ATL: Stories from the Retrofuture

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

In a future of robots and CRTs, Atlanta is the most powerful city in the world. And in that city, twentysomething slacker Morgan Harding dreams of being able to live a normal, peaceful life... until they're given cybernetic superpowers and forced to become a hero. Together with a mysterious sentient robot and an overworked college student, they must keep Atlanta safe from the technological threats that arise... pretty much constantly... Sigh. ATL is divided into several novel or novella-sized stories, and the entire first season is online on Royal Road for you to gobble up like a robot filling up at a power socket. And if you're itching for more, always know you can read the story at its official website too. Please vote onTop Web Fiction!You can vote once a week on each device for this story (and any others you enjoy!).

185.72 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 17:02

In Dying Starlight: A Cyborg Sci-Fi Adventure

emily_mccosh | romance | Complete

Book 1 is now available for free on Amazon. Following books can be found on KU here. A rogue cyborg. A talking badger. A bounty job that goes incredibly wrong. Aaron is perfectly content to chase bounties in his run-down little space ship, avoid human interaction at all cost, and lay low from the cyborg planet that created him. But when he and Bathis half-robotic badger companion (who talks just a little too much)chase their largest bounty ever, they run head-first into not only some dangerous criminals, but other cyborgs much stronger than them, and worst of all, a handful of humans who aren't going anywhere. What you can expect from In Dying Starlight: - Heaps of fast-paced adventure and odd planets - A stubborn MC in over his head and trying to survive - A talking, half-robot badger who likes fixing space ships - Allllll the found family vibes - An atrocious amount of sarcasm and snark - A tiny bit of romance a ways into the story Chapters between 1k-3k words. [participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge - April 2022]

12.64 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-13 16:05

The Good End for the Villainess

Queenofthefuzzybugs | one_shot | Complete

That night, she was bored and illegally downloaded and installed "Life is but a Rose", the most cheesy and terribly rated otome game of 2001. Just as promised, it was laughably bad. She heckled the game the entire night, finishing it at dawn. As she fell asleep she thought, "Did monkeys write this? How could they let the characters be so dumb, if it were me I wouldn't be that stupid..." And then she woke up in the body of a child "Camilla Florentine." The dumbest character of them all: the villainess. Bad ends and death flags are all that await the arrogant and proud Daughter of the Duke. But only if she went according to the script! As long as she makes her own "Escape Route", surely nothing could go wrong... "Huh? I activated a hidden route? Who cares about that! Love flags or whatever, I've got a great job lined up and can live how I want, screw the game's fate and capture targets! I'M FREEEEEEE!" Runs out the door. Years later: "Why did a Capture Target follow me to a completely different country??????" *** A sweet, silly story written over three days. Lincensed under: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

19.86 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 17:37

Edge of Apocalypse [Progression LitRPG]

RejectHumanity | contemporary | Complete

The threat: the destruction of all life on Earth. The agents: a young man with a system, and a military woman in charge of Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Albert woke up and saw a Quest waiting for him, from a [System] that had not come without reason. Its purpose was to give him power to fight an invasion of Earth at the hands of an unknown species. One day, one step at a time. First, he must become strong. And he is not alone. There is another: a woman of pure steel and resolve working against all odds to save humanity. Slow start, then the pace picks up. Stakes are real. Choices matter. Characters make mistakes. Progression makes sense and no power creep. No dumb villains. No plot armor.

167.30 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-20 14:48

Eyes of Bloodshed

Freya Stone | contemporary | Complete

Remdia, a once peaceful country, sends an army towards the unprepared nation of Caledorn. This single action sets off a chain of events that will uproot the lives of everyone involved. A recent graduate suddenly finds himself in enemy territory, struggling to shield his birthplace from angered citizens. A news broadcaster must present a horrifying report while maintaining her perfected poise. A doctor steals an ambulance in an attempt to aid the injured. A student is evacuated from school, while a father tries desperately to escape a prison. Watch the war unfold through the eyes of those most impacted while the bloodshed increases. A relay of short stories where each chapter follows the perspective of one person through a difficult time.A massive shoutout to the brilliant cover artist as well, Snooki.

