"One day I woke up as Zeoticus Gremory with my A.I. Architect. Thus I decided to set a new goal, to stand at the top... more>> of the Universe."
***
Enormous AU DxD, Cultivation Elements (like MGE and WMW), Cross-Over, Self-insert, World Building, Kingdom Building, Wars, Polygamy, Slow-Romane at Start, Multiple Universes, not every chapter is fight or war, no pokemon catching, no MC centric novel... Read them and think before you start reading something that you know you won't like and then review and comment how you don't like something that has been tagged already... Such comments and reviews will be instantly deleted
*** <<less

My Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/nanakawaichan
Discord channel: https://discord.gg/mSRHyMVhnG... more>>

He was a prince from the biggest kingdom in the Andromeda Continent.His family was the Holy Knight descendants who had killed the dark king. A mysterious accident took his father's life and cursed him with the dark power, making everyone doubt his identity. His uncle treated him as a war puppet even forcing him to relinquish his right to the king's throne and his cousin treated him like his nemesis.

Feeling guilty for his father's death, he decided to give his blind loyalty to his kingdom and accidentally fell in love with an unknown woman. But after all things started going well, he was accused of rebelling and was cruelly executed. A dark power revived him, but he was not the same person they once knew. This time he would rise again not only as a king but a king among the kings that conquered the land...

>This is love at first sight, but also a slow burn romance (Romance subplot)
>The story mostly about the MC's internal struggle
>Please expect a lot of battle and fighting scenes as well as some political maneuvers in this story
>The MC is cold and mostly act by his status as a royalty
>His past play a big role so please be patient

>Cover by Commission Aleena Mao from Pixiv
License: Commercial <<less

In a land ruled by vile monsters, where death is common and life is cruel, one outcast endeavors to have it all. While there are many misconceptions related to goblins, such as their horrid looks or lack of intelligence, their small stature isn't one. But, that doesn't stop Stryg from aspiring to his belief of greatness: power, prestige, and food with salt.
When fate drags Stryg from his forest home and into the ruthless city of Hollow Shade he must learn that some monsters live everywhere.... more>>

If you wish to support the story check out my patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/RealmofMonsters

Join us on discord to talk more about the the story, lore, and characters!
https://discord.gg/uYqw7R6SKz

Metus Contest:
Halloween Aspect Theme: Horror, world of monsters.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. <<less

A listless man devoid of emotion, assassinated in his first life for reasons unknown to him, finds himself back in his first year of high school only to encounter a girl whose sweet whispers in his ear resembles the voice he heard on the verge of death.... more>>

When these two cross paths, his goal of living a peaceful and quiet second life, lazing about while enjoying his secret one true passion is put to the test as he encounters one troublesome woman after the next.

Volumes 1-9 available on Amazon/KU.
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/Kira-Minoru/e/B07VS3Y18W
Cumulative Series Word Count: ~1.2 mil

*There are sex scenes that pop up later down the line starting from volume 2. Also some yuri shit that ends up developing.*(Hence why I’ve recently added smut tag. It’s not overbearing and the story doesn’t just get drowned out in endless sex scenes though. I’d rather keep a delicate balance.)

TFTC Inc Discord - https://discord.gg/uvNzGgc <<less

Bullied, bitten, and experimented on, Peter's day couldn't really get any worse.
But as Peter Parker realises he has superpowers, he knows life can only get better.
As his powers grow, so does his confidence. He stops feeling afraid, stops listening to the bullies, and starts to live his life his way. ... more>>

A slice of life novel with a different Peter Parker.
Focusing on a Symbiote Peter Parker rather than Spider-Man.

What to expect.

Violence.

The novel contains scenes of violence, with blood, gore, and death.

Traumatic Content.

The novel contains hints and brief descriptions of torture, rape, drug use, child abuse, and paedophilia.

These scenes are brief and as non-descriptive as possible.

Romance.

House Of Venom is a polyamorous novel, containing relationships between more than two people.

NSFW

The novel does contain graphic sexual scenes.

The novel features male/female sex scenes as well as female/female sex scenes.

The novel has no male/male romantic scenes.

Poly vs Harem.

