Question: What is it like to be romantically pursued by the main subject of a very conventional scary urban legend?... more>>

Yao Ye, the only normal person inside a bizarre horror story: I am going crazy.

When you’re going about your day as usual and suddenly find out that the guy who had a crush on you that you ignored has become a ghost lingering behind you late at night…

When you suddenly find out that your boyfriend is a monster in human skin…

When you hear about a netizen committing su*cide because of an online relationship breakup and suddenly find out that it was you who dumped him…

When you’re stranded on a deserted island and suddenly find out that your dead childhood friend has become a bandage-wearing weirdo hunting down intruders on the island…

When you suddenly find out that your lover is not human.

—It loves you to the bone, and you can’t escape it.

In the end, their karma is inextricably tangled together.

This is a story that turns an eerie urban legend into a romantic drama. <<less

I'm Selena, a daughter born to a family well-known for their fertile women. I was sold off in a marriage to a sickly duke whose life hung in the balance, for the sake of producing an heir of his family. They provided me a medicine purported to aid in pregnancy, and the astrologist even advised me about good days to sleep together, but...there was no child.... more>>

"So, are there any signs of pregnancy?"

"Ah, I-I'm sorry."

"You're useless. What luck do you think won you the position of the duke's wife?"

I couldn't say a word.

‘No, excuse me. I only have to look at the sky to pluck a star. That's how I attained this position.'

***

A husband who doesn't like touching me in the least.

But he's still pitiful so let's at least make him healthy by feeding him nutritious food, getting him to exercise, and I'll personally test any doubtful food first. Once he recovers from my extensive efforts, I'll sign an annulment paper and flee, but...

"You agreed to a contract to bear me an heir. But to think you would go back on your words..."

Although he's in good health now, my "former" husband has become a bit too healthy.

"You're healthy now!"

"The duties of marriage are sacred. I will collect my dues."

"Wait. Wait! But we're divorced? We're no longer husband and wife..."

He smirked then took a piece of paper from his breast pocket and tossed it to me.

"We aren't divorced yet." <<less

The protagonist, Choi Joon-ho, who had lived his life as a ruthless villain, indulging in power and bloodshed, one day returned to the past when... more>> he was an unemployed shut-in. He decided to turn his life around and use his strength for good, facing various challenges and obstacles along the way. <<less

Leng Mushi unexpectedly awakened to the knowledge that she was a villainess in a novel. The novel’s law told her that if she completed the plot in the novel, she would regain freedom over her life.... more>>

She began to conscientiously play the role of the villainess. She followed the novel’s extremely s*upid ways of framing the heroine and acted out the crazy role of an infatuated person towards the male lead.

On the edge of a desolate cliff, with a deranged appearance, she said, “Brother Xiao, if you don’t agree, I’ll jump down from here.”

On the edge of a cliff in the secret realm, with a twisted appearance, she said, “Brother Xiao, if you go see her, I’ll jump from here.”

On the edge of a cliff in the devil realm, with a tearfully ugly appearance, she said, “Brother Xiao, if you marry her, I’ll jump from here.”

At the border of the netherworld, while crying in despair, she said, “Why don’t you love me? What’s the point of living if you don’t love me? I’m going to jump from here!”

Xiao Mian: … Come down, I love you.

Leng Mushi: Huh?

—

What to do when the villainess, who was too committed to acting out her role, wins over the male lead? Was it too late to reject him?

Xiao Mian: I’ve never been so crazily loved by someone. To be loved in such a passionate and intense way, I don’t think I’ll be able to fall in love with anyone else. <<less

Xia Ruyan had an unnatural death, but by chance, she was chosen by the Lord God and granted her a system. In order to resurrect,... more>> she has to travel through the world of novels to complete various missions, but why is there an immoral guy attached to each mission? <<less

A tale about the former leader of a special organization that served under royalty, now leaving his past life behind and unintentionally getting involved with... more>> the martial world. <<less

“It’s because I’m a s*ave.”... more>>

So said the man who killed her as he smirked.

After her fourth return, entering her fifth life, she made up her mind. She needed to stop the one responsible for starting the Continental War, and survive!

“What is required?”

“Let go.”

“Tell me what you want! No, what you need! Whatever it takes, I won’t allow you to start a war!”

The moment she grabbed that man’s pant leg and looked up him, looking back at her were his eyes, as deep as an abyss.

“Once you say something, you have to take responsibility for it, Princess.”

