It's the year 2222 in Japan, and while it feels like the near future, civilization hasn't quite progressed as much as people hoped - or perhaps it has, depending on how you look at it. Rai Mei Itsukushima, the protagonist of our story, is a self-proclaimed IT geek with no particular outstanding qualities or a significant other. He's earned the moniker "Mr. Middle-aged" without any real accomplishments to his name.... more>>

However, in this era, he becomes involved in the development of a dreamlike experience and deduction game that uses VR technology called "mu*der Mystery VR" (abbreviated as 'MMVR'). By manipulating brainwaves, it creates a virtual reality within a dreamlike state.

The game is set on the spaceship "Heliopolis" during an interstellar voyage, where a mu*der occurs. Players take on the role of one of the characters and must witness the outcome of the event.

'MMVR' has garnered high praise and has shown no glitches, and its official release seemed imminent. However, just before the launch, Rai Mei receives feedback that his son, who participated as a test player, is behaving strangely.

Although the headquarters does not seem to take much notice of a single vague comment, Rai Mei can't help but be concerned. He decides to join 'MMVR' as a player in the beta version during its trial run.

"I'm too old for this," Rai thinks. <<less

A grieving soul is filled with mysteries, traumas, scares, and horrors. A compilation of short stories told from the perspective of those souls, unhinged, as they quench their thirst for blood. Beware as the stories might haunt you, even in your sleep. ... more>>

A book containing multiple short stories with disturbing themes and topics. Written by Malaysian writers, with various styles of story-telling and narration. It’s sure to get the readers fascinated with each writer’s weirdly-build world of imagination. <<less

Pei Wanyue, beautiful and successful Eldest daughter of the Pei family. Was going about her daily life until her friend started acting strange........ more>>

Friend: I won't let you hurt my favorite character!

Pei Wanyue: ?

Friend: You can't have the male lead!

Pei Wanyue: ??

Friend: So what if you're the female lead? I have transmigrated for a reason! I will take your place!

Pei Wanyue, finally fed up: *dials the mental hospital* Hello, there is a schizophrenic patient here-

.....

Male lead: I love you so much that I will **** you and keep you chained in my own little garden

Pei Wanyue: *slowly backs away and pulls out a knife*

......

He had not known her but ink on paper read in the darkest of nights of his own demons.

"the universe knew how much I long for you to actually exist...."

???: "And the universe knew how much I long to indeed exist and be with you" <<less

Does free will truly exist? Does man truly exist?... more>>

Okky Madasari explores the seminal questions of mankind and humanity in her latest novel.

A struggle arises between the two main characters, Sasana and Jaka Wani, in the search for freedom from all restraints – from those of the mind and body, to restraints imposed by tradition and family, society and religion, to economic domination and the shackles of authority. <<less

A girl called ‘Rapunzel’. ... more>>

Trapped at the top of a tall tower under the strict surveillance of the ‘White Queen’, whom she calls mother, Rapunzel spends her boring days longing to go out into the wide world seen beyond the tower’s window. In her loneliness, the only solace is her handsome, secret visitor, ‘Chester’, who avoids the prying eyes of the White Queen to come visit her each night. However, even he can’t satisfy Rapunzel’s curiosity.

Then one day, the ‘Queen of Hearts’ appears before Rapunzel, claiming to be her real mother. The Queen of Hearts claims that Rapunzel was kidnapped as a child and lived under the illusion that the White Queen was her real mother. Through the Queen of Hearts’ sacrifice, Rapunzel finally escapes to the world outside the tower.

This is the story of a girl’s adventure that weaves together mysterious spaces and characters from various fairy tales, including Alice in Wonderland. <<less

Mashiki is the young owner of the antiquarian bookstore "Mukyuudou," and his friend, Senagaki, works in the same industry. The two have shared a secret... more>> sense of guilt ever since they were children. Senagaki's father was an "antiquarian book dealer" and a hated figure in the old book world, but Mashiki's grandfather saw his talent and took an interest in him, and so their two boys grew up together like brothers. One summer afternoon, however, an incident changes their relationship... Dense emotions wrapped in a transparent glass style. A story that reflects like the sparkle of a fish leaping in the moonlight. <<less

I never want people to hate me. In my previous life I lived and behaved with that kind of thoughts, but it wasn’t until later that I realised that such thinking won’t make anyone like me in the end. Unfortunately, I was killed in an accident. But fortunately or unfortunately, I was reincarnated as Regis, a villain in a world similar to the game I used to play.... more>>

In this world, I discover that I can see people’s likeability, but because I am a villain, I am hated by everyone around me.

Because of this, I cannot train in sword and magic. The situation is worst than in the previous life.