Harems are exclusive, where the protagonist nurtures several romantic/sexual relationships. The protagonist is central to the relationship.

Polyamory is inclusive, where the protagonist and each cast member nurture romantic/sexual relationships. The protagonist is not central to the relationship, and relationships can form within the group without them.

Spider-Man - The House Of Venom is a polyamory novel.

Final Note.

This novel is written by an amateur in their spare time, and as such will contain

Grammar mistakes
Spelling mistakes
Syntax mistakes

I do the best I can, I do not have an editor, proofreader, or beta readers.
There will still be mistakes, but hopefully not too many.
This is presented as a second and final draft.

Comments that are homophobic, sexist, bigoted, rude, or condescending will be removed.
If I feel the comment warrants it, you will also be blocked and/or reported. <<less

Update Schedule: ... more>>

Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday on WN, SH, MSB, and RR.

As for the Patrons, almost Daily updates with guaranteed 25 new Chapters each month.

Discord: https://discord.gg/t2gPEt3

Synopsis:

Keith, a vieux riche, spoiled and cherished, heir to the Demiliore Consortium, lives his life at large. Power, Wealth, Fame; He has it all.

But is it all just a dream?

With a set of memories, the knowledge of the future, in a play orchestrated by Destiny, knowing well that he is born to be a Villain, will he prevail? Or is he going to fall at the hands of the Child of Destiny just like he did in the nightmare that haunts him?

Author's Note:

Yes, the story is heavily influenced by Urban-Fantasy Chinese Novels. Don't read if you have a problem with those types of plots. 'Cliche' plot elements are bound to appear, so if you easily get triggered by such things, keep away. And I would advise you to not even start the story if you are an ardent believer of 'Good shall prevail over the Evil'. Keep away! MC here is a Villain! But yes, he is not someone deprived of emotions, even though he is a Scum. So, do not expect an outright Evil MC either.

I don't write Netorare. Don't worry about it!

Warnings:

> Incest
> Dark Elements
> Sexual Content
> Traumatising Content
> Gore
> Manipulative MC
> Sexual Abuse
> Parallel World (Almost a New World)
> Fantasy Elements (Full-fledged Fantasy later)
> System
> Slavery <<less

A rewritten and more polished version of the first volume (chapters 1-68) can be found here: https://www.scribblehub.com/series/893293/rewrite-misadventures-incorporated--volume-one/... more>>

The greatest of adventures are never planned, nor do they necessarily start on the best of terms. But that does not mean that every sporadic escapade is sure to be good—a lesson that Claire Augustus, aristocrat, tomboy, and unwilling sacrifice, is forced to learn the hard way. Thrown in a dungeon she failed to anticipate, she has little choice but to kill her way out or fall in the process. All while coming to terms with a certain close contact's betrayal.

Updates every Wednesday and Sunday.

Cover art by Fulminaire.

Discord: https://discord.gg/whPCpP2

Also posted on RoyalRoad. <<less

The Slayer and The Vixen. The world's greatest monster hunter and bounty hunter, respectively. Through their combined efforts, the world has been able to enjoy an era of peace for nearly a decade since the end of The Drazah War. But when their identities and the source of their power is revealed, all of their admiration turns to terror and they're deplored as the worst Fiends alive. Wanting nothing more than to service the world they feel responsible for, the pair must find new ways to help those who fear them. These Fiends are For Hire.... more>>

Fiends For Hire is a Modern Fantasy that is a blend of Action and Slice-of-Life with Anti-Hero leads. The series is currently over 3,500 pages long.

What to expect:

-A lot of Slice-of-Life. This series could be also be known as 'The Daily Lives of Anti-Heroes.' There is still a lot of Action, Comedy, World-Building, and Conflict, but Slice-of-Life is the main focus.

-A slow burn main plot. Not every chapter may seem like it's building towards the ultimate end, and some are just for fun. But virtually every chapter has new lore, world-building, character development, and/or subtle clues hinting at the mysteries of the series.

-Overpowered and Eccentric Characters with a lot of unique abilities. As the series progresses, OP vs OP fights and conflict become more common.

-Some very wholesome and some very dark moments. They are Anti-Heroes after all, so you get the good and the bad.

