In a world where magic reigns supreme and the influence of gods wanes, a young boy finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the role of an acolyte in the declining Sun God's Temple. Blessed with the divine stigma of the Sun God, he must navigate the temple's internal politics, the hostility of his fellow acolytes, and the challenges that come with his newfound powers.... more>>

As he delves deeper into the mysteries of the temple, he discovers hidden secrets and powerful artifacts that could change the course of his destiny. With the guidance of an enigmatic senior acolyte and the unwavering faith in his own abilities, he sets out to prove his worth and carve his own path in a world that has all but forgotten the true power of the divine. <<less

Three years ago, a grievous news came from the distant stars, Crown Prince Ryann died so heroically on the frontier that even his remains couldn’t be found and returned home. ... more>>

The Empire has lost its handsome and dazzling prince, as well as one of the strongest new crystal human beings in this century.

It was said that the prince left a poor widow behind.　　

… At the funeral, the young widow had black hair and white skin. He lowered his head in silence as he held the coffin.

The royal family and high-level officials of the empire couldn’t help frowning greatly: The person who made His Highness fall in love during his lifetime was actually such a vulgar creature.

******

Jiang Jianming worked like a salted fish in the imperial military academy for three years, and he was unremarkable to the extreme.

In the graduation season, he calmly rolled up his baggage and stepped into the cruel distant star battlefield to collect the body of His Highness.

Everyone knows that disabled humans are weak, and they have no fighting ability at all. How many people either sneered or regretted, just waiting to wrap the corpse of this young man who had exceeded himself?

Until later, the pale young man scoured the scorched earth covered in blood, and when he raised his hand, the sound of gunfire broke through the long night. The Milky Way was reflected in the bottom of Jianming’s eyes, and the blade of the mecha was bathed in crystal and starlight.

Behind him, countless new human beings were convinced by this ‘proud son of heaven’, and they all called him “commander” in unison.

The alien creatures were frightened and trembling;
The rich and glorious dominion star-lord treat him as a guest;
The mu*derous space pirate love and hate him…

Jiang Jianming smiled slightly: “Don’t be so exaggerated, I’m just a weak and sickly disabled human being.”
Imperial people: “?”

So when the monarch came back from hell to the world, facing the legendary story that his lover had turned the distant star upside down for him, the monarch raised his eyebrows coldly: “Nonsense. The commander is just a weak and sickly disabled human being… Tell me, who encouraged him into a mecha today?”
Imperial people: “???”
　　
　—Please light the withered years, go through the remnants of the old civilization and the cold stars, and wake up in my arms before the dawn of mankind. <<less

How sharp can the famous General Yan Changqing’s sword be?... more>>

With a wave of his hand, he could split the hardest armour and cut a hair off with the smallest blow.

With force, he could chop off the enemy’s head cleanly.

In a rage, even without effort, the blade would have already cut through the other party’s clothes and pierced through their flesh and blood until it couldn’t pierce through anymore.

Fingertips trembling slightly, the silver sword landed. Immediately afterwards, Yan Changqing was strongly pressed into the corner.

There was nowhere to escape.

“Baby, now you have two choices.”

Helian Rongchuan pressed down on Yan Changqing’s struggling arm.

He bowed his head and kissed him domineeringly, yet gently.

“Kill me, or be mine.” <<less

I’m stuck on a remote island with the male leads in an R-19 novel.... more>>

I possessed Margaret, the villainess destined to be killed by the male leads after tormenting the female lead. So to survive, I have to run away from the male leads……

“Marga…… ret?”

The 1st male lead’s hand grabbed my ankle as I was about to run away.

From the very beginning, my plans were ruined.

***

A lot has changed after I went through the twists and turns on the remote island with the male leads who hated me.

“Don’t get away from my side, it’s dangerous.”

“Please let me help you. I’m going crazy for fear of what’s going to happen to you.”

“Look at me, okay? Can you look at me, too?”

