This is the second book in my first series and it includes some massive swings forward for the main character as far as her progression goes. This book also had some of my favorite scenes to write overall so I'm excited to get the finalized version out there!

Cover artist: Miu Mirari House

AI Usage: None

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMBJ6MQV

BLURB BELOW!

So, Hard Magic vs Soft Magic. Which is better for Progression? I think everyone here is aware of the benefits and downsides of both, soft having the flexibility to serve the story and characters but has the risk of being very random, the victories more feeling like deus ex machina's than hard-earned and hard having the benefit of making the fights and growth of the characters feel satisfying but can make things feel too limited with all the rigid rules. Now, why bother mentioning soft magic at all? Because as cool as hard magic systems are, I like flexibility. I like when the magic system is varied enough where I can't predict what a new character can do And you know, when it comes to a lot of discussion on stories in general, a lot of times people are very black and white with the whole "you can only have A with downside B or C with downside D". Why can't we have stories with A and C? Why not try to make something that be as flexible as soft magic but as rigid and complex as hard magic?

Getting the intro out of the way, I am a new writer and with all the talk about about magic systems (or power systems outside of fantasy), I thought as a Computer Science student (starting to regret that now), why not add some algorithmic logic to the magic system. I created a magic system known as "Mantiq", a magic system where the world itself contains rules that can be re-written by the Magic users. In order to use a spell, you need to create the exact rules for the function of the spell. And they have to be decently specific, you can't just think of the fireball rule, you need the rules that change fire into a fireball (you need it to change its form, you need it to travel to its target and you need it to explode, these are all rules that need to be added to the rules of fire and all these rules need specific rules because a single rule is much more specific than that). For a spell, there are three fundamental components, Sana (the rules that make the spell), Warin (the cost of the spell) and Atid (the actual result of the spell). The process of creating the Sana for the spell isn't actually writing code, its visual. When the Mantiq enters the mind, it is just a simple mist and it has to be formed rule by rule into a visual that resembles the spell. Although, you can't make as many rules as you want, you need to be mindful of the Warin (cost) of the spell. The simplest way to track the cost of a spell is through the amount of rules but it also depends on what the rules are. The more of something you create or change, the more it costs. You can't just nuke an island and expect the same cost as blowing up a building. And then there is the Atid (the output), the result of the spell. Why would this matter if you know the Sana and the Warin? Well, Atid isn't simply just the spell itself, its all the consequences of the spell being cast. Lets say you use a spell to boost your bodies strength, it isn't just you being able to lift more, its any consequence to your body as a result of that spell, maybe unintended.

Now how would such a complex way of creating spells be useful in combat? Well in real life, you can store programs and run them again and that is where "Signature Mantiq" comes in. Since the method of creating the spell is visual, eventually you could remember the form and manifest it with a thought. These are the core spells that all Mantiq users spend their lives creating and developing. These can reflect the personality of the user themselves, what power they desire to obtain.

Now how does progression work with such a magic system. So Mantiq spells do have a tier system. Where the higher system is a higher level of "Complexity" to the spells that are created. Technically spells of any tier can be designed at any skill level (except 5) but the Warin massively increases. Ascending the tiers of spells doesn't automatically make them more powerful (increasing the literal power is only a tier 1 trait) but it increases the possibility of spells that can be created. For a character whose Signature Mantiq revolves around brute force power, then they might only grow by increasing the amount of Warin they can exhaust to maximize their power. However, there can always be negative consequences to pushing oneself to their limit. Growth can also come from efficiency, making the spells have the maximum effect with as minimal Warin as possible. The strongest are always the strongest, not for 10 minutes a day. Everything can have hidden weakness so maybe one can specialise in identifying and exploiting those weakness's. There are no limits to what the power of Mantiq can accomplish, just the user themselves.

For battles between Mantiq users, victory is not a simple case of who hits harder. Although the power of Mantiq can cause massive differences in the speed and power of opponents, it can be dangerous to fight a Signature Mantiq that one does not understand. A seemingly invincible defence around a user that also seems to let their own attacks pass through it, endless traps that seem to appear out of nowhere or the power to defeat an opponents own will before they can even fight. A lot of battles are complex games between the opponents of finding the cracks in the spells, the slightest misalignment between the Atid and the users idea of the spell.

If you are interested in how such a magic system would work in an actual. Well, surprise promotion!

Mantiq: The Code of Reality

The world is governed by rules. Mantiq lets you rewrite them.

Hala Zulma used to dream of becoming a shining star of Mantiq. Not anymore.

In the wake of a tragedy she’d rather forget, her ambition has burned to ash. Now, she wants nothing more than to coast through the final semester of the city's most elite combat academy, graduate quietly, and fade into a comfortable life far from anyone's attention.

Then something crashes directly into her mind.

A sentient anomaly. Hyper-logical, impossible to remove—and operating on an ancient, theoretical tier of magic capable of defying the King himself.