But I don’t want to be someone that everyone hates like in my previous life, I want to live a life where people love me

But I don’t want to force myself to read the atmosphere like in my previous life. I don’t want to be swept away, I want to live positively.

I also need to train in sword and magic, so that I don’t die. <<less

She firmly believes that she is a sinister and cunning reserve of evil gods, earning evil thoughts by inspiring the ugliness of human nature and spreading evil thoughts.... more>>

However, she is actually a little mentally ret*rded with a halo of merit and virtue on her head. Every time she can lead good people away, kill bad people, turn bad things into successes, and spread good things thousands of miles. <<less

Adil Ruzali Gilgard.... more>>

Born into a lineage of magicians, I was labeled as having "zero magical power" during the ritual at the age of thirteen. I was destined to bear the mark of a dropout and be banished to the frontier, but I refused to give in. Determined to regain my status and honor with my own hands, I left my family behind.

My first goal was to achieve the highest rank among adventurers, the "Special Grade." However, on my journey, I encountered a Dark Elf girl chained in a cave, leading to a startling revelation.

-- Checking my status. My skills as a "Curse User" have been approved.

"What's this? SSS-level curse power? 'The Hour of the Ox's Memorial'?"

Suddenly, level-like characters appeared in my field of vision, showcasing abilities I had never seen before. The weapon that materialized in my hand was a five-inch nail and a straw doll!?

This is the story of a fallen noble, certified with zero magical power, who, along with a Dark Elf girl, rises to become the world's most formidable "Curse User." <<less

My funeral has begun.... more>>

“How can you not even shed a tear when your twin sister is dead?”

“The rumors about her being an idiot must have been true.”

“I heard she always had an inferiority complex in the first place? Who knows what she was like from inside?”

I took poison and died.

And overnight, became Mergen’s burden, Irene.

You said you wanted to live like me? No, Irene. You can’t live like me.

*

“You won’t go anywhere without my permission. sister.” Since when did Abel, who treated Irene like a bug, started calling her sister?

“Fulfill your promise. Our deal isn’t over yet” My former fiancé, who had been in a strictly business relationship, began to treat Irene like he used to treat me.

“I don’t care what that matter is. Unlike you, I’m a vulgar mongrel, so whatever I swallow, I digest it well.”

Why is the grand duke, whom he thought of an enemy, doing this?

The attitude of three confused men changed.

In a world without eternal enemies or allies, but has there ever been a time when everything was unclear like this? <<less

To care for her ailing sweetheart, college student Lu Chenchen gave up her white-collar office job and chose the higher-paying caretaker profession instead. Going around in circles, she ended up at the Mao family’s home.... more>>

The Mao family background was complicated. Old Madam Mao was not her son Yanning's birth mom, but his young aunt. His wife was Old Madam Mao’s first love's daughter, spoiled and pampered. Despite over ten years of marriage, husband and wife were distant.

To repay Old Madam Mao’s kindness in raising him, and for the sake of his three children, Mao Yanning endured again and again - not just a loveless but outright destructive marriage.

Lu Chenchen walked on eggshells among these people - carefully serving young and old, currying favor with the lady of the house without offending the man of the house, while also worrying about his sweetheart’s illness and missing “his” elders and children back home. Her heart was like a cookie flattened between the pages of life, living a difficult and cautious existence.

However, as the saying goes, "You reap what you sow." A life that has been polished will eventually shine with a brilliance that ordinary years cannot compare. <<less

A former detective chases after his missing daughter, but what he uncovers in the darkness is…... more>>

Third “Konomys” (このミステリーがすごい!) Grand Prize recipient

A story of descent into lunacy over a single girl.

The 17-year old Kanako has disappeared, leaving behind a trace of drug use in her room. Akihiro Fujishima, a former detective and her father, is in pursuit of her whereabouts. Three years earlier, Naoto, who was tormented by his classmates, fell in love with Kanako, who saved him…

The story of the present and the past intersect, and the outline of Kanako gradually emerges from the blurry darkness. Yet the more one delves into her disappearance, the more unintelligible she becomes. What manner of shocking ending awaits at the end of the tunnel? The recipient of the grand prize of the 3rd “This Mystery is Amazing!”, this work overwhelmed every member of the selection committee. A lurid work of dark emotion that will enrapture the hearts of all who read it. <<less

After losing her memory and starting a new life, she is offered a job as a tutor in a mansion.... more>>

On her way to Hollow Heights, a beautiful mansion off the beaten path, she hears strange rumors.

"One thing is certain. Nobody wants to set foot in that mansion. There has been a mu*der there."

The first night in the eerie mansion, filled with whispering mist and screams, felt like a haunting nightmare.

