Eye redness on adderall | | Boyfriend's best friend(s) hate(s) me

So there's this post of the best friend last 30th of October 2023.. it said..
May mga nag paparinig dito na kung mamas boy daw spineless. Huh? Who gave you the go-ahead na mag judge ng mga lalaki na mahal ang pinanggalingan nila? Ano ka perfect ? Na hindi ka privy sa pagiging nanay sa huli? h*e please kung hindi ka toxic na tao hindi ka magsasalita ng ganyan but then again looking at your egregious track record it seems like the toxicity easily just seeps through
And I had a shared post last 26th of October 2023..
Very major major problem and red flag talaga for me ang mama's boy, myghad!! Spineless! (My caption)
Shared post:
Hello __, nakakita nga ako ng lalaki na hindi cheater, hindi palabarkada, walang bisyo pero mama's boy. Lahat nalang ng sinasabi ko sinusumbong sa nanay. Well anyway, normal lang ba na mag 2nd thoughts if malapit na ang kasal nyo? Ang dami lang talaga tumatakbo sa isip ko hahaha.
Context:
Nagkabalikan po kami ng boyfriend ko last September 2023. We were together for 3 years when I decided to ask for a break up. No 3rd party nor cheating involved. For personal growth po namin and to realize certain things din. I didn't even entertain any men in my life pa nga in the span of me being single kasi I'm still waiting for him and it's the same with him. We were still friends too in fb and from time to time but not always, we still chat. But this best friend of his, I didn't do anything bad to him nor to the rest of their tropa. His bff unfriended me the moment na we broke up. And I didn't mind din naman since I am not a friend of his.They go way back since their grade school days pa.
I've just discovered that post of his recently kasi my boyfriend sent me a link to a video meme which directs me to his best friend's wall. So I kept scrolling since I got entertained by his bff's shared memes then I finally stumbled on that post.. At first I didn't mind, but then it felt kinda familiar. I checked my wall and I landed on this post I did. At first I was still sceptical and didn't wanna assume it was intended for me since hindi din namn kami friends na. But then I remembered na he once "haha" reacted to one of my past posts and hindi na kami friends that time. So how in the world did he end up there on my post when that was not even viral. And btw my mama's boy post wasn't even for any of them, para 'yon sa newbie work colleague na everytime may problem sya sa department namin, sinusumbong sa nanay na head ng ibang dept. and yung nanay ang nag co-complain sa admin 😮‍💨. I don't think they even mattered to me that I'd make a post solely for them. Never stalked any of them either. The thing is that si bff is a bit of a mama's boy. He's spoiled and kinda rich so parang na co-compensate na wala syang trabaho and lives with his mom. Also, I was still friends sa isang babaeng tropa nila na sobrang ma intriga talaga. Remember I was told that she thought that one of my post way back then na it was intentionally for her. Na pinaparinggan ko daw. I mean did it ever occur to her that she's merely just an acquaintance and I wouldn't even bat an eye kahit ano gawin nya sa life nya? I'm not even fond of her enough for me to dedicate any post towards her. She had a history of sending and saving ss and making intriga about it. I unfriended her when I discovered the bff's post and blocked her kasi she might be snooping around. Then I realized I'm still friends with her mom, tried looking for her sa friends list kasi nakita ko pa sya on that day sa list ko.. but then hindi na. I got blocked na bigla2. And brooo, that prying, snoopy little....
I also remember that my bf told me na his bff warned him jokingly that if we ever get back together, it'd be FO between them. Ako personally, although I have to admit I got hurt. I didn't do anything wrong to any of them, we only had a fair amount of interactions and for him to say that as if he hates me down to the core like he knew me. What irks me is that my boyfriend never once slandered any of his exes, never din nag hate boyfriend ko sa any decisions nya sa realtionships kahit na sobrang toxic nya na. Parang ang unfair para sa boyfriend ko.
I sent my bf a ss and he didn't know any of it. We talked in person but I tried to be calm and logical about it. I told him I understand if his friends hate me kasi parang automatic reaction din naman of the friends would hate the ex of their friend diba? And would slander the ex. They're not my friends but his, so I understand. I never slandered any one of them because that's not really my thing and it's beneath me. I really didn't wanna come off as a drama queen to my bf, I didn't wanna burden him but i was hurt. I didn't wanna make him choose since I'm afraid of what he might say, "bros before h*es" nga sabi nila. I'm so afraid that I could cancel everyone for him but maybe not him. I'm terrified that I am nothing against his bff and it tears me. I don't want to tell him to do something about it kasi dapat automatic na sa kanya yan. It would come off like I was begging him to do so. Kasi if he's in my place, I would definitely confront my friends. They don't have the right para murahin sya, hindi ko nga sya minumura. And I don't want him to feel bad talaga sa lahat ng bagay. I'd always cheer him up and encourage him. Inaalagaan ko sya then para lang murahin ng ibang tao na hindi naman sya kilala?? I won't sit idly by that.
Sometimes I'd watch yung segment ng showtime about exes, where some girlfriends were bullied by the people around their bfs and the guys didn't really protect their gfs. Especially yung May 16 episode na mas pinili yung best friend kesa sa gf 😢. Also yung April 17 ep na the girl was bullied too.

