A million years ago, the Western Continent was forever changed by the establishment of Yi City, the largest nation in recorded history. Split into many districts, it was the greatest accomplishment of its creator, but its glory did not last long.... more>>

Now, it is separated, and even those connected to the ruling families may be reduced to servants. Yi Wei is one such servant, but even when she isn't being ordered around by the likes of her aunt, she struggles to make any progress in her cultivation. Her own talent seems subpar, and the strange, inert characters floating around within her dantian don't help in the slightest.

However, her life will be changed by a simple accident that will set her onto the path of growth and discovery. The Planar Continents hold many mysteries, and the path she has chosen gives her no choice but to investigate them, for that is the Path of the Ascendant.

(Sexual content will not appear prior to Volume 2. Futanari will not appear prior to Volume 3. The main content of the story is already complete and chapters will be released daily, with exception of bonus chapters, which will come out alongside main chapters. Bonus chapters are being written right now, and once they're done, I will move on to a new novel which will feature more sexual content and futanari, in case that's what you're interested in.)
(Also, if you come across this on a website other than Patreon or Scribblehub, it's stolen. I don't know why anyone would even bother (though at least two websites did), but please read it here, on https://www.scribblehub.com/series/375756/path-of-the-ascendant/) <<less

Frost is a healer and must use her wits, modern knowledge of medicine and challenge her moral compass in order to survive this world of Eldritch entities born from emotions, folklore, fairy tales, concepts and despair.... more>>

She was no more than an ordinary man who fell into an unordinary circumstance. Suddenly appearing in a place called the Nexus in a different world from Earth had left him... er... HER curious about what this newfound world is all about.

A world of swords, kingdoms and dungeons? Yep.
Of races that were thought to be found only in fiction? Oh yeah.
Of technologies that far surpass anything seen on Earth? Huh? isn't that a bit much? At least they're limited.
And of magic that blatantly violates the laws of physics!? Yeah... physics don't apply here.

But her curiosity ended up costing her before she had learned much of the world of Elysia, and she was betrayed by a person she was led to believe she could trust the most.

Come join Frost as she tackles Eldritch entities in a strange world far from home. However, this world may be a lot more closer to home than she realizes.

***

< Judgement in Progress >

The ‘Blessing of the Nexus’, which she had come to call the ‘System’, displayed these words before her wilting eyes.

“Judge… ment... I… I came from… Earth… Transported here… turned into… a girl… and now… I’m being… Judged…?

< Decision of One Thousand Juries Pending >
< Awaiting Verdict >

“… If… my only… wrong… is living… then I’d rather… be wrong… to the very end!”

When the black forest fused with the darkness behind her eyelids –
– A message appeared.

////////< WARNING >////////

< THE AMALGAM’S AWAKENING EVENT HAS BEGUN >

< PARADISE LOST >
< THE ARBITER’S TRUMPET CAN NO LONGER BE HEARD >

***

The Discord Server is currently 2 chapters ahead! Come join and get 2 chapters ahead of the main release!
Discord Server! https://discord.gg/CkJkKEQrVy

patreon.com/syringe
42 chapters ahead! (or 40 ahead of the Discord).

MANGA for Chapter 1: https://imgur.com/a/ck10Hk4
ImpulseWorks Training Manual (For those that really want a reason to read this story. Spoilers ahead): https://imgur.com/a/Fh8fZMq <<less

A medical student died because of negligence of the authorities. Later, he is granted a second chance in life with some boons. But being an Otaku and Naruto fan, he chooses to live in the chaotic world of Naruto.
The story will follow canon for the initial part with a new plot. Major changes will reflect in the later part as our MC grows up. The story has strong AU elements and the power scaling is ramped up to explore various foreign elements in Naruto. Everything in its entirety will be a part of the Naruto series with details and speculations of my own.
This story is my original creation, and I post it on... more>> Scribble hub and Webnovel. You might find a few initial chapters on Royal Road.
Note:- The starting 40 chapters or so have poor grammar and various mistakes since I was a new writer back then and lacked experience. But I am working on editing them.

Warning:-I don't own Naruto or any related stuff except my MC and Original characters and jutsus. (Yep, there are lots and lots of original jutsus in the story.)
--------------------------------
Support me on patreon:- https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenLife
P.S. Cover is not mine. Credits to owner on pinterest:- https://pin.it/5m8HWOq <<less

Cesar is a veteran soldier with a mysterious past, for him supernatural creatures and ghosts are everyday things. He has saved the world from a brutal war against the dragons, a war that no one remembers, only to find himself involved in yet another war on his return. The Alliance and the Empire have been engaged in the Continental War of Europe for years. Cesar loses his life in an important mission to recover the Codex, a gem capable of granting a wish at great cost, the same object that originated the war against the dragons. But offered a second chance, the option to return to life but in the body of a white fox... more>> girl, a familiar face and a greater mystery are now set to be uncovered. He accepts with the goal of saving his sister, finding his lost family and unraveling the mystery of his past that continues to haunt him even after his death.

