In a ruined, post-apocalyptic world where survival is everything, a young man possesses a unique skill: Make anyone fall asleep instantly!

​​​​​​​This is a story set centuries after the Sol system crumbled and the old human went extinct. At least, this is what the crew of the Ark Continuum-5 are told.... more>>

To ensure humanity will continue to exist, the Continuum-5 began a journey across millennia. Although every post is essential, the hierarchy is ruled by meritocracy, yet skill and prowess are predisposed by genetics – you can say the destiny of every crew member has been set before they are even born.

This solid and cruel system is essential for the New World. At least, this is what the crew of the Ark Continuum-5 was taught. <<less

That day, mankind could finally see the sun. The sky that had always been covered in smog and had never been seen before, who would have thought that it was so pure and alluring?... more>>

Thus, they danced in admiration of the gods’ grace bestowed upon them. They drank and sung, rejoicing about the gods’ greatness.

Despite their sincere gratitude, the gods chastised the people. After the festival that lasted for three days and three nights, the sky started to collapse.

The gods descended from above, and they dyed the land blood-red. <<less

The world is shrouded in radioactive dust, descendants of ancient gods hunt mankind as mutant creatures run rampant all while bizarre existences emerge from unknown depths. ... more>>

The alliance of humanity has long ago fallen apart, suffering, poverty and death nibble away like maggots at the remaining human souls.

Li Mu awakens from the distant past and discovers that he too possesses the power of the ancient gods.

Before him, there are two paths: one is to soar high above the heavens, overlooking the changes of the world among other ancient gods, and the other is to light the forge, strike the hammer of battle and completely change the world. <<less

A middle-aged man, who had been given a one-year life expectancy, agreed to freeze his body in the Arctic Ocean for future treatment. ... more>>

The world he woke up to was a distant future where the ratio of men to women had dramatically skewed. <<less

A dungeon has appeared on the earth. It's a dungeon, like what everyone knows, a template dungeon. Suddenly, monsters appear in the dungeons that appear in various places, using a power that humans had never seen, like casting magic. The Earth, which has come to coexist with such dungeons, has been filled with unknown lifeforms, unknown technology, and skills created by the mana pollution caused by the appearance of dungeons.... more>>

That's good. No, it's not good.

The profession of adventurer was born, and each company bought the materials of demons that can be obtained and the items that can be obtained from the treasure chest for a large amount of money, and the world became an era of adventurers... That’s the templates, right?

...Well, it didn't happen. The reality is harsh, more than you think. Think carefully. The companies will buy large quantities of monster materials? Sure. But if it's just a sample for research, 100 bodies are more than enough, right? Yeah, that’s right. They didn’t keep buying. Therefore, there was no basis for an adventurer to be born. Of course, that means, anyone dives into the dungeon for no reward. Even if they have the skills, are they willing to risk their life? Of course, no.

Then, what do you think will happen? Fortunately, the weapons of the earth worked on the monsters. So, people were able to defeat them with a gun or missile. It's that easy.

...But they appear every day. I'm sure it's because they don't dive into the dungeon and thin out monsters on a regular basis. Well, if only a few dungeons appeared in the world, it was still good. But dungeons were everywhere. From dungeons with only weak monsters to dungeons with strong monsters.

The army fought with them every day. Using ammunition like hot water and shooting missiles like fireworks. Do you know what the result will be? I’m sure you know. In a situation where the dungeon is not profitable at all, it becomes a disaster, resources will go low and taxes will go high… Eventually, people abandoned all but the important cities. That sound like a disastrous situation, right? Well, in such a world, lawless zones are everywhere. And even if you want to do some trading, it’s not easy.

In such a world decades after that incident, I am still alive. And for the time being, I plan to save the world with the skill I have trained for decades. Secretly.

It's easy to save the world. I just need to use my skill "Equivalent Exchange Store". You see, it's in the corner, something like a vending machine. Hear me, it seems that 10 F-rank monster cores can be exchanged for 1 low-rank potion. <<less

“Old Tang, you activated speed-related Genetic Base Points. What’s the direction of those Base Points?” ... more>>

This question caused Tang Ting to have a melancholic expression.

“It’s… Hand speed…” “And the right hand at that!”

Xu Tui slipped onto a daze.

Hand speed and the right hand. This image…

Didn’t the teacher say that it was easier to activate the Base Points of the areas you use the most?

“Old Tang, just what do you use your hands for?”

“According to that explanation, did I activate the Genetic Base Points in my stomach because I’ve eaten 18 year’s worth of meals?” Cheng Mo, who was on his way to becoming a glutton, looked up and sighed.

Xu Tui stroked his head, “Could it be because I’ve used my brain for 18 years?” <<less

Lu Wen was reborn as a bionic housekeeper.... more>>

He thought he would do just simple housework in this life.

On the first day he was taken home by his employer, he received two instructions:

“Don’t go to the third floor.”

“Dig a hole in the backyard that can bury an adult, and dig a little deeper.”

What should he do now? Is this fate of MC? <<less

"Master! Master! This time our target is a beggar!"... more>>

Zhang San responded very coldly: "So what?"

