now. Even if I beg you to do so, another outlet will write about this. All I wanted is to talk to you. The RSC is no stranger to protests, but let me tell you this. The moment that you wrote those articles, it was that moment that caused my workers to rise against me. They were treated well enough by law. We followed proper guidelines. This is just a paid rally – a paid rally that traces back to you. Had you not written a thing; they have nothing to rally behind. Your article served as a first shot for my competitors to use against me. And now, these allegations of worker's safety violations come about. The sad thing is, the only thing true about this rally is me refusing to name an heir. And, surely, you have complete knowledge of that."
 Something tells me that he is lying. He knows that he cannot beg me to stop writing, but he can lie his way out of it. Then again, I look deep into his eyes. It was as if it is telling the opposite of my suspicion. It says that he speaks true. I know him to hate me with a full heart, but he just hates the idea of class mixing. Right now, it has nothing to do with that. It is about him saving his company by begging a lowly journalist.
 Unfortunately, my mind rules over my heart. "I don't believe you, Mr. Concepcion. Besides, you can pay all the news outlets not to write anything about this. It has been done once, with regards to the whole dead heir scenario of the dela Ramas. Why not this rally?"
 "Because, unlike that dead heir problem, this affects thousands of people," he responds back, not even raising his voice. "Not even thousands. It reaches millions. Rosanna, millions of people use the products that we make. Telecommunications play a big role in a modern society. Once they found out that a company's products are made by violating workers' rights, it will cause a massive boycott. It is enough to destroy my company.  It is also a great story for you, journalists.  I can't pay all of them. The cost outweighs the benefits that these news outlets will get from releasing a story."
 "Then just name an heir," I respond, logically enough. "Simple as that. Pull up a piece of paper, write a name, sign it, and notarize it. Easy as that."
 He just laughs at my suggestion. "No, Ms. Aguinaldo. I cannot do that. My groomed heir is dying. I'm running through my list of possible heirs and I have no more options."
 "Then just name your adopted daughter."
 "I can't name her. She cannot be my heir."
 "Why is that? Afraid of violating the law? The law leaves space for you to name her. You misread it."
 "It's not about the law, Rosanna. It's about the legacy situation. Chloe is not my daughter by blood. Blood plays a big role in this situation. If I name her, it will not look good for the investors. Plus, she's a doctor, not an engineer or IT. That's what made Romy Felizar a good candidate. He's an engineer and my cousin."
 "What about your illegitimate children? Name them! Or, you are just afraid of damaging your reputation, aren't you?"
 "That I don't deny. I made my share of mistakes, Rosanna, and naming an illegitimate child is the last thing I want right now. They may have their claims, but I cannot give the RSC to them. I'd rather name a lateral line than any of them. And, in any case, I have no more options. An illegitimate claim also does not look good for the future of my company."
 He made me fall into silence. All this time I have been cursing Raphael Concepcion's name, but he is just a victim as I am a victim. There is so much I do not understand in the world of the elite. Naming an heir is not as simple as one-two-three. 
And suddenly, from my side, the front-seat driver hands me a cup of tea. I look up to him and take it gently. The driver does the same to Mr. Concepcion and hands him a cup as well. 
"Do drink it, Rosanna," Mr. Concepcion says calmly. "Normally, men would drink liquor to their hearts content. They say it makes them forget, but I don't want to forget. I want a peace of mind so I can think clearly. Pray God grants me knowledge on what to do with the inheritance situation. If only that girl is out of cancer and actually does things that make sense. She has not been acting as I expected her to do so within these past few years. It's a pity."
He takes another sip as he thinks. "Time is running short for me," he continues. "I do not expect to live long. I have my own share of chronic illnesses. I need an heir soon."
"But she isn't really an heir by blood, is she?"
"Oh, you know about that," he replies, in shock. "Sure, of course, you are her friend. I love her, Rose. She is not just a tool. It does not matter whether she is my daughter by blood. She is by paper. The law sees her as mine, and that is enough. It does not matter who her biological father is. And I do so believe that it is my fault why that situation happened. Had I not had my share of affairs early into our marriage, none of this would have happened. Who knew affairs would come biting me back in the arse?"
He laughs, and yet he looks dead inside. As I take a sip of his tea, I realize that the brew is far too strong for my taste. It might be because he's drinking too much that the regular tea leaves little effect on him. 
"Too strong, isn't it?" he notices as he takes his sip. "Apologies. I have been brewing mine a bit strongly lately. I believe you understand why. I just hope that you would act on my behalf, for my sake. Maybe, by then, I could drink tea normally."
 Act on his behalf. . .  So, he is indeed asking me not to write the story.

Lies, Betrayals, Wishes, Deceits, Murders, Wealth . . . such many things for an elite to have. 

