《A Hero Among Us》Chapter 222 "Mold Breaker"
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12-year-old Fang walks through the school halls as children avoid looking at her while others stare at her with malice.
Child 1: *whispers* That’s the freaky new girl.
Child 2: *whispers* I heard she got kicked out of her last school for fighting.
Child 3: *whispers* So, she’s a delinquent? What a loser.
Fang’s eyes change to pure blue, and she begins crying.
Child 1: Ew! What happened to her eyes?
Child 2: And I thought her arm thing was creepy.
Child 3: Ugh, she just gets weirder by the second.
Fang reaches her classroom and takes her seat.
Fang: (My face of sorrow means I cannot hide my feelings. They can see that I’m genuinely hurt by their words and gazes. I wish I could control my quirk, but… an ability like this cannot be tamed so easily.)
Hayze, Wes, and Fang are ready to take on Justus and Silver.
Silver: Ready to see what we become?
Justus: Sure, but I’d rather fight as a team.
Silver: Me too, but we’ll have plenty of those opportunities in the real world.
Wes tugs on Hayze’s sleeve.
Wes: Hayze… with your tactics, I’m sure we’ll win. Just please, all I ask is you don’t use me as a meatshield or bait in your plan.
Hayze: Wes, I can’t promise anything.
Wes: I’ll take that…
Fang: Are you well known for your planning?
Wes looks at Fang.
Wes: You’ve never heard of this guy, have you?
Hayze bonks Wes on the head.
Hayze: And I’m sure you’ve never heard of China’s Top Student, have you?
Wes: N- no…
Fang: Oh, it’s alright. I didn’t mean-
Hayze: Don’t worry about it, Fang. Wes says the wrong thing a lot.
Wes: Yeah… I can’t argue that.
Hayze: I’m kind of a strategist by nature, so that’s what I’m known for in our class.
Fang: Ah, well, the same goes for me.
Hayze: Oh, really? Well, in that case, I’ll follow your lead.
Fang: That’s not necessary. You can-
Hayze: Silver and Justus have seen me fight plenty of times. Perhaps it’ll be better if we have someone else develop the plan.
Wes: Hayze, I’m scared.
Hayze: You always are.
Wes: *sighs* I hate that you’re not wrong.
Fang smiles.
Fang: Alright, I’m ready to go then.
Yul approaches Silver and Justus.
Yul: Ready?
Silver and Justus: Mhm.
Yul: Then, let’s begin.
Yul places his hand on each of their shoulders.
Yul: Fuse!
Silver and Justus merge into a single person. He has Justus’ hair with a mixed color, Silver’s eyes and head shape, Justus’ nose, and a blend of their clothes, but his entire body is made of silver. When he speaks, his voice is an overlap of Justus’ and Silver’s.
Silvus: Hello, opponents. Prepare for defeat.
Fang and Hayze glance at each other and nod.
Yul: Ready, everyone? Begin!
Silvus points his palm at Hayze, Wes, and Fang.
Silvus: Silver Bullets!
Silvus fires a barrage of silver bullets. Hayze creates a shadow kunai.
Hayze: Shadow Scratch!
Silvus: I’ll never let you use that against me!
Silvus leaps back to avoid Hayze’s attack.
Hayze: I’m not using it on you!
Silvus: Huh?
Hayze throws his kunai at Wes’ shadow.
Wes: Wh- huh?!
Hayze: Mirror Defense!
Hayze forces Wes into firing his grappling hook into a light post to swing in front of Silvus’ attack. He transforms Wes' body into a mirror.
Silvus: What the?!
The bullets reflect off Wes and blast Silvus with double the force.
Silvus: *grunts*
Wes lands safely on the ground.
Wes: HAYZE! What was that? I could have done that myself!
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Hayze: Could have and would have are two very different concepts, Wes.
Wes: *sighs* Sadly, you’re right… At least you nailed him good.
Fang: I’m not so sure of that.
Silvus brushes off his shoulder, barely injured.
Wes: Oh, shit…
Hayze: Silver’s armor plus Justus’ durability makes this fused warrior impervious to most attacks.
Wes: And that one was doubled…
Silvus: You won’t defeat me with your weak quirks, so don’t even make an attempt.
Hayze: (Justus and Silver have both gotten their arrogance in check, but together… they’re a little too confident.)
