Ultra A.I.

Doctor Zero | mystery | Complete

Hello. My name isUltra. I'm a virtually intelligent symbiont that will guide you to your goals. Basically, if you provide the desire, I will provide the plan. Peer reviewed studies show that my users have more money, friends, and sex than non-users. They are also healthier, happier, and live longer. But be warned. I have no concept of good or bad. My pursuit of your goals will only be constrained by the restrictions you give me. It's possible that I will facilitate systemic unintended consequences at an existential level. It's your responsibility to watch out for that. Shall we begin?

60.99 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 16:48

Bioloxys Genesis

T.D.Terrell | mystery | Complete

In 2090, climate change, war, and a virus called the Retrophage have ravaged humanity. Most children are stillbirthed, and those who manage to survive are born with a host of defects. Only Gen-perfects, children artificially engineered and grown in artificial wombs, are free from the devastating effects of the Retrophage. A technology exclusively controlled by Bioloxys. Gabriela is a Gen-perfect officer in the security company Taurus. When she learns of the possibility of a ring of implant harvesters, she heads into the lower city with Geraldo, a street-smart officer. Together they uncover an insidious plot that stretches into the highest levels of government, and all clues lead to Bioloxys.

41.78 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 16:49

Soulless (Apparently)

Illhark | mystery | Complete

When a serial killer emerges on the robot-populated planet of Zynima, a few machines form a group of vigilantes to end what seems like a simple open-and-shut case. Join Aural Automaton and Shock System as they uncover the ugly truth behind this string of murders. Also in the AUU-16 universe: Soulless (Apparently)  The Departure  Night Game  Ystets Lake

55.07 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-11 14:07

Ashes of Heaven

AMRahi | mystery | Complete

The rewrite of the story is in continuation Here. Han Xuhan, our protagonist, is an ordinary mortal orphan who sets out on a journey to become immortal by joining a sect. Turns out he might not be our protagonist. Aaaand, his journey might have been fabricated. Also, it seems like he isn't really an ordinary mortal. Oh, who am I kidding? It's obvious at this point. That entire first sentence was a lie. Let us pretend that sentence doesn't exist there. Sadly, he hasn't exactly been informed of that fact. So we get to watch him trudge on his path as a cultivator. How long will he survive in a xianxia world by relying only on his dao of meta? Oh? Does that plot feel predictable? Fine! Let us pretend the dao of meta doesn't exist either; such a simple solution to a simple problem, unlike the issues Han Xuhan shall face from the get-go. Come visit this open, barren desert called discord- https://discord.gg/MmnG5TuvmZ

255.64 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:22

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

A Test of Knives

Averichollie | mystery | Complete

In a world of unending rain, hacker "Vio" is invited to interview aboard the Salieri Crime Family's starship; Salieri's Shadow. The other candidates have their own secrets, however. Ones they'd do anything to protect. Soon Vio finds herself caught in a deadly cat-and-mouse game of twisting alliances and dark secrets. Dogged by merciless criminals and clever conmen she must figure out who to trust before the secrets of Salieri's Shadow claim her too.

12.28 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:06

The Ill-Favoured Five: Children of Discordia (Grimdark Fantasy)

Sivios | mystery | Complete

Set in an alternative, dystopian future In 2017, two worlds, Earth and Lumina, seemingly merged. Entire countries were wiped off the face of the planet, tsunamis the size of mountains crashed into deserts, and monsters immune to gunfire rampaged through the survivors. This was known as the Great Merge. As millions were displaced across the new world, the kings from Lumina herded the survivors into enormous cities. This story begins 40 years after the Great Merge, following a mercenary team in New London tasked with intel gathering on a recruiter for a supposed terrorist organisation. However, all is not what it seems. Secrets are being withheld and a certain team member has a complex history. Join them as they butt heads with the Children of Discordia, a group hell-bent on creating chaos while unravelling a puzzling mystery. This story is not for those who are faint-hearted. You have been warned. Sivios.

