Open Source

Aluicious | horror | Complete

A team of bioengineering specialists has been sent to a secret location managed by the mysterious political power known only as the Coalition to develop new technologies in the fields of biological and cybernetic warfare. Just when it seems like they are about to make the breakthrough of the century, the lab goes dark. Join the cleanup crew as they force their way back into the complex and investigate what went wrong, and uncover something that could change the way humans interact forever...

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

Clock Link: A Story of Magic and Murder

mataaitai | mystery | Complete

April 1st. For eight minutes, a section of downtown Portland and everyone in it comes to a complete and absolute standstill. During that time a bank is robbed... and a young girl is murdered.Three high school students, a shut in, a man involved in organized crime, and an amateur mage. The events of "the day the world stopped" start a chain reaction that will change the destinies of these six people, and the city, forever.

91.88 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:05

Gnarlroot the Eld

RaccoonMage | mystery | Complete

Skeletal Minions aren't supposed to be sentient, but when a Spirit Mage called Azwold bends game rules to complete step 4/11 of his epic questline, he summons the only talking player pet in the game. Join the Eld, his player 'master', and a cast of unforgettable party members as they explore Realms of Lore and work their way through "Gnarlroot the Eld's Stolen Bones" questline.Can they thwart a mounting, game-breaking threat from the cult-like Telemoon guild? Will they discover how the Eld ended up stuck in the role of a video game player's skeletal minion? Or will the Eld remain trapped, forever hungering for answers?***Book One is complete. Finishing 2nd book Summer 2022***Thanks for reading!***Cover art by the lovely and talented Oona Machina***

71.74 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:05

Shattered Blood

KevinADavis | mystery | Complete

Some questions are best left unanswered. Obsessive Eugene law student, Haddie faces gruesome murder that leave victims impossibly incinerated. Could this be connected to her dad, who doesn't appear to age? If she digs too deep, she, or her friends might become the next set of ghastly remains. An urban fantasy origin story for the AngelSong Series with characters and magic inspired by the likes of Jane Yellowrock and Kate Daniels. Origin Story of the AngelSong Series

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

Ilhen's Seventh Deathtrap

ninjacat007 | mystery | Complete

Nico and Leonardo are renowned adventurers who specialize in Rare & Esoteric Artifact Recovery. With their guild on the brink of bankruptcy, they embark on a quest to locate Ilhen's Seventh  a legendary deathtrap supposedly brimming with occult treasures. But complications abound. Rival adventurers are also on the hunt, and Nico suspects they're being followed by the Empress' shadowy spy ring, the Black Cabal. And worse, Ilhen's Seventh is not what it seems. As they race to solve a trail of cryptic clues, they are drawn unknowingly into a sinister conspiracy... For fans of THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA  or fans of attunement spires, bewitched libraries, magic academies, mad dukes, art heists, clever disguises, mystical swords, eldritch monsters, vengeful gods, & much more! Progression is a subplot but not the main storyline

39.65 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:13

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

Soulforged Dungeoneer

SuperSayu | psychological | Complete

In a modern world invaded by System Dungeons, one man's search for sanity and redemption will plunge him into an insane plot connecting Gods, Dungeon Administrators, Fairies, and the dangerous creature at the heart of the invasion. If he can survive it all, he might have a chance to save humankind... but he may not be ready for that responsibility. In a world gone to madness, perhaps only the mad can rise? NOTE: Although this novel is LitRPG in its origins, the numbers were never the focus and have been completely de-emphasized by the end. Includes romance, crass puns, spontaneous musical numbers (including fights set to music), horror, madness, and other nonsense. THIS WORK HAS NOT BEEN PUBLISHED TO AMAZON

191.92 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:30

What Is It Like To Be Eternal? (Completed)

CorpseDead | psychological | Complete

Actual Word Count: 683 925 Words and 2487 pages. Under edition. Chapter 36-44 must be edited. Read the red text below to learn more. Synopsis: Have you ever thought about what is it like to be Eternal? What does being Eternal even mean? Maybe I can show you what it is that you are desiring. What lies at the center of the universe, when you reach the peak of strength and power? Can love reach that place too, or do you lose your feelings the stronger you get? How long can you travel and hold onto yourself, before feeling that you are starting to fall apart, losing your mind to your strength? How long is your road? Your feelings? What's going to win over you? The Darkness and the Hate? The Love and the Light? Or maybe none? Follow me as I show you my colorful yet gray path to eternity. My Discord server:https://discord.gg/XMSzDPH Special thanks to my editors. Azorath1234 (70-99th chapter), BlackStarLine and Kaentyr from the 100th chapter. Cornerstones:9th Chapter - Bonding Through the Night38th Chapter - The Way of Cultivation is a Way of Life54th Chapter - The Universe Is Ever Changing and Evolving69th Chapter -Beyond the bond [Inheritance]83rd Chapter - What I call Art!88th Chapter - What Does It Take To Kill?93rd Chapter - Chasing Rainbows [Loop?]108th Chapter - The Fall of a Creator?109th Chapter - A Family [Descendant]119th Chapter - What Is It Like To Be Eternal? Detailed reviews:http://royalroadl.com/fiction/10058/what-is-it-like-to-be-eternal-completed?review=132372#review-132372http://royalroadl.com/fiction/10058/what-is-it-like-to-be-eternal-completed?review=153956#review-153956 Both the Novel and the Cover picture are copyrighted. The Picture is a result of my commission. Cover Art: Novel: P.S.: I'm also hosting my novel hereand on Novel Updates Forum.Nowhere else for now! EDIT: The novel is in rework. The original and the new ones are completely different. Where you see [Edited] it means that I'm done with editing the STORY! Whereas where you don't see it, it's in the old style. For now, I'm editing only the style. Once I'm done with every chapter, I'll run through it once again and correct possible grammatical mistakes. The style will be edited until the 45th chapter.