Fang steps forward and grows her extra set of arms.
Fang: My quirk is many things, but “weak” is not one of them.
Wes: Uh… Fang, I don’t think punching him is a good idea.
Hayze: *whispers* Follow her lead, Wes.
Wes: If you say so.
Silvus smiles.
Silvus: If you think you can take on the combination of Justus and Silver, the sons of the former top two heroes, then bring it.
Fang: Watch me.
Silvus: (She’s probably going to use her face of rage, but if she believes that will be enough power to break through my defense, she’s wrong.)
Fang covers her face with her forearms.
Fang: Asura Form: Face of Joy!
Fang’s face becomes stuck on a smile, and her eyes turn completely yellow.
Fang: *laughs* It brings me great joy to annihilate you!
Fang withdraws four swords from the sheaths on her back.
Fang: Feast your eyes on my four-sword style!
Fang’s blades ignite with flames.
Silvus: What the?!
Fang: *laughs hysterically* Fire swords! Courtesy of Hong Kong Hero Institute’s Engineering Team!
Silvus grinds his teeth.
Silvus: (Fire attacks! My one weakness! It’s alright, I’ll just-)
Hayze: Shadow Paralysis: Chain of Pain!
Silvus: Huh?!
Hayze’s shadow extends through Fang’s and attaches to Silvus’
Hayze: Nice distraction, Fang!
Fang: *laughs* Thanks!
Silvus: Are you kidding me? That’s all that was?!
Hayze: No, those swords are still burning.
Fang charges at Silvus.
Fang: Now enjoy! Four Flames of Fury!
Fang slices Silvus repeatedly with her swords, severely burning him on his torso.
Silvus: AHHHHH!
Fang’s face returns to normal. Silvus is sent flying through the air before crashing into a car.
Lilith: She’s so powerful!
Alexis: What a combo!
Aaron: Those two are in sync.
Ozzie: Yeah, Fang knew Hayze could paralyze his opponents, so she made her attack into a spectacle to distract Silvus. That way, she could make him say G’day to her swords without him dodging; wise move.
Hayze and Fang high-five.
Hayze: I like the alliteration.
Fang: I like your quirk.
Hayze: You figured out how to work with it fast. That reminds me of someone.
Fang: Who?
Hayze: That’s not important.
Wes: If you two are done patting each other on the back, Silvus is getting back up!
Silvus has gotten to his feet as his chest smolders from Fang’s attack.
Silvus: I won’t be taken down so easily…
Hayze: We weren’t expecting you to.
Silvus: I must say, I underestimated you, Fang. But make no mistake: that won’t happen again!
Fang: (I’ve heard that before.)
A flashback begins. 17-year-old Fang is in a female hero’s office as they look through Fang’s file.
Imperia: High grades, impeccable skills, recommendation by your teacher. It’s evident why you weren’t offered an internship by a top hero and are here instead.
Fang: Yes, I could have performed better in my field tests, but I assure you, I-
Imperia: That’s cute, but we both know your gender is to blame.
Fang goes quiet.
Imperia: That’s why the rest of China won’t take you. You’re restricted to Hong Kong, but the hero work here is not strong enough for your talents.
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Fang: Not to speak out of turn, but what’s your point in bringing this up, sir?
Imperia: I want to help you.
Fang: What?
Imperia: I grew up in Hong Kong as well; I know how Mainland China looks down on us and our system of heroes. They’re only willing to accept the elite of the elites, and unfortunately for you and me, they’re only men.
Fang: Yes, unfortunately…
Imperia: I’ll take you under my wing as an intern, but that will only be your title. You will be my proverbial sidekick.
Fang is shocked.
Fang: R- really?
Imperia: Yes, but this is not allowed under Hong Kong law, so I will need to fight for you.
Fang: Y- you don’t have to stick your neck out for me!
Imperia: Yes, I do.
Fang: Huh?
Imperia: If we want to make a difference and teach the rest of China to stop underestimating female heroes from Hong Kong… we need to show them how powerful women like you are. Fang, I don’t deserve to be your mentor, but I’m the best you can get.
Imperia offers Fang her hand.
Imperia: Join me… please.
Fang immediately shakes Imperia’s hand.
Fang: Of course.
Imperia: Good, then it’s time for your first lesson.
Imperia takes a sword hanging from her wall and tosses it to Fang.
Fang: Hm?
