Dead Eyes Open

rkgoff | contemporary | Complete

Emerra Cole died just short of her twentieth birthdaybut that won't stop Jack Noctis, the embodiment of death, from asking for her help. Not that Jacky raised her from the dead. He says she came back on her own. He only dug her up, pulled her from her casket, and gave her a place to stay. While he hates to impose, he hopes she'll lend him a hand with a murder that's been giving him trouble. The anthropology professor, Trevon Wayde, was shot in the chest. The police are looking for his murderer, but Jacky wants to know why his soul is missing. Emerra returned from death with the Eyes of the Sphinx, a legendary ability that allows her to see things others can't. Jacky thinks her new powers could be useful when it comes to uncovering what happened. When Emerra agrees to look around, she's dragged into a world of magic and monsters. There isn't much time for her to adjust. She'll have to get her bearings while working side by side with a vampire, making friends with a wolfman and a bog-creature, and learning how to deal with an abrasive teenage witch. Thank god the mummy is there to help. Life after death is going to be interesting.

53.82 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 18:51

Desire

munxy | contemporary | Complete

Volume I is now available on Amazon! An all powerful entity bestows individuals with a powerful brand in the form of a tattoo. Using the system that is controlled by the tattoo, you can learn supernatural abilities, acquire knowledge unknown to man, and acquire objects that would only be found in fiction. The world is changing... and it has yet to be determined if it is for better or worse.Two friends who grew up together, Ace and Vincent, have been chosen. Ace lives for physical improvement. He loves the feeling of breaking his records and growing stronger. Unfortunately, he has plateaued in recent months, discouraging him greatly.Vincent is plagued by little to no desire in anything he does. Good grades? Successful life? He feels nothing. Except, perhaps, the feeling of pain and fear. Sadly for him, modern day society is a peaceful one.The arrival of the tattoo flipped their lives upside down. It granted them the ability to fulfill their desires. However... they weren't the only ones who were given the tattoo. DISCLAIMER: As each volume finishes on RRL, it will be removed and uploaded to the Amazon Kindle Unlimited Program. Thank you for your understanding.

3.59 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:05

Mourning Glory

PublicApology | contemporary | Complete

A year and a half after Elizabeth's suicide, Sara Mera's life settles back to normalcy from a battle of depression. Sara's life is thrown back into that pit of darkness when her hand in the suicide is exposed to the world. In a negative state of mind, she meets the girl who was Elizabeth's best friend who is still suffering from her death. Afraid another tragedy will happen, Sara selfishly becomes friends with the girl but never expected that she would be the one who light's up Sara's world in the darkness. -

39.88 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:14

The girl named Seven

hyrdyr | drama | Complete

A girl, raised and trained to be a weapon. Now offered a chance fora better life, will she take it? Will the world let her? Trying to figure out her lot in life with noother skills than those of combat in a world where conflicts are becomming more frequent, what will become of her? Some names may have been taken from real life but everything else is fiction. Ratings and comments would be appreciated. I put the drama tag but i'm not sure if I actually manage that. Cover pic found via pintrest. If the owner of the art wants it removed, please contact me.

56.47 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:15

The Way Ahead

NorskDaedalus | drama | Complete

Get The Way Ahead on Amazon! Volume 1 Volume 2 Volume 3 What do you do when you don't fit in? Edwin never really felt many connections to other people, but as a physics student, that was fine. He didn't really need it, anyway. He was content to peel back the mysteries of the universe... not that there were many left to find. Modern-day research was just too well-established, too well-trodden for any single enthusiast to make any significant headway. But that doesn't apply to other worlds. Not ones where magic and Skills run rampant, where well-defined roles and Classes dominate much of society with little room for novel experimentation from its residents. That kind of world would be perfect for an overeager, newly-minted Alchemist to make his mark. Things are never that easy, though. The Way Ahead is a very slice-of-life story following the story of someone trying to find his place in a world that doesn't know what to do with him. Expect lots of science, lots of alchemy, a few sarcastic quips by the System, and lots of exploration involving the world, self-discovery, and above all, science. After all, further research is always required. Updates Wednesdays. Congratulations! For writing a story during the month of November, you have unlocked the Royal Road Writathon Participant path!