This series is NOT:
-Progression Fantasy -LitRPG -Cultivation -Isekai -Harem

New Volume 3 Chapter(s) every week. Volumes 1 and 2 complete!

Art by Fulminaire <<less

On the surface, Xi Tianyi was the only son of Sword Empress Xi of the Buzhou Immortal Sect, the number one expert in the Huang Realm. His birth was noble, his status exalted. But the truth was that Xi Tianyi was actually a reincarnated man from a world known as Earth.... more>>

On Earth, he was no one special, but with his new life, Xi Tianyi aims to reign invincible: past, present, and future. Among his goals was to travel back to Earth and reunite with his family.

However, as Xi Tianyi proceeds further on his Immortal path, he discovers that rather than the protagonist, why does he seem more like the cannon fodder villain?

Volume 1 is now available on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/This-Young-Master-Cannon-Fodder-ebook/dp/B09GX8K3GR/

Volume 2: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09TZFGH8Y/

Topwebfiction: https://topwebfiction.com/listings/this-young-master-is-not-cannon-fodder/
Discord: https://discord.gg/WCTeWEH
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaiserBlak0 <<less

We're all told to find our passion in life, figure out what we are good at, and pursue it. In Akagi's case, it turns out her passion was assassination, not something a normal girl gets involved in right? Trapped in Free World Online for four years and forced to fight for her very life, her name became one that struck fear and terror in the hearts of Players and NPCs alike. But when the game was over and it was time to go home, what would happen to the terrifying assassin known as "the Red Hand?"... more>>

Special thanks to Daikael for help with the original editing.

Check out my discord for discussion, chapter update information, general fun and even chapter teasers!
https://discord.gg/2kXrNXfRJj
Twitter link!
https://twitter.com/Panthers426

This series is only on SH! If you see it somewhere else, that's an issue.

My goal is to publish on Saturday and Sunday one chapter each day. (Sometimes an extra chapter may be released on Wednesday!)

My Other Works!
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/775642/a-piece-left-behind/

You can buy a hardcover or ebook version of the first Volume here (Note the full story is still on SH, so you may read it here in its entirety if you so choose.)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CG53TNTW

Ko-Fi if you wish to tip me is here!
ko-fi.com/panthers426 <<less

A prodigy born with a godly quirk and forced into being a hero and living a life he despises, all for the sake of his parents.... more>>

OP MC from the beginning, NO HAREM so please just don't ask.

QUIRK: Hand Of God(Ope-Ope No Mi)

"A what? What the **** is a 'trigger warning'? Have you ever considered just not being a pussy?"- Horizon, the MC of this story. And now you know what kind of story it is.

The Art and original series don't belong to me. If you own anything here and would like it removed I'll gladly comply.

Update Schedule: Every Weekday
Story also posted on Webnovel and Royal Road under the same username and title.
Discord: https: // discord . gg/ K7f8qGpvuk
pat.reon (5 Chapters ahead): Keanu_Eugene <<less

I died having a dagger stuck to my heart. I had no choice but to face and accept my death.
But when I woke up, I was in a different body.
They called me "Princess". Sure, cool.
Now, with this new life, I became a different person.
I am a pure and innocent princess. A beautiful and adorable maiden that must be protected.
A fragile princess. Delicate. Precious.
Those are what I am... well... not exactly... but I do act that way.... more>>

*****
New chapter every Wednesday and Saturday.

Advance chapters (up to 1 month ahead) are accessible on Patreon: patreon.com/tearingsanctuary

Volume 1: Pure Princess | [Chapter 1 - 96]
Volume 2: The Wicked Princess (Part 1) | [Vol. 2 Chapter 1 - 64]

*****
Author's Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/tearingsanctuary <<less

Erind Hartwell, a first-year law student with psychopathic tendencies and an obsessive compulsion to follow an arbitrary set of Rules, tries to live a normal life in a world where superhumans battle eldritch horrors invading minds. Society frowned on different, and she was content with playing along if the world didn't bother her. That was one of the many Rules she followed.... more>>