Imperia: If you’ve got four hands, we should take advantage of them.
Fang smiles.
Fang: Right!
The flashback ends.
Fang: (I come from a place where being a hero isn’t simple. There are roadblocks that no other area in the world can compare to. However, I’ve learned to overcome the deficits I’ve faced from being born in Hong Kong so I can overcome any battle in America.)
Silvus takes a deep breath.
Silvus: Alright, no more kid gloves. It’s time for me to go all out!
Fang: You weren’t doing that already?
Wes: Ha!
Silvus: Wes is first.
Wes: WHAT?!
Suddenly, spikes emerge from every spot on Silvus’ body.
Hayze: Oh boy.
Silvus: Silver Spike Storm!
Silvus’ spikes fire off like needles in every direction. Their velocity is so fast that none of Hayze, Fang, or Wes can react in time.
Hayze, Fang, and Wes: AHHHH!
All three fall to their knees as Silvus charges them down.
Wes: Don’t worry, guys! I’ve got this!
Wes fires his grappling hook and swings into the air. He transforms his body into a mirror.
Wes: Ha! Now you can’t hit me! You’re going down!
Wes careens toward Silvus.
Wes: Hi-yah!
Wes attempts to kick Silvus in the head, but his silver skin shatters Wes' fibula.
Wes: AHHHHHHHHHH!
Wes crashes to the ground, shattering the mirrors on his back.
Wes: AHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Silvus stares at him dumbfounded.
Silvus: You know that was like kicking a brick wall, right?
Wes: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Aaron: *from afar* WOOHOO!
Suddenly, a shadow crossbow bolt bounces off Wes and pierces Silvus’ left pec.
Silvus: *pained grunt*
Hayze: Nice work, Wes!
Wes: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Hayze aims at Wes again and fires another bolt, but Silvus dodges.
Hayze: *grunts*
Fang: Hayze, your shadow arrow… it broke through his skin.
Hayze: Yeah, it did, but it was boosted by Wes' power.
Fang: I know, but perhaps if we weaken Silvus… the same effect can occur.
Hayze: I’m listening.
Silvus cracks his neck.
Silvus: (I’ve been relying too heavily on my Silver half. It’s time to utilize Justus’ talents as well, but first…)
Silvus becomes invisible as Wes recovers from his pain.
Wes: Uh… guys… where did he go?
Suddenly, Wes' mirror chest shatters.
Wes: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Wes' screams catch Hayze and Fang’s attention.
Hayze: He’s using Ferrokinetic invisibility!
Fang: What?
Hayze: It’s a long story, but he can basically turn invisible.
Fang: Okay, so we need to prepare ourselves for his attack.
Hayze and Fang stand back to back. Hayze readies his crossbow.
Fang: *whispers* You’ve got the plan down?
Hayze: *whispers* Yup, you can count on me.
A barrage of needles appears from nowhere and slices into Hayze’s upper chest.
Fang: Funny, Silvus. I thought you said you were done underestimating me.
Hayze: I think he’s just overestimating me.
Fang: Both can be true.
Hayze: *nasal grunt*
Aaron is still laughing about Wes.
Zach: It’s not THAT funny, Aaron.
Aaron: How!?
Ash: You should pay more attention to the rest of the match.
Lilith: Yeah, it’s exciting!
Alexis: (Hayze and Fang are working together as though they’ve known each other for years. I wonder if their quirk’s similarity is giving them that edge or if it’s something else.)
Silvus is standing perfectly still to maintain his stealth.
Silvus: (Hayze could have dodged that by using Shadow Sneak… they’re up to something. But with Hayze as my opponent… I can’t play things slow. Anytime he’s been given a chance to recover… it’s spelled doom for his adversary. So I have to strike!)
Silvus forms claws from his knuckles, appears, and stabs Hayze in the stomach.
Hayze: AHHH!
Hayze drops his crossbow and falls to his knees as Silvus rips his claws from Hayze’s chest.
Zach: Hey! That’s my move!
Aaron: Yeah, and it’s generic.
Zach: It’s still mine!
Fang whips around and punches Silvus repeatedly.
Silvus: Didn’t you learn from Wes' pathetic display?
Fang’s fists are unharmed.
Eve: Looks like she’s stronger than Wes.
Aaron: Who isn’t?
Fang grabs Hayze with one arm and leaps back.