285.73 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:36

Vows of the Wolves

L.P. Candour | historical | Complete

Raoul is the very definition of a typical village boy; he eats, he plays, and he talks to wolves. He doesn't mind the monotonous days in the village and is willing to spend the rest of his life here; however, when soldiers return from a victorious war and have to pass through his village, Raoul will find that there are disagreements to be had regarding not just wolves, but bread as well. Disagreements thereby turn into misunderstandings, and misunderstandings turn into a deadly witch hunt for Raoul and the wolves. Now suddenly, the boy finds that his life is not so typical after all. One question remains: Will he be able to survive in a life turned upside down?

11.74 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:38

The Necromancer Raids Again

Dreadwizard Siegfried | horror | Complete

It's been two weeks since the teenage necromancer Scott Havenbrook saved Craven Falls from a daemonic invasion and ressurected Amber-although imperfectly. But rest is for the dead, as new trouble brews in the shadows. But stalking the streets is more than one new breed of monster. Kevin the comic geek is a newly minted member of the undead, adn he's lookign to take a bite out of crime. Can these horrifying heroes learn to work together, or will a sinister sorcery tear the fragile peace apart?

56.68 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:48

ZOMBIE SLAYER!!

munxy | horror | Complete

Scientists discover that a massive gas cloud in space will cover the solar system in one year.They assure the populace that they recognize the gas and confirm that it is harmless. A year passes, and the fateful day arrives. Eric and Michael go to school like normal, but the world begins to change. System Initiating... Standby... Modification is being chosen.... Standby... Undead System has been chosen... Standby... System starting in 3... 2... 1...

4.59 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:47

THE GIRL WHO COULD TASTE TIME

Lara Zanatti Reis | horror | Complete

Time tastes like overcooked steak covered in black ashy sand. Nona is the girl who knows how Time tastes. A flavour that alerts her that she is about to witness a time-event from anywhere and anywhen. Scenes played on mute. A never-ending banter from loud, annoying lips. The scent of danger and tears. Nona touches blood, shattered glass and crusty, crumbling memories she had never experienced. But the story of the girl who could taste Time is so much more than what meets the five senses. It is the end of the world in repeat and the hope of a place we could call home, but only if... you're one of a kind. Meet you all at .159265359.

58.68 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:59

Ravenous reflection (A short vampire story)

sarvashaktimaan | mystery | Complete

Woe is upon the town of Drezin. It knows it not. A magister had come on a hunt, invoking a prize beyond refusal and a secret not understood - one with consequences beyond the wildest estimation. Of course, no one could know that. Not even the vampire who the offer is made to. And the request was so easy: Help capture a variant demon that devours its victims through reflections. Take the payment in blood, then run before the past catches up with them. That is of course, unless an opportunity presents itself to outrun said past. And none are more keen to do that than the immortal with millennia behind and centuries ahead. Or - as any descendant of the Hungerer ought to - devour it whole. Expect: Unapologetically evil strong protagonist, fast pacing, a peek at fantasy from an angle not commonly discovered. Participating in the Royal Road Community magazine event of June 2023. It is a 16 thousand word self-contained finished story. If you like my writing I have an ongoing long term story which you can check out here.

9.26 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:11

Apocalypse Wow

Doctor Zero | mystery | Complete

What's the best way to enjoy the end of the world? If you are reading this you have lost your memory. Again. You dumb jerk. I have no interest in writing our life story - it'll come back to you. For now, this is what's up: 1. We are looking for a god named Tiger. 2. He can stop the apocalypse, but apparently does not know that. 3. If the apocalypse is ongoing, we haven't told him yet. Also, we believe that life is absurd, loving relationships make it worth living, and it's best tobe our true self. Love Copycat (that's our name dummy) Cover by proxybaba - he's here on Royal Road and he's the best!