Rosanna Aguinaldo, a self-made journalist, Rose into the world through hard work. For much of her life, she involved herself in the lives of the elite, thereby creating many questions in her mind. What mysteries do these people have? How can people mysteriously die, lose their inheritance, or conspire with one another?

---------------------------------------------------------

Release: On Hiatus

Chapter Length: +2000 words

Stage four terminal cancer in 2130 is the same as it was at any time in history.  Unless you have the money or a miracle handy, the end is near.  Darwen Kennon stared at his Aunt.  She had taken him in when his parents had died. 

Darwen had enjoyed hang gliding and was a decent guitar player, but the same car accident that claimed his parents also took his right hand.  The cancer was found while he was recovering in the hospital. Muri Tyler was his moms older sister, she waited until the doctor left before she sat down.  

"Darwen..."  She glanced at the door to make sure no one was close by.  "I think it might be time for you to stop fighting this."  

The rail-thin, twenty-year-old who had spent five years battling cancer, stared at his aunt in disbelief.  "Stop fighting?  Aren't there more treatments we can try?"  

Muri sighed heavily, "I'd have to sell some of the stocks your parents left me in order to pay for more treatments."  

"The stocks my parents left me you mean!"  Darwen's face was expressionless, he was too tired to frown.  He rubbed the stump of his right hand over his bald head.  

"Technically you signed them over to me when you signed the Power of Attorney."  The middle-aged woman lay a thin hand on his shoulder.  "We are family, right?  I'm going to need that money to live on after you are gone."  

A dull throbbing pain filled his ears, this is my life, he thought. "Push the table over here before you leave, I want to use the Heads up Display (Hud)."  

Muri nodded, "just relax and let it happen Darwen.  You are going to a better place."  She pushed the wheeled table over to the bed.  

"What if it's worse?" Darwen watched her leave and then activated the Hud.  "Looks like Exodus is in the news again."

WNN Report
Today former U.S. President Mitch Yonder became the 77th person to undergo the consciousness transfer technique.  The procedure was developed by HYLO corporation while using Live Test subjects as guinea pigs. After HYLO was shut down, Orion Media took over the technology, streamlining the process while setting up stringent guidelines.  At this time the procedure is mostly for the wealthy, the common person has no chance to take part.  

"Bastards... I don't want to die.  I DON'T WANT TO DIE!"  He shoved the table away from him sending it crashing into the wall.  

A few minutes later a nurse came in, "you are being moved Darwen."  

Darwen lay back on his pillow, "sounds good, I'm tired of this room."  They moved him every few weeks.  "Back to the third floor?"  

"Not this time, fourth floor."  The nurse helped him get into the wheelchair that she had brought in.  She wheeled him into the hallway and paused next to the elevator.  "Be right back Darwen, I forgot your paperwork."  She walked down the hall toward the nurse's station.  

The Elevator dinged and opened a moment later.  An old man wearing a brown suit and carrying an old briefcase held the door.  "Going down young man?"  

Darwen shook his head, "the fourth floor actually."  

The old man stared at him for a moment and then stepped out of the elevator.  "That's the hospice floor."  

Darwen felt a chill run down his back... no more treatments.  

The old man looked down the hall toward the nurse's station and then abruptly moved behind Darwen and started wheeling him down a side hall.  

"Hey... What are you doing?"  Darwen reached down to try and grab the wheel with his hand, he was incredibly weak nowadays, the wheelchair barely slowed.  

The old man pushed him into an empty room and closed the door behind them.  He stepped away from Darwen.  "Don't be alarmed, I have an offer to make you."  

Darwen stared at the old man, "go ahead, but if it is something crazy, I still have enough left to kick your old ass."  

The old man laughed as he sat on the bed.  "Have you heard of  Gaia?"  

Darwen nodded, "yes, lame name for an even lamer game." 

He thought back to what he remembered, it had been five years ago. Gaia had been a virtual world.  A massive undertaking that cost billions of dollars.  It was to be the next big VRMMO, like Guns & Gore or even TAP.  The world was breathtakingly beautiful, the attention to detail while world building was showcased in every preview video that was made public.  Tens of millions of people joined the first day with high hopes.  It was over inside of a month.  The inhabitants of the world were all hybrid-animals, part man and part beast.  That wouldn't be bad in itself, but they looked like stuffed children's toys.  The game was the brainchild of Michael Bentz, a genius developer, and a collector of stuffed animals.  It was so bad that Exodus disconnected it from their platform, relegating it to Virtual Wasteland forever.   The gaming world had laughed long and hard over Gaia.  It was still a punchline in many jokes today.  

"Michael Bentz was my grandson, he killed himself eighteen months after release."  The old man's eyes were shiny, Darwen could tell that this old man had loved his grandson.  

"I'm sorry sir, I meant no disrespect."  Darwen knew that no one would feel this way when he died. 