But at the end of the day, it is a story about the family and how important it is for everyone to help each other to go ahead.

The publications of the chapters may vary a bit but I try to have at least one new chapter every 10 days.

I will also be posting this story on honey feed , royal road, Pixiv and syosetu :

https://www.honeyfeed.fm/novels/5525
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/48334/valkyria-squadron
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n5512ic/
https://www.pixiv.net/novel/series/10177340
https://www.ritoria.com/en/story/fd235830-b740-4c85-9263-f88d4776d010
https://kakuyomu.jp/my/works/16817330655203792744
https://www.wattpad.com/story/353549981-valkyria-squadron

Also now on Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQ212LL4

Yes, I also think it's a lot of web pages.

PD: English is not my first language so I apologize in advance for any mistakes I may make.

PD2:Originally this would be a visual novel, So it may have a lot of dialogue between characters. <<less

"Of course my avatar should be female, they have better armor models!" That was George's creed when playing games that allowed for character customization.... more>>

Following his completion of a difficult achievement in a popular RPG, George receives a suspicious invitation to join a closed beta for an upcoming project. Against his better judgement he decides to register and starts playing with the character creator. Upon finalizing his character he finds himself whisked away into the world depicted by the game client.

Forced to start over as an infant, and inhabiting the body of his created avatar, George now finds himself attracting the eyes of gods, demons, and the nobility as he tries to navigate his NewLife(tm) and come to terms with the body he created.

#################################################################################

Do note that comments informing that you are "Dropping the story because X/Y/Z" will be removed.

Dickwolvery will see you blocked from leaving further comments.

Critical Feedback highlighting issues is always welcome and will often be responded too, as long as it is done in a respectful manner.

Be advised that the story includes several dark themes as a facet of its world building and character development. Themes include Physical and Emotional abuse of children. Physical, Emotional, and Sexual abuse of adults. Graphic descriptions of torture. Racism and Sexism are also present. I as the author do not condone any of these actions in real life, and they are not portrayed as good things when they come up in the story.

New Main Chapters Monday at 11:00 AM (UTC-7)

Cover Art and Character pieces commissioned from Udaraindunll through their Fiverr gig. <<less

Beneath the peaceful surface of a nation, a conflict between royal factions and secret organizations is coming to a boil. Drawing upon esoteric energies, those with Exalted powers rule supreme as they fight to shape the world in their vision. ... more>>

Yuzu, a simple shopkeeper's daughter finds herself in possession of a mysterious ornate chest that has the power to manipulate destiny. Her normal life in an alternate Victorian era changes dramatically as she gets plunged deep into a dangerous, mystical world filled with secret rituals, horrifying monsters and ancient gods.

Follow Yuzu as she entangles herself in the threads of fate to save her friends and family from the dark forces rising from the depths. She must develop her powers as an Exalted, find allies and unravel the mysteries that govern the course of history.

The delicate balance that holds the nation in check has already been disrupted. How far will those ripples spread?

- Author's Note -

The first trilogy is finished, and book four is under way! Please enjoy!

Update Schedule: Chapter release every Wednesday and Sunday at 5PM PST (8PM EST)

If you like the story and want to hang out, check out the Discord! https://discord.gg/2uBckbj

If you're interested in extra content, consider donating at my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rocketmay <<less

A prince sent into exile, without the means to fight back.... more>>

A young man trapped in an unfair world, without the status to bring about change.

Combined, they will have both means and status.

Armed with advanced knowledge from a strange world, will Prince Corco be able to cut through the injustice, regain his birthright and bring enlightenment to the country of his ancestors to create a paradise of true peace, equality and prosperity?

“Okay, first step: Let’s make some brandy.”

…that’s a maybe then.

Hermit’s Note: My take on the kingdom building genre, which often suffers from weak characters, low stakes and contrived challenges. Buildup will be slow, with Book 1 focused on business managment, Book 2 focused on a battle for succession and only Book 3 getting into the depths of kingdom building. There’s plenty of inventions before that point though, so if you’re here for the clever use of modern tech you’ll find quite a bit even early on.