Will she be able to protect the peace of the world from this man and survive safely? <<less

She, the prime minister’s daughter, was timid and cowardly. Because her engagement fell through, and her reputation was ruined, she was pressured to spill her own blood in the palace hall! Once again opening her eyes, the cowardice had vanished, replaced by coldness, causing others to be intimidated at first glance. Yet no one realized, she was not her.... more>>

He, the current dynasty’s Chu Wang, served the country and brought peace and stability. Peerless and magnificent, all the girls under the Heavens eagerly pursued him! He helped her break off her engagement in the palace hall, but she avoided him at a great distance. He set his mind to pursue her, but she didn’t intend to love him.

At home, the turbulent currents of government affairs surged violently, disputes from every country continued to spring up everywhere. The stunning her who had been reborn, and how she didn’t bat an eyelid to resolve that terrifying carnage; her name had shaken the whole world!

When the dust had settled, and the song and dance had ceased, who could hold hands with her and look upon this thousand-year golden age, this flourishing ten thousand miles? Nowadays in this land under the Heavens, everyone spoke of how Chu Wang was cunning and two-faced, he desired the whole world, and was someone they seriously could not provoke. Yet the one they could not provoke even more was his Wang Fei – Yun Qian Meng! Anyone who provoked Chu Wang Fei, must surely be prepared to lose their necks!

A breathtaking rebirth, a thrilling marriage, in the blink of an eye the once weak woman had become the honorable Chu Wang Fei!

Wang Fei: In the palace chambers, between the feasts, smiles are hiding daggers, with layers and layers of plots and machinations; those who hurt my flesh and blood will have to pay the price.

Chu Wang: In these troubled times, carrying the fire beacon, over thousands of miles of fortresses and mountains, I have traveled to the distance to these border stations; if you dare to hurt my wife I will take your life.

Wang Fei: In another country, in a foreign land, will his thoughts stay pure? The princess of another nation is graceful and beautiful, will “a pair of people for one life” change?

Chu Wang: Returning home, difficult problems arise. As green hills extend into the distance, beautiful flowers and tender feelings grow deeply; dealing with the ruler and his ministers is harder than rising into Heaven.

That night, all the monarchs struggled for power, smoke rising all around; that night, the husband and wife were separated, neither humble nor haughty; that night, the land was in great disorder, lying corpses filled the plains; that night, whose heart was confused, whose family was broken, whose country was lost?

In the chaos of war, during their separation, separated by thousands of miles of unmoving mountains and rivers, the gentleman’s heart and the wife’s heart never changed. In the lonely city without aid, hand in hand as before, they advanced together while chatting lightly about this West Chu country. <<less

The human body is a representation of the world, controlled by internal desires. Desire is driven by will. The will communicates desires through the body and governs our world. ... more>>

When your world becomes dazzling and shining like never before because of the arrival of a person, you should be alert. That is the collapse of will. 
***
Shang Muxiao x Bei Jie
Indifferent college student gong x cold and rational associate professor in a wheelchair shou <<less

Reborn as a sword, he lived for hundreds of years, and then he occupied the body of a 15-year-old prince

After transmigrating into a danmei novel, Xue Lan became a part of the protagonists’ game team: a cannon fodder who plotted against the lead gong1 and was eventually kicked out of the team.... more>>

Initially, he only wanted to play and watch people be in a love-hate relationship as they teamed up. Unexpectedly, one day, he was mistaken for a woman who entered the club dressed as a man.
A sudden change took place—

Teammate A: Lan Lan, these snacks are all for you.
Teammate B: Lan Lan, let me know if you need any materials.
Fans ABCD: Lan Lan, you’re our baby and our pride! We’re cheering for you!

Lead gong Wen Yan threw him the materials he’d farmed for n-long time: Stay close, don’t think you’ll be treated differently just because you’re a girl.

Xue Lan: …I’m really a man.

Xue Lan passed the garden carrying snacks and gifts with gloom, but then saw the lead shou2 Duan Wenzheng sitting by himself under a tree.

Duan Wenzheng was a fierce teammate who rivaled Wen Yan in the rankings all year round. He just lost a solo3 practice match and seemed to be dejected.

Thinking he would soon become the shou, Xue Lan stuffed all the snacks in his hands.

Xue Lan with a sparkling gaze: Don’t be sad, we all lose and win in competitions. Next time you can tell me anything you’re upset about!

Duan Wenzheng who was pondering over life problems, what to eat for lunch, and didn’t properly play the practice match: ?

