In order to help their chief find a wife, the bandits kidnapped a woman from the bottom of the mountain in order to offer her up to him.... more>>

The chief of the mountain stronghold, Lu Cang falls in love at first sight with the absolutely stunning beauty!

However, on the night of the consummation... <<less

Pain, Pain, Go Away is a novel by Sugaru Miaki, also known as Fafoo, author of Starting Over and Three Days of Happiness. Unlike Miaki’s previous two books, Pain, Pain, Go Away is not a rewrite of any story posted to 2ch, but an entirely original one. ... more>>

The plot involves a young man who becomes a killer (by accident) – but his victim has the power of “postponement,” temporarily delaying her death. <<less

"Crossing over to a fantasy world of magic and battle auras, Lei Luo accidentally crossed over to the Xiluo Magic Academy and became a librarian. ... more>>

At the same time, he obtained a Sign-in System. He would receive various rewards if he signed in at different locations.

Signed in at the library and obtained [Top-grade Meditation Technique] from the treasure chest! Signed in on the Magic Guide Book and obtained [Magic Increase] from the treasure chest! Signed in on the Magic Stone Tablet and obtained [Forbidden Magic] from the treasure chest!

... Lei Luo unintentionally activated something that would completely turn his life around

He started signing in from the Magic Academy and slowly advanced from a Magic Apprentice to become the most powerful person in the Magic Academy. He led the Magic Knights that shocked the world to eliminate noble factions and fight against the invasion of the demon tribe. Changing the world began with him.

From a desolate small town to the lord of the world, he reignited the glory of an empire that had been down and out for a century." <<less

Ah……..she was married to a Marquis, yet he only had intent to treat her as a concubine not as his first wife, a princess (princess refers to a person’s first wife, it is a position of power among the wives and in the household). Now she overheard that he only married her for appearances sake?... more>>

It was just great! Not only was she forced to marry, she also lost her freedom. Since her husband was also unwilling to marry, they might as well not bother with each other…….

His newly wedded wife was so very strange!

A night before the wedding he caught her peeking shamelessly. She also demanded that the favor he owed her for having saved his life, two years prior in the desert was to not touch her?

Usually a wife would be sharing a husband with three or four other women. Thus they would be full of worry and trepidation, serving their husband to the best of their ability attempting to become the favourite and obtain the valued Princess position. Yet she actually tried to distance herself from him as much as possible. How was this a relationship?

Though it did not matter to him, for he long had the intention to separate himself from her, he was only marrying her because of the Imperial Edict after all. If he didn’t seize this golden opportunity then he was too dumb to deserve it.

Let her regret it!

She was very proficient in the art of Qi Huang. Even though this princess’ beauty wasn’t too outstanding, it wasn’t bad and her temperament was unquestionable. This Prime Minister’s Daughter even had a touch of feminine charisma. Her varying facial features made him forget about the other beautiful concubine completely and made him want to……..only care for her!?

Although he swore to the moon that he would not touch her, however tonight the night sky was cloudy……… <<less

The story follows the journey of a young man who transcends from a tribal youth to the leader of his tribe, and eventually becomes a prince in Novgorod.... more>>

Step by step, he navigates through the forests, grasslands, and myriad rivers of Eastern Europe, dispelling ignorance and establishing civilization. <<less

Senpai, I love you. Senpai, I love you. Senpai, I love you. Senpai, I love you. Senpai, I love you. Senpai, I love you. Senpai,... more>> I love you. <<less

He’s just a low-ranking deputy general and he’s a prince. They meet on the battlefield but it turns out to be the beginning of a complicated and beautiful story.... more>>

Murong Yu is a very confident man – until he meets Han Xin.

There’s nothing he cannot get; there’s nothing he cannot destroy.

To let live or not, is all up to him.

He is the future ruler of Great Yan and so it’s only natural that the world should bow down at his feet.

But he had never thought that one day he would lose control of it.

That even his own will would be uncontrollable.

Murong Yu can neither get nor destroy this prisoner of war.

Han Xin has never given a care about the world – until he meets Murong Yu.

He has never cared about anyone, nor has anyone cared about him.

It doesn’t matter if you’re alone or sad, as long as you can still laugh, life will go on.

He has learned long ago how to not question, how not to believe, how not to lose and how not to care.

Destiny’s uncaring teasing and humiliations have already become numb to him.

That’s right, he doesn’t have a care in the world.

Even if it’s this Prince Royal of Great Yan who’s started to warm up to him. <<less

Roselyn Bluebell was once called the Blue Rose of the Empire, but became embroiled in various scandals due to the intrigues of her stepmother and ex-husband.... more>>

Exhausted from enduring the rapidly changing circumstances and countless misunderstandings, she was approached by Prince Aiden, who extended his hand to her. However, she did not know if he was her salvation or not.