And she came face to face with the owner of the nightmare, who was beautiful. Beautiful in a terrifying way.

Strangely, the beautiful owner tried to avoid me, yet also saved me. While telling me to leave this place, they held me back, pleading me not to go.

"I don't know how to make you stay with me. How can I make you love me again, love me once more?"

As I grew closer to the secret they were hiding, I also grew closer to my lost memories. In that moment of falling in love, I finally realized.

I was in the beautiful mansion, in Hallow Heights. A long time ago. <<less

In Shanghai, everyone knows the Rong family is rich and noble. Likewise, everyone knows the young master is particular and arrogant, not taken kindly to discipline.... more>>

Feng Shizhen trudged forth despite knowing the dangers, and passing all difficulties, successfully became the Rong family’s private tutor.

At the same time, a conspiracy that involved everyone gradually unfolded.
In this gorgeous world completely different from the outside world, and within the glamorous city filled with brilliant lights and vibrant colors, they tempted, teased, and chased each other; they also loved, betrayed, and hurt…

Just like two streams of light, lingering and encircling one another, like a never-ending dance. <<less

Her original name was 'Chai Jiangxiang', and her original occupation was nothing more than working as a nurse in hospice care. Later, she left the hometown that brought humiliation and opened a psychological clinic as 'He Dun', desired to be reborn.... more>>

Female psychologist He Dun hears some real stories every day and meets all kinds of clients. The mental illness of countless clients, coupled with the emotional crisis she faced, brought He Dun to the brink of psychological collapse.

With the help of his lover, He Dun found a psychological authority to 'supervise'. After repeated attempts of various methods, the authority used illegal and cruel methods to help He Dun solve the crux of the cold half of her body and evoke the secret past that has been hidden for a long time. In the end, the female psychologist succeeded in reborn.

After that, He Dun closed the psychology clinic and resumed the deeper study of psychology. She met the former authority in class and told him, "Your therapy is completely wrong, i want to sue you." <<less

Having been reborn, Lu Li returned to his daughter just prior to her university entrance examination to save her from committing su*cide due to depression.... more>>

He decided to accompany his daughter to take the college entrance examination.

By chance, he obtained a system to save his daughter.

The reporter asked: "Do you think this year's college entrance examination questions are difficult?"

"It would be great if dealing with feelings were as easy as answering college entrance examination questions."

His remarks were widely criticized on the Internet, and everyone felt that taking the college entrance examination at such an old age was outrageous.

The admissions faculties of various universities expressed their rejection.

But when the results of the college entrance examination were released, the whole internet went wild with excitement.

Daughter: "My dad got a score of 750? Isn't that amazing?"

Reporter: "Are you taking the college entrance examination to show off your IQ?"

University Admissions Staff: "Brother, I was wrong! Please come to our university!"

Lu Li was helpless. He just desired to have more choices when accompanying his daughter to school.

But why was the university professor his first girlfriend?

Moreover, his daughter's female classmates often express their desire to become her stepmother. <<less

......I proposed to the wrong person. You were not the one I desired."... more>>

Viscountess Claris Sievert, having been proposed to, faced Oscar Garudbild at the duke's residence, where she was met with these words and a cold gaze. It appears that Oscar intended to propose to Claris' sister-in-law, Iberin, known in the social circles as the "Fairy of Spring" for her delicate beauty, and not to Claris.

───As I thought, there's nowhere that would accept me......

Born the only daughter of the Sievert Viscount family, Claris was oppressed by her stepfamily who took over the viscountcy after her parents' death. With her engagement to Oscar broken, Claris had nowhere to return to.
She contemplated whether to work in a brothel or enter a convent.
As she was about to leave the duke's residence, a knight approached her. <<less

In her previous life, she believed her younger cousin's manipulation and ended up causing her own family's downfall.... more>>

Upon rebirth, she returned to the day her mother passed away.

But she soon realised that her mother's death wasn't an accident; it was a case of someone silencing her.

Xia Xiaomeng smiled slightly.

In this life, she not only aimed to save her mother and protect her family but also to uplift those around her.

Offering strategic advice, utilising her spatial abilities, and exchanging resources, she could easily export even the simplest products abroad.

She established factories to alleviate poverty, developed her hometown, and contributed to the country's technological progress.

Those who once mistreated her now cried and begged to be in her good graces.

Sorry, but I'm not a virtuous person. I'm just that petty.

Duan Cheng: "Xiaomeng, don't just focus on making money all the time. Pay some attention to me too, okay?" <<less

Oh no! The phoenix lady living above everyone in the Celestial Empire drank herself to death!... more>>

Her spirit attached itself to a good-for-nothing young miss living in the modern era?