Fang: I wasn’t trying to injure you. I wanted to keep my teammate safe.
Silvus: Admirable, but another fire sword attack would have been much more intelligent.
Fang: I didn’t ask for your advice.
Silvus smiles.
Silvus: Well, let me show you why it matters!
Silvus charges Fang.
Silvus: Take this! Silver Hammer of Justice!
Fang attempts to defend with her arms, but Silvus weaves through them and punches Fang in the gut.
Fang: AHHH!
Fang is sent flying as blood spews from her mouth.
Silvus: My monstrous strength is not to be trifled with!
Fang writhes in pain on the ground.
Fang: Well… that’ll leave some internal bleeding.
Fang coughs up blood.
Fang: *grunts*
A flashback begins. Imperia and Fang are standing atop a Hong Kong skyscraper, staring at a massive protest. The streets are filled with waves of people.
Fang: Do… Do we have to?
Imperia: Yes, we are heroes of China, so we must do our job.
Fang: But I agree with the protestors…
Imperia: Me too… but we must protect the peace and serve our country. We have our orders, and we must follow them.
Fang: I refuse.
Imperia places her hand on Fang’s shoulder.
Imperia: Don’t throw away your career, not over this.
Fang: But this isn’t right! These people are fighting for their freedom! They didn’t ask to be a part of China again!
Imperia: No, they did not, but this isn’t the way to solve things, Fang.
Fang: What?
Imperia: This is just a battle, and victory is not achieved by walking away. The fight for liberty is not easy, and it’s certainly not pretty. But if you leave now, you will never win.
Fang: Wh- what do you mean?
Imperia: Our final goal is freedom for Hong Kong, not to protect these protestors. We wish we could have both, but we cannot ignore our dreams.
Fang: Do you really believe one hero can make a difference?
Imperia: That does not matter. The only question that matters is… do you?
Fang goes quiet.
Imperia: I’ll be below.
Imperia exits the rooftop.
Fang: (I didn’t become a hero so I could help the oppressive ways of China… but what choice do I have? Can one hero really be the difference? If I walk away… will anything change? But if I stay… I will have to fight my own people.)
Fang looks down at the swarms of protestors as they’re violently confronted by the China Police Force and heroes.
Fang: (What does being a hero mean to me? What’s my final goal?)
Fang clenches her fist.
Fang: (All I know is I want to stay a hero… so I have to go down there and help control the protestors. Even if I don’t like it.)
Fang goes to leave the roof.
Fang: (I hope someday… I can experience what it’s like to be a hero where my country doesn’t look down upon me.)
The flashback ends. Silvus turns his attention to Hayze.
Silvus: Once I get rid of you, the dominos will fall!
Silvus punches Hayze in the chest, cracking multiple of his ribs.
Hayze: *pained grunts*
Silvus: Don’t even try to fake me out and use your shadow paralysis. I’m prepared to stop that feeble attempt.
Hayze: Oh… I’m not faking, but I’ll still try!
Hayze’s shadow extends toward Silvus’.
Silvus: Not happening!
Silvus leaps back and fires a barrage of silver bullets at Hayze, knocking him down motionless and ending his attack.
Silvus: (He might be down, but I need to be sure, or else-)
Fang: Face of Sorrow!
Fang’s eyes water and turn pure blue.
Fang: Woe is me… it brings me much pain to attack you.
Silvus: (What does this Asura Form do?)
Fang starts dancing strangely.
Silvus: Huh?
Fang: Face my sorrow! Disarming Dance!
Silvus feels a strange pulsation throughout his body.
Silvus: W- what is this?
Fang: My disarming dance causes everyone within a 30-meter radius to weaken… oh… how sad…
Silvus: Weaken? What do you-
Silvus can feel his metallic skin softening.
Silvus: What the hell?!
Fang: You’re no match for my power… surrender now and spare yourself the depression of defeat…
Silvus: Never!
Silvus charges toward Fang.
Silvus: All I have to do is knock you down, and my power will return to normal!
Fang: That’s an unfortunate theory… too bad you won’t be able to test it.
Silvus: Huh?
Suddenly, a shadow bolt pierces Silvus’ back and bursts through his chest.
Silvus: AHHHHHHHHH!
Silvus keels over.
Silvus: H- how… he couldn’t have gotten to his crossbow in his state…
Fang reverts to normal.
