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

Trash Knight: System Recycler: A litRPG Satire that No One Asked For

Foxatal | satire | Complete

MISTAKES WERE MADE Obi Imsi enjoyed his life as an overpowered paladin tryhard filled to the brim with beautiful women who loved him unconditionally for all the wrong reasons. Everything was going great until he tried to woo the wrong one and was polymorphed into a literal trash can. Starting back at level 1, he must find someway to regain his power and hopefully return to his real body. He soon finds that his new life won't be easy, and he embarks a fantastic fantasy adventure that's so bad, it's good (terrible). Formerly known as Harem Trash, renamed due to disturbing lack of harem (crow harems don't count). Updates on weekends. Once the story is complete, it'll stay up for a few weeks until I take it off to put it on market.

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

Grand Design

TMarkos | sci_fi | Complete

Humanity once ruled space, building an empire that stretched across hundreds of stars. Now Earth is a cold cinder in the void, its colonies and ships annihilated in an instant. For five thousand years the surviving races have huddled in the dying light of those few stations which avoided total destruction, eking out their existence in the shadow of the long-dead humans who built their homes. When a piece of that lost legacy resurfaces, the few who still remember humanity have one last opportunity to find the truth and avenge the fallen. Cover by Harry Rowland - https://www.instagram.com/rowl_art_/

111.61 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 17:22

Caledon's Fall

TG Parsons | tragedy | Complete

Caledon was in ruins. The dukedom had fallen, pillaged by its enemies and the incompetence of the former Duke. Kal, inheriting a world left in shambles, struggles to regain what was lost. To return to the halcyon days of his past. Artwork by Tan Ho Sim www.Patreon.com/TGParsons for additionalcontent.

164.14 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 17:55

In Sekhmet's Shadow

r3v3n3n7 | drama | Complete

The year is 2061, and the world has ended. In the city of Asclepion, Sabra Kasembe dreams of a superheroic future yet wakes to the taste of blood and ash. When her father is shot six times in a heist gone wrong, she resolves to bring those responsible to justiceno matter where the trail might lead. To do this, she'll need to team up with a washed-up superhero, a brooding robotic woman, and the very man who shot her father. Because he is her only link to a conspiracy that threatens to shake the Functioning World to its core. But it may be impossible to save a world on the brink of apocalypse without pushing it over the edge. As her reckoning approaches, Sabra realizes that her future may not be filled not with the cries of those she's saved, but the screams of her victims... IN SEKHMET'S SHADOW is a complete post-superhero sci-fi thriller, and first of a trilogy (IN SEKHMET'S WAKE, IN SEKHMET'S HANDS.) It is intended for mature audiences and features violence, swearing, and ideas that may be considered traumatic or provocative. But remember this: everyone finds love in the end. Cover art by the phenomenal Tommy Arnold. No Patreon, no Discord -- please show support by following, favoriting, and rating. This is a story for those who want to answer the big questions: can superheroes reconcile the contradictions within capital and themselves, does power corrupt, and is it gay if you're a woman and she's a goth-rock robot? Is it easier to end the world than end capitalism? TOP WEB FICTION LINK: https://topwebfiction.com/listings/in-sekhmets-shadow/ IN SEKHMET'S WAKE IS COMING IN 2024 -- follow this story to be the first to hear of any updates!

107.83 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:22

God of Eyes

SuperSayu | comedy | Complete

Speaking heresy on my deathbed led me to meet god. Maybe it was a curse, or a blessing, but he decided I would work itoff--as one of many gods on another world of magic and sorcery. It wasn't something I intended or was prepared for, but I am willing to work to make the world a better place. Isn't that what a god SHOULDdo? Part of the Demonsword Project universe (First Age). This project has not been published on Amazon.

132.14 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 16:36

The Soul Engine - (Isekai/Fantasy)

Cambrian | drama | Complete

Summary: Being summoned to another world is supposed to be fun. Or at least exciting. Either you find yourself in a Church being given a divine mission, or you wake up in a forest and have to survive off of the land. And if you're lucky, you get some sort of System as well, or at least a handy Cheat/Power-Up. Waking up in a prison cell with nothing but a pair of pants to your name is NOT the way things usually go. Unfortunately, nothing about Mikael's adventure in another world is going to be 'normal'. An attempt at taking a bunch of well-trodden tropes and ideas and putting my own special twist on them that will hopefully be engaging and exciting! Warning: This story has erotic scenes sprinkled throughout it. Based on feedback I received, each lewd chapter will be marked as such going forward. Update Schedule will be every weekday MONDAY-FRIDAY, with Saturdays and Sundays off!