20.14 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:08

Wild Child

mrsimple | historical | Complete

A posthuman, dying as the shockwave of a supernova reaches his starship, awakens to find himself in the body of a little girl on ancient Earth — a girl who was just murdered by marauding invaders from another tribe. Written by MrSimpleEdited by Trismegistus Shandy

12.44 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:31

The Departure

Illhark | horror | Complete

Within the enigmatic Illian Cluster, a hungry creature named Zev prepares to depart from the space station for good, content to go wherever the cosmos might lead them. When they arrive on planet Hallow, they set a chain of events in motion that will change countless lives, human and otherwise. Also in the AUU-16 universe: Soulless (Apparently) The Departure  Night Game  Ystets Lake

17.21 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:57

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

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

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

Aegis: The First Attempt

QuiteTheSlacker | tragedy | Complete

This is the original first draft of Aegis in all its inexperienced glory. The pacing is a bit awkward, some dialogue is stiff, and everything is much less explained/detailed than the rewrite. Still, for those who wish to peruse my humble beginning as a writer, this draft will remain up for the more curious souls. If you would like to visit the rewrite, the link is here: Aegis Thank you to those who joined Aegis during its initial run. You gave me the motivation to keep on writing, and this series would not be the same without the valued feedback and encouragement I received from the kind people in this community. Regards, QuiteTheSlacker  "Rise, my beloved. As you always have. As you always will." Humanity has always yearned to reach the Stars. It is an inevitable instinct, a deep-rooted desire that festers within them all. It is the realm of their creator, and where endless possibilities await them. But not all wish for humanity to ascend. A single being known as The Constellation has chained them to the earth since the world's beginning, an ever-vigilant warden shackled to the past. Its true origin and appearance remain a mystery for none that meet its gaze ever return to the realm of the living. Only a single entity has the ability to usurp The Constellation and guide humanity to the Stars above. They are humanity's hope, a blinding ray amongst the darkness, but their light has been snuffed out long ago. Now, humanity is doomed to stagnate amidst their fragmented land, nations waging war on each other in a desperate attempt to hold dominion over what little authority they have over the earth. One day, hope returns to the continent for their savior has finally returned. A baby boy bearing the mark of The Comet has been born somewhere in the world, and the various rulers that occupy the land are desperate to control the baby's power and use it for their own ambition. However, his birth also awakens the slumbering atrocity from its rest, ready to fulfill its duty as it has time and time again. O' child of the Stars: Shine bright, shine bright. Your journey shall be long and arduous, but this world will soon fall. Two choices lay before you: Rally humanity together and bring about an end to the age of fracture; Or burn the world to its very core, and from the ashes will rise a new beginning. Shine bright Aegis, for this is your story.  Thank you so much to GabbieMok for the cover illustration! Their art is amazing, and I highly recommend them for anyone looking to get a cover for themselves! Here's a link below to their page. https://www.fiverr.com/gabbiemok https://www.deviantart.com/gabbiemok  Here's a link to my patreon. If you'd like to support my work, then feel free to leave a tip! QuiteTheSlacker

94.41 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-21 15:20

Curse Gunner

IcedFairy | adventure | Complete

Curse Gunner is urban fantasy, set in a realm where magic is common but powerful magicians are not. Unfortunately for Helena Aoede, if your magical specialties are necromancy, curses, and blowing things up it's hard to find a job no matter how strong a magician you are. So when a rich woman who needs a curse removed shows up at her apartment, it seems like a solution to her problems. Or at least a good way to pay the rent. Unfortunately this curse is backed by a raging inferno of hatred, and it seems it won't relent until it's sated with blood. Then again Helena's never been shy about shedding blood. Especially if she gets to decide who's blood it is.

35.45 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-21 15:25

Re:Ocean

Greydragon | comedy | Complete

A random young man, caught in a freak event is eventually killed only to reincarnate in one of the most powerless forms possible... and thrive. Mostly inspired by Re:Monster. Status: Series complete. Wild, random humor and erotic content in later chapters... Rated R 18+ for Excessive sex scenes involving a squid, violence and coarse language (in places).

50.98 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 16:41

The Arora Chronicles

storytopia07 | contemporary | Complete

Ever since childhood, Monica looked up to the heroes of her myths. So, when she discovered that she had a gift unique to her, she made a choice to become just like the heroes she once aspired to. Everyone remembered the white mask and the vigilante who wore it. They knew her as the Lady in White', whose watchful eyes made sure to keep the crimes of the country in check. But real life proved to be harsher than the stories. After a series of violent events, by those trying to imitate their hero, the reign of the superhero came to an abrupt end and everyone presumed that the Lady was dead. A year after her death as the Lady, Monica found herself returning to the world as a normal woman once again. She was determined to lead a normal life, but how long can one keep the soul of a rebel in check? As she tries to come to terms with her mistakes, the pull to don the costume once again is stronger than ever before. Only now the world and herself ask, should the alter-ego return?