Disclaimer: this is very speculative and only one of the many interpretations of DFV's tweets so far.
Over the past few days we have witnessed the overture, the beginning, distraction, made you look phase of the plan. Everything panned out like our heroes wanted. MSM was baited in, all the bots got activated, shillery for different tickers etc. Hopefully the DOJ and SEC paid close attention.
This morning I ran into this post from 5 months ago:

QUOTE

https://twitter.com/DominosJack/status/1731032291244146806
---
In January of 2021 #GME ruffled a lot of feathers, triggering an event that posed a systemic risk to the global financial system, a risk equal to the corruption that facilitated its emergence.They haven’t forgotten, nor has Ryan Cohen, neither has the discerning retail investor, the SEC, the DOJ, Congress, Carl Icahn, Mark Cuban, Larry Cheng, Elon Musk and many more.You don’t expose a criminal’s greatest weakness to the world and expect them to fall for the same gambit again. The sequel has to be exponentially more calculated than the original.And there was Bed Bath and Beyond, another sitting duck retailer with a bought and paid for CEO, enormous short interest, pandemic fatigue and a prime candidate for cellar boxed tax free gains.GameStop 2.0 was never the play here. They were caught off guard the first time, this would have to be a ground breaking market maneuver and it would require a retail presence far more risk tolerant than anything seen before. The only way to collectively synthesize that level of risk tolerance is by building, brick by brick, an information devouring juggernaut capable of jumping from one social media platform to the next without skipping a beat.The brilliance of this play can be summed up in fairly simple terms.Every single corporate action from the moment Ryan Cohen sold his shares resulted in two diametrically opposed results:

Signal the algos to short
Speak to the retail investor in language AI is yet to comprehend. Speak not in white lines but in the spaces between. Distract AI with the Woman in the Red Dress, keep Retail focused on every move Mr. Smith makes.

There it is in black and white. If you think the Matrix reference is hyperbolic, you’re not paying attention. To say the gamification of the markets is an issue is the understatement of the century.They turned the markets into a real time videogame by handing the keys over to the algos with no way of getting them back. Ryan Cohen and company, along with the select group of retail investors wise enough to read between the lines, are in the process of returning the markets to the collective unconscious which, when challenged, has embedded within it a wealth of resources far superior to any binary code system built to transfer wealth from the masses to the corrupt, unworthy few.They built a global financial video game and somehow missed the fact that a generation of gamers would be their opponent. That is why they are the Dumb Stormtroopers.And so what you have here is a necessary hack into a system that not only imbues almost no inherent value to society but will continue to metastasize until it creates a true dystopian reality. That shit is not gonna happen on Ryan Cohen’s watch or on ours. This is a team effort against a singular minded machine.The importance of the #BBBYQ play cannot be overstated. They must be stopped, they will be stopped and the power will be returned to the players 🏴‍☠️