Updates three times a week. <<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

Ezekiel recognized early in life that he didn't want to follow in his parent's footsteps and spend the rest of his days as a mere farmer. No, his eyes are set on a grander stage, a place where tales of monster hunters, mighty generals, and benevolent heroes hold court — A world of Magic and mysteries.... more>>

One day, the opportunity he had been waiting for arrives. Without a second thought, Ezekiel throws himself headfirst into the adventure. However, not everything turns out to be as magical as he had dreamt it to be... <<less

When one last battle against an unstoppable opponent with the shutdown of the game at stake, thirty years into the life of a VRMMORPG popular enough to hold the fate of the real world's economy in its hands, ends in failure, Alex finds himself returned to the day before release day, with 30 years to prepare for the coming battle.... more>>

Failure means the financial ruin of 5 billion players, but foreknowledge isn't necessarily a guarantee of success. <<less

If you read my story on any website besides Royal Road and Scribble Hub, the website has copied my story without my permission.... more>>

Humans rule their known galaxy. They look upon primitive worlds like a benevolent parent and decide they can assist their advancement until developed sufficiently to join the happy human galactic family. Abiding by strict rules and subject to governance, the Galactic Planet Agency (GPA), on behalf of humankind, manipulates the development of planets by inserting a new life, a Galactic Planet Agent, into the native inhabitant’s community. Biding their time, the Agent rises to a position of power to exert the required influence to guide the native population in the appropriate direction: Civilisation -> Technology -> Trade -> Exploitation. Oops, scratch that last one …

For one Agent, his expected leave is cancelled, and an unknown sponsor orchestrates his next mission for a different purpose. This is his story (First Person POV).

Note: Image is A.I. generated.

N.B. The sexual content is innuendo. <<less

Old Title: Godfather and Godson
Sirius Black was always said to be a playboy. What if he taught his godson a bit of his trade.... more>> A more mature and savvy boy-who-lived heads off to Hogwarts for his fourth year.
***
Advance Chapters: https://www.patreon.com/Mark_Ward
Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/pYg27q6Zwz <<less

In a world where everyone has system for advancing all their skills and talents, one young man for some reason can't access his system skill tree. All he can see in his opened skill window is a word "Loading..." with infinitely spinning round sign and a list of incomprehensible sentences: "Trouble shooting in progress", "Unable to find skill data library matching the assigned system name", "unable to connect to the system data library", "Activating system named: UG.....". What the hell this all supposed to mean? And how is he going to survive in a world of magic with totally useless system? Follow the story to see how he climbs up from being oppressed with the... more>> help of.....what the hell is this? Wait, what? Are they real people? Are these people sane? They all look mental! Is this hell? No! WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST SEE?! ERASE IT! ERASE IT FROM MY MEMORY! God why? Why you made me connect to this comment section!?!?!

Note: cover picture made with an AI <<less

With No Cheats, No Perks, No Gifts...How would you survive in this chaotic world?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(After reading countless fanfics I finally thought to myself, "Why... more>> don't I give it a try?") <<less

Two Lives, Two Souls, Both forced down into their roles,
One in the Light, One in the Dark, As the Fates portend,
One to uphold, one to turn over the Mores,
Would they Save the World, or Bring it to its End?... more>>

A story where things might not be what they seem like.

Several high school students found their lives suddenly turned upside down when they were summoned to another world as [Heroes]. One found themselves before an entity that only recalled memories of eldritch gods, and found themselves changed into something else altogether. Circumstances forced the former friends into opposing sides, each finding out more from their own side of the story.

In the end, who told the truth? Who fed them with lies? What was best for the world they had been brought to? All were answers they have to find for themselves.

Chapters will range from 2-3k words, scheduled for release every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

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

Expect:

-A deconstructed Isekai story told from different angles and views

-Tragedies, and dark Comedy/gallows humor.

-Occasional action

Do not expect:

-Much in terms of romance

-Much politics, barring passing views and mentions

-A lighthearted tale. This story will not play nice.

Any comments, reviews, and criticism will be much appreciated.

And thank you for reading.

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

This story is my original work and only posted on the Royal Road and Scribblehub websites. If you should find this story elsewhere or under another name, please let me know.

Also please don't be too hard on me when I make occasional grammatical mistakes, English is my third language after all. XD

Edit suggestions are very welcome though. <<less

Heather is just a normal girl from the modern world who wakes up one day to find she has been chosen. Now trapped inside a fantasy world built by aliens and based on Earth's video games, Heather must struggle to learn and survive as she makes the most unusual friends. Determined to escape at all costs, she finds more than she bargained for, discovering the world has a dark secret that somehow seems to revolve around her. ... more>>

Now she is faced with the frightening possibility that she had been here before and started a war that nearly destroyed the world.