“I need a scandal to turn down the marriage proposal. After I’ve achieved my goal, there will be sufficient compensation.”

“You’re trying to make me a target for your arrows.”

“To put it bluntly.”

And the Prince, as arrogant as he was noble, had no qualms about picking on Roselyn's wounds.

“You have to be smart, Roselyn, to get what you desire.”

For Roselyn, who was cornered, the temptation to restore everything she had lost was too sweet, so much so that she deliberately ignored the fact that she might regret it.

Willingly, Roselyn took the Prince’s hand and decided to plunge into the fall.

***

Aiden slowly took her outstretched hand and lowered his head. His lips, which rested on the back of her hand, felt hot as if they would burn her. He whispered, pulling Roselyn’s hand hard as she panicked and tried to withdraw it, “You will have to get used to skinship with me by this time.”

“Why, why…?”

“Because a lover in love should not be startled by holding hands.”

His eyes admonished her, as if asking if he had made a trivial statement. Roselyn exhaled deeply, as if she had made up her mind, and curled her fingers slowly. Aiden smiled brightly as he held her hand in his own large hand.

“Then, please take care of me, my love.” <<less

Is money really everything in a life?... more>>

If you could live through your life again you must become a God of money. A person who lives for money. A person who treats money with the worth it deserves. <<less

After going to the great beyond, Hirano Bonta was reincarnated as an Evil God. Descending upon the Demon Lands, he came across his follower, the 108th Demon Lord, the <Dethroned Crown Prince> Drake.... more>>

A fortuitous omen...thought Drake, who had suffered a great defeat in battle, leaving him with only 200 underlings. On top of that, pursuers were hot on his tail; he was between a rock and a hard place. But the genius strategist Drake was not ready to give up just yet. Despite the crisis, he still held the ambition of unifying his nation once again.

The history-geek Hirano was super excited and was determined to support Drake as an Evil God, but as a newbie Evil God there was little he could do...just how will they get through this together?! <<less

The story follows the East German Army's 666th TSF Squadron in its battles and political conflicts during the BETA's westward push in 1983.... more>>

The East German Army 666th TSF Squadron "Schwarzesmarken" (Black Marks) are a special-forces unit tasked with assaulting BETA forces through unconventional tactics; specifically, they target Lux and Magnus Lux to deny the BETA the advantage of ranged firepower. Their orders are given the topmost priority, such that it is common practice for the 666th to ignore allied distress calls that will result in deviation from their original mission, even if only for a short moment. <<less

Starting Over originated as a story on 2ch by Fafoo, who later took the pen name Sugaru Miaki. He then rewrote it as a novel.... more>>

“It’s been too long since we took the time
No-one’s to blame, I know time flies so quickly
But when I see you darling
It’s like we both are falling in love again
It’ll be just like starting over, starting over”

– (Just Like) Starting Over
John Lennon

This is the story of how upon reaching my twentieth birthday, I was sent back to the age of ten, and lived to be twenty once more. <<less

I think that was the moment when everything started to change.... more>>

I don’t know why but I had never liked anyone in all those years. Even though I liked men, I had never taken a liking to any.

I thought it was out of sympathy and pity at that time.

But someone once said that love stemming from sympathy and pity is actually more down-to-earth. I think it was Zheng Zhihua talking about his wife. <<less

Pei Jin is a black bellied prince. To outsiders he is a kind gentleman and always calm.... more>>

Yan Shi Ning is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. To outsiders she is a gentle bred young lady and always docile.

Pei Jin and Yan Shi Ning are the perfect couple but behind closed doors…

Pei Jin: Wife, you’re an expert liar.

Yan Shi Ning: Husband, it’s because you taught me well. <<less

A lecherous army special task force soldier from 21st-century Hong Kong is selected to travel back in time, choosing to go to the Chinese Warring... more>> States Period. Unfortunately, the time machine runs into an error during the experiment. With no foreseeable way to return to the present, he must use his combat skills and knowledge of history to thrive in his new life in the year 251 BC. <<less

On the outskirts of the Pleasure City of Midas lies the Ceres special autonomous area, commonly known as the slums. Gang leader Riki, looking for an easy pocket to pick in the nightlife districts, gets caught red-handed…by none other than one of the highest-ranking, golden-haired android elites ruling from the capital Tanagura: the “Blondy” Iason Mink!
By all rights, a Blondy standing at the pinnacle of aristocracy and a slummer should have never crossed paths—their chance encounter marks the beginning of a love twisted by obsession, soon spiraling into a karmic chain of events...... more>>

⬇️ //// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////
⬇️ //// About the English translation ////
⬇️ //// Current translation status ////
⬇️ //// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

//// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////

Originally serialized in the bimonthly magazine Shosetsu June (小説ジュネ) spanning six chapters from December 1986 to October 1987, the novel was released with minor revisions into a hardcover edition in 1990.
This first version of the story received a two-episode/OVA anime adaptation in 1992 and 1994.

