In the winter of three years ago, the first locked room mu*der in Japanese history was committed.... more>>

All of the evidence pointed to the defendant. It was certain they were guilty. And yet, they were found innocent and released. Why? Because the crime scene was a perfect locked room no one from the police or the prosecutor's office could solve.

"Since the room was locked, it was impossible for the defendant to have committed the mu*der. It's no different than if they had a perfect alibi." That was the argument of the defense, and that was the argument the judge sided with.

The ruling sent a ripple throughout Japanese society. No matter how suspicious you were or how much evidence you left behind, as long as you managed to create a locked room that no one could solve, you were immune from prosecution. With the common anti-mystery fiction talking point "there's no reason anyone would ever actually commit a locked room mu*der" completely overturned, the rate of locked room mu*ders in Japan skyrocketed.

When the police proved unable to deal with the surge of locked room crime, the Ministry of Justice published an official categorization of all known locked room tricks as an investigative aid. When that proved insufficient, Division Zero of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, a police division dedicated solely to solving locked rooms, was created. When that still proved insufficient, locked room detectives, private investigators specializing in locked rooms, were officially licensed by the state and authorized to participate in police investigations. Calling a locked room appraiser, someone specializing in searching buildings for secret passages, is now a common first step in criminal investigations.

On the other side of the spectrum, locked room agents, assassins and crime planners specializing in locked room mu*ders, have become some of the most notorious criminals in Japanese history, and even a cult worshiping the scenes of locked rooms as a way to purify the souls of the deceased has made rapid inroads into Japan.

The protagonist, Kasumi Kuzushiro, is an introverted, somewhat cynical high school student who loves mysteries. Kasumi often finds himself dragged along on bizarre journeys by his flighty childhood friend, Yozuki Asahina. Due to their staggeringly bad luck, these trips often leave them in the wrong place at the wrong time to be caught up in locked room mysteries. Fortunately, another of Kasumi's childhood friends, Shitsuri Mitsumura, is the greatest locked room expert in the world, and can always discover the truth.

Hm? How did a high school girl become the greatest locked room expert in the world?

It's simple.

She's...

Volume 1 was the grand prize winner of the 2022 This Mystery Is Amazing! awards. <<less

Asch＝Dahl, a Necromancer who had lived for over 200 years, is an incomparably good-looking youngster. However, he can’t read the room, he’s narcissistic, he provokes people spontaneously, he hates losing, and he’s selfish. All in all, he has a bad personality.... more>>

Because of that, he neither has friends, nor is he popular with the ladies. However, because the person himself has a needlessly strong mental fortitude and positivity, he doesn’t reflect on it at all.

What suddenly came into such Asch＝Dahl’s life was, a request from Hogner Magic Academy’s Board Chairman for him to be teacher. Intrigued, he accepted the job……in search of his future lover.

Will Asch＝Dahl be able to live the rose-coloured teacher’s life he imagined? <<less

A boy named 『Hardt』was an ordinary villager.... more>>

Without any particular dreams, Hardt only lived while thinking about wanting to be of help to the mother that raised him up with her two hands.

From the God of the world; Goddess Fistoria, an『Oracle』is bestowed upon all twelve year olds. The occupation Hardt was bestowed upon is『Dark Sorcerer』and this greatly changed his life.

His mother was killed before his eyes, stabbed by his childhood friend as an allegiance test, beaten up by people he doesn’t know, Hardt; he has become unable to believe in humans and in the world, swore.

“I will take revenge on the people, the country, the world and the Goddess” <<less

A hypocrite, but virtuous enough.

In a future where fully immersive VR (virtual reality) devices have become widespread, permeating every aspect of society, including the gaming industry, people now have the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in alternate worlds and even glimpse into the future. Consequently, VR games of all genres have skyrocketed in popularity, captivating audiences from every part of the world.... more>>

Within this thriving VR game market, a remarkable new title emerges, known as “Free Species World,” boasting a captivating slogan, “Embark on a fantastical journey as any species you desire.” Whether players choose to inhabit the form of a human, a beast, or even a monster, the game offers a variety of forms other than the normal humanoids. The mere mention of this groundbreaking feature led to an overwhelming response, with the beta test lottery receiving thousands of times more applications than anticipated and the pre-orders for the full release selling out in mere seconds.