Unfortunately, the world couldn't help but bother Erind's normal life. On the brink of death, an entity offered powers to save her. Left with no other choice, she accepted it, changing into a new form—the first of many that'll allow her to bother the world that bothered her.
___________________
Cover is part of a wallpaper art commissioned from CristianAC.
Also published on RoyalRoad.
Discord: https://discord.gg/VGCzJXt3aS <<less

A girl wakes up alone in the wilderness with no memory, climbing out of an egg. She has human knowledge that doesn’t seem to match her body. Now she needs to not only survive, but figure out the blue boxes, her biology, and how to build up and protect her hive, while balancing her Hive Queen instincts with the human parts of her mind. Her instincts want her to treat her progeny as expendable tools and destroy everything that might possibly one day be a threat. She’d rather not become an apocalypse. But she does need to secure resources and territory for her hive, and maybe a bit of conquest wouldn’t be so bad.
... more>> 40px;"> A fantasy adventure with litRPG elements and kingdom building, telling the story of a Hive Queen and her family.

This story will also be posted on RoyalRoad.

Discord: https://discord.gg/6A78nvsZWF <<less

Eridel Domicus was the trash of the Domicus family, an extremely powerful family that had dominion over a large part of the world, having riches upon riches and ways upon ways. However, it was their greatest pride turned biggest shame to have a young master that... no. Let it not be said.... more>>

But one night, the 22 year old Eridel had incomprehensibly... died.
But even more unfathomable was the fact that against all logic he began to see again. And what Eridel saw... terrified him.
Or at least that was supposed to be how he reacted right? Why is it that...

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

The first light novel of [ The Monarch ].

Discord: https://discord.gg/TGvRnS7vKn <<less

My Patreon-page: https://www.patreon.com/nanakawaichan
My Discord: https://discord.gg/mSRHyMVhnG... more>>

He was the crown prince of the shadow realm and the lord of wrath, Azrael. All creatures, demons, mortals, even angels feared him. However, everything changed after he went for a secret mission in the mortal realm in order to expand his seven sins power.

Hiding his identity among the mortals, the vampires were attracted by his royal blood. The mortals were either jealous or admired his abilities. The angels were curious about him. The demons wanted to kill him and take over his power.

Little did he know, he had another hidden power sealed inside of him. Something terrifying that could turn him either into the ruler of the three realms or an evil that could destroy all beings.

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

Tags: Mature Content , Comedy , Tentacles, Monster Girls , Yandere , Succubus , Magic , Demons , Angels , Hybrid , Hiding Identity, Goddess , Devil , Battle Academy , Beasts , Action , Mystery , Overpowered , Strong to Stronger , Harem , System , Servants , Handsome Male Lead , Smart Male Lead and a little bit of Slice of Life.

Incest will start at chapter 137

Cover by commission Nemo Vermilion (FB)
My Discord: https://discord.gg/dWeZYYv <<less

Within a desolate realm, where discarded worlds were stitched together, a rupture tore open, releasing a small child into this fragmented expanse.... more>>

Above him, the sky revealed three eerie moons, while an ominous black mass loomed ominously in their wake.

Disoriented and engulfed by a putrid stench, the child awakened amidst a swamp, its twisted trees groaning under an oppressive haze.

In the distance, the echoing caws of crows intensified the sense of foreboding. To the child's bewilderment, a haunting figure emerged, laboring behind a cart laden with lifeless bodies.

Fear and confusion grip the child's heart as he began to grapple with the enigma of his own existence. Who was he, and what dire fate led him to this grim landscape? The grinning figure drew closer, exacerbating the boy's terror.

Unbeknownst to him, his journey would unveil a profound transformation—an ascent to become the embodiment of fear itself, or perhaps... a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.
---------------------
Chapters release Mon-Fri
All Rights Reserved <<less

A generation after the last Great War, the world prospers while leaving the BloodStar Empire sequestered and alone. However, things begin to change as the next BloodStar heir aims to make new allies in a world more willing to forgive her empire’s tragic past of violence. The beautiful and young Xenia BloodStar is a world-class beauty, a calculating politician, and an immensely powerful ki user. In an established world ruled by Master Families, will the Princess BloodStar use her beauty and power to elevate her empire on the world stage? Or will she follow in her mother’s footsteps of violence and war?... more>>

Release Schedule: At least one new chapter every Sunday at 9 AM CST. Thanks for reading :)

