Rise of the Living Forge - Chapter 374: Statement

“Football isn't just a game”—it's life.For 16-year-old David Jones, football is more than a sport; it's an escape, a calling, and the only thing that makes sense in a world full of challenges. The electric thrill of scoring a last-minute winner, the roar of the crowd—it’s the closest thing to freedom he knows.But David's journey is far from simple. Blessed with extraordinary talent yet burdened by fiery anger, he’s fighting battles on and off the pitch. Growing up as the son of a Nigerian immigrant and a British mother, David navigates the pressures of cultural expectations, the weight of his own ambitions, and the scrutiny of a sport that demands perfection.Passion drives him forward, but his temper holds him back. Can he channel his emotions and prove himself worthy of being football's next big star?David Jones: The Next big thing is a gripping coming-of-age story about resilience, identity, and the unrelenting pursuit of dreams.Disclaimer:This work is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. All trademarks, brand names, and other proprietary rights mentioned or depicted are the property of their respective owners and are used for illustrative purposes only. This work is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brand, company, or individual mentioned. All rights reserved to their respective owners.

Modern Earth was suddenly thrust into an era of hyper-artificial intelligence and realistic, human-like machines called Androids by a woman who went by the name Maria Evernight.Within a short decade, this unfathomable woman spread the influence of her behemoth enterprise; Evernight Group International, across the known globe, forever propelling the human civilization into an era of technology that could only be described as otherworldly.This woman patiently groomed her son into the most fearsome CEO of the most influential existence on the face of this little blue planet, planning to slowly transition total control of the globe to her son.She planned to keep him entertained by the mundane life among mortals while keeping him in the dark about his past and heavy, predestined responsibilities. Alas, who would have expected that the rural blue planet in the middle of nowhere among the sea of stars would be discovered by immortal cultivators?Before people could adapt to the new world of futuristic technology, the world of cultivation took them by storm. Many young and old of the people yearned for power and immortality, and Maria’s son, Leonardo Evernight, was no exception.Perhaps it was as the heavens preordained, but Leonardo picks up the path to power.However, after stepping onto this path, he found out that his mother didn’t have many years left of her age, throwing his mental state into disorder as the path to power was a path of no retreat, only advancement.With a heavy heart of responsibility, Leonardo left the comfort of his little blue planet for a future unknown…

[Mature Content:]Alaric was too close to Nicolette.Her mouth was just inches away from his.He could smell the lavender on her skin, the heat radiating from within her.But he held back, refusing to be carried away by her charm…“Mr. Allens…” she purred, and he looked down at her.Her eyes widened with desire, and he knew, in that moment, that if he wanted to kiss her, she would let him.The last thing he wanted was commitment. He knew that Nicolette didn’t want that either.But why was she this tempting?So willing?It was that willingness that confused him.She blinked, then swallowed as she pulled the jacket off her shoulders. His eyes lingered on her exposed neck.God.He just wanted to bury his mouth in that hollow spot.“Here,” Nicolette said calmly, extending the jacket to him.He took the jacket, his hand brushing hers just a second. She flinched, her face turning pink as she clutched the towel against her chest.His stomach flipped at the sight.If only that towel would give way to…Before he could stop himself, Alaric pressed his arousal against her stomach, pushing her against the wall, cornering her.She gasped at the sudden movement and for a moment, he lost his mind.“Cole…” he breathed, crushing himself against her.Her eyes gleamed with desire and a vulnerability that rocked him to his core.He would be foolish not to give in to this feeling.But he would also be a fool if he did.She had chosen to marry him.Not her boyfriend.And definitely not Lucian Crawford.Yet, he couldn't help it.She was only his for a year.But still…***************When her business and the gallery she inherited from her mother burn to the ground, Nicolette Voss is determined to rebuild—and get revenge on her father.She turned to her father’s rival, Alaric Allens, for an alliance.Alaric is willing to help, but on one condition—she must be his wife for a year.They called him Ruthless Alaric after an infamous incident 6 years ago. Alaric is back in town, and so are the crumbs of his past. But he is determined to change everything with a wife.He has his hidden agenda.She needs her revenge.But will this marriage between storm and steel survive the heat? And what will they do when deep secrets threatens to destroy them both?

DEATH COULDN’T KILL HIM—IT JUST GAVE HIM A NEW LIFE TO DESTROY.Reo Carter was a name that made even the hardest killers shudder. A perfect hitman—no hesitation, no mercy. Until his own crew turned on him, leaving him bleeding out in a pile of bodies that used to be his enemies.But fate wasn’t done with him.He wakes up in a world of nobility, magic, and honor duels—trapped in the body of Leonhardt Caulem, the weakest, most useless son of Duke Caulem. A spoiled brat with no skill, no spine, and a reputation so pathetic that even servants look down on him.They think he’s weak? They have no idea who they just brought back.- Swords and magic? He spent his last life dodging bullets—this is child’s play.- Dueling etiquette? A knife in the ribs is the only honor that matters.- A noble’s life of luxury? He’s had enough backstabbing for one lifetime, thanks.He was once a ghost in the underworld—a man who didn’t exist. Now, in a world where strength is everything, he’s about to remind them what true fear looks like.The hitman is back. And this time, he’s aiming for something more.#NobleByDayKillerByNature #TheyBroughtBackTheWrongMan #FromHitmanToDuke #SayYourLastWords