As if an impossible voice living inside her skull wasn't enough, a monster from Hala's past shatters an impenetrable prison with a message for the world:

He's coming for her.

Suddenly, the quiet life Hala clung to is gone. Trapped between a brutal graduation tournament, a suicidal rival out for blood, and a criminal who bends reality to his will, doing the bare minimum is no longer an option.

Alongside a relentlessly optimistic study partner and a teacher who treats Mantiq as art rather than warfare, Hala may have no choice but to reclaim the genius she abandoned.

Assuming the weight of the world doesn't crush her first.

It's my first (original) novel as a writer and I hope you like what I do here. The first arc is almost complete at 30,000 words and a chapter releases every 3 days (although I did waste a writing day on this post so I have to lock in for the next one).

You can read it here:

https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/193119/mantiq-the-code-of-reality

cover by me (obviously)

After not getting enough Sky Pride i've dived into Warby Picus's earlier work, Slumrat Rising. Absolutely loving it but by the time we are in book 3, the character is quite disgusting and morally depraved to the point that I know I will be extremely disappointed if I continue reading this and it all gets washed away somehow. Yet, I feel this is where the book is heading in some way. So I need a mild/vague spoiler, is there penitence/comeuppance for Truth's depravity? This is a great book, I love the style, but I don't want to read yet another "MC is a god so killing a bunch of ants for some convoluted reasons that seems good to him is totally fine" or even "MC was really traumatized so lashing out and killing countless people is totally fine because he needs to heal his soul."

Edit: from replies seems like the answer is that they paper over it :(

If you're looking for a straight-up Progression Fantasy, look no further. There's no 'numbers go up' - just good, old fashioned, Vancian-style casting (think D&D spell levels) in this adventure tale of kingdom building, thwarting assassins, and growing in power.

Last Lord of the Fey is now at Book 3! This series follows Tristan Winterbloom, the last of his Elvish bloodline, and ruler of the Fey Realm, along with his fairy dragon companion, Felicity Glimmerwing.

Book 3 sees him heading to a magic academy (academy arc!) but not in the way that you'd expect. Field trips to eat dragons? Check. Growing in power with magical might? Check. Unlocking more of his Fey Realm? Check. Being hunted by assassins? Well, unconventional, but check!

Come and enjoy the adventure with the third entry in the series. Here's the Blurb:

• Tristan Winterbloom has successfully arrived at the Citadel of Essence in Yustat. His half-brother, Bertram Anorox, resides there on a Pathfinder Company contract. At long last, Tristan can fulfill his grandfather’s wishes and pass on the family’s legacy and inheritance to his half-brother.
• Left to his devices, Tristan has many options before him. Wanting to rebuild his relationship with his half-brother, he chooses to enroll as a student at the prestigious academy of essence-weavers. With access to the grounds, he can learn so much more about spellcraft and how to perfect his art.
• And he will need every bit of prowess at his disposal, for the Fey Realm needs a ruler. There are still sealed portions of that place that need to be released, and time runs short before they will be lost forever. The time has come for Tristan to take all his knowledge, experience, training—and bring it all together; to coalesce into something more than he once was.

Available on Amazon, Audible, and Multiple Audio Retailers!

Publisher: Mango Media / Tantor

Voice Actor: Brian Troxell

Cover Art: Bad Moon

AI Use: Nope. None at all.

idk man. early on its kinda cool watching the mc play dumb and then flex. but like halfway through when theyre already cracked and STILL doing the whole "oh no im just a weak outer disciple" bit... i start checking out.

like bro. we get it. youre strong. the other characters havent caught on yet and its getting painful.

anyone else bounce once the secret power thing stops being a strategy and just becomes habit? or do you love that forever. curious what the break point is for people.

I’ve just finished reading The Calamitous Bob, and I gotta say, having read A Journey of Black and Red (the previous series from the same author, Álex Gilbert aka Mecanimus) just before this, it feels a bit like a downgrade. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve really enjoyed both works, and they are very different stories but for me, Journey is just better at everything, am I the only one who thinks this? Not saying it’s by a large margin but it just has better characters, story, powers, worldbuilding and GOD, a MUCH better MC. Ariane, in my opinion, is one of the best protagonists of the genre, Viviane is... fine. She feels like an Ariane who has lost 90% of her charisma, still a good main character but it pales in comparison.

There’s one thing that Bob does better than Journey though, the PACING. That’s the only complain I have regarding Journey, the pacing feels off every now and then, and that prevents it from being one of my favs. Bob has a very good pacing, and this is what makes it almost as fun to read as Journey.

This is just my opinion, just wanna know how do you feel about this two fantastic series, which I by the way, absolutely recommend, this Author’s novels are criminally overlooked.

P.S: Jimena’s death was 100% unnecessary.