For those interested, there is an uncensored version (about 10% longer) with more sex and more violence on the Patreon (all posts are free and public). But be warned, if you know Xenia, then you may not be surprised to know she likes to mix her sex and violence together. If that's not your thing, then I'd stick to the story here on Scribble Hub which has 100% of the actual story and still has sex but is often abbreviated or less violent. Thank you all!

https://www.patreon.com/BloodStar <<less

Chosen to transmigrate as Luffy (OC) for the first episode of the work with wishes OP.
I always wondered how Luffy's adventure would be with the most powerful and serious character, so I created this story.
The story may start off nonsensical, but I wanted to incorporate these aspects from the beginning:... more>>

Luffy Fruit: Moa Moa no mi, and Eikon Eikon No mi: Chaos Ifrit!
Powerful body with your zoan from the start.
Yamato, Shirahoshi, Kuina, and Trafalgar Lami from the beginning with Luffy!
There will be a harem.
This is an Alternate Universe (AU) with OC, so there will be some changes, such as OC -> Luffy, Law -> Lami, and Luffy (Original MC) -> Lucy. (#Genderbend)

Got it! If there are elements of Final Fantasy 16 and the addition of Eikon as mythical Zoans, I'll keep that in mind, including the possibility of colossal battles.
-—-

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

With gratitude and enthusiasm:

Raccoon
Welcome to the Raccoon Explorer's League!

------------------------------
Explore the Unexplored! Become an Exclusive Supporter on Patreon!

Unlock Advanced Chapters ->

Link to Patreon: DazeRaccoon | Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/dazeraccoon

The Future of the Story Awaits! Be an Exclusive Supporter Today!
I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com <<less

What happens when a man is allowed to ask for anything he wants and all he replies is -... more>>

"Nothing!"

How would he survive in the Marvel universe without any cheats, without any system, without any... help?

While others clamor for cheats, powers, systems, etc.

Valexis Haller embraces the chaos with only his peak human intelligence to guide him.

Follow along on his story of determination and the will to succeed against all odds.

=======

Check out my Patreon if you want to read ahead.

patreon.com/aidenusmani

=========

Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership over any of the Marvel characters appearing in this novel, which has been created solely as a work of fan fiction.

I must clarify that the cover art featured in this publication is the property of its original creators and all associated rights remain with them. <<less

When people die, where do they end up to?
I don't know about anyone else, but when I died, I arrived at the strangest Heaven of all times. And I got a chance to reincarnate with all of my memories!... more>>

Jackpot!
If you look away from the fact I had to reincarnate as a damn monster which is the lowest of all the bottom feeders? And I had to represent one of the worst goddesses ever!?

And to make things worse, my "birthplace" was a freaking Dungeon! And not your everyday Dungeon with level 1 slimes and goblins, but a freaking Dungeon-turned-world-destroying-facility!

Still, you gotta work with what you have. So see me how I survive in this crazy new world!!

...But I promise I won't be mad if the bosses get debuffed. No? Damn...

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/TN6VfzQ
---
This is a rewrite of my "A Reincarnated Demon's Tales of Wonder" series, with a new plot and improved mechanics.
The story will also be given an updated version (which includes newer elements from the story earlier on) on Royal Road.
This is just something I write in my free time.

Thanks to lolodu09 for the cover image.

English is not my first language, so expect bad grammar. <<less

200 years in the future Earth is inhabited by aliens. After being colonized by the Regal Empire and gaining independence, Earth now has hybrids called... more>> astrals.
They have a range of abilities, from boring, useful, silly and reality-bending. Ace has the most common ability of them all: teleportation.
Ace tries his hardest, but his hardest is never enough, and is always worried he isn't as strong as everyone else, trying to prove he's a hero and a man.
One day he finds a magic watch. A watch that hates him.
His dreams of becoming a hero will finally come true. Sadly he is too focused on winning and never learns. <<less

Never underestimate the guy who has so much Mana it should kill him...... more>>

Nathaniel's bus ride was supposed to be just another boring commute. But now, he, 23 fellow passengers, and a corgi named Biscuit are stuck in a "Hell difficulty" tutorial, battling monsters and leveling up.