101.30 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:32

The Girl from the Mountain

Starsail Nightmare | horror | Complete

Alexandra Bedford is a weapon, a young woman with telekinetic powers capable of leveling entire cities, born to fight in the desolate remains of post-apocalyptic North America. There is only one problem: she may be losing control of her abilities. Sixteen years after a global pandemic devastated the earth's population, the lines in the old United States have been drawn between the Cheyenne Directorate in Colorado and the New England Alliance on the East Coast. The Directorate, of which Alexandra is a part, is a small but powerful organization dedicated to returning the country to its former glory. However, when a diplomatic mission to the New England Alliance goes wrong, Alexandra finds herself at the center of a bloody civil war. Battles are fought on the old highways and in dilapidated towns and once-great cities. And as the conflict escalates, all of North America faces the threat of being burnt away by nuclear fire. Against this backdrop of war, Alexandra tries to uncover the long-hidden secrets behind the plague, her abilities, and the two men fighting to decide the fate of the United States - Henry Bedford, Alexandra's father and leader of the Directorate, and John Martin, the mysterious figure at the heart of the New England Alliance who may hold the key to everything she seeks. None of this will matter, however, unless Alexandra can prevent the power growing inside her from taking over and consuming the very world she is fighting to save. Author's Notes: I appreciate you taking a look at my novel, The Girl from the Mountain. If you're a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, military thrillers, and/or cosmic horror, I think you'll enjoy this story. I completed the novel's first draft back in 2011 and made significant changes in 2016. Since then, I've more-or-less sat on the manuscript while working on other projects. Thanks to a bit of prodding, I've decided to send this story out into the wild with some touch-ups and additional revisions. I welcome any comments or criticisms, and I hope you enjoy The Girl from the Mountain!

137.87 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-04-19 15:30

The Everlasting. (Completed)

Biako | psychological | Complete

An Everlasting. A title given to those who have reached a state closest togodhood. Be it through might and power or through love and compassion. These beings hold great influence over the realms. This story is about Asura, a young orphaned child, who was taught the way of the blade and has mastered the Warrior Arts at a very young age. Given a recommendation by his master, Asura ventures out to broaden his horizons and to learn magic. Follow Asura’s journey and his quest to reach Everlastinghood. Comment by the author: Looking at the chapter list, you might have noticed Volume 1 is not there. The reason is that it’s in the process of being published so I’m somewhat restricted in where and how I can post it. Edit. 18/04/2017 The first volume is now officially on sale. It is no longer possible to get the first volume for free. I am sorry but it was free for a long time and it was time for it. However if you like to support me you can find th first volume here on Amazon (getBook.at/TheEverlasting) Compared to other stories on Royal Road this one is faster paced. No artificial extensions of the story by spending forever in generic constructs, like random ranking tournaments, that don’t really matter for the overall plot. That’s the plan anyway. Volumes consist roughly of 30-35k words. Additionally: I am not a native speaker, nor have I had any formal education in the English language. I am trying very hard to improve myself. If you want to help me by proofreading my story, shoot me a PM and we’ll see if we can arrange something. Other than my thanks and fake internet points I can’t offer anything, though. Yeah, poor student here… Edit 22/06/2017 Hey the story is officially ended if i ever decide to continue it will be on another date. The ending is open for anyone to use their imagination. Thank you all for the support. I hope we could meet later in the Everlasting II. Respectfully Biako

128.26 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 18:13

Draconic Karma Dungeon

Luna BigCat | adventure | Complete

Story is completed and going through edits. A sapient Dungeon Core appears in a world overseen by a divine System and its slumbering god. The god had originally created Dungeon Cores with the intent of having them rid the world of evil while empowering good people by aiding them in fast leveling. But Dungeon Cores aren't as effective when controlled by algorithms and randomness as they could be if controlled by a conscious mind. Determined to follow the divine Mission to rid the world of evil while helping good people, the only sapient Dungeon Core in the world will use the power of dragons and karma to better the world! Even if it means having to go up against slavery, speciesism, and mind control.

147.94 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 18:52

Eternal Requiem

Zxro | tragedy | Complete

One-two-three-start!Tickj-Tickj-Tickj-Tickj- Tickj-TickjGoes the sound of a metronome setting the tone for what's to come&What awaits?A series of paths that twist and turn, halting and allowing you to advanced, the lines of what is real and what's not is blurredBut what is real?That is the question you'll find yourself asking, or maybe you won't at all,The world might have already swallowed you up by themChewing your mind and dissolving your intrigue into it's entity, it's world it's rings, it's people,And then it will spit you back upTickj-TickjAnd the metronome would have stopped,It stopped a long time ago,It's ticks setting the stage for another sound,One you are spat into,It begins and it endsEternal Requiem.