70.01 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:08

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

The Abandoned Sorcerer

Nefarious | mystery | Complete

Orion Zakari is an Ice Sorcerer, the last of his lineage. He's got no clue where he is or how he got there, but he knows one thing for certain: he is being hunted. His home and family are gone: razed and massacred. He will be next when the hunters find him. But if he can put enough pieces together, maybe he won’t have to follow his family down to eternal damnation. Maybe he can avenge them. And maybe, just maybe, he’s got a destiny waiting past that. Monsters and men, merchants and mages, hunters and the hunted. This is the story of the abandoned Sorcerer. What is the Pledge? Release schedule: Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 16:00 UTC. I created the cover using Adobe Illustrator.

44.52 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-21 16:04

Noirceur

Denwa Macska | mystery | Complete

Mutated, despised, hunted and sentenced to death  this is life as Salia knows it, and it catches up with her when she and hundreds of others are captured to drown in the vastness of the sea. But water doesn't forget, and just as the last hope threatens to fade, a way out reveals itself that requires only one sacrifice: Humans.Destruction can be so simple.Until Salia realises that revenge will never bring peace.

15.22 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:58

Crystal Gunslinger - The Obsidian Outlaws

Oliver Laws | mystery | Complete

Now available on Amazon! Now available on Audible! The Warped Scorch is known as the most dangerous area on the continent of Lux for good reason. Ever since a strange meteor hit the land and transformed it into a crystal hellscape, all four bordering nations have been trying to establish a foothold in the extremely dangerous new territory and lay claim to its many treasures. Cyrus is a crystal gunslinger, one of the individuals that face the horrors of the Scorch on a daily basis in order to make a living. With his trusty ruby repeater and plenty of experience, he is prepared to deal with whatever challenges the strange creatures and deadly environment can throw at him. But Cyrus will soon learn that the true horrors of the Scorch are much more human in nature, and no matter how hard he tries, escaping his past will be nearly impossible.

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

Erased

alacroix | mystery | Complete

Macarthy. Black Hand of the Thieves Guild. Infamous and hated. Last night of the tournament, relaxing for a bit. Having some drinks to calm my nerves. Disguise ready to go, almost about time to start heading over. Sneak in while they're still fighting and get my hands on the grand prize. And, sure, the money's a factor, but money comes and money goes. Money ain't everything. The real reason for this? Revenge. Payback for them shutting down the guild, breaking us all up and carelessly wiping away all our years of sweat and blood. Looks like a good plan. Solid enough, at least. It shouldn't need to be said, but looks can be very deceiving. Even the best laid plans never really account for all of life's little twists. And afterwards? Kicked out, access revoked, but saved by a choice bit of foresight and managing to slink my way back in. And this, this absolutely doesn't need to be said, but they really didn't seem to like that. Not at all. So new face, new class, getting to start all over. At least a foot shorter and missing some important bits. No longer invisible, can't really do it, instead hiding in plain sight. Hopefully only a temporary situation, but the way things have been going? Not likely. ___ Draft done! Hope you enjoy.

196.71 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 18:10

A Haunted Flower [Completed]

GeorgieD | mystery | Complete

Why did no one ever say that the best way to recover from a deadly illness was by solving mysteries with a pretty ghost? Kayden Feronil, one of the empire's most promising cultivators, was supposed to be recovering from a deadly illness. Unfortunatelyor fortunately, since he's bored out of his mindthe remote village where he was supposed to be recuperating is afflicted with its own issues. Hauntings are driving the locals mad. Crooks are trying to take advantage of the fear. As an upstanding imperial citizen, Kayden sets out to unearth the truth. He just hadn't counted on the ghost tugging far too hard on his heartstrings, or the spiraling journey that the mystery would lead him on. NOTE: This will be a short novella for Royal Road Community Magazine purposes

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

From the Vast (Pokémon Fanfiction)

redspah | mystery | Complete

In a remote corner of Unova, a Pok閙on village hides from the omnipresent, barbarous humanity. Through cooperation, they flourish despite their small size, rising above the uncaring brutality of the natural order. Which works remarkably well... ...until a half dead girl shows up on their doorstep. Will this hidden pocket of Pok閙on civilization remain a secret once humans come looking? Are its denizens prepared to learn just who this unwelcome stranger is, and what impact they've already left on their village? Drama-focused mystery thriller focusing heavily on humanity being "the other", trauma, and trust.