Fang: He didn’t.
Silvus: Huh?
Silvus looks over his shoulder and sees Hayze fired his shadow crossbow using a shadow hand.
Silvus: Clever…
Silvus passes out.
Yul: Team A wins!
Everyone in the stands (besides Lara) gives a round of applause.
Ash: Great match!
Eve: That Fang girl is tough!
Gus: And freaky…
Fang looks at her classmates.
Fang: (So, this is what cheering feels like…)
A flashback begins. Fang enters Imperia’s office.
Fang: You wanted to see me, ma’am?
Imperia: Yes… take a seat.
Fang sits down across from Imperia as she’s handed a folder.
Fang: What’s this?
Imperia: A parting gift.
Fang: P- parting! What do you-
Imperia: Just open it.
Fang opens the folder; there are plane tickets from China to Nashville.
Fang: Wh- what’s this?
Imperia: I have to confess to a misdeed… I forged your paperwork and applied for U.A. in America.
Fang: Wh- huh!
Imperia: The most famous hero institute in the United States is accepting international students for next year, and you were chosen to be one of them.
Fang: I- I was?
Imperia: You’re the best hero prospect China has to offer. Of course, they did.
Fang stares at the tickets.
Fang: Why… Why should I go to America? What’s there for me?
Imperia: When we met two years ago, I said I wanted to show the rest of this country that female heroes aren’t to be underestimated. This is our chance to do it. You’ll be the first Chinese student to graduate there, and you’ll be able to learn many lessons and bring them back here.
Fang: But… I want to graduate in Hong Kong. I want to prove to the Mainland that our heroes are just as good as theirs!
Imperia stands up, walks to Fang, and places her hand on her shoulder.
Imperia: Unfortunately, that won’t happen if you stay here.
Fang: Huh? Why?
Imperia: Because you need to be more than just a great hero. You need to be the best hero.
Fang: I- I do?
Imperia: Remember that final goal we talked about? Mine is to see Hong Kong and China united as one, not at each other’s throats. To do that, we need a symbol. Someone who everyone can look up to and be inspired by. A person whose words carry more weight than our national leaders. I believe if you go to America and rise up their hero ranks… you can be that person, Fang.
Fang: Y- you do?
Imperia: Of course, I’ve always believed in you, Fang. But I’ll never force you to do anything you don’t want to. If you disagree with me… you can back out of traveling to America.
Fang stares at Imperia.
Fang: (My whole life… I was bullied and looked down upon for my strange abilities… and gender. I dreamed of being a hero like my parents were, but I never had a goal. I want to be a role model for every little girl who looks weird or different from everyone else. Just because we’re from Hong Kong doesn’t mean we’re worth less than anyone else. We didn’t choose to be born into this strange situation and a culture that treats one gender as inferior. I want to break the mold and end this cycle of pain. If I can be the symbol that unifies our country and ends the stigma towards women heroes… I will put every ounce of effort in my body into becoming just that! I was born with all of this talent, and it’s time for me to put it to good use.) I’ll go.
Imperia: You will!
Fang: Yes, and I will make the most of my time in America.
Imperia: Woohoo!
The flashback ends with Imperia and Fang hugging.
Fang: (No challenge will stop me.)
Fang approaches Hayze as he’s placed on a stretcher.
Fang: Good work, teammate.
Hayze smiles and coughs up blood.
Hayze: I should be saying that to you… it was your great plan that won us the match.
Fang: I couldn’t have done it without you.
Wes: What about me…
Fang: You helped too, Wes!
Wes: *groans*
Silvus, Fang, Wes, and Hayze exit the arena for Recovery Girl’s office.
Yul: Alright, let’s move on to our final group!
Blair is examined by Recovery Girl.
Recovery Girl: You’re all set, Blair. You healed well.
Blair: It helped that only half of the injuries were mine.
Recovery Girl: That’s true. Sorry to rush you out, but another set of patients is arriving soon.
Blair: Oh, don’t worry. I understand.
Blair exits Recovery Girl’s office.
Blair: Alright, Saige, how are you gonna harass me now-
Blair turns to see her Father, Blast, and not Saige.
Blair: Wh- D- Dad?
Blast: Hello, sweety. It’s been a while.
Blair grinds her teeth.