123.16 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-22 15:26

Magic College

Damaged | adventure | Complete

Kazuma Wilson was a young man who'd grown up knowing only his father. Sequestered away from his deceased mother's family, he became practical and capable of making do with a less than opulent life. When it came time for him to graduate from high school and enter the wider world, however, his Aunt came to visit and offer him a place at a collegepaid in full. Despite his father telling him little of his mother's family, Kaz took the opportunity his father couldn't afford to give him. The college, however, is far different than anything he could have imagined. This is a fantasy story set in a modern world. A vampire organizes social events, a fey creature runs the local watering hole, and if you go fishing you might run into a garappa trying to catch his dinner. Kazuma is plunged into the deeper world he never knew existed, and though the tide might be fighting him, he learns to swim. Blending elements of magic and spiritualism from many pantheons (that all exist in this world), I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I do writing it. This story will be published on a bi-monthly basis. Much is already written, but I intend to maintain a healthy buffer so there won't be any interruptions. Coverart created with permission from all sources, none requiring attribution.

111.91 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 18:24

A Travelling Mage's Almanac

Loaka Of The Wind | adventure | Complete

Yenna Bookbinder loves learning magic. As a teacher of the Arcane, she has helped countless students to become magesyet the world outside her classroom beckons to her. When a band of adventurers comes through town as part of a grand expedition to parts unknown, she finds herself offered a position on the crew as the party's mage. Leaving behind her old life for exciting days on the road, Yenna travels with new allies to uncover all manner of magical mysteries. Between uneasy alliances, ancient dark magic and a plot that threatens to swallow the expedition whole, Yenna Bookbinder's discoveries may shape the future of magic irrevocablybut will she live to see her findings published? My first serious attempt at a novel! Based loosely on a much older work of mine, this has been a story that's been swimming around in my head for a long time. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! A huge shoutout to all my friends who have supported me so much through the writing, editing and panicking processes! Updates are Monday and Wednesday (~7PM UTC+0) for the foreseeable future. Cover art by Eneli Dolinaek.

132.01 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 18:56

Zero to Hero (Prequel/prototype)

KenZero322 | romance | Complete

Finding out that he had the potential and got selected to attend the most prestigious academy in the world where the acceptance rate is 1 in a hundred thousand. Ken, an orphan human who grew up in a beastman kingdom with no education, connection or wealth is now plunged into a school life where he had to survive and thrive amongst the wealthiest and most influential of nobles and royals.

132.18 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-22 19:00

Reincarnated as a tail – A Reincarnation Progression LitRPG Story

Laulau20 | action | Complete

Yokoda Shuichi was just an ordinary corporate slave until his workplace was hit by terrorism. when he woke up, he was turned into a fluffy tail accompanying a foxgirl! Author note: i have no idea why i am writing this. This series is finished!

110.23 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 17:15

Shades Of Forever

Loate | action | Complete

In an isolated valley, the last members of humanity scratch a living from what little nature remains. Life is hard, but peaceful, and Sky Memoriam's days are filled with preparations to assume the role of- Shades of Forever is an eldritch punk/horror comedy with some light progression elements, in that numbers will go up but they are not the main focus of the story. Our protagonist, Sky Memoriam, is one of the last surviving humans on an Earth ravaged by cataclysm thousands of years ago. At least, that's what Sky thinks. However, when a spaceship from the broader galactic community carrying a modified combat AI designed to serve as an interface between humans and Things That Are Better Off Not Thought Of crashes outside Sky's village, life starts getting weird. Also, violent. Release Schedule - Mon-Wed-Fri, with potential bonus chapters on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays Changelog SEVENTH UPDATE - Complete. So long, and thanks for all the fish! SIXTH UPDATE - New cover poll! FIFTH UPDATE - Working on adding music updates to chapters where it's been a defining influence. FOURTH UPDATE: Updated the update schedule. Updog. Backlog is a lie. Do not be tempted by its honeyed words. THIRD UPDATE: Changed the genre slightly and reformatted the boxes to not be as mind-melting on mobile thanks to advice from Macronomicon (go read Industrial Strength Magic!) SECOND UPDATE: Changed the blurb, still churning out words, restored the original MS Paint glory due to overwhelming poll demand from the one person who chose a valid vote option. Your actions have consequences, kids. UPDATE: Hit the 55k Writeathon goal, heck yeah! Also made a new cover to appease those of you permanently scarred by MS Paint. Will work on refining the blurb.