"Since he's a beggar, let's get it over with quickly."

Zhang San calmly glanced at the beggar on the street, then turned and walked away.

"Master, what's wrong?!"

Zhang San spoke weightily: "Little Two, don't you think it's very abnormal for someone to pay to have a beggar killed?"

The disciple asked in shock: "Master, could it be that we have to...again?"

Zhang San nodded plainly.

The next moment, the disciple tightly hugged Zhang San's legs and cried: "It's been a year since we last opened for business, Master! Take this job, or we'll starve to death!"

Zhang San's heart softened, perhaps also under realistic pressures.

He heaved a long sigh, and said: "Fine, let's observe that beggar for two months first before deciding whether to take action."

This assassin is too steady! <<less

Gu Jiuyi accidentally time-traveled to ancient times, which was already quite inconvenient, but then she also encountered a great disaster. With no other choice and to survive, Gu Jiuyi had to cling tightly to the benefactor's leg. Following her young benefactor, she fled the famine without panic. How to deal with disease, hunger, wild beasts, and evil people all at once? Bring it on, let's showcase our ten all-around abilities, plus the system space, everything can be crushed (Xie Zhan: You can't even cook properly, yet you claim to have ten all-around abilities? Where's your face?). We can even lead everyone to prosperity and enjoy royal provisions. ... more>>

When Gu Jiuyi was enjoying the happiness of being a single wealthy lady, her young benefactor cornered her against the wall: Come with me to the palace, I'll make you my consort.

What the heck? I don't want to engage in palace intrigues! <<less

A land covered with snow-white sand, an air with a foul smell of sulfur, and a land where it was difficult to breathe without a purifier. A gloomy future where even tomorrow’s life could not be guaranteed.... more>>

Faced with a desperate crisis, humanity sculpts the dragon’s corpse to create eight cities. The chosen move to a new city, and the unchosen are left in the desolate Dead sea.

The ‘Theory of Paradise’ will be supported by three pillars. The three of them will be attending the school at the same time, dreaming and sharing the same senses, so they will surely acknowledge each other’s presence.

1000 years after the city was built, three youths who were abandoned and destroyed by the world faced an old prophecy.

“Tell me, you will never love me.”

“You said there was a light outside the tunnel, but to me, the light was you.”

Even in the gloomy dystopian era, the three main characters, Eun Woo, Jae Hee, and Yoon Hwan, were constantly in dynamism. They faced their fate head-on and continued to carry out their own beliefs that they firmly believed on. Through this, it showed how important “love” was in choosing the direction of life, how courageous choices were gathered to change the world, and how overwhelming the ‘love-induced revolution’ was.

‘Theory of Paradise’ was the story of three people who had fallen into hell and had lived desperately, trying to change the world for the one they love, and eventually finding light in the dark. <<less

Suddenly, Mozuya Kou finds himself sent to the wartorn Nemesis system; on an alien planet, Asia, in the far future. In this bleak future where deadly autonomous weapons called mu*ders roamed, he ends up finding the abandoned mass-production machine [TSW-R1 Lanius]. He then pilots it to defeat his enemies only through using Lanius’ sole weapon – a gigantic greatsword – and his own swordsmanship skills.... more>>

Being granted the [Development Engineer] qualification, Kou was tasked to design and develop various weapons and equipment while working together with companies that have also been sent over from Earth.

He and his allies will need to go up against deadly mu*der machines and enemy forces in order to survive on the wartorn planet, Asia. <<less

※Attention: ‘Set-ups’ exist in this story.... more>>

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

Have you ever wished to become a doll?
When something makes you sad, have you ever found your aching heart annoying?
I have.
Since when have I been living as a doll?

Since when?
Since when have I considered myself not the real deal?

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

Japan is at risk because of terrorists called ‘the Neoepicureans’.

A girl attending a girls’ school in Tokyo — Kōko meets another ‘girl’. If you can call her a girl, that is. ‘She’ is an android.

Targeting the android — Ichigo — are those who unveil themselves as ‘magicians’. Deeper and deeper, Kōko is pulled into the battle for Ichigo behind the curtains. Out of the sight of the everyday person, fights unfold between ‘magicians’.

This story is a yuri fantasy set in the modern age, told by the mysterious speaker ‘Metako’.

— If you found a heart weeping, what would you do? <<less

[This sci-fi concept will blow your mind + multiple female leads + overpowered MC + apocalypse + hoarding supplies + lone wolf + selfish]... more>>

In 2066, a mycology research expedition discovered a brand new ancient microbial fungal community under the Arctic glaciers.

In 2070, a viral pandemic swept across the human world. Spherical fungal viruses that used fungi as hosts emerged and brought about the apocalypse, taking over the planet. 90% of the global population was infected and turned into fungal zombies with mushroom heads! Against this backdrop, the fungi controlled the zombie puppets to establish a civilization belonging to the microbial fungal community, wiping out human civilization.