Between the years 2001 and 2007, the original story was greatly expanded upon and released in six paperback volumes. After a change of Japanese publisher, two more volumes were released between 2009 and 2010, completing the series (the six aforementioned volumes were released as volumes 1-4 in the newest Japanese edition).
This second version of the story was meant to be adapted into a twelve-episode OVA anime—initially planned to release in 2010—but was postponed to 2012, only to be discontinued after the fourth episode’s release.

//// About the English translation ////

The English paperback expanded edition is made up of eight volumes: the six first volumes (Seibido/Crystal edition) + the two later volumes (#7 and #8 in English, but #5 and #6 in the newest Tokuma/Chara edition).
The change in Japanese publisher led to a change in translator for the English edition between vol1 to 6 and vol7 to 8: it is highly recommended to read the fan translations of #7 and #8 as opposed to reading the licensed edition, due to the massive loss in translation (expect a 50% word count difference between the two).

//// Current translation status of the different editions of the novel (as of April 20th, 2024) ////

. Shosetsu June edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation.
. 1990 hardcover edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation. An older fan translation had 4/6 chapters translated but the project was dropped.
. 2000’s expanded edition, English licensed: fully translated, complete.

//// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

– The Shosetsu June story was adapted into a drama cassette and a drama CD (Dark Erogenous).
– The expanded story was adapted into three drama CDs (Destiny, Nightmare, Resonance)
– A prequel called Midnight Illusion was serialized in Shosetsu June between December 1992 and April 1993, and released as a hardcover in 1996. 3/6 chapters have been fan-translated into English.
– The 5 side stories have all been fan-translated into English (Kizu/Wound, File-0, Cal’s Sighs, Musk, Illusion Night) and are based on the expanded version of the novel.

Look up online “Ai no Kusabi Master List LiveJournal” to find the links to all the material listed above and more.

[This page was updated as per an anon’s request, all credit goes to the AnK community where credit is due.] <<less

Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller envisions a nightmare scenario: a class of junior high school students is taken to a deserted island where, as part... more>> of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are provided arms and forced to kill until only one survivor is left standing. Criticized as violet exploitation when first published in Japan—where it became a runaway best seller—Battle Royale is a Lord of the Flies for the 21st century, a potent allegory of what it means to be young and (barely) alive in a dog-eat-dog world. <<less

“Are you still going to run away?” ... more>>

“No, not anymore.”

He loved her to the point of paranoia, a compulsion that penetrated his bones and was impossible to cure.

“Babe, you can only smile at me.”

“Babe, I’ll get you everything you like.”

After getting revived, Qin Shu’s eyes were as bright as snow and she had high intelligence. She held on to her handsome and rich husband, refusing to let go, devoting herself to protecting and pampering him. She worked hard to become stronger so that she could stand shoulder to shoulder with him.

Before her revival, Qin Shu believed the words of her younger sister. She hated him, blamed him, and devised a thousand ways to run away from him.

Yet, he loved her deeply, pampered her with all his heart, and allowed her to behave atrociously. <<less

A face-less female ghost wearing a mini-skirt is known to roam around at night in this city. Kalin Nanase is the ghost of a celebrity... more>> who died an unnatural death. A detective named Saki Yumihara encounters the ghost of Kalin and is saved by a girl named Kotoko Iwanaga. Kotoko was kidnapped by ghosts when she was a little girl and has ever since served as a mediator between people and ghosts. Kotoko also happened to be dating Saki’s ex-boyfriend Kurou Sakuragawa. Kotoko and Saki work together to solve Kalin’s case. <<less

The shou pretended to be a girl in the game to flirt with a masterful Gong, but was accidentally bent and eaten.... more>>

[The author does not provide names for them but only differentiate them with Gong and Shou.] <<less

Her first encounter with Qin Sijue is an unexpected one. While trying to hide from her pursuers, she accidentally barges into his changing room. Yet,... more>> their paths crosses again fatefully—after a fake marriage, she legally becomes his bride. She imagines that they will only interact before the agreement ends, after which they would have nothing to do with each other. However, Qin Sijue comes over with two red booklets—their wedding certificate. "Take them for an appraisal and see if they're real". <<less

One day, Katsuragi Daichi and his classmates found themselves in a different world. The god who summoned them to another world divided its power and... more>> gave it to them, saying that it wanted Daichi and the rest to defeat the Demon King as heroes. However, Daichi alone was given no abilities. And sure enough, Daichi was thrown away and used as a decoy in a demon’s den. Eaten by a demon, Daichi had lost consciousness and thought he had passed away, though when he came to he noticed his statuses had skyrocketed. He had obtained『Revenge of the Resented』. Every time he died, his abnormal ability powered up. <<less