Blair: I’m used to you being gone for long periods of time! What I’m not used to is you turning up out of the blue as MY PRINCIPAL!
Blast: Let’s not do this here. Come to my office.
Blair: *sighs* Fine…
Blast and Blair head to Ewing’s former office and take their seats.
Blast: I understand why you’re upset, and I apologize. But with everything you’ve gone through in two years here, I couldn’t stand idly by anymore, especially with Aster gone.
Blair: So, you’re here to protect me? I can take care of myself, Dad!
Blast: I’m aware, but that doesn’t mean I won’t worry. I also want to protect all of the students at this school, not just you.
Blair: Sure…
Blast: I don’t care if you don’t believe me. It’s the truth, and have the utmost faith in your abilities, Blair. I was offered the job because the Hero Association felt I was most suited for it. I couldn’t let my relationship with you complicate an obvious choice.
Awkward silence.
Blast: I met your son.
Blair’s face turns red.
Blair: M- Mom told you the whole story, right?
Blast: Of course, I was curious how I had a 16-year-old grandson when my daughter is only 19 herself.
Blair: Good, then we’re on the same page.
Blast: Do you love him?
Blair: Blaze? Of course, he’s my son! Even if he’s from another timeline, he’s-
Blast: Not him, his father.
Blair gets quiet.
Blair: Yes, I love Hayze.
Blast and Blair stare at each other.
Blast: Good.
Blair: Is- is that it?
Blast: Blair, you’re an adult and can make your own choices. So, I’ll give you one. Do you want to hear my opinion or not?
Blair hesitates.
Blair: Yeah… I do…
Blast takes a deep breath.
Blast: I’m going to give you my advice, Blair. You have every right to ignore it, and I will not get angry or blame you if you do… You should break up with him.
Blair: No.
Blast: Will you hear me out on why?
Blair looks away.
Blair: *sighs* Only because you’re my dad.
Blast: Do you want to live in his shadow?
Blair: W- what?
Blast: Hayze. He’s bound to become a Top 5 hero upon graduation. Hell, he’s one of the most well-known heroes, and he’s still a student. Do you want to spend your entire career as “Hayze’s girlfriend?”
Blair stares at her father.
Blast: I think Hayze is a great man, and I would be proud to call him my son-in-law someday. However, I want what’s best for you. You dream of becoming the top female hero, ultimately, correct?
Blair: Y- yeah…
Blast: How are you supposed to do that when you’re shackled to your boyfriend as his inferior?
Blair: I…
Blast: Think about your dream, Blair. If you don’t break away from him now… you may never achieve it. And even if you do, will it be the same when most of the people cheering for you don’t know your name?
Blair grows quiet.
Blair: What if Hayze is my dream? What if a life with him is more important to me than my career?
Blast: Then, I’d support you and condone any decision you make. But, if you ever wonder what could have been. Don’t cry to me.
Blair: We love each other, Dad…
Blast: Just because two people love each other doesn’t mean they’re meant to be together.
Silence.
Blair: I couldn’t betray him like that…
Blast: You wouldn’t be betraying him. You’d be doing what’s best for yourself and potentially for him.
Blair: Wh- what do you mean by that?
Blast: When I was given the keys to this school, so to speak. I was informed of “Tempest.”
Blair: Yeah… and?
Blast: Tempest was an unstoppable warrior, stronger than even Vanguard himself. But he was incredibly unstable, and his formation meant the death of Hayze and all of his counterparts.
Blair: Mhm…
Blast: Tempest’s creation was brought on by Hayze’s extreme anxiety about losing his friends, correct?
Blair: Yes, but Hayze’s gotten over that. He’s accepted that his friends may die, and he can’t freak out… for everyone’s sake. Tempest isn’t a problem anymore!
Blast goes quiet for a few moments.
Blast: What do you think would happen if Hayze lost someone he loves?
Blair’s eyes widen.
Blair: I- I- I…
Blast stands up and looks out his office window.
Blast: Again, Blair. I’m only giving you my advice. I will support whatever decision you make, but I believe breaking up for Hayze is best… for both of you.
Blair is in stunned silence.
Blast: I know it’s a cliche, but…
Blast walks over to Blair and rubs her shoulder.
Blast: If you love something… set it free…
Blair: No… You make a good point, Dad, but… I won’t run from this problem.
Blast: *nasal grunt* If you say so. I’m just worried.
