Epic of Caterpillar - Chapter 11: The Dark Nation

I am currently re-writing the first chapters of this story. They are quite rough and bounce around a lot and I can do better. At some point, I will replace these with the better chapters.Sometime in 2024 Aethon Books will publish the first volume of this story on Amazon, KU, and audible. This will mean the story will be stubbed. I will notify people far in advance of that.In the dystopian world of the future, life is rough when you live at the bottom. Jobs are non-existent. Far too many people live in poverty, crammed into huge buildings called Habitats. With no jobs in the real world, many people can only find work online in VR worlds as servants to the very rich. And it's getting worse. The old internet is unusable and hacked to pieces. The new system needs AI to run things, but all but one of them were destroyed. The last sentient AI is ordered to create a new game world so the rich can have a playground, and the corporations that rule the world can have a new global market place. Everyone wants a piece of the new game. The guilds are competing to be the first to find the dungeons and kill the biggest monster. The corporations are claiming land and putting in their online market places. Ozzy and his friends just want a paycheck.Four friends sign five year contracts as virtual serfs in a small village, and can't go adventuring at all to gain money. They don't have many choices. They can work as a blacksmith, barmaid and shepherd for all those years....or they can cheat and find ways to take advantage of the system and carve out a section of the game world for themselves, and earn a fortune in the real world.When they give you a mop and not a sword, you have to find the loopholes and change the rules.

Zong Shou is a player of the historical VRMMORPG “God Emperor,” and him being one of the “Seven Emperors” within the game.

For unknown reasons, Zong Shou finds himself transmigrated into the past, a period just before the “God Emperor” game history started! Possessing the weak body of a monster princeling in the process.

Zong Shou adventure describes his struggles to stay afloat in a merciless environment, and rising up despite all adversities, of course, surrounded by beauties along the way.

- Description from Novelupdates

In a charming small town, Mani and his towering, affectionate minotaur wife, Mocha, run a bustling café that’s as warm and inviting as their love for each other. Balancing their daily lives, they face everything from quirky customers and fierce business rivals to unexpected adventures and tender moments. Mocha’s towering frame and mischievous teasing often leave Mani flustered, but her unwavering love and care for him create a bond stronger than any challenge.Whether they’re navigating holidays, tackling home projects, or simply enjoying quiet nights together, their days are filled with laughter, love, and the occasional bit of fan-service chaos. From heartwarming acts of devotion to playful antics, their story celebrates the beauty of an unconventional relationship and the magic of finding true partnership.In this lighthearted and romantic slice-of-life tale, Mani and Mocha prove that love comes in all shapes, sizes, and flavors—just like the drinks at their café.

Who said that Hollywood is the six gangsters in the world?

Who said that big stars are high above?

Who said that independent filmmakers can only survive in the cracks?

Dunn Walker, who likes to wear sunglasses, declares war on Hollywood!

“I want to single out Hollywood!”

Dunn raised Gal Gadot’s white chin with one hand, his eyes like torches.

- Description from novelbuddy