It's time for this month's New Author Meet and Greet, where brand new authors can introduce themselves to the community and talk about their progression fantasy stories! This thread is part of r/ProgressionFantasy's commitment to supporting not just popular, established authors, but authors at all levels of success.

Readers: Top level comments are reserved for New Authors, but you're welcome (and highly encouraged) to respond to the new authors and ask them questions about their works and themselves! Be nice and have fun, and we hope you find some new books to read!

New Authors: Please, tell us about your book! We'd love to hear about the characters, story, and how the progression system works/ what makes it progression fantasy! Have fun meeting members of the community if you're new here. (Though, if you are new, please also read the rules in the sidebar for the subreddit as a whole.

Eligibility: New authors are eligible to post in this thread within the first six months after the publication of their first novel or webserial. Please only post in ONE New Author Meet and Greet thread. You may only post if your book or webnovel is ALREADY available to read, or if there's a currently available pre-order for the book. This does not count against your self-promotion quota for the subreddit.

Just a list of bangers that i think are pretty underrated or should be more popular. I genuinely think all these serieses should be worth a try. I'll be listing these novel's greatest points. Note: some of these are translated korean webnovels otherwise most are available on RoyalRoad (you can dm if you're having trouble finding a website to read it)

Keep in mind this comes from a reader who have completed/keeped up with: the big 3 webnovels (LoTM, ORV, SS), almost all of Void Herald's books, Changeling, Calamitous Bob, Dungeon Crawler Carl, Walrus King's books, Beware of Chicken, Fizzick's serieses, Mother of Learning, most of Warby Picus's, The Game at Carousel, Super Supportive, DAD, Macronomicon's TLWO & ISM, 1% Lifesteal, Red Rising, Thundamoo's MGMH, 12 Miles Below. No cradle yet sadly

1. Spire's Spite

This is already a pretty popular ongoing series, but i think it deserves the same level of recognition as Sky Pride, THR, MGMH, Pale Lights, etc.

Fantastic World Building - First off a brief explanation of the setting, the world is basically filled with towers that acts as dungeons/challenges that gives powers to those who can complete them. These towers are called Spires, Spires represent some sort of concepts, like death, war, earth, water, etc. The cool thing is, these spires reflect their concepts toward reality and the civilization that lives near them. So each spire will have seemingly different cultures, weather, and biome. These lead to really interesting differences in civilization and the author manages to tell it really well. Every tid bit we as the readers learn about the world are conveyed to natural interactions between the cast. There's no large exposition or narrator. Idk, to me it just feels awesome when reading it because the way the worldbuilding is told makes it really immersive to me.

Stupidly Cool Powers for MC - Imagine characters like NightEye where their powers are based in super senses or a bit of precognition. The MC is exactly like that and a hybrid of bard and rogue who acts as the leader which i think is really cool and well done. Like holup lemme get my radarlike sense going, yup we're going to get ambushed, oh shit i sense that im gonna get attacked like 40 times, lemme just riposte all these shit. Hell yeah (i promise it's way better than my shitty description)

2. Live at The Forum

Unique Way of Storytelling - Yup the story is told through forum posts and yes it's super cringe reading the fictional posters. But somehow it makes it reading way more fun. Also the way the story is told is like a fanfiction of a fiction that only exists in their universe. Honestly it's hella confusing, infuriating, slow paced, but some that what makes it so good becase we feel like the fictional posters as well. Also, every chapter has it's own recommended song to play as its chapter names which made me listen to a lot of new songs that has become my go to.

Just general chaos - The plot never goes the way you expect because of its unique storytelling. We don't get a "god" or narrator perspective, except for theories by the posters which usually are wrong. Tbh, i think this aspect might throw some people off. But still think you should give it a try.

3. Between Beast and Buddha

Came for the laughs, got emotionally broken and gained profound wisdom - Honestly when reading this i thought this was more comedic like the author's other novel This Heavenly Venerable is Grossly Unqualified. And yeah it has its comedic moments, but what makes this novel really good is the relationship between the cast that plucked the strings at my heart. The cultivation is also understanding/enlightenment based like Sky Pride, i highly recommend you give this a try if you liked Sky Pride.

4. I Am This Murim’s Crazy Bitch

There's gold under the trash - im ngl, this isn't really a good read, because it is controversial and there's a lot of "ironic" bigotry, racism, misogyny, and general offensive stuff. Okay so basically the plot is this, a racist, mysogynist, and bigoted korean 4chan user gets reincarnated into a brutal martial arts/cultivation game as a punishment or something (haven't read that far). Now i don't think the author himself holds this view, because all the shitty stuff only comes from the MC's monologue. But yeah it's pretty fucked up, and i fully understand if you don't want to read it