Will Heather escape before her past catches up with her, or will she change her mind and face that past to stay with the ones she has come to love? <<less

Due to a mysterious transcendent being, United States Marine Corps First Lieutenant Samuel Kim from the year 2016 is thrown back in time to the year 1775. To make matters worse, he wakes up near Bunker Hill, mere hours before the famed Battle of Bunker Hill is set to begin. Realizing the unique situation he finds himself in, the lieutenant takes the opportunity to change the fate of the battle and ensure an overwhelming American victory. Guided by his "patronizing" "God" and the American revolutionaries, Lieutenant Kim embarks on a journey to help America gain its independence and to ensure the nation uphold its "most promising" ideals from the very beginning.... more>>

I have a Patreon for any readers willing to support me for my work. All my novels are free, and I would never charge people to read them.

https://www.patreon.com/okmangeez

If you have a few dollars that you can contribute to my Patreon per month, that would be greatly appreciated. :) <<less

With trouble as her only constant bedmate, the only aim, after being exiled, was to spend her life in peace and relative obscurity. A chance encounter brought back memories of her last love. The more she pursued, the more question she faced and the people who were close to her are not what they appear to be. ... more>>

Even in exile, her constant bedmate would not stop. Now, being hunted, embroiled in an age-old conspiracy, torn apart by various factions, how is a lone drow to survive? Of course, by doing what she did best, raising an army. For the dark-elf Matrons have a nasty habit of not staying down when knocked. They rise up again and come back with fury.

______________________________________________________________Volume II______________________________________________

Things should have been easy for Rylonvirah. The exiled drow matriarch has finally reunited with the love of her life, Lyria. But from the north descends a new threat, the Cambion Warlord, in his bid for ascension, to claim the title of the demon lord, rallies his horde.

Will Rylonvirah and Lyria reforge the broken bonds between them? Will the Warlord drown the world in a sea of fire? While enemies both old and new beset Rylonvirah, her greatest obstacle is Lyria herself— and the pregnant secret that she harbours.

===== Series Info=======
The world-building is a combination of DnD, Pathfinder and Elderscrolls. Though I prefer to take a few liberties if possible.

The yuri/GL Is an **extremely slow** burn one.

=====Author Notes=====

This is my first writing attempt, and in the spirit of full disclosure, I am not a native English speaker and I am hoping to use this chance to improve my writing.

Constructive criticisms are always welcome.

I have a full-time job but I would try to keep the releases consistent.

______________Announcements______________

1. Monday and Thursday release.

2. Explicit scenes will have a content warning. I was told by some kind folks to mark explicit chapters with ❤❤❤, to protect the purity of innocent SH readers. So they will be marked accordingly. :)

3. The real plot takes a while to get started. For those of you who stuck through, You have my thanks.

4. Hit 100 chapters finally and Volume II ongoing. <<less

Doomed or Destined? ... more>>

Man or Monster? 

Hero or Heretic? 

Join John Sarvod on his journey as he confronts his demons. 

A story taken place in a world where Gods, Demons, and Dragons exist.

TLDR: A story of weak to strong. Full Fantasy.

Release Schedule: Biweekly, Saturday GMT 0 - 0:00

Average word count for each chapter: 3.5k (depending)

Book 1, The Destination of Innocence (Chapters 1 - Chapter 6) Finished

Book 2, The Manifestation of Agony (Chapter 7 - Chapter 12) Finished

Book 3, The Execution of Will (Chapter 13 - Chapter 20) Finished

Book 4 The Remembrance of Past (Chapter 21 - Releasing) 

Illustration links: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15pGv58Ct8xKc6gg9Hgi6S9NkLE-jd7XK?usp=sharing

I have a backlog already, this story won't be dropped. <<less

"In Earth's distant future, most of its religions known today decline or change. As a result of this spiritual upheaval, the barrier between the spiritual world and the physical one falter, and ghouls and demons are loosed upon the earth. Ultimately, most of these are resealed by the new religions, but one such demon named Belial, requires nothing short of sealing by angels to put back to rest. Thousands of years later, a beggar named Ambrosia Brahmin picks herself off the street only to be sent on a fetch quest by God, joined by swordsman, a shaman, a thief, a druid, an exorcist, an angel, and a demon. Meanwhile, the demon from eons before, sealed... more>> in a jar, is slowly being unsealed by a duped wizard, given false promises of rewards that await him..."

This book has already been published on Amazon KDP (but due to screwed up stuff, the Kindle version and the Paperbook version are not on the same page). It was originally developed as video game on RpgMaker 2003, and I still occasionally add things to it. <<less

When your day goes to hell and you find yourself kidnapped, strung up from a magical tree, and left to bleed out, what do you do next?... more>>

Fortunately, Riordan Kincaid is a tough, gives-no-fucks honey badger shifter. Unfortunately, now that he's survived the first attempt, a death mage and their cult are determined to finish the job by whatever means necessary, pursuing Riordan across the wilds of rural Michigan.