Reborn one month before the apocalypse, Xu Que intended to hoard supplies to build an impregnable doomsday fortress that could withstand the fungal invasion. By chance, he dug a magical hole in the wall. He had wanted to use the hole to peep at his beautiful neighbor showering next door, but instead saw that the beauty was also a zombie...

When doomsday came, people were willing to abandon everything for a protective mask. Xu Que hid in the banquet hall inside the hole, sipping red wine and gazing at the table full of dishes, not knowing which to eat first.

Goddess: Xu Que, please, as long as you let me in, I'll do anything!

Nosy relative used to moral coercion: Xu Que, I'm your elder. Quick, bring some supplies to honor your auntie!

High school show-off classmate: Xu Que, we're classmates. Please, I'm begging you, throw a bun out here to feed me! <<less

A data loving young man from Earth has an accident which transports him to a dark land filled with terrifying creatures and magical powers. ... more>>

Fortunately for him, he has a Biological Assistance Chip to ease his path.

However, things in this bizarre and strange world are not always as they seem, and, though it is a tremendous asset, the chip doesn’t always work as expected. With all of the crazy creatures and magical mayhem around him, one can only wonder what the future holds for this young man… <<less

Blood, rust, and darkness reign in a nightmare land where an amnesiac girl awakens.... more>>

The misshapen entities who call her “Alice” assault her one after another.

Without a clue of what is taking place, the girl is forced to engage in battle.

She continues to struggle in her nightmare that she cannot wake up from. <<less

Chloe died in the zombie apocalypse and woke up as a rare pureblood vampire child, as well as the daughter of the progenitor vampire.... more>>

Pureblood vampire children have delicate skin and fragile nature. They can only obtain inhuman strength after their bloodline awakens when they become adults. Pureblood vampire children have always needed good protection over the years.

Chloe (tearing apart a bull with one bite): What did you say?

Everyone: ...

With treasures in hand, feet on the throne, sweeping away werewolves, getting rid of her tr*sh dad, this was Chloe's creed.

However, on her path to domination and authority, there would always be some problems that gave her a headache.

"Miss Chloe, from the first day I saw you, I fell deeply in love with you."

"Miss Chloe, if possible, may I have the honor of building a beautiful relationship with you?"

"Miss Chloe, could you really not consider me?"

In response, Chloe disposed of admirers one by one with her blade, and said coldly: Those without enough capability, don't even think about getting close. <<less

Doomsday came, and after the destruction was rebirth.... more>>

Everyone gained superpowers, but Li Chang'an lived like a beast without any powers.

Some taught him to be good, others taught him to conquer the world.

He slowly believed that there was light even in the darkness.

Though the path was arduous, he wanted to become a powerful person at the pinnacle.

But one day the light vanished before his eyes. <<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

After a great war devastated the world, the cities are divided into two types of zones: one where the rich lives (full of luxury and technology), and the other where the poor lives (hell on earth).... more>>

Benjamin Colton lives in one of the poor neighborhoods, barely has enough to eat, and is tired of everything—of loneliness, of lack of love, and of the fact that he only has enough strength to survive. In addition to his daily duties, one day he ends up helping out as a waiter at an important party where only some of the richest people in the world are present. Unaware that he is being watched, the next day when he returns home, a wealthy-looking, very handsome stranger with a dangerous aura is standing at his front door.

His name is Aster Shanfield, one of the richest people in the world, and his son. <<less

The story of a girl who falls in love with another girl in a country where all women are born only to serve men.

I’m a combatant for an Evil Organization. I was ordered by the top brass to seduce our enemy, the hero. But I’m just an underling? And it’s absurdly scary to be in contact with the hero!! ... more>>

Can the combat android made by an Evil Organization, Hiroto, safely (?) lure in the hero who boasts of overwhelming strength, Akkad?

At the end of the day, this is a Mad Scientist plot. The world’s actual state is…

Hero of Justice X Evil Organization Underling. I accidentally made this a story about the not-too distant future. The story proper is in the perspective of a carefree bottom, but there will also be the top’s perspective of the serious underlying situation. The top’s perspective may have your heart hurting, depending on the person.

I just stuffed in everything I like, so I’m sharing it with everyone. Take a look if you’d like. <<less

This is the Lone Isle Prison.... more>>

Here, atrocities are tolerated, and normalized. The society works on a completely different set of rules.“You can decide the life and death of the prisoners. Only on this isle. Here, you can do whatever you want.”

Maybe, there is a devil on this isle, he can make a decent man lost in power and violence. <<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

In the distant future, Earth is heavily affected by consecutive nuclear wars and humans are barely surviving under a shield protecting their few “Unions.” Inside the Unions, people are classified from S to F based on their abilities/aptitudes and live in residential zones that match their classification.... more>>

Our protagonist Jung Min was born as one of the 300,000 artificially inseminated children created to prepare for the future of mankind. However, it turned out that he was aptitude-less (i.e. incompetent) and was thus pushed out to the F Zone, the most dangerous and outermost part of the Union.

Then everything changes on his first day of Adulthood: Jung-min receives an advanced Virtual Reality capsule from his foster father for a game called ‘Beyond.’ <<less