But, there's gold to be found. This novel's worldbuilding is top notch. It's based in China and the sects are pretty standard. But, here is the great part, the government exists and they're actually relevant. Holy shit, if you don't read cultivation novels, you might not know how fucking wild this is. Okay a big part of the story is the struggle between the goverment and the martial arts world. Martial arts/cultivation are viewed as a way to self determination, and the government hates that. So here's the deal, in the novel, we're at the age of rising martial arts and basically at the threshold of martial arts dominance, and the government fervently hates that. You see, martial arts weren't as prevalent in the old days, and by the government they were viewed as a way for peasants to gain power and uprise. But, all this change when one man (not the mc) single handedly broke through every fucking level of the known martial arts levels and tread new levels which single-handedly made the world as a whole advanced just because he showed them that there are no limits. He's basically the all might of martial arts. And yeah this guy is the GOAT of this novel and really what makes it shine. Every landmarks or history seems to mention him like, oh yeah that's twin mountain where he split it in half like 3 centuries ago, oh here's the scrape marks where he trains and it's regarded as the sect's highest treasure. There's a scene where his story is told like a myth and it's so badass it makes me giddy.

5. Goblin Teeth

Who gave WMDs to the traumatized children? - Okay so the main gimmick of this novel is that the main cast are basically a couple of chaotic monster children who are all traumatized, emotional, and bat shit insane. It's kinda a found family trope, but there's no responsible adult to be found. That's what makes it funny, all throughout the novel we're given situations where their inexperience makes them fail but through crazy builds, sheer luck, and determination somehow saves them. But don't sleep on the power system and lore because they are done great as well.

One of the least appreciated aspects of this book is Zac’s instinct to consistently run away from threats that are bigger than him. If he does otherwise, he will die. No questions asked. That instinct alone gave me a far better appreciation Supremacies. Characters who openly sneer at gods or the equivalent while they’re still F or D rank and get away with it make the world feel smaller.

I hate, HATE, when the MC ‘gimmick’ is that he can copy/steal skills, be it from other people or monsters. Even when it’s done well, the story quickly piles on so many skills on the MC that are forgotten a few chapters later.

And the worst thing is that every other character will glaze and worship the MC for being so ‘OP’ and amazing, and handsome. “Oh my god, MC-kun is so powerful! He must be extremely talented. Please, impregnate me!”

NO!

Bitch, he fucking stole that shit from ppl who worked their ass off for decades. He’s just aura farming fraud who never accomplished anything in his life without being a useless parasite.

It was the thing that annoyed me about ORV the most, especially after having so many people recommending the story as being the GOAT piece of literature to ever grace the planet.

I also often see this trope while browsing through RR/Amazon. Every blurb/synopsis will say something like “…and he gained the Fraud Class, giving him the ability to copy skills! Isn’t it amazing? It’s extremely original and never-before done power.”

FUCK THAT!

Why can’t the MC develop his own strength on his own. Why does it always have to be some sort bullshit like “MC can steal powers from monsters he defeats by eating their assholes”. Even xianxia/wuxia will have this, when MC steals some technique from his enemy or finds a scroll/ring in a cave, conveniently right next to Bumfuck Nowhere where he was born. Then everyone will glaze and suck his cock for being “The next coming of [insert xianxia title]!” Why can’t he make his own skill/technique and become OP through that? Fucking Japanese Naruto bullshit where MC must be a clone of the previous OP character.

Aest Belequa here again, this time announcing Stormblade: Volume Three on Audible! It’s been a long wait, and I know from comments on my other posts that there are a few people who’ve been waiting. Sorry for the lack of communication. Everything happened very quickly right at the end on this one!

People seem to really love the first two books, and I’m super excited for Book Three. Aaron Camacho and Onyx Volcan did a great job with the audio again for this one. Have some links. 

Links:
Stormblade Volume Three on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited

Stormblade Volume Three on Audible

And here’s a blurb:

Kade must reforge his core.

Kade’s victory over the Paragon of the Hurricane has cost him dearly, but his weakened state is temporary. The God of Thunder has a method to rebuild his core—a necessary step along his Path. Meanwhile, part of the expedition to Carlsbad has stayed behind to quell the S-Rank portal in the caverns. While one of Kade’s enemies steps into the power vacuum, another finds himself running out of time and in need of assistance. 

Meanwhile, Ellen’s conflict with her father, the wealthy head of the Traynor Corporation, reaches a boiling point, and Jessie’s got her heart set on a guild building—a pricey one. As Kade rebuilds his core and pushes to catch up with Ellen, his eye is focused on home. 

It’s not the only one. 

Major powers are on the move, and Earth is their focus. When the Carlsbad expedition is defeated, Phoenix finds itself under siege and outmatched. To shore up its defenses, the Governing Council organizes a tournament for the city’s up-and-coming delvers. The prize? Entry into a unique portal world. Kade must claim that world’s power. 

Cover Art by: Kart Studios 

Read this years ago but stopped due to the annoying amount of comments about romance/sexual stuff. Idk if that’s worded right but there’s too many comments directed toward Roland about sexual stuff everyone expects him to feel. Anyways I LOVED the magic (never finished story but I loved it up to then) and how it takes effort to pull off. I also loved the amount of time given to simply figuring out spells. Any more like this?? Vr or not idm.