END QUOTE

The 'no fighting' meme stood out to me. Warning the communities against internal strife perhaps? Should we expect there to be a reason for strife?
There was also braveheart dying, shouting GameStop. A meme where we were told not to fear the reaper (song). Lots of references to mirroring and reversal everywhere. There's two of them talking to each other (there's two stocks in play?). With the hindsight of these memes it does seem plausible that the real plan will involve Bobby as the main gambit. I do think Jimmy will run, but I also think the main offense might originate from Bobby.
The Jason Bourne tweet mentions 'i can't run with you, they know who I am' (Jimmy is controlled, all eyes are on it). He says this to the actress who also plays the lead in the Run Lola Run movie. The color on the mini was edited to red with the steering wheel saying "I'm In". But they park the red car and get out. The car is now black as Ryan gosling exits and blends in with the crowd.
It feels right to me; these past days short term profiteers with capital have jumped on Jimmy. These are not the kind of people RC wants to reward. Bobby is inaccessible, only available to our crazy lot who dug into the paperwork and went through the bankruptcy deathspiral. There's no possibility for FOMO.
TLDR; memes warming us up to the idea that bobby is the main play? Jimmy will become a forever hold, being very valuable and worthwhile but not nessecarily giant moass numbers?

To give backstory, my boyfriend and I have been together for three months and I really do like him and want to be with him for as long as I can but this is one red flag that worries me, other than that he’s the perfect boyfriend. I had a crush on a friend of a friend for a little bit way back then, it was stupid and tiny and it went nowhere, completely out of boredom. He’s not anything like what i’d want and everyone knew that, I was genuinely just bored.
My boyfriend went through my phone one night while I was sleeping and searched up his name in my texts and saw that I used to send my friends silly texts like “he’s so cute” and things of that nature. When this happened he blew up because we are semi friends still since we have mutual friends and was upset that i never told him about it. It was years ago and it did not mean a thing. Every time we text (which has only been 3 times and once was him giving condolences to a family member passing) he asks me to open it and see the messages.
Tonight I said I’ll show him in the morning what we were talking about (asking if I could sublease his apartment for the rest of the term because my lease is about to end) and I didn’t want to open his message right now because I didn’t want to reply and he doesn’t want me to text him back at nighttime. So I abided by that and said okay I won’t reply, then he got mad that I wouldn’t open the message. I just thought it would be weird to leave him on read then reply later on and I didn’t even feel like replying at that time anyway. Now we’re in a huge fight and I gave in and said fine I’ll leave him on read and show you but he said it’s too late and that I was being defensive, which I do somewhat understand but he knows that I normally leave people on delivered for a bit until I want to reply. I feel like it would’ve been weird if it was the opposite and I jumped to read his message and reply, but I guess what I did was worse.
I went through this with my last boyfriend where I wasn’t allowed to talk to any guys in any way and pretty much abandoned my guy friends and it was this controlling cycle that I shouldn’t have let continue on because it got worse and worse and if this happens with this boyfriend then I just reallowed it to happen which is partially also why I said no to reading it at that moment. I understand his concerns and I do empathize, and I reassure him all the time that I only have eyes for him. He also told me to ask him if I could take over the lease as well, so I’m even more confused now. Can someone please advise me, I feel so confused. And if I’m in the wrong please let me know as well, I need a third perspective on it rather than just ours.