102.72 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-20 18:00

Medium Meld: Revised Edition (Naruto/Gamer, OC)

Elbowsnapper | comedy | Complete

Sora wakes up on a beach, very far from home. Determined to do whatever it takes to avoid a fate worse than death, he sets out on a mission to save the world. With a complete lack of chakra, a strange system driving his growth, and his sparkling personality at the helmwhat could possibly go wrong?Revised, restructured and rebuilt from the ground up, Medium Meld gets a new coat of paint. Enjoy.

154.54 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-20 13:58

The Winds of Fate B1 - The Blood of Kings

theyank | drama | Complete

The Great Winter reaches its third year and creatures of nightmare thought to be long extinct roam the land once more. The Oathbreaker stirs from hisicy prison, calling upon his servants both past and present. The wolf howls, the dragon roars and the serpent thrashes as the world unravels. Heroes will rise, for this will be the age to end all ages. The spirited girl escapes the shackles of tradition, searching for adventure, finding much more. The craven boy goes after her in the name of love. The man with no hand seeks an old friend, and the dragon searches for that which will restore her race. The hero-turned-blacksmith leaves his family to save the world. His friend the King wishes him dead. The blacksmith's son goes after his father, questioning what it means to be a hero. Their paths intertwine. They guide the Winds of Fate, weaving the song of our salvation. The Twilight of the World approaches. The Heroes of Faengard will ride again. Let the sun rise, and the world be reborn through the ashes of war. Old Synopsis: The first of the chain of events prophesied to end the world has begun. The Great Winter reaches its third year and creatures of nightmare thought to be long extinct roam the land once more. The Tree that protects Faengard crumbles, and only those with the blood of kings can restore it. As a boy on the cusp of adulthood, Ein Thoren's concerns were largely limited to which of the village girls he would marrybut when a mysterious man calls upon his father to save the world, Ein finds himself leaving behind his quiet village life to bring his father back. Along with his childhood friends and abumbling storyteller, they face a path filled with monsters and myth, swords and sorcerers, dragons and princesses, and a demon wolf that seeks to swallow the sun, all while the world unravels around them in what will be the age to end all ages. The Heroes of Faengard will ride again. Let the sun rise, and the world be reborn through the ashes of war. Release Schedule: I aim to release a minimum of one chapter a week, though sometimes I might release more. DISCLAIMER: I do not own the cover image in any way. Full credit goes to the original artist.

134.87 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 15:54

Leaving Earth

Warfox | drama | Complete

After Dr. Hawthorne Crenshaw's university experiences a terrorist attack, he undertakes a titanic effort to colonize a new planet in an effort to rescue some small part of humanity from what he suspects is an unstoppable spiral into a Dark Age on Earth. Subjecting himself to tens of thousands of years of repeated cycles of cryogenic freezing and unfreezing to monitor his passengers, he and his AI T.I.A. shepherd Earth's first, and perhaps only effort into colonizing a new planet. Cover by Ana Ristovska

125.13 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-20 15:43

Transcendence?

Andur | romance | Complete

Author's Comment: I was asked about reading my work on other sites. The answer is simple: Currently I am not active in any other networks than royalroadl.com. Only here, I correct mistakes and errors. If you read it anywhere else and have to pay for it, or have to deal with an annoying amount of advertisement, You Are Being Betrayed. You would do good if you make other people in that network aware of it. This is a free project of mine for the purpose of having fun. And if people try to make money with it you shouldn't bother visiting their website. The only one whom I actually allowed to have my work on his website is Armaell who invested the time to compile them into pdf. (http://armaell-library.net/author/andur)  Reading Order of the Multiverse-Books  Transcendence? is a novel about reincarnation, love, hate and war. And everything else that's included. It follows the main characters, as they climb to the top of their society. And lose their humanity in the process to become something beyond human. It's settled in the same universe as Until death?. It can be seen as a prequel. But I plan for it to be a stand alone book. Nobody has to read Until death? in order to enjoy Transcendence?. There will be cool chapters, sad chapters, romantic chapters and funny chapters. Of course there will be boring chapters too. I believe that some explanation is necessary in every novel. Though I hope that there will be more funny chapters. How a chapter turns out always depends on my mood.

103.85 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-11 16:23