Hi! This is my first time doing this(promoting), so, I'm a little clueless on if this is right, but! If you'd like to read a cutesy story about a gremlin(alchemist) living their day-to-day life, I think you'd enjoy!

~~~

Blurb

---

Awakening is the dream of many—Riches, fame, knowledge, and power, by climbing the tower you can earn it all!

But I...Don't particularly care about any of that?

Why did I awaken? And why did my gender change?

Alchemist? Gallery?

It seems I've awakened. As a cute girl nonetheless. Guess I'll climb the tower and make potions.

...Why is this kind of fun?

~~~

What To Expect?

* Gremlin, Chaos-Bringer MC

* Alchemist MC

* Physically Weak MC

* Majority Slice of Life and Comfort

* Feel Good Story

* Wholesome G/G Relationship

* Slower Paced

* Explosions

~~~

Info

---

Royalroad Link - https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/169720/worlds-cutest-alchemist

Scribblehub Link - https://www.scribblehub.com/series/2357420/worlds-cutest-alchemist/

AI Usage - None!

Cover Art - Me!

Tags - Gender Bender, Girl's Love, Slice Of Life, Cozy, Tower!

Pages - 1,150

This is a lite LitRPG. There are no stats, but, it does have a system, skills, traits, and a tower to climb!

I do night shift and I need books to listen to anything you can give me would be great

Thought I would contribute my minor opinions while looking for any new or overlooked stories.  The books listed are in no particular order within each tier.  I am open to almost any style/genre book, web novel, light novel, translation, manga, comic, etc.  Go nuts and recommend your favorites you wish more people have read.

The list above is mostly stories read relatively recently that fits the genres stated while leaving out the ones I felt were more classic Fantasy/Sci-Fi.  I have either read the entirety of the story if completed, constantly keeping up to date, or read everything up to what was currently available and either waiting for more or have decided to stop there. 

I am not really interested in including a section for DNF as I very rarely just drop a story and even then it is not often that I do not find something in It that I like.  But stories lower in tier are definitely ones I don't bother to keep track of much at all.

Some things I value or like a lot in what I read.

• Character progression
• Solid interpersonal relationships
• Alternative PoV
• Narratives that have long term planning and foresight
• Rereading a story leads to even more enjoyment as a whole.
• Decent length

Some things I find very annoying.

• Lack of character progression
• Egregious amount of plot holes
• Fake feeling, mary sue/gary stu, or incredibly pathetic MC
• Narratives that needlessly meander

I have read hundreds of mostly fantasy/sci-fi books not including any in the list above.  Many of my favorites, I have read upwards of 5+ times due to rereading before new releases in the series or just generally feeling like there has been a large enough gap to reenjoy it. 

I can get through 2 normal sized 300-400 page paperbacks in less than a day.  This is to say that I would prefer to find stories with at least some length to them as I tend to binge read them very quickly.  It does also mean that I am willing to try out almost anything as it does not take up very much time.

Just some personal ramblings.  The very first book that started me on wanting to READ was The Scorpion from Legend of the Five Rings.  Something about the combination of the characters, story, my love for things that I found cool as a child in the 90s (mythology, samurai, magic, etc) really made me deeply engrossed in what I was reading to the point that I devoured the rest of the available books. 

Very quickly I got into campaign settings early on that included tons of books from the worlds of Dragon Lance, Forgotten Realms, Warhammer Fantasy, Warhammer 40K, and Magic the Gathering alongside Urban Fantasy and other more classic style series.

I am not sure when it happened, but I ran into web novel/serials a while back while trying to find more book series to read and started reading Mother of Learning back when it was somewhere in the first third and kept up with it all the way to its end.  This led to other web novels on places like fictionpress, Royal Road and translation websites like wuxiaworld.  These days, almost everything I read is from a website like Royal Road, on Kindle Unlimited, or some other website with only a small fraction being regular published novels.

Thank you to all the authors out there.

PS Thank you inkdrake for providing an easy to use medium for this tier list.

What is the point of having your story set in a new world if youre going to turn it into earth?

*Book 2 and Player Manager spoilers ahead! I like to note down any memorable story highlights that happen and any thoughts I had at that point with chapter stamps.

———-
Final/Overall Thoughts:
This book had been a bit everywhere for most of it enjoyment wise. Not much oomph this time up to C11. I got small interesting bits but no capturing my heart and taking me for a whirlwind romance yet.

But as usual, the ending is pretty great, lots of emotional inducing sentences for bookmarking quotes and then, an emotional little twist. That was long awaited for me, some emotional damage in this book lol. And Sam is back! Ayyyy. Also, that Nick twist at the end, such an audacious proposal. He and the imps had been learning from the best, Best😂
———-

—C3—
A word appeared slightly to the left of centre.
 
Mood:

Yes! We are finally getting Relationism in the large scale aka from the start of a match! Since the Youth team and the Welsh army, finally!