This is the play diary of a certain working adult who delved into this VR game, which later became a social phenomenon, role playing as a villain and gaining fame by conquering a whole continent. <<less

After a red meteor slashed through the heavens, human progress ground to a halt. ... more>>

Since that momentous day, humanity lost its ability to create rockets, nuclear weapons, airplanes, cars...

The towering pyramid of civilization, meticulously built from the achievements of modern science, crumbled into dust.

Yet, the catastrophe didn't stop there. The grey realm, following the arrival of the red meteor, like a ghostly reflection behind a mirror, dragged the civilized world bit by bit into the abyss of disorder.

In this new age, a human life was no more significant than a speck of dust, yet amidst the ruins, humanity's spirit shone as brightly as the stars.

Amid the crumbling edifice, observers could see a figure—an actor—defiantly standing on the wreckage of civilization, his red cloak as vivid as blood, his expressions flickering between laughter and tears. Behind him, the curtain of the era gently parted. With arms wide open, he whispered to all who would listen— "Let the show begin." <<less

Callius von Jervain.... more>>

A character who dies no matter what he does. A character who falls into a forced choice route where he can only die, no matter his choices up to that point. However, there is a single route where the character can live and play the game.

And I have to carve out that route somehow.

Because I’ve become Callius von Jervain in the game. <<less

Enemy of the world, cursed by all, Kim Sungchul goes on a quest to prevent the ‘prophecy of the end’ from coming to pass.... more>>

But no matter how much he raised his strength, there were still some things he could not achieve with physical strength alone.

Resolving to obtain the power of magic, he goes into hiding to learn magic from his most hated of enemies, The Mages. <<less

After crossing over to the world of an urban novel.... more>>

Others cross over as the protagonist or the villain’s tycoon, but I become a bodyguard.

However, it turns out that I am the female protagonist’s villainous stepmother’s bodyguard, who becomes the villain’s minion.

In order not to become cannon fodder, Chen Luo decided on the spot to give up the darkness and turn to the light, I am a transmigrator, how can I become a villain, or the villain’s most nameless minion.

As he was about to quit, the keys to the Bentley and a million yuan bank card were slapped in front of Chen Luo, and the heroine’s stepmother looked at him with saucy winks.

Only then does Chen Luo realise that she is not looking for a proper bodyguard! <<less

“I don’t care about how people in this world live, whether they have something to eat, whether they can wear warm clothes, whether they have dreams and hope. “I don’t care what they love or hate.”... more>>

“It’s just that if you want to go above the sky, you need a complete system of advanced technology, a whole set of related research institutes, the most advanced science laboratories, and a big government that can coordinate all sectors.” It would require tens of thousands of different auxiliary manufacturers to supply the best components, millions of high-level intellectuals to contribute their minds to this purpose, and countless numbers of wealthy people who dedicate their wealth until the end.” “In short, it would take an abundance of resources from the world and a great civilization to accomplish it.”

— Ian

a world reborn from the ruins.

an era that is coming to an end.

A group of prisoners of fate fighting for power and wealth on the land.

A young man is staring at the sky.

Prisoners of fate are looking out of the windows of fate, and most of them are only looking at the ground.

Only one is looking up at the stars. <<less

Born with the fate of a slaughterer, but all he wanted to do was help.

“Me, Ain’t I seen as a villain even by regular folks?”... more>>

It’s been about a year since the sudden appearance of the monsters, the enemies of humanity. Katsuki Homura, who had wandered into a research facility and stolen a combat suit, operated in the shadows as the “Black Knight.” He fought off the monsters that came after him and occasionally rescued people under attack by these monsters.