He raised his head to see Xue Lan’s sparkling eyes and faintly smiled. “Okay.”

Later—
Xue Lan was forced to come out of the closet after his identity was exposed. Everyone burst into an uproar. The media interviewed the teammates about their views on this.

“Very surprised.” The interview spiraled out of control after Duan Wenzheng casually took the microphone: “This is the second revelation that has left me shocked.”

The media hastened to dig into the details: So, the first is?
Duan Wenzheng: The partner of his coming out—is me.

All netizens: ????? <<less

The worst villain in Korea’s virtual gaming history.... more>>

That was the only phrase used to describe me after that.

I thought that would be the end of my life as a gamer.

At least, until………

*** A broadcast for bad guys. Be warned. <<less

Fortunately, it’s still in my childhood day’s, not to severe yet. To prevent worsening of condition, I must stick close to treatment, the villainess Rachel.... more>>

“Never come near me again”

”I hate noisy and chaotic things”

”We don’t need that , so just leave”

…..well, it’s not easy to stick by sharp tongued villainess. Still I destroy the original work diligently to survive. But it seems we couldn’t completely avoid the original work, and we have to part away.

Ten years later. The caring villainess sends a handsome bodyguard, worried about my safety.

”You’ll make my face explode. Have you fallen for me”

But this man somehow remind me of Rachel. But his personality seems different …. Maybe it’s just my imagination?

….Or so I thought.

”So are you going to have contact marriage, you’re holding the hand like this once you’re married.”

As I stutter in surprise, he closes the distance between us. I can feel his breath.

”You should also kiss.”

His face up close is clearly that of man’s.

Could you do this with someone else.

Wait a minute.

Wasn’t he supposed to be villian?! <<less

Known as the “Perfect Gene”, Yang QiQi and her mortal enemy, DongFang Yu both ended up crossing over to a strange beastmen world. After turning into a 10 year old loli, Yang QiQi was picked up by the beastmen. Thus began her life in a foreign land.... more>>

Beastmen: Grow up quickly, we want to eat some delicious meat.

Yang QiQi: I want to upgrade. Women should strive for self-improvement! <<less

Z1932 was the final test subject of the Mechanical War God project, treated as a thoughtless weapon by human sanctuaries and relentlessly exploited.... more>>

Wu Yin first encountered him during a mission to escort a scientist. With his icy crimson eyes and absolute martial prowess, his appearance alone determined the outcome of the battle.

Upon their next meeting, his arms were bound and suspended by heavy chains, forcing him to kneel with his eyes closed, unable to straighten. Wu Yin, with his inadequate skills, pierced three of his blood vessels, causing blood to spurt wildly, yet he sincerely apologized, "Sorry for staining your clothes."

—Do not interact with Z1932. This mutant is cruel, cold-blooded, and lacks the empathy normal humans should have.

Observing the bloodstains on his garment, Wu Yin doubted the truth of this statement, considering what threat could a creature in such a dire state pose?

Wu Yin decided to rescue this "pitiful creature" and make Z1932 his servant, taking care of his daily needs, working tirelessly for him, and even sharing his bed.

...

Z1932 knew the man who couldn't even accurately target blood vessels was not a real scientist. Desperate to escape the shelter, he took a gamble by pledging loyalty to him, agreeing to numerous unfair conditions—of course, with the intention of reneging on them the moment he gained his freedom.

The next day, he saw the fake scientist's body, horribly dead, with his brain matter s**ked dry by the contaminants outside the base.

Z1932: ...

Z1932: What a useless piece of tr*sh. <<less

This is a story in which a boy learns about duty, and a man learns about love. A s*ave boy plotted the encounter with the greatest general of the Northern Plains. He became the general’s best disciple, learning archery, combat, warfare, literature, and most of all, loyalty. He was his s*ave, his subordinate, his officer, his student, his champion, his adopted son, and his lover.... more>>

However, this is not a fairytale for the faintest of hearts. Here, absolute power is brought through sacrifice, betrayal, and bloodshed, and lingering attachment begins from conspiracy and espionage. Emotions and intent flicker between sincerity and deception, and truth lies between truth and lies.

But love is always true, for there will be no regrets.

“Anywhere you see from your steed, and everywhere the golden rays of the sun can reach, will be my home.”

“You are the legend of the steppes. For I shall also become a legend—one greater and more resounding than yours—When people remember you, they will also remember me!” <<less

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