"The world is still developing and evolving.  I've put aside a vast amount of capital to ensure that it never shuts down."  The old man looked at Darwen shrewdly, "you don't want to die." 

"No... I don't want to die."  

"Then listen to my offer.  One time deal, I will have your consciousness transferred to Gaia."  The old man stopped after the sentence, glancing at the young man for a reaction.

"Are there any users playing?"  As Darwen understood it, it was no longer a playable game.  

The old man shook his head. "No, only the LAIs that were developed as NPCs."  

Darwen knew the term, TAP used something similar.  It stood for Low Artificial Intelligence.  It meant that each LAI had a similar capacity for intelligence as a normal person.  Some would be smart, some funny, others mean or nice.  It had revolutionized the Virtual World and caused the LAI virtual rights movement. The world had recognized the rights of LAIs.  

"I accept."  Darwen didn't hesitate, he was heading to hospice.  That was code for, keep you medicated until you die.  A world full of teddy bears might have sucked ass, but it was a step up from the deep, dark abyss.

********

The old man's name was Karl Bentz, he was ridiculously wealthy.  He paid off Darwen's Aunt, who happily never came to see him again.  A few days later a private ambulance picked him and drove him to a facility in upstate New York.

"Keep in mind, my grandson made sweeping changes in an attempt to improve the visuals.  He also removed much of the gameplay element so that the world would evolve properly."

Darwen was laying comfortable on a hospital bed, all sort of unidentified electrodes were hooked up to him.  "What does that mean?"  

"For starters, the time has been accelerated.  Since everything in a Virtual World is math based, speeding up, or slowing down progress is easily done. Michael mentioned that he adjusted it to three thousand scales."

"Meaning that in the last five years of real-time, 15 thousand years of evolution has occurred in Gaia?" 

Karl nodded at him, "yes, my Techie will slow it down to real-time divided by six."

"So standard Exodus time, a day in Gaia would equal four hours in the real world." Darwen had always wanted to play TAP, his parents had promised him an account when he was a bit older.     

"Also the streaming element still works, there is a server that will stream the videos.  But let's not kid ourselves, no one cares about Gaia."  The old man looked at his team of doctors, they were all giving him the thumbs up.

"I'll figure it out.  Any chance of others joining me?"  Darwen wasn't about to back down, in the three weeks since the offer had been made, his health had been steadily deteriorating.  

"No, the Virtual Storage is locked away underground in the middle of two thousand acres of forest land that I donated to the Federal government.  It's entirely run on of geothermal power and completely self-sufficient.  I've made sure that no one will ever disturb you."

"Okay, Sir..."  Darwen closed his eyes and steeled his nerves.  "Ready."  

"Best of luck to you young man. We will start the transfer after you finish the Character generation screen." Mike signaled his team to get ready. 

**********

System Processing...

Welcome to the Character Generation screen.

Your real body has been scanned, this is the preferred model.  However,
you are authorized to make certain changes.

Character Name: Darwen Kennon...Keep this name?

"Do I need a last name?  Let's go with my nickname, from when I use to have friends.  Kenzo.

The character is now designated as Kenzo.

Weight: 106 lbs..... Body Fat  2 percent...  Keep these values?

"Hell no, that's post-chemo weight.  Let's go with 175 lbs and 7 percent body fat."  

Anomaly discovered, the right hand is missing.  Do you wish to replace?

"Yes, a hand would be nice, thank you."  

All Changes are within acceptable parameters.

Height 5'11"  Hair Color... N/A    Hair Length: Bald  Eyes: Green..... Keep these values?

"No way, 6ft tall,  it sucked being just a bit under.  Hair Color is Black, start out with closely shaved." According to Karl, his hair would actually grow.  

Please choose three skills, two abilities, and a Profession.

Skills: Throwing

Abilities: Silver tongue

Profession: Engineer

"Throwing, Silver tongue and Engineer?  Is this bullshit? Where the hell are the rest of my choices? The hell am I going to do as an engineer?"

All choices have been completed.  Please Stand By.

"Hey, I haven't made any choices yet!"

*********

Roxanne Obrien was monitoring the Character Generation Screen, she was Karl's Techie. She frowned slightly at the character screen, many of the game elements had been removed by the developer.  She gave Karl the thumbs up. "He's all done, Mr. Bentz."  

"Thanks, Roxy,"  he looked at his team.  "Do it."  

****************

LAUNCHING IN            3....2....1...


Authors Note:
**********
Although this is technically an Exodus novel, I'm writing it as a stand-alone story that won't have any connection with TAP or any of the characters within Exodus.  I'm currently in the planning stage of Exodus: Guns & Gore which is an extensive project that is still in development.  Disconnected is just a story meant to keep my writing skills sharp. I'm hoping to start releasing Exodus: Guns & Gore next month.  
***********

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