However, he was ultimately a criminal who used the stolen combat suit to wreak havoc in the city during battles with monsters. His envisioned fate as the Black Knight was to be defeated by the “Justice Crusader” and meet his end. But for some reason, he was invited to join the Justice Crusader?! In reality, in the eyes of the public, the Black Knight was a popular figure as a dark hero, and shocking truths were revealed!? What will be the fate of the Black Knight? This is a comedic tale of a misunderstood dark hero who sees himself as a villain and the chaotic events that follow, fueled by his enthusiastic fans! <<less

If life could repeat itself, what would you do?... more>>

Would you repeat your first life and stay a normal average joe? Perhaps your gaze will betray the life you’ve already lived, but you remain insignificant and unknown, stretching your neck up high to watch the furling clouds roll by?

Or will you make the world your stage, stir up every cloud and wind under all the heavens, making the entire world your captive audience as you dance, making people’s hearts pound with your every move?

Composing my own laws, establishing the order I desire…a human life is a measly ten decades, so why don’t I light the candle that is my life and set this world ablaze!! <<less

He is an undead who is devoid of all humanity, he is the one and only supreme overlord, he is a man who has severe mysophobia.... more>>

There are many people who try to act cool in front of him, whatever soldier king, assassin, system user, transmigrator, reincarnator, the strong returning, the strong coming down from the mountain, person coming back from the immortal world, reincarnation of the devil king, immortal emperor possessing someone’s body, and so on, all of them do not know what will happen next. <<less

Kim Minjun, who was a normal high school senior in South Korea, was suddenly summoned to another world and became a dark magician.... more>>

Minjun, who persevered through all sorts of hardships with the single-minded goal of returning home, saved this other world with his dark magic.

Casting aside a life as a hero and guaranteed riches, he returned to Earth.

Just when he was about to fully enjoy his life, a problem arose. A dungeon break occurred, and monsters began pouring out. Not only did this threaten the peaceful Earth life that Minjun had just returned to… But on his very first day back, he was also ordered to enlist in the military!?! <<less

I became the Scion of the Labyrinth City from the Gacha game I play—the character who’s fated for downfall in the main story. “I'll crush... more>> the heads of those who oppose my policies with my war hammer.” <<less

Liu Yu woke up and discovered that she had transmigrated into the novel she read before she went to sleep.... more>>

She became the vicious stepsister of Cinderella, the protagonist. Early this morning, she had let her cat bite her sister’s Eurasian collared dove. At night, she had ordered someone to gouge out the eyes of a helpless young man. The young man turned out to be the reincarnation of the God of Light!

Her future was bleak, her blood will be s**ked dry, and then she will be hung. Liu Yu weighed her options:

1. The Duke of Dark Night was already smitten by the beautiful and kind Cinderella.

2. Prince Carlos has been searching all over the world for the owner of the crystal shoe. She should give up on him.

3. Only the God of Light had yet to fall for her younger sister’s charms.

Liu Yu looked at the young man who just had his eyes gouged out because of the original owner of the body. He had lost his memory and was currently in a dire strait. Liu Yu used a high-pitched voice and said, “My God! How could someone do something so vicious to you?”

The helpless young man: “Are you the one who saved me?”

“Yes.”

——————————

Young Gaia:

When I fell in love with her, I truly thought she was the kindest, gentlest, and purest girl in the world.

The God of Light, Gaia:

I have never seen a woman in this world that could be more vicious, more hypocritical, and more absurd than Bellia. She could tell me that she loves me while she dug my eyes out. I wanted to kill her but couldn’t do it in the end.

This is a love story that begins with deception, and then love, followed by the woman chasing the man, and then the man chasing after his wife. <<less

Xu Qingran, originally an antagonist in an apocalyptic novel, finds himself pulled into a different interstellar world by a system after his death. In this new world, he is unloved by his biological father and stepmother, and his innocent stepbrother interferes with his relationships. He suffers abuse from a scoundrel lover, enduring a tumultuous journey before ultimately achieving a grand happy ending.... more>>

The system instructs him, "You must undertake the strategy task, lay low, improve yourself, and turn the tables!"

Xu Qingran agrees, determined to fight back fiercely.

He then becomes a master at ruining others' plans.

The system advises, "Act obedient to win back your father's love and reclaim the wealth left by your biological mother!"

Xu Qingran responds, "Alright, I'll be obedient."

He kicks open the door, confronting the despicable couple occupying his mother's property, demanding, "Will you leave peacefully or be carried out?"