Hmmm, not sure I like what is going on with the mini games this time. The distraction boost feels too cheating because it magically makes a player in the opponent get distracted and that sounds like way too much fantasy power. It’s not real or proactive skill being used by someone to affect the real world.

End of the chapter and it was kinda meh? There was no magic 🫠 A bit disappointed not gonna lie.

—C4—
Oooh! I am liking the personalities of the new Youth Cup team 😆 Some old favourites aka just Future really, and some potentially interesting dynamics! influence 20, Roddy, this seemingly intense Scottish kid, can’t wait for some bonding scenes with them 😆 (Edit in the future: No scenes with them 🫠)

—C6—
Wut. I was really looking forward for that match with Ulf and the kids 😟 Max interacting with football kids are the highlights of the story for me. I’m actually kinda disappointed because why not utilise every chance you get to show this side of Max? The match was completely skipped over.

—C7—
"Wait," said Helge, moving to the table and picking up the photo. "I was the right back in this match. How can you know that?"

I put my hand on his shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. "Because you look happy."

This was a pretty nice chapter. Love the foreign feeling of the setting and I love the cosy, gloomy, high mountains, vast stormy seas, atmospheric beautiful cottage’s next to the sea. And a cosy get to know each other conversation in such a place. Quite lovely.

—C8—
My dream is to be the only football club in the world where players don't give a shit whether they're in the firsts or the reserves because everyone at the club is focused on one thing and one thing only - their own personal improvement."

Yes, this! I wish the author focused more on this part of all the matches. Maybe show what things the players are learning or training to do and we can see in the match if they successfully learned that or was better at whatever it was than before or something. I need something more in these matches or they feel samey now that Max is experienced now.

—C9—
Huh, this is interesting. While I seriously wish we got Max’s pov with meeting the sick guy in the hospital so we can viscerally feel the deadline, this is interesting.

I know it’s the guy who went with his son on a pilgrimage but the reader was the one who bonded with them, Max didn’t know them personally! So it’s a bit out there that he was so affected. Really would help if we got that scene of him meeting them at the hospital.
———
Now, Max is affected by the match while the players aren’t. So now they are the ones coming to his aid by cheering him up, calming him down, getting his head in the game when it gets lost, joking with him, playing around. The jokes didn’t seem to land for Max but they kept doing it.

It feels like the team is finally getting to be equal, partners on the pitch. A welcome new dynamic than when it’s normally Max bossing everyone else. I feel a very big step closer to being properly a family/unit. Especially because it’s not just Henri alone being the one able to talk back to Max. So that was interesting.

—C10—
Oooh, this chapter was very satisfying on the kingdom building management sim side. Money goes up!

I love the progress on the football club side that was made since Max arrived in hard numbers. By the way, I’m from a fruuugal family so I love reading those Chinese travel back to the 70’s era where the protag use their modern knowledge to take part in China’s economic revolution thing to become millionaires. Very wish fulfilment for me. 😅

So this just ticks all the specific money building box in my head. So satisfying 😆
———
"As for your time, I've noticed a huge difference in the mood since you started joining in first team training every day."

What, show me, don’t just tell me!! I was complaining about this, wanting more bonding sessions with the newer players and why not by training? It’s right there 😩 And now you say he did it in the background off screen and not show it, it’s such a perfect opportunity to milk those interactions arghh 😩

—C11—
Zach had 'dislikes Darren Smith' as a new addition to his profile. Dazza's said 'late for training recently', while his Morale had fallen to abysmal, the lowest.

Oooh, conflict! Chance for some teambuilding and new dynamics!

I walked past a lot of shocked players - idly noting that Youngster had gone to Sandra's side. Guard dog. What a great kid!

Youngster is really growing up 🥲

—C12—
Ooooh, Praseep is such an interesting character! Potential new data guy? I am so curious at what he found out. All that data scraping stuff and he said he found what made Max so good compared to other managers? Something about choosing the right decision on the field?

Guys, I am so excited of the anticipatation on what he’s going to show! Mostly because it seems like it isn’t curse given gifts but something Max already have? Unless its because the curse gave Max’s brain the capacity to extrapolate the best moves 10 steps ahead or something.

I was thinking, if Pradeep is the real deal and managed to datarise what Max is doing, wouldn’t this mean that he can replicate it? Which means if the curse ends after 7 years, Max can use that data and keep managing?? Right? 🙌
——-
But I was totally focused on the heat map. When it finished, I played it again. And again.
"This shows how well Cole played," I said, hungrily.

Gah, this feels so hype even though it isn’t explained yet, I feel like this is going to add some cool new dynamics to Chester!
——-
…fires it into the roof of the net!

Best is running towards the home dugout.

His entire team is rushing to intercept him!