339.05 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:10

Twinned Destinies: A Cultivation Progression Fantasy

adastra339 | romance | Complete

Prophecy tells of a hero who shall slay the Lord of Demonsbut this is not his story. This is the story of his twin sister. Where he has a magical core of unparalleled talent, she has none at all. Where he is celebrated, she is shunned. Yet she refuses to accept her fate. She will prove herself. Even if it means breaking a sacred taboo, and eating the flesh of demons& // Updates 5x a week on weekdays at 12:34PM EST What to expect: - character-driven story - weak to strong - a balance of darkness + lightness - no smut or harem, bi MC - grounded xianxia

130.83 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:14

Cultivine

B. A. Baker (Thedude3445) | satire | Complete

The Soul Palace System has ruled the world of Wuweizi for countless eons, but there is a new magic afoot--or should we say, avine. Xi Gua Lao, an aspiring daoist, embarks on an adventure that leads him to an up close and personal encounter with the one thing he never expected: Vine Waifus. Vine Waifu created with Artbreeder. Cover by me. Audiobook narration by Kgy121. Read other Vines: Chaos Vines OnlineVINAL FANTASYVines: A Short StoryThe Vines of Bramblekeep When Immortal Ascension Fails Divine Thorns

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

The Chronicles of Kevin's Mistakes

Commander Kane | satire | Complete

Since the times of old, the Six Towers of Valdir have stood tall in their respective kingdoms. Always, it is has been six. Six Managers, six Cores, six hoards of treasure. But times are changing. The fearsome Managers that history has come to know, hate, and respect, all the same, are about to get a new Manager in their ranks. They await to see who governs the seventh Tower on the banks of the Yearning sea, just as the adventurers, kings, and peasants alike are trembling with dreadful anticipation. Some want a newbie who's worth the extra space, while others want someone who'll keep with the status quo. Instead, they got Kevin. ~Expect an update on a Friday~

11.02 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:16

Colonial History

fsarbolaez | satire | Complete

[Full Title: The Colonial History of Tir-Torzor and Brief Accounts of Its Diasporas' Denizens] An alien scholar is sent by their institution to study, evaluate, and report on the colonial history of another galactic civilization known as the Apiary. There are only two planets under the Apiary's dominion: The empire's home world, Eas-Enerang, and Tir-Torzor, its sole colonized claim. This is the compiled historical records on the effects conquest has had over its native inhabitants. {Content Warning: This story is a work of satire involving some instances of foul language, xenophobia, violence, recalling assault, and allusions to historical atrocities and tragedies. Discretion is advised.} Visit https://ko-fi.com/choftt to support the story! Art for collage cover by Paul David London. Collage and artistic additions by F.S. Arbolaez.

58.20 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:24

Day of Doom

The God Of Boredom | satire | Complete

A guy wakes up in the morning. That, alone, is a traumatic experience by itself. But then the sun goes out. The guy figures that it's just some freak solar eclipse or something like that. After all, he isn't exactly a scientist. But, no; The same thing happens again the next morning. And the next. The guy must now figure out what's going on. This is my 2nd fiction, written for the [Royal Road Community Magazine] Contest, with the first being something I'd rather not show you. When I started this one(a couple hours before I wrote this synopsis), I had a fair idea of what I was doing, kind of. Cover by MRMerrigan.

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

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

Conspiracyland

BoredCanary | satire | Complete

A hardened full-time conspiracy theorist, Jones, finds himself in a timeline where everything seems to have gone wrong. Armed with the knowledge of a veteran internet shitposter and the power of paranoia, he sets out to break the conditioning. Join our heroes as they traverse an absurd world filled with mutant lizardmen, ufos, and nefarious secret organizations.

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

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

Super Soldier not Super Hero

Duck_No_Duck | sci_fi | Complete

Book 1: Follow Emily as she awakens to become a Super Soldier in the army and follow her through her training and first tour of duty. The first book is complete and it's staying up on RR. 400+ pages and 46 Chapters. Book 2: Finds Emily behind enemy lines trying to survive against an impossible army. On-going and follows the events of the first book eight months later. Reader beware this is a rough draft and that means that the grammar is going to be ...spotty. I will go back and edit chapters at a later date. I am working on getting a better editing program. If you spot grammarerrors don't be shy and tell me. It might take a while for me to fix it as I am busy writing and working my full-time job. I promise you I will fix it though and I deeply appreciate those who point out errors that I can fix. Cover Photo by Piotr Wilk on Unsplash Updatingevery Monday. If you like this story check think about checking out my other web novel Digital Marine. If you have any extra cash laying around and you feel like supporting the story you can donate here atPatreonorPayPal. Patreon donators have options to read unedited chapters before anyone else can readthem if you can't wait for the next chapter.

109.50 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-21 15:12

Halcyon Nightmares [A Magical Girls LitRPG]

Aest Belequa | sci_fi | Complete

Alice grew up idolizing Magical Girls. Now, she's one of them! When murderous machines attack Alice's graduation, she's asked to don the skirt and blazer. Now, she'll need to learn how to use her powers and work with a team of other Girls to protect her city from disaster - all while trying to get herself un-grounded! This was my first story on Royal Road. I'm currently re-writing it as a system apocalypse story, taking it in a completely different direction after the first chapter and a half or so, and tightening up as many of the plot holes as I can. I'm moving a lot slower on this project than my other, Magical Girl Undergrad. Expect The Halcyon System to be available to read in May 2024.

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