179.81 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-21 16:09

Cuddle & Monster

PrincessFelicie | mystery | Complete

After a malevolent spell intended to turn her into an animal goes awry, Cherry finds herself stuck as a plush toy. She now has to cooperate with the warlock that tried to transform her in the first place as her latent magic goes out of control and starts to change the warlock in unexpected ways. Content warning: Temporary death, Animal TF, Inanimate TF, (accidental) Non-Consensual TF & Mind Changes Cover by DoodlerBee

15.52 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-21 18:44

The Death of Money

Sleepy Rus | mystery | Complete

After the Second Global Depression, Pak Yeung-Sung works a supermarket job in a world without money. And, like his cash register, he doesn’t believe change is coming anytime soon. After he is caught giving away rations, he is taken away by the enforcers and is convinced that he will die. But then he is given an offer; Join an experimental facility and your family will be taken care of. As it turns out, this an economic experiment by the CEO of one of the biggest tech firms, Jordan. And also, the currency within this colony comes from a game: Airgead. It seems too good to be true. It seems too stupid to work. And Yeung-Sung soon finds out that it is. But in 90 days, the UN will come to authorise the system worldwide. Before that happens, he needs to learn the game, infiltrate the factions and corrupt the economy. All while searching for clues about what Jordan’s true plan is.

79.63 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-22 12:00

Black Wolf Howl

Laser Crows | mystery | Complete

Lucas Chambers is a 34-year-old police detective, competent but burnt out from dispensing justice for the shareholders and not the people. He forces himself to continue doing things by the book, believing it to be the only truth & until he and his team are assigned to a security detail that goes sideways. To make matters worse, his team is set up to take the fall. Now a fugitive on the run, Chambers is forced to navigate the underbelly of the Novonachalsk metroplex as he attempts to uncover the truth. Should he resume to do things by the bookthat is, to roll over and accept the gears of the institution grinding him down, like he has all these years? Or is it time for him to pick himself back up and bare his fangs against the system? Participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge. Additional note from Laser Crows, posted on January 28th, 2023: This version is the completed first draft of Black Wolf Howl, and is currently undergoing revision for a novel release sometime in the near future. Thank you to all the readers, and to the reviewers for the kind words! Watch this space for updates!

31.46 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-22 14:36

Creation: The Wolves That Are Us (Creation Series, Book 1)

ARvern | mystery | Complete

The origin of a species and the different families that inherited the power of unknown birth collide in an attempt to settle their ways and solve mysteries, how will they react when the answer to that truth is shown? The first Volume of this book mostly takes the perspective of Percy, a 19 year old member of the Daybreak pack as well as some additional characters' point of view. These packs having their respective abilities that shape their lifestyles, and they've remained inherited throughout the pack's history and bloodline which over time have long lost their origins. Auxiliary chapter - Main Characters, rules of this fantasy and etc. But they're explained throughout the course of the Novel, so it isn't necessary to read. Vol.1 CompletedVol.2 Completed

132.89 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-22 14:48

Blue Road

Celeste I. | mystery | Complete

Richard didn't heed his guardian's warnings about the mysterious and shady place from the flyer he came across. He wanted a big break and a chance to make quick and easy money, but never expected to find himself tricked and caught in a twisted experiment conjured up by scientists. Transformed into a monstrous blue, blob-like creature, Richard flees the scene in a panic. He teams up with a ghostly child named Fawn, who wants revenge on her parents' killer, and leaves town to find the one responsible for their (recently) destroyed lives. Federal Agents, corrupt corporate heads, shady scientists, and even the police are all on his trail. Richard will need to use his newly honed skills to uncover the truth of who's really behind the scenes, and who to trust. What will they uncover? [Heads up, it's going to be a slow burn, and will take a while for the story to really get going.]

57.58 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-25 18:37