Easy difficulty, anyone can handle. Normal difficulty, you've got to put up a fight to get by. Hard difficulty is where only the tough ones last. And Hell? That's where you have to be a bit out of your mind!

With his terrifying talent for mana manipulation, Nathaniel decides to invest every stat point into mana. Attribute imbalance be damned. It will either kill him before the monsters and his enemies can, or turn him into one of the most powerful beings within the system.

New chapters are released 5 times per week Monday - Friday (CEST).

***

I removed Chapters 12-101 to follow the rules for Kindle Unlimited exclusivity.

You can grab the first book on Amazon here: https://geni.us/helldifficulty1 <<less

Alex Hunt was a smart man. By no means was he a genius, but he stood solidly in the above-average class of society. He thought... more>> that when he died, he would at least go with a bang.
Sadly for him though, his death was as generic as they came. Struck to death by a truck driven by a drunk driver who wasn’t looking. ‘At least there’s a bang…’ He thought as his head banged on the concrete.
He thought that that was it for him, but destiny had other plans.
He was reborn. Reborn as a Symbiote in a version of Earth that was definitely not the MCU. And with a system to boot.
He didn’t know what he was going to do. But his first priority was to survive in this chaotic world that he’d just found himself in. One that’s far more chaotic than the MCU but similar at the same time.
=============================================
I'm open to criticism so lay it on me if you have any genuine problem.
Join my discord, you can give me suggestions and communicate with me regularly to get updates.
https://discord.gg/c3kCBE32vn
If you want to support me check out my Patréon.
I post 10 advanced chapters of the book on my Patrèon along with some exclusive R-18 scenes. Check it out!
=============================================
Also, none of the art is mine. I got it from Reddit. If the creator sees this and wants credit or wants me to take it down, just let me know.
This is purely a work of fan fiction. Please support the official release and know I claim no ownership or credit regarding the characters. <<less

The Old Realms Saga starts where Touch O' Luck ends.
It is a direct sequel and follows the story of Glen, the thief from Shroudcoast, now impersonating the grandson of the elderly Lord of Altarin and his colorfull companions.
It tells of Lord Storm Nattas struggles, as he tries desperately to prevent the realm from falling into the pits of war, or failing that, make certain he escapes it unscathed.
It will sing of gallant Sir Lucius Alden, 'Bloody tiger of the South' and his journey to the distant lands of Fetya, and the faraway 'true' North. A journey of hardships, danger, a desperate search for redemption and the road back to his beloved Regia.... more>> /> It will whisper of a Princess woes and triumphs, in the exotic continent of Eplas.
It will speak of a 'demi-goddess' wanting what was promised and Dar Eherdir, the father of all assassins.

............................

The Old Realms series:

Prologue,
Touch O' Luck (Finished)

Act I,
Hint O' Magic (Finished)

Act II,
Lure O' War (Finished)

Act III-V
Wings O' Fate 1-3 (Ongoing)

............................

2 chapters per week.
drops Fridays and Saturdays/Sundays around 12:00 UK time
also a chapter Wednesday in the afternoon.

II) multi-part chapters come usually within 48 hours for continuity (and because they are written as one chapter for the novel's original form), without being limited from the above schedule.

..........................

Cover artwork by @IntheBlackveil
(here the cover of Lure O' War, or Act II is used)

Maps of the Old Realms are available here
I) chapter specific maps of the Realms
https://theoldrealms.blogspot.com/p/maps-of-realms.html
II) Character portraits
https://theoldrealms.blogspot.com/p/old-realms-characters.html

........................

I) All tags are relevant but most chapters are not too extreme. Fair warning dear reader, this is an 'unfiltered' story, sometimes sweet, others bitter, touching some heavy subjects or problems, like crime, war, betrayal, pride, politics, revenge etc set in a Epic Fantasy backdrop with shades of Grimdark. In its heart of hearts though, it is an adventure.

II) The Old Realms saga is only published on Scribble Hub and RR for free. It is in the author's plans to publish it on Amazon and other platforms at some point. If you see it offered anywhere else, or someone tries to charge you for it, please report him. It is illegal to sell, or take advantage of intellectual work  without the author's permission. <<less