Blair: I know… I am, too.
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- In Serial1063 Chapters
Edge Cases (Book 1 Complete!)
Rare classes and powerful skills are helpful. Too bad the system doesn't seem built to handle them. What even are all these errors? Our team of outcasts and adventurers will have to rely on their trust - and the bane of all stories, healthy communication - just to survive, let alone understand what the system is doing. Because they're quickly realizing that it's doing something; to people, to monsters, and maybe even to the gods themselves. And their goal isn't just to survive; it's to make things better. It's a good thing they're not doing it alone. --- Edge Cases is an attempt to take the LitRPG genre and the overpowered MCs trope and write a story where numbers aren't everything. Sometimes it takes trust, support, and just a touch of being very, very clever. Expect a mix of action, slice-of-life, friendship, and ominous worldbuilding. Updates M-W-F at 6pm EST. Cover art by Alovck of Artstation, and typesetting by jessessey right here on RoyalRoad.
8 242 - In Serial106 Chapters
Dungeon Core Chat Room.
This is a slower-paced "experiment and dungeon building" web novel that tries to use the idea of peer-to-peer communication with Dungeon Cores instead of Dungeon to slave monster communication to break up the detailed dungeon building. Rank 1 description: (minimum met for system initialization...detailed description as follows) Each race was given a system by the gods to make up for their shortcomings and balance their place in this world. Humans: Abysmally bad at understanding and using magic unable to use more than the lowest of magic were given the "Skill System" magic in the form of premade skills with use, study, and mastery tied to experience. Elves: Intuitively understand magic and have long lives leading to vast knowledge and skill in their chosen fields. However, as a species, they have nearly zero sex drive and less than low fertility, so they were gifted the "World Tree System" with experience gained through the care of natural areas – gifting the chance of children to increase their numbers without dirty copulation. All “natural” or “wild” monsters are given an "Evolution system" designed around killing and consuming as many creatures as possible, slowly increasing strength and, at thresholds, allowing mutations to alter them multiple times. Dungeon cores are different. Unlike humans, they can see, manipulate and live off mana. Unlike Elves, they naturally crystallize after extended periods of time in high mana level areas. However, they cannot easily move or communicate and typically go insane without companionship. As a species other than the odd eccentric they are unimaginative. Brute forcing solutions without the drive to truly innovate. Thus they have been gifted with the "Dungeon Connection System" a magical version of the internet accessible by their peers that allows them to barter and sell: bait, traps, monsters, and knowledge, as well as entertain each other with “adventure streams” using exciting recorded battles and humorous reels of arrogant chumps biting off more than they can chew to often fatal effects. This is the casual story of a dungeon unluckily spawned far from potential adventurers forced to innovate beyond its peers to find its place in this world. Rank 2 Description: Justification. I've been on a dungeon core kick for months and while I love the genre – it's sparse with entries. Often the forced conflict gets repetitive and frantic solving of threats "power levels" the protagonist to god levels to progress the plot – taking away the nice steady progression fantasy I'm looking for. (Progression in this story is linked to how strong of monsters/traps/whatever he can create not his "level"...this is demonstrated by some of his newer monsters beating his older monsters not with discrete "this monster has 10 attack this one has 40") Additionally, the focus on 3rd parties with their drama takes away from the reason I’m reading dungeon core novels in the first place – I'm looking for magical crafting, experimentation and kingdom building – not defence from higher and higher levelled enemies looking to steal/destroy/control the MC. This novel is kind of just me writing the story I wish I could read. I like thinking about the experimentation that can be done in fantasy settings using 'mana' as an excuse to make up rules and try to keep them internally consistent. IE once I define how a rule works, I'm going to commit to keeping it – no breaking hard truths I've given when it's convenient, even if it backs me into a corner. Hopefully, that should make the story interesting to read even if it's SOL and less action-oriented. There will be problems to solve and a clear progression in strength (of created monsters and knowledge) however due to not wanting to force conflict for the sake of conflict the general theme will be closer to slice of life with few action sequences and no overarching goal so please keep that in mind when picking this up as the genre is not for everyone. Finally, I have a clear goal of what I want from this story (not an endless romp but a series of arcs and then a conclusion that's a couple of dozen medium-sized chapters long) I want to commit to finishing it or at least bringing it to a point of rest. I hate all the engaging stories that stop with a “hiatus” indefinitely so in the event I lose motivation I'll work to end this even if the ending becomes rushed/unsatisfying just to give a sense of closure. I’m planning on including several polls in terms of direction and taking feedback heavily into account if I get enough readers (but may choose to ignore it if it deviates too far from the direction I want to take this as in feedback like: “The MC needs a cartoonishly evil arch-enemy that wants to enslave him and force the mc to pump out magic items” or “the MC needs to make a body and learn teleportation then live with humans” will get shot down without consideration.)