It's a race to see who will get there first.

Barkley shows great strength to hold Best up long enough for support to arrive.

I’m just smiling now hahaha. I’ve read a bunch of comments on Royal Road of commentors being mad at Max for being so childish, having double standards and hypocritical on the pitch. But I kinda feel that this is how football should be?

Someone has to be calm and not let things go off the rails and that is usually Max right, because his level is the highest and everyone else isn’t quite able to see the big picture. But he’s human and he also have his weaknesses that can be triggered. It’s a team sport right so he shouldn’t always be the one holding it together.

As Chester rise up the levels, its wonderful to see the team bridging the gap with Max both physically and tempermentally. So now its not just them forcefully be subjugated by Max’s Influence but are able to take over the reigns a bit more 😆 I love that haha so I take all of Max’s outbursts on the pitch as an opportunity for the team to show some togetherness lol

I’d like to imagine that when Max notices, in the dark of the night under the sheets, he might roll around in silent glee because he can really let loose around them and not worry he would lose the plot because there are people who can bring him back down. Like the saying goes, it’s lonely at the top and Max loves the togetherness of football.
——-
"Do you want me to leave in the summer?"

"What?" I said, confused.

"Do you want me out or is it my choice?"

Oh hahaha, Christian’s distracting Max by making him think about his contract! So good 😂

Oh! What if this becomes a sign of how the men’s team progress through their relationship with Max? By Prem, they will be known as the Max Whisperers and eveyone outside will be going how the hell do you control this lunatic and Max Whisperer’s will go, oh just do x and y here and then do z and he’s on your side 🤣

When Brown had the ball, I started in his direction but found it was more satisfying to let Youngster deal with him. One shit pass aside, my loyal friend was playing superbly.

I think Youngster purposefully played it short so that everyone smelse would be in position to hold you back after you goaled 🤣 Omaigosh, aren’t they playing 4D chess to include keeping Max away from red cards as well as beating Bradford? 🤣🤣🤣

"Fuck!" I screamed, because that would have been one of my favourite goals ever.

Youngster came over to me and gave me a sort of bashful sideways bump. "Mr. Landlord, I have a question about my new flat."

"What? Now?"

The team had learnt to improve their distraction skills from their previous lame jokes that didn’t really land 🤣🤣🤣

My players surrounded me, celebrated me towards the far side of the pitch, the one away from the dugouts.

“celebrated me towards” 😂😂

—C14—
I cleared my head of such thoughts. The inquest could start tomorrow. For now I wanted to get back into the groove of playing. Get the ball, drive forward, thrill the crowd, create danger and menace. Enjoy being in my body. Enjoy the moment. Live in the now.

This is interesting, was wondering how the author is going to design how the match goes. Making Max stop living in the future to focus on the now while making the rest of the team all worried about being in the Wembley and everyone watching them instead of focusing on the match is a bit of a different dynamic again huh? I wonder how this match is going to develop.
——-
"I've assembled the best squad in League One with no budget. Nobudget. I've got an elite backroom staff. I've sold a mate to pay for one of two amazing training grounds you'll be using next season."

"I've cut Henri, my best friend, from the squad to have budget for you lot. I've yelled and screamed and given extra, given extra, all year long. And that's not enough? You want more?" I shook my head. "I don't like playing in defence. I don't like being in midfield. DM's not bad, but what I like is being a winger and dicking around. It just so happens that today, that's what the strategy needs. I'm on the left doing my job. Playing my part. And for the first time this season there are no real stakes so I can just fucking enjoy it. Do you enjoy playing football? Because most of the time, I don't. I play worried and stressed because if we don't win I can't get you to the next level like I promised and can't get you a pay rise like I promised and can't get you to Wembley like I promised. I've done everything I promised and now I want to enjoy one fucking football match. Just one!"

Oooh. Drama drama drama! No wonder Max was completely living in the moment for once, he’s free, that’s why he was so weird on the lead up😮‍💨 The match is inconsequential but it’s also set in the biggest stadium Chester has ever been and it’s full. So he can play! Play as in “kids go out and play”, kind of play. Lunch time footie play but with a hype and loud audience, all the things Max loves. Aww.
———
Ok, had some thoughts about the cups. Yes, I think its very weird that somehow, this specific cup, Max doesn’t have that extra extra motivation when in a bunch of previous cups, he kept going on about the romance, glory and honour of the cup games. What’s the difference with this one?

Cheshire cup I can accept that he feels they should win it by default, ok. The FA cup I guess it’s because it was oretty obvious they would get beatened by the megaclubs and Chester wasn’t ready yet so he treated it as training, got it.

The Youth cup now, the first one was because he has a close relationship with Benny and the gang, he wants to prove they can do it, it’s easier to get excited about wining a cup with kids, it might be the last time those kids would play together, ok. The other Vas and Trophy stuff, I don’t rmb. They kinda blur together so maybe it does for him too.