57.88 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:18

Super Science & Fast Romance

Doctor Zero | psychological | Complete

A super-intelligence is only limited by its ambition. If you could do anything, what would you do? Megacles has a pretty good life. Also, she's horny, lonely, bored, anxious, and a bit of a drunk. She decides to fix all that with science. It works okay, until she accidentally builds a doomsday device. At least she's not bored anymore. This is a simple tale of love, hope, sex, rejection, revenge, secrets, extortion, thievery, dead billionaires, killer robots, space monkeys, mind control, superhot lasers, god-like power, and the destruction of the Earth. And drugs. Almost forgot the drugs. Check out the reviews - people like it, maybe you will too. Or, just read Chapter 1. It's a good example of the book. If you like it, you're good to go. Cover Photo by Jean Fan (JFotography.net)

48.44 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:19

Soulforger: Primordial

D.M.A. | psychological | Complete

The only constant in life is change. Braxon was a brilliant engineer, recently appointed the head-of-station for a forward research post, things were looking up for him. But when his whole team was slaughtered in an ambush attack and he finds himself pursued and out of options he does the only reasonable thing he could. Now he's trapped in the body of a child and stranded in a strange and foreign land. Weak and surrounded by powerful martial artists, he must learn their ways, keep his secrets, and rise to the top to have any hope of returning home. The world of Soulforger is home to mystical beasts, spiritual treasures, sealed realms, forbidden cultivation methods, and ancient feuds. Can anyone tread here and not be changed forever? New Chapters: Tuesdays and Thursdays

97.36 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:19

Inalienable Rights: The After-Hours Molar Message

PRE | satire | Complete

Even aliens have legal troubles. Whenever an intergalactic being runs into trouble on earth, Lord Farkvold, the High Councilman of the Planets of Slatt, contacts Earth attorneys Marsh and Henry to help extra-terrestrials avoid unwanted attention and jail.

7.58 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:18

ToTo's Strange Journey: Underground Delivery

Balinator | satire | Complete

Brian Law Korn was an average guy living an average life until one day he met his friend, Brender who entrusted him with a strange box and a toaster to be delivered to an unknown location. Little did he know this will change his life forever.This is part 1 of the (hopefully) 3 parts long ToTo's Strange Journey series. This is a parody based on the action-adventure manga/anime JoJo's Bizarre Adventure by Hirohiko Araki

15.61 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:19

The Official Douche Bag Travel Guide of Chad Barrington

PJ_Lowry | satire | Complete

After having a tantrum in court that lands him in contempt, Chad Barrington is forced to seek counseling and take two months off. Unable to work, this top notch lawyer decides to go on vacation and sooth his battered ego. Chad quickly learns that it's possible to be a total Douche in paradise as well...

30.43 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:20

My Immortal Myth-Take [January 2024 Royal Road Community Magazine Participant]

Zeke Stone | satire | Complete

Max Masters wants to get away from it all. He wants to isekai, to get out of his mundane existence, just like what happened to all his heroes in the books he reads. The problem is that it is easier said than done. Yet he is certain that with perseverance he will meet a certain truck, and through it get all that he deserves; ultimate power, immortality. And a harem. My Immortal Myth-Take is a satirical fantasy short story, an entry in the Royal Road Community Magazine.

7.93 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:19

The Gam3

Ephemerality | sci_fi | Complete

The Earth is changing. Aliens invaded, bringing with them social upheaval, advanced technology and an armada of peacekeeping robots. But Alan, a college student pursuing a now-useless degree, cares little about all of this. He has only one thing on his mind: the Game. A fully immersive virtual reality, the Game appears to be a major part of the invading civilization. And Alan can't wait to play. Soon though, he realizes the Game is anything but simple, and the stakes are higher than he ever imagined. Member of A group of excellent litRPG fictions on RRL! The first book is now out on Amazon!

187.23 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:27

Romance in the Stone

Damaged | one_shot | Complete

A side story for The Heart Grows, in which romance and intimacy within the dungeon is explored. The main story is to be considered required reading to follow this. When Ludmiller gets outplayed by a dungeon and becomes one of its minions, she thinks the man she loved is lost to her forever. Now living as a kobold within the dungeon, she tries to reconcile her feelingsand she's not alone. Others living within the dark chambers underground find emotional holes in their lives. This is a short side story for The Heart Grows starting around chapter 25 and ending around chapter 60. All my works come with a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. This means you are free to download, publish, and even make derivative works of my writing so long as you include this license, attribution, and don't sell the works. Keep it free!

5.59 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:25

[Short] behind your smile | 你的笑容 (COMPLETED ✓)

Amae | one_shot | Complete

COMPLETED: 01/02/2019 "The loneliest people are the kindest.""The most damaged people are the wisest.""The saddest people smile the brightest." All because they do not wish to see anyone else suffer the way they do.

3.76 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:25