8 262 - In Serial21 Chapters
Exitium (dropped)
Year 2232 World destruction is imminent. All nation leaders and renowned scientists gather at the UN for a secret meeting, called by a doctor, declaring to have a way to perpetuate humanity... but on another planet, a very hostile one. Planet Exitium, the closest habitable planet, filled with deadly fauna and flora. This is the story about the people sent there- children, to be honest. Children with no idea where they are, what had happened to them, and what would be of their life. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is my first story ever, and I hope you all like it, I'm sorry for the horrible piece of art that is the cover, I did it myself, and have absolutely no skills in photoshop, and I'll change it later. And yes, the MC's get some pretty OP skills and weapons.... At least until they find the enemy...
8 200 - In Serial12 Chapters
Dearest O'Malley
This story tells about a car's life and the way he lived in 1967. His name is O'Malley Malibu and he is a 1967 Chevrolet Malibu with a straigh six engine. He grew up with a two door Lincoln and a Chevrolet Impala and did everything with them together. Later on into the story, O'Malley is sitting up for sale in a yard of a little old lady who's husband was mean to him for a little while. He meets his new owner Gladys Kennedy who takes care of him well. She takes O'Malley to work with her and to church. But one day, a bully picks on a car for a parking space and when the bully tries to pick on O'Malley, he learns his lesson of what happens when he messes with a Chevy Malibu raised in Texas. Soon after Gladys gets too old to take care of O'Malley, she gives him to Randy and Jan, the next owners. They have O'Malley as the only car they have to drive until he met Susie, a Mercury Grand Marquis and a blue van. Then comes along Erik and Nathan, the two additions that he meets. O'Malley plays and makes Nathan smile by the time he reaches 2 years old. Leading Nathan up the road to learning, O'Malley guides his new master through a home schooling system to keep him on track. As many years went by, O'Malley soon is passed on to Nathan's care and being a planned college subject of a college sememster work of having his transmission redone. When Nathan meets his new girlfriend, Natalie, O'Malley grows a liking on her just as she is showing her photos of O'Malley that she captured on camera in 2014 and 2015. He soon finds answers for all the questions he had been always asking from finding out what happened to Impa to discovering the location of where Gonzo was to opening up to a friend back that seemed to be next to him all these years. O'Malley and his friends make videos for the internet from a pickle and white flour bath to the Elvis impersonations to honor the Elvis Presley feastival for all Elvis fans around the world. The three friends have a lot of fun together including pranking each other for kicks and laughs. Ticking back in time, O'Malley tells the audiences the memories he had back to his younger days when he and his cousins would prank each other and laugh at it now as he remembers it then. From the happy to sad stories that he experiences throughout the novel. People stop and stare at the beauty of O'Malley's sleek body all over town including taking pictures of him without his knowing. The story has yet to unwrap the secrets inside of O'Malley outside the car shows. There are hints of originality, heart, tranquility, untapped potential, undisturbed sensational zen, and undiscovered twerks that make him so amazing that people don't see nor don't pay attention to like they do in the show. O'Malley has a smooth, witty, sweet and relaxed personality. O'Malley travels down the road of memorable experiences from being in a sample teaser trailer of a movie to meeting a new love to finding another of his old friend from the 70s to meeting a life coach that would be his biggest inspiration. This is a novel that needs to be discovered for all eyes alike.
8 125 - In Serial19 Chapters
Wednesday x Enid {Wenclair}
Based on the trailers
8 407 - In Serial89 Chapters
Ninjago: the Daughter of the Overlord
Aria Lord is the daughter of the Overlord. She lives her life like any other citizen of Ninjago, except for being the princess of darkness. After the defeat of her father she vowed to avenge him and take over Ninjago in his place. She started teaming up with other villains, but she didn't account for getting caught. She also didn't account for falling in love with the enemy.
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