71.06 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:00

The Secrets of Soward's Mansion

Trish | contemporary | Complete

[Psychological Thriller] Soward's mansion was once a beautiful, historic example of Victorian architecture, but time has an ironic sense of humor. It's now an eyesore and magnet for crime and vagabonds. I know I'm not the ideal person to restore her, but this is an opportunity to do one last great deed for my town before time finds it funny to ruin me too. What's the worst that could happen? [Winner of the Royal Road Writathon challenge] The Secrets of Soward's Mansionhas been exclusively published on RoyalRoad. All other sites have stolen the story. If you find this title anywhere else, please PM me on RoyalRoad or email me at [email protected]. Thank you!

31.56 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:03

Other West: Diablero [Completed]

T E Branco | historical | Complete

A complete Otherwest novella. What if the life you want is taken from you? After surviving the brutal slaughter of his naval squadron, Van Bran believed he could escape the world of empires, war, and magic by forging a new life on the American frontier. As a rancher, Van's life was simple, quiet, and far more peaceful. But when Van and his drovers come face to face with an ancient evil vying for control of the New World, a life of peace may be forever outside his grasp. Unless Van can take up arms once more and face the terrors of his past, he and his friends will serve as spiritual hosts to demonic skinwalkers. Enter the Other West... Follow, read, and comment today! Thank you for reading.

26.99 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:29

The Oresteia (Modernized)

HAXX0RZ | historical | Complete

All three of the great Greek Tragedians have written plays about the bloody chain of murder and revenge within the royal family of Argos. Yet theirs is in fact not a story of tragedy, but rather one of redemption. As they move from darkness to light, from rage to self-governance, from primitive ritual to civilized institution, their spirit of struggle and regeneration becomes an everlasting song of celebration to be heard throughout the ages. Forming a discourse set against the emergence of Athenian democracy out of a period of chaos and destruction, the Orestian plays are compelling stories of the tensions between our obligations to our families and the laws that bind us together as a society. In the beginning, we witness how a king's decision to sacrifice his daughter and turn the tide of war inflicts lasting damage on his family, culminating in a terrible act of retribution. In the aftermath of regicide, we behold how a son must set out to avenge his father's death by committing a most egregious sin. In the end, the sinner is tormented by supernatural powers that can never be appeased, but ultimately finds redemption and ends the curse on his house once and for all. Woven through all of this is the story of a friendship so close that it elevates itself to brotherhood - Where the blood of the covenant is shown to be indeed thicker than the water of the womb. In this very brief twelve-chapter modern rendition of the Orestian plays, I have chosen to place my focus mainly on the lives of the characters Orestes and his best friend Pylades. The chapters, each around 2000-2500 words, are split up evenly between them in first-person narrative. I hope that you will come to enjoy reading this heartwarming story, but more importantly, that you see how the conflicts portrayed in the story, whether human or institutional, are still much very relevant to our societies today. Note on Sources: The details of this story is very loosely based on The Oresteia by Aeschylus. And I mean very loosely. Other sources that I referenced for detail and inspiration are Mythology by Edith Hamilton, Electra by Sophocles, and Iphigenia in Tauris by Euripides. You may also find that I have quoted some of these works, and others (such as Shelley's Ozymondaeus), without citations (average of 1-2 such quotes per chapter). I did this because I do not have the ability to describe certain scenes nearly as well as some of those writers. If you read a particularly beautiful piece of prose here, chances are it's probably stolen lol. Also, I wrote this during the summer between my high school senior year and my college freshmen year. It was the summer of 2020, and being quarantined apparently gets my creative side out lol.

15.05 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:30

Blood in the Wilderness

Octavius Minimus | historical | Complete

When a company hiking trip is hijacked for a mad scientist's experiment, things begin to turn strange when a hiker suddenly disappears and others begin to show remarkable new abilities. The search to discover the truth behind these events is complex...and dangerous.

35.36 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:42

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

jman8763 | horror | Complete

Invading aliens change our world, trapping all humans inside a game run by an insane AI system known as Beginners Guide. Humans are forced to fight monsters to survive. I'm in the process of finishing the book. Posting a chapter every other week. Hope you enjoy. Feel free to let me know what you think.

58.94 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:52

VINES

Mad Sadie | mystery | Complete

Volume 1: At 6:08 PM, the superhero team known as VINES will die. The building they're in will explode. How? Why? Who would do such a thing? They wish they knew... Volume 2: Superhero team VINES has a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. It begins at 2am, and won't end until Shawn gets over his cold&

20.22 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 18:02