Outside, people label him as a jealous brother, disruptive and ill-tempered, a notorious young master of the Yin Long faction.

The system says, "You have a natural advantage in appearance. Just act like a 'green tea' character, clear your name, and you'll be more beloved!"

However, Xu Qingran not only counters all accusations but also outmaneuvers every 'green tea' character and intimidates even the haughty Third Prince.

Ultimately, he solidifies his reputation as an untouchable villain across the Empire.

Xu Qingran declares, "All beings are equal."

Equally, he spares no one from his relentless demeanor. <<less

“The black-bellied beauty gong × the proud seductive emperor shou”... more>>

Li Qingyun is a cruel and foolish king who is notorious for committing all kinds of wicked acts in the Kingdom of Yong. After falling into the water, he woke up and discovered that he was actually the cruel emperor scumbag in a heart-throb novel.

In the plot: He destroyed the protagonist shou’s country, trapped him in the harem, broke his pride, and used all sorts of methods to obtain the protagonist shou. In the end, he was killed in prison by the heartthrob protagonist shou and a group of dog-licking cannon fodder gong—the country was ruined, the family was destroyed, and he died with his eyes open1.

T/L note: 1 死不瞑目: to die with remaining grievances

Li Qingyun looked at the protagonist shou, Dugu Li who had his country destroyed by him and was punished to kneel in the snow, then fell into deep thought. He (Li Qingyun) decided to change his methods, treat Dugu Li well, send him warmth, and change Dugu Li’s hatred for him. In the end, Li Qingyun successfully embraced the beauty.

“A-Li, I won’t force you to do things you don’t want to do anymore. Why don’t you smile at me?”

“A-Li, I will give you as much freedom as possible. Are you happy?”

“A-Li, I want you to be my queen, I want to kiss you, hold you, and pamper you." <<less

"Why is this [Summoning Card: Goblin] wearing a mask?"... more>>

"Because it's a Goblin Gangster!" <<less

Min Dojun, the country's top hunter was happily living with his wife, but the hunters' coup took that away from him. ‘If given the chance,... more>> I will kill every single one of them.’ Did that earnest wish reach the heavens? Instead of dying while promising revenge, he found himself back in the past, with a trait that he didn't have before, 'Hunter's hunter? Isn't this a scam?' <<less

The protagonist, unaware of the game they purchased at a discount, finds themselves trapped in a world overflowing with gods, magic, and all manner of... more>> monsters and evil spirits. However, it is a world not so different from the original - ultimately a place where anyone must stand on their own two feet and walk their own path. Taking on the new body of Valian, they survive by slaying countless monsters, demons, and at times even people. <<less

Toyo Akutsu unfortunately died in an accident, but the next moment he was somehow reincarnated in the world of a famous RPG as Ashnold, the... more>> weakest of the Four Heavenly Kings.
At this rate, he will lose to the Hero and die. Even if they were miraculously defeated, the Heroes would raise their level and return. In order to survive, he has no choice but to use the forbidden bug technique 「Betrayal Bug」 to make the Hero’s group become his followers and control their bodies and minds.
Will Akutsu (Ash) be able to subjugate all the heroines, build a harem, and survive the death flag event…? <<less

[Post-Apocalypse + Rebirth + Superpowers]
Xiao Jun was reborn six years into the past to the day before the apocalypse began.... more>>

Hoarding supplies, killing zombies and even able to read people’s minds?

Top-tier opportunities with the school belle? Sorry, I’ll be taking those!

Xiao Jun: One day, I will uncover the secrets behind this apocalypse. <<less

One day, Xu Mo got off work as usual and heard some noise coming from the trunk. He opened it and saw a female celebrity tied up and stuffed in the trunk!... more>>

Little did he know, countless cameras were aimed at him at this moment – this was a new type of reality show.

The first randomly selected passerby was caught in less than an hour.

But when Xu Mo was selected, things started to take an unexpected turn.

“Damn, this isn’t how the script goes. This Xu Mo is too bold, he’s not following the rules at all.”

“Crap, is this guy taking it seriously?”

“The female celebrity has been scared to tears!” <<less