I've seen a lot of mixed reviews about this monitor, so I wanted to share my own experience. Previously, I used the Dell 2721DGFA. The IPS glow on that monitor drove me crazy, and the contrast ratio was terribly low. I could never get the colors, especially red, to look right. So, I decided to upgrade to something that would give me true HDR and better contrast. I was torn between the LG 27GR95QE-B and FALD panels. However, the coating on the LG was terrible, and the brightness was unacceptable. QD-OLED models are either unavailable or outrageously overpriced, so I went for the AOC Q27G3XMN.
There is a noticeable red tint on this monitor, but reducing the red value to 45 worked for me. I have the BK model, which doesn’t have an sRGB clamp, so I use novideo_srgb (same as I did with the Dell). The Windows 11 HDR tool was essential for HDR setup. If I want to use the sRGB color space, I disable HDR in Windows and turn off local dimming on the monitor (it remembers the local dimming setting for HDR and non-HDR modes). Compared to the old Dell, the contrast is night and day.
This monitor is paired with a PC meant solely for gaming, so I tested it with Diablo 4 first, as I was most concerned about dark smearing in such a dark game. While there is some ghosting, it didn’t bother me, and the trade-off for better contrast is more than worth it. I've seen concerns about input lag with VRR and HDR enabled, and I'm highly sensitive to input lag, but I didn’t notice any. VRR flickering, often mentioned, is present but very rare; for example, in Diablo, I cap the FPS at 65, and it occasionally appears when I open the map but is hardly noticeable.
Viewing angles do change the color and contrast, but I resolved this by raising the monitor (I have a desk arm) compared to the Dell by 2cm and tilting it 1-2 degrees upwards, so my eyes are directly in the center. I sit at an arm's length distance from the monitor.
HDR performance is excellent. Due to Windows 11’s implementation, it needs to be configured for each game, but the pop and brightness during explosions provide fantastic immersion. I also tested HDR video, such as this one. Blooming is negligible with ambient room lighting and the local dimming set to medium. Other demos also look fantastic, with impressive colors, contrast, and brightness. I was amazed by the black levels of this panel; I’d say it’s 90% of an OLED, if not better. My wife, who uses an OLED for work but isn't technically inclined, couldn't tell if it was an OLED or not.
Oh, and the price was €450, which is significantly higher than what it sells for elsewhere in the world, but I don’t think I could get anything better for the same price or even €200 more. The OSD controls are awful, but once set up, you don’t have to mess with them much.

350+/1800$ Gift Trades in 6 years

Made a Google doc because the list is long

MY Trade Reputation

YOUR FAVOURITE SELLER IS BACK FOR 6TH YEAR IN A ROW. CHECK MY REP THREAD

CACHE Price Increases as I stock out & Reservation is Compulsory

Want Paypal/Zelle/Venmo/GooglePay/PayTm worth the listed Amount or Items (1.2x - STEAM TAX). I will not go first. The link to add me :LINK to ADD ME

Crownfall Treasure Chest 1 & 2 (Buy 3+ More at 10% / 6+ More at 20% / 9+ More at 30% discount)

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Owly Bear (URSA)	1	35$ or Items	Ultra Rare Treasure 2	Only ONE
Mocking Bird (Meepo)	4	20$ or Items	Very Rare Treasure 1	None
Ravencloak (Drow Ranger)	2	40$ or Items	Very Rare Treasure 2	Only Two
Whispering Wings (Silencer)	6	8$ or Items	Rare Treasure 1	None
Crown of the Condor (Wraith King)	6	8.5$ or Items	Rare Treasure 1	One Sold 5 Left
Thunderbird (Zeus)	5	7$ or Items	Rare Treasure 2	None
Birdfeed Bandit (Hood Wink)	4	8$ or Items	Rare Treasure 2	None
Blood Raven (Blood Seeker)	10	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Tines of the Pyrexae (Jakiro)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Imperial Ember (Lina)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Designs of Ancient Druud (Disruptor)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Verdant Swarm (Nature Prophet)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Phalanx of the Bronze Eagle (Legion Commander -LC)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Raven of Ristul (Queen of Pain)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Eyes in the Endless Dark (Shadow Shaman)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Crystalline Crown (Ancient Apparition)	6	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Flight of the Gryphon Lord (Keeper of the Light)	6	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Lionheart (Omnikinght	6	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Song of the Sea Lotus (Naga Siren)	7	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Keeper of the Nether-Lens (Pugna