Then, this one, I don’t rmb the name of it either 😂 But Max is fine about not winning thi Cup like he was with some of the others. Why? I’ve been trying to come up with the reasons.

Most of the team will still be together next year so no one’s having their last hurrah. The one’s that would, had already been injured and are not playing anyway. There are no real stakes since he’s proved himself at Bayern and they are going up to tier two already.

There’s no money from winning the cup since just reaching the finals already nets them a pot of ticket sales. I guess the glory part? It feels a bit weird that he isn’t harping on the glory and romance of winning the cup 🤷‍♀️ Maybe to Max, reaching the finals against a good team in this historic Wembley with Chester was already the goal and playing in this crowd is his reward. 🤔
——-
Oh, I have more thoughts on the unreliable narrator vein. Since we see how free and amazing Max is on the field with no stress, does that mean whenever Max sometimes miss aim the ball, he was particularly stressed? But he sounded like normal, all cocky and whatever in those scenes 🤔I kinda want to go and find those occasions to see what was the situation around the match but I sadly didn’t note that down lol. Ah, well.
——-
When I got there, I fell on my haunches. The guys were playing better, but the aggro at half time had taken more out of me than I had realised. Whatever was normally inside me that made me desperate to win just wasn't in me today.

Ah? Well, now. The situation has turned 180, Max is the one not feeling it anymore while the team is getting better 😂 Get a grip Chester 😂
———
The greatest goal in the greatest stadium, watched by millions, would be shared and reshared, would be admired by kids all over the world, but there were some screens that would never show it. It would never be seen in one particular bungalow in Manchester.
My mum hadn't seen it.

Ahh, yeah, was wondering when this would get brought to the forefront ever since that walk with James and him talking about photos with the trophy. Cause Max can’t do that himself 🥲

I had longed to bring the trophy home and put it on her coffee table and drink a cup of tea while we watched Cash in the Attic -

😢😢

There would be no photos of me with the cup, no knee slides, not today, not ever.

Ugh, my tear ducts 🥺😭

I slowed and turned away from the Portsmouth fans.

Then I burst into tears.

Oh, Max.

Oh. I just realised this chapter is called Achilles’ Heel. Aww, man. (Edit: And what happens later on in the series. The ride this little twost takes us on is pretty dang interesting to introduce more development than just the same thing over and over.)

So this was why Max was being so weird (I write while tears leak out of my eyes outside of my control 😛). It’s not that he doesn’t want to win the Cup but the fact his mom won’t know kinda cancel out the motivation.

—C14—
Jubilant Chester fans bouncing, our players running around like headless chickens. Despite having no heads, they were squawking.

Pffft 😂

Hahaha this is perfect. This is right.

In this world, it's just us.

Everyone will try to cut us down to size, keep us in our box, stop us from getting in the fast lane. They can't stop us on the pitch so they do everything else they can think of.

But we are a team. The players and the fans. Together we can do what we want.

☺️

Suddenly, there was a theft. Youngster grabbed the cup, Meghan grabbed me, and together they spirited us towards the dugouts, where Youngster’s mum, dad, and sister were waiting.

This one's going up on the wall of my new office, I thought to myself. Mr. Yalley in his best suit, Mrs. Yalley, Kisi, trophy, Youngster, Meghan, Max Best. Perfect.

Aww 🥰

I whispered to Youngster, "Do you want one without Meghan?"

He actually got annoyed with me for a second, but then he grinned. "I do not. If it proves necessary, we can airbrush her out." He cackled, then picked her up and spun her around before planting a deeply unreligious kiss on her mouth.

😆😆

Hi guys could you recommend me any series that's already finished. I already read all my backlog and I'm up to date with the series I'm following so I got nothing to read

Hi everyone, I'm Ropaher. I write indie progression fantasy and my first book Gloaming just wrapped its full 20-chapter serial.

The pitch: Tav is seventeen and Gloaming, which means he drinks light to stay alive. He's carrying the imprint of a three-hundred-year-old dead man in his head, and it's steering him toward the crater where the sky broke. His one rule: the hunger only gets what is freely given. The hunger has other ideas.

Free on Royal Road: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/195160/gloaming Also on Kindle/KU: https://a.co/d/0a48noDW

It's at 3.9 stars from 10 RR ratings and just picked up its first 5-star Amazon rating this week. If you give it a shot I'd genuinely love to hear what lands and what doesn't.

I guess I really like it when, for his power level, the MC is like, super powerful, and has sky high potential, but temporarily there are still enemies stronger than them. I suppose monstrous potential is what I like, and naturally a huge dose of strength, but with a lot of progression also.

Stuff like:

Hell Difficulty Tutorial

Defiance of the Fall

Primal Hunter

Path of the Deathless

Chrysalis

Book of the Dead

Any recommendations?

Thank you!

I wanted to ask if anyone has some recommendations on what i should read next. Here is everything i have read up until now. I just Finished ISSTH today.