Both of them clearly bear the same name and are with a similar appearance but their identities and status are millions of miles away from each other.

Can someone please explain, this young lady obviously have great prestige and figure, so how can she live the life of a good-for-nothing?

When memories coincide, friends deceive, families abandon, scumbags entrap, she finally ceased to exist.

Lu Nan almost went mad with anger!

Friends?! I will help you wash your eyes properly so you’ll know conducting yourself with integrity is key.

Family?! I want you and your insides to be grounded to dust, never to be free.

Scum?! I want you to be beaten within every inch of your life, till you cannot perform the most basic human action.

To cheat, disgrace and to plot against me, expect more than a tenfold payment.

By the way—

Who is this sly fox? Quickly roll away from this old lady’s presence! <<less

Since she was a child, she knew that she will always love him — like fate that could never be changed. However, she had been separated from him for three years. ... more>>

At the young age of 15, he left him to study in Taipei. When she was 18, she finally couldn’t help but see him, only to be driven away. At 21, he finally came home only to attend their mother’s funeral. When she turned 24, he got married migrated abroad with his wife.

He was once her only solace— so gentle and kind. He held her hand and hooked a pinky promise with her that they’ll be together forever. She could lose everything, but she can’t live without him.

Qixi Festival is the day when the Cowherd meets the Weaver Girl. The day when it always rains. Also the day of her birthday. Can she finally celebrate her 27th year with clear skies this time and see him for the last time? <<less

Wang Xiaofei, who suddenly crossed over, obtains the ‘Random Reward System.’... more>>

The prizes acquired are random, their timing unpredictable, and the attainable items are always beyond control.

However, with unwavering perseverance and occasional flashes of inspiration from the rewards, Wang Xiaofei steadily rises on the Yulong Continent, defeating demons, annihilating ghosts, and ultimately emerging as the ruler of the world. <<less

When she was much younger, Meng Sheng Nan had a crush. But she never knew if she was his type, and so she suppressed her love for him.... more>>

Many years later, she met him again in her hometown.

He was no longer the unruly and carefree youth and now often shuttles about the old streets of JiangCheng in his flip-flops. He stood before her dirty and unshaved, with a history of hardships behind his eyes.

Her heart raced, as he chased after her. For her, he had renewed his efforts and started from scratch to redeem himself. It was as though he responded to the line she wrote in a book she sent him many years ago:

“I want him to amend his ways and not waste his youth.” <<less

Xue Heng, who was born in the Year of the Zodiac, seemed to be having a stroke of misfortune. The fortune-telling old blind man on the street had warned him that he would face a calamitous event this month.... more>>

In reality, there are many kinds of calamities, ranging from tragic accidents to a mere scr*pe on a finger. But nobody had told him that this calamity would befall his backside. Lying on the bed, Xue Heng wore a pensive expression. <<less

They met each other during the ancestor worship in the family house. According to the family’s hierarchy, she called him brother. That year, she was a teenager when she first arrived in Jiangnan. She saw a gray wall of old trees under the rain. On the other side of the wall, there wasn’t a single shadow, empty everywhere. She felt disappointed that there seemed to be missing something. She didn’t know that just like Jiangnan was waiting for the wild geese coming from the north year after year, he was also waiting for her day after day.... more>>

“Everyone says Jiangnan is good, but tourists have only experienced one-tenth of it.”

If you don’t come back, I won’t grow old. <<less

I'm the one who's been possessed by this novel.... more>>

'I need an utterly shameless fiancée.'

As cliché as it gets, I became the Duke's fiancée... No, I interviewed to become one.
Am I out of my mind? Who interviews to become a fiancée?

* * *

The best output that the Baron family can produce.
I became the contracted fiancée of the Duke Etica, who holds the empire's strongest power and wealth.

If I endure by the side of a man nicknamed the tr*sh Duke for just two years, I'll receive a fortune that is more than enough, even if written across several generations.

"Don't forget. The moment the Duke likes me, you will become my dog."
"You, of all people, should not forget. The moment you show any hostility towards me, even a little, the promised property documents will turn into scraps."

...Thanks to this jerk, it's not easy.

***

Jeffrey Etica was convinced.
This life is entirely his own, and no one else can interfere.
He believed that he wouldn't even let anyone grab the hem of his clothes, let alone a leash.
But why do all decisions keep wavering, and why does he feel this way?

"You won, my Aurora."
"..."
"Now I'm a dog on a leash, forced to lick your feet, my dear."

But does everyone know that? How one of their kind deals with another.
To deal with the tr*sh Duke, the fiancée also needs to be formidable.

"Really? Then bark. Like a dog." <<less