Ghosts and spirits are outside of his specialty, and heaven help him if he has to cast actual spells, but Riordan isn't going to make this easy on his enemies. Even if that means breaking his long exile, turning to the local shifter community for help, and dealing with a bureaucratic department of mages. And don't even get him started on getting licked by a damn spirit bear.

Now he just needs to figure out what will kill him first: his enemies, his past, or his own attempts at using magic? Or will Riordan beat the odds and prove that honey badgers really are that hard to kill? If so, what will he do with a life once hung upon a tree that's more than a tree?

[Series includes profanity, violence, discussions of death and loss, pissed-off badgers, and surreal spirits. It includes LGBTQ+ characters, including a MC who is homoromantic asexual.]

[Want to read ahead? Back me on Patreon to read up to all currently written chapters.] <<less

In the Avalyne Empire, there is only one way to achieve greatness: exhibition matches. Those who possess the power to bestow god-given gifts known as Crests stand tall and proud as nobles, supporting their knights who wade into battle for the sake of glory, victory, and honor. Knights and nobles alike study and train at Avalyne Academy to hone their skills and participate in academy-level matches, all while forming lasting bonds to become fully-fledged pairs.... more>>

Among those students is the so-called "strongest knight" Medrauta, yet despite her title, she hasn't managed to win a single match. Instead, she's impressively racked up over two-hundred losses within the course of the very first month. However, when she's faced with the prospect of expulsion due to various circumstances, her life gradually begins to change.

As Medrauta struggles to truly become someone worthy of the title "knight", she gains new friends, hope, and experience.

Chapters update every day!

To support the series, gain access to Patron-exclusive side-chapters, or read ahead, please visit https://www.patreon.com/hungrysheep! <<less

Amara stood upon the fields, watching the dust rise as the demons made their advance in the distance. Behind her stood the mortals, whom she for the last millenium was told were nothing but fodder. Just like herself.
A smile grew on her face as the wind cooled her lips, wetted by the only one who thought otherwise.
And Amara was going to prove to one and all that her support had not been a wasted effort.
She raised her arm, giving the command she had waited a thousand years to give.
The blue sky began glittering, and like falling stars, her hidden ace made their arrival known.
___________________... more>>

A woman from Earth, becomes a sacrifical pawn when she is chosen as champion in a war between the gods that rule creation.
Follow her, as she prepares for war - a daunting task which is an uphill battle on it's own, where none expect her to emerge victorious. Except one.
___________________
Mixed dark and lighthearted story.

Draft. Please let me know, what you think the story might be lacking. All feedback is appreciated!

First few chapters, up to chapter 03, have a fast pace. Thereafter, it's a slow read.
- Non-harem in terms of romance.
- MC is technically OP, but starts off weak when compared to those in her league.
- A lot of side stories to display the supporting characters' thoughts and motivations.

- Act 1: A Sacrifical Pawn: Complete
- Act 2: The Roads of Destiny: Ongoing
- Act 3: A Date With Fate: -
- Act 4/5: ?
___________________
Original publishing on ScribbleHub.com. Permissions to publish elsewhere:

- Predator1000 / TheAbysm has my permission to translate this story into russian. Translation can be found here:
https://tl.rulate.ru/book/56358
___________________
Ladies from waifulabs, edited with Paint and PhotoScape. <<less

Trapped in a world not my own. Facing a destiny never meant to pass. Dealing with a hero doomed to defeat. Which will end first, this world or my life?... more>>

The Transmigator, a being deployed from beyond the boundaries of this reality, must undo the will of Fate itself, to save both himself and the world.

There will be no fluffiness. No OP cheat abilities. No waifus. Just one man. And The Voice of a god. <<less

Commander Liao Shan gets back to the Imperial capital with his cavalry troop after a month in the badlands, to find he has a new mission: escorting a convoy of treasure to the Kingdom of Qiu, an ally of the Empire in the far north-west. To complicate matters, the treasure includes the beautiful young Sixth Prince Yan Jinhai, forced against his will to enter the harem of the vicious King. As the journey progresses, Liao Shan finds his conscience and his heart increasingly in conflict with his orders. And it doesn’t help that the young Prince, kept a virtual prisoner in the Imperial Palace, is hell-bent on escape.... more>>

As the journey continues and the relationship between them deepens, events are building which will rock the Empire and turn both their lives upside down. <<less