The crazy male leads who were supposed to be obsessed with the female lead started to obsess over me.

I just want to survive safely!

Moreover, this strange tropical island seems to have a deep secret that we have not yet realized. <<less

She possessed a villainess who is known and hated for her evil acts in an unpopular novel. But because of her personality, it was extremely difficult for her to play the villainess role. But not for long…... more>>

“I’ll fix your dress according to your taste this instant!”

“My request.”

“O-Of course! As per your request, there’s only one piece available in the whole Empire.”

People around me listen to me well even if I just frown and sit still. Since I don’t have to live in difficulty, I decided to just comfortably live on as a villainess.

“Father. Is it necessary for you to solve formulas in this slow and inefficient way?”

I thought it would be good to be a rich villainess, so I used all my knowledge.

“Why don’t you give me the honor of escorting the Princess?”

I have had enough of dealing with my father, so why did an unexpected character suddenly appear? What if this person disrupts my plan? <<less

Noble status, dazzling appearance, and unparalleled talent.... more>>

The life of a princess, who had all these conditions that could not be modest, was solid.

I’m self-centered?

What is that?

It’s a life lived without caring about the regard of others.

“Look at this white fur. It’s like a snowball. Fluffy.”

Who dares to touch me frivolously?

No matter how much I shouted, I couldn’t reach the dazed-looking maids.

Eristella, the most capable woman of all time, was cursed and became a small fox.

***

It wasn’t too bad that the people of the Grand Duchy, who used to grind their teeth when I was a princess, showed affection.

“Eristella.”

The foe-like fiancé, who I most wanted to avoid, said,

“Should I call you by a proper name?”

Before he discovered my identity. <<less

After the 108th Monster Population Census, the Monster Family Planning Office issued a new regulation: Given the rising single monster population, which poses a threat to the society and undermines the harmony between humans and monsters, Monster Family Planning Office decided that from this day onward it’s forbidden to be a single monster of marriageable age.... more>>

As a result, Ying Qiao and Tao Tie, two ancient monsters who had remained single ever since their creation, were forced to go on a blind date.

To discourage their date, they both decided to lie about what they truly were.

Ying Qiao: “I am an orphan snake monster with no house and car under my name. My monthly salary is three thousand yuan. Can’t afford social insurance.”

Tao Tie: “I have a temporary job and eight brothers living off my eighty yuan daily salary.”

They both agreed they were not a good fit for each other. But under pressure, they agreed to put on a show to set a good example for the benefit of the new regulation. They planned to be a fake couple.

A foreign monster entered their nation illegally and committed many crimes. Jiang City Monster Bureau was put on high alert, and elite members were deployed to hunt for the suspect.

After having his dragon scales polished, Ying Qiao spread his wings and joined the hunt.

Putting his brother into his pocket, Tao Tie went out to join the hunt too.

In the sky above Jiang City, they had a chance encounter.

Curling his tail to hide his expensive jade tail ring, Ying Qiao said.” I am on a business trip.”

Putting his hand behind his back to hide his wristwatch worth a million, Tao Tie said.” What a coincidence, so am I.”

Knowing that their lies were exposed, they stared at each other long and hard. They both said, “We will settle accounts after getting back.” <<less

The third young master of the Gu household, Gu Ye, had a wooden personality, a stuttering speech, couldn’t remember an answer after being told ten times, didn’t dare to protest after being bullied, was considered the shame of high society. His father, in a fit of anger, sent him back to the old home in the country for the new year. But unexpectedly, he came back like a new person, in half a year testing into the top university of the capital with the highest score in the whole school. ... more>>

The entire high society circle was shocked!

After receiving his acceptance letter, the Gu family searched for Gu Ye for three days, and finally found him under an unassuming overpass. The Gu Ye who used to remain silent after being beaten had laid out a stall, stepping on a few hoodlums beneath his foot, and was selling drawings while he called out: “Exorcism Wards! Guanyin safety talismans! Wards against evil for the house! Anti-goblin and demon talismans! ……Supersale on wards and talismans! If you have the right karma, 88 per ward! Don’t pass this by!”

He looked down beneath his foot, saying with a grin: “I have special Give Up Wickedness Talismans, I think you each need three.”

Sassing heaven, earth, and air, if you don’t obey then let’s fight and don’t blather, supernatural arts grandmaster bottom. Polished scoundrel, beast in human clothing, wife-spoiling maniac, black-bellied top. <<less

‘Anyhow … I think I transmigrated into a romance fantasy novel.’... more>>

The problem is—I opened my eyes in a wake room. Within a coffin. At the funeral of this body’s owner. To make matters worse, I had read so many novels that I couldn’t remember which one I was in.

‘Ta-da~ you thought I was dead, right? I was not!’

On the other hand, I think I’m a villainess. My family is cold-hearted, and the servants shrink and shun me, often crying while looking at the air next to me. But it doesn’t matter! I’ll exploit my master in romance fantasy to get rid of my villainess tag!

But then, I found a strange pattern.

“What exactly is this?”

[How to summon •••]
‘Is it summoning formation to summon something like spirits or dragons? That’s good. A villainess needs at least one ability to protect herself.’

“Meow~”

‘But why was I chosen by a three-eyed leopard-patterned cheese cat, rather than spirits or dragons? Well, it doesn’t matter because it’s cute!’

A monster lives in Count Rohanson’s household. A creature lurking beneath the skin of the late Lady Evangeline.

“I’m Gabriel, commander of Paralos Knights. I’d like to know more about young lady Rohanson.”

‘Knight Commander, pitch black hair, azure eyes … Gabriel must be the male lead!’

“How foolish. You don’t even know your place. I’m not interested in you.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m just curious about you.”

‘How come? Aren’t I the villainess? Go find your partner, the female lead!’

My aim is to use my summoning circle to protect myself! I’ll also look after Pudding the cat and Jelly the werewolf.

“By the way … why does everyone keep trembling whenever they see me?”

A story about a heroine who thinks she’s in a romance fantasy novel and the unsettling events that happen to those around her. <<less

A species that has the ability to hunt mutants, a perennial species. ... more>>

One day, they suddenly find themselves isolated in Naraka, a place of torment. Seowoon was once highly ranked in his species and known for his excellent combat capabilities, but he lost all of those abilities after being secluded in the Naraka. Instead, he gained the ability to detect the emergence of mutants through the “Messenger”.

To escape Naraka, they need a Wu Ore, a by-product of the mutants, but Seowoon can’t even get close to mutants without being killed. Upon learning the truth, Cahaya makes a proposal to Seowoon.

“From now on, let’s work together, be my mutant notifier”.

With Cahaya’s help, he is able to travel back and forth to Seoul, but Seowoon finds it more and more difficult.

“Why did I push you away…….”

He just wants to deny the feelings that draw him towards Cahaya. <<less

It was an exceptionally ordinary day, so unremarkable that Fang Chen couldn’t even recall what he had for breakfast that morning.... more>>

Like any other day, he went through the routine of washing up, having a meal, leaving for work, and returning home in the evening to organize files. However, everything changed when he heard strange noises outside just before going to sleep. He opened the door, and from that moment, everything became different.

A man with a rotting body, peculiar creatures that preyed on humans, a helpless middle-aged couple lying in a pool of blood, and an elite white-collar worker being consumed by their own pet… and that man who seemed to be following him everywhere.

This city wasn’t safe; they had to escape from here.

“I will always stay with you, right by your side.”

“Please, kill me.”

“Don’t be afraid.”

“I can't remember who are you… I… Was I the one who killed you?”

They had committed a sin, and so the punishment began. <<less

Eun Seo-ho is born with the talent of a natural-born merchant.... more>>

As he rises through the ranks, he encounters those who would stand in his way.

“Why is the Murim Alliance after me…?”

“You’ve grown too big to the point of nuisance, so you’re an eyesore.”

He returns to the day he started working for the group and makes a firm resolve.

This time, he will never regret it.

“I will destroy them with the money they look down on so much.”

With his genius mind and exceptional talent for martial arts,

The journey of a great merchant emperor who will leave his mark on history begins! <<less

Childhood, upbringing, family background, social relations, traumatic experiences…... more>>

We keep reviewing and seeking out the motives of criminals, exploring the subtlest emotions driving them. It’s not to put ourselves in their shoes and sympathize, or even forgive them; it’s not to find some reasons to exculpate their crimes; it’s not to kneel down before the so-called “complexity of human nature”; nor to introspect social conflicts, much less to alienate ourselves into monsters.

We just want to have a fair trial – for ourselves and for those who still have hope for the world. <<less

1. Are you the pursuer?
2. Are you the pursued?
"Of course the pursued!"
The moment I made that choice, I realized, "Ah, I'm screwed."

I was reincarnated as the heiress of a conglomerate in the novel. However there was a problem, this world was about to be destroyed by a virus monster.... more>>

All I have left is money, I quickly bought in the countryside and built a shelter to avoid monsters…The world went down much faster than I expected, f*ck!

And somehow, even the male leads are trapped with me in my house. But it doesn’t seem like these two wanted to leave. Why is it as if you guys have no intention of going to the female lead?

“What the hell are you?”

“I think she knew about the fact that the world would be destroyed.”

They had a lot of questions for me but I couldn’t answer them. It’s not like you’re going to believe me anyway, right? Now, in my eyes, they just look like good manpower resources.

“Now let’s get to work, pay as much as you eat!”

If we manage to find a cure for the virus, the cause of the world’s collapse, our hellish times will be over. So, let’s roll the male leads until then and hold out!

But there’s one problem. This old mansion I bought turned out to be quite suspicious. What the hell is going on in my house? <<less

The chaos caused by bullying reveals that ghosts are actually nearby.
Ouija boards, the Four Corners game, a dilapidated copper basin, and the ghostly shadows that follow at all times… Fear pushes Tong Xiaosong to the brink of collapse, but unexpectedly, it becomes his only redemption from the bullying.... more>>

————
CP: Zhi Xian X Tong Xiaosong
Content Advisory: Sweet pet, both are inexperienced, ghost as the dominant partner <<less

Regression...... more>>

It's an ability so fraudulent that it doesn't require any detailed explanation.

Yes, I also agree that it is a fraudulent ability, but...

Isn't it too much to regress due to just a slightest injury...? <<less

The most important duty of a Taoist priest is getting rid of monsters, exorcising ghosts, and raising his temple’s reputation! Xie Lingya, though, is not a Taoist priest. He just has the Immortal Roots…... more>>

Some people can learn in a day what takes others ten years of hard work. Xie Lingya is like this–other people have to cleanse themselves and meditate to draw talismans, but he can do it as easy as drinking a glass of water. Unfortunately, in this era, graduating from a renowned university is much more valuable than the talent for cultivation. He who has the Immortal Roots finally chose to study finance.

However, the world is unpredictable. His uncle, a Taoist priest, died unexpectedly, leaving his temple to Xie Lingya. His last wish was for his nephew to find the right person to inherit his sect’s teachings.

So Xie Lingya, who had no intentions to become a Taoist, ended up as… the owner of a Taoist temple. He began to earnestly manage the deserted little place, striving to gain believers. He also struggled to recruit priests, in hope of finding a suitable successor for his uncle. After a chance encounter, his target became Shi Changxuan, who came from an influential Taoist family and had outstanding skills. Not scared off by the man’s aloof personality, he struck up a conversation and tried to get his phone number. He didn’t realize this move could be easily misunderstood… <<less

Ming Huashang was the younger fraternal twin sister. Her birth symbolized auspiciousness and she lost her mother at a young age causing Duke Zhen to dote on her immensely. She was spoiled to the point where she became ignorant, incompetent, and lazy; she was the complete opposite of her elder fraternal twin brother who was renowned all throughout Chang’an. Ming Huashang originally lived a peaceful life, prepared to dilly dally and eat till she died. Until one night, she had a dream and learned that she was actually a fake daughter.... more>>

The two children were swapped at birth, and the real daughter was living among the commoners. Although she was raised in an impoverished environment, she was diligent and motivated. She became a well-known talented woman at a young age, in stark contrast to her fake.

Later, the truth was revealed. The real daughter was taken back to the duke manor causing her status as the fake daughter to plummet. In the end, she was poisoned to death, silently, in the middle of the night.

Ming Huashang, whose biggest dream was to live a long life before dying, was terrified. Seeing that there was only one year left before the return of the real daughter, Ming Huashang tucked her tail between her legs, got her act together, and tried her best to please her elder twin brother in name, Ming Huazhang.

But her aloof and excellent elder brother couldn’t be fooled. Ming Huashang failed to please her big thigh, so she gave up decisively and set her sights on her real elder brother – the top scholar Su Xingzhi, the future prime minister from humble beginnings.

After the third time Ming Huashang sneaked out to meet the newly minted top scholar, Ming Huazhang appeared in her room late at night and said to her in disappointment, “Younger sister, why is your patience still so poor.” <<less

Sirens: a name derived from an ancient creature, used to describe those who could charm, lure, control, and heal others by singing.... more>>

Subjected to live the life of a siren, Aria had experienced, seen, and heard many horrific things. Broken beyond repair, Aria resigned herself to death, when suddenly…

The Grand Duke, Lloyd Cardence Valentine, arrived and whispered, “Should I kill everyone here?”

“If you need me, just call me. Your song will always reach me, wherever you are.”

In the end, Aria called the devil, bringing death to all those present, along with herself.

“Let’s fall down to hell together.”

And with that, Aria breathed her last and died… only to return to her 10-year-old self.

Now that she had a second chance at her life, Aria was determined to change her fate, as well as the cruel fate of her saviour, Grand Duke Valentine.

And so… Aria proposed to him with a marriage contract.

She sold her soul to the devil and vowed to protect him.

[Marry me.] Aria extended her hand and gave him the contract. [Let’s get divorced in 10 years…]

The young duke took the contract from her hand.

“So, where should I stamp the seal?”

* * *

“You said you’d divorce me within 10 years.”

The grown-up villain leaned in, hovering his head before he kissed her tenderly over her crown.

“Now that we’re adults, we should sign another contract.” <<less

Seo Yi-soo, a young prosecutor, is faced with a distressing situation when her journalist sister mysteriously disappears. While delving into the clues left behind by her sister, she stumbles upon a shocking revelation involving the country’s largest law firm, Yoon & Kang.... more>>

In her quest for information, Yi-soo approaches Yoon Hyun-seong, her senior from college and the son of Yoon & Kang’s representative, proposing a contract engagement. Aware of his legal expertise, she suggests a one-year engagement contract.

Their relationship begins as a mere arrangement to fulfill their individual objectives. Yi-soo, without harboring any doubts, firmly believes in this pragmatic alliance. However, her unwavering faith is shattered in an instant.

As she rejoices momentarily, fate throws an unexpected twist at her. The air fills with a captivating blend of wood and cigarette smoke. Hyun-seong, with a cigarette poised between his index and middle fingers, invites her to experience it. His lips gently graze the cigarette, revealing a lazy yet alluring smile. His eyes exude indifference, while the veins on his hand appear prominently.

As the tip of the cigarette turns red, Yi-soo’s heart races, feeling as if it were shattered into pieces. <<less

I became an extra in a detective novel where people are dying left and right. Moreover, I became a character with the lowest survival rate, a girl with no dreams or future!... more>>

"The culprit is that person!"

Unable to witness people dying in front of me, I subtly pointed out the culprit a few times.

"Become my daughter."
The protagonist of this novel, who catches criminals, and also the most powerful figure in the Empire, the Duke, proposed adoption to me!

Is the life in the back alley with an empty stomach finally over?! Even rejoicing at being allowed to eat two fluffy breads, the hidden settings of the novel suddenly come to mind.

'...Wait a minute. Wasn't the protagonist in this novel supposed to be a psychopath?'

The Duke, colder than anyone to villains, but warm to his adopted daughter! <<less

Waking up after a car accident, the first thing I saw was Yin Li’s handsome threatening face.... more>>

It made me somewhat embarrassed.

But in the end I had to be ruthlessly heartless, cursing while pointing at his shapely nose:

“It looks like you’re the bastard who hit me!”

He blankly stared, and then coldly said:

“I’m your fiancé. Yan Xiao, you have amnesia.”

Then I had to persuade Yin Li, I was a wretched toad and wasn’t good enough for him.

He sneered, “Even if you grew wings to become a swan, you still wouldn’t be able to escape your birthright. Not to mention that you’re just a toad.”

This is definitely not the general amnesia plot that you have in your mind! You definitely won’t be able to guess it~ <<less

Claire, an ordinary but lovely lady who works in a small bakery.... more>>

One day, she picks up a purple necklace that has fallen on the road.

She didn’t even think to find its owner because it looked old at first glance, but Claire says she regrets the day over and over again.

The owner of her necklace was none other than Clive, the young master of Count of Norton and magistrate of Studehill.

“Take that woman’s personal information. It could be theft.”

She was going to die of unfairness because she was accused of being a thief, and she was scared to death of that overly handsome man.

Fortunately, she was cleared of the charge, but Clive, who continued to hover around her for some reason, was still difficult for her.

“Are you going to buy flowers?”

“No, it’s just a look.”

“Should I buy it for you?”

“… Why?”

“You’re pretty.”

Is this how aristocratic speech is supposed to be?

I’ve met an aristocrat in my life, but how do I deal with this very aristocratic man?

Besides, why are you stopping by the bakery all the time?

Whenever she encountered Clive, Claire’s mind filled with question marks.

And she had another question that filled her head.

Who the hell is the culprit in the mu*der in the town? <<less

The once wealthy and powerful Ryuuzen clan has been all but destroyed. Their misfortune began in 1960, when a majority of the family was wiped out when their vacation villa was buried under a landslide. However, search and rescue teams discovered something even more shocking: A majority of the bodies they discovered showed obvious signs of having been mu*dered before the landslide.... more>>

As though it were a trigger, what came to be known as "The Curse of the Ryuuzen Clan" spread throughout the descendants of the family's only survivor. By mu*der, by su*cide, by accident... it seemed none who held the name "Ryuuzen" could live to see the age of 35, and now, the family has been reduced to a single woman, lying in a hospital bed, days away from death.

Kamo Touma was once just another of the endless parade of sleazy tabloid journalists looking to exploit a prominent family's tragedy to sell magazines, but Ryuuzen Rena's kindness melted his frozen heart, driving him to quit his old job and become an investigative journalist specializing in overturning cases of false arrest. Eventually, he and Rena were married, but now, the curse threatens to steal away their happiness.

Kamo prays for a miracle, and his prayers are answered by the Hourglass of Miracles, an artifact spoken of in rumors and urban legends, said to grant one wish to anyone who obtains it.

"Meister Hora", a guide for those who obtain the hourglass, tells Kamo there is only one way to break the curse and save Rena: He must travel back in time to the year 1960 and catch the culprit of the original Ryuuzen Family massacre.

Who was the culprit of the mu*ders that took place almost 60 years ago? Why did they steal away the lives of the Ryuuzen clan? What is the true nature of the "Curse of the Ryuuzen Clan?" And perhaps most mysteriously of all... What is Meister Hora's goal in all this?

Winner of the 29th annual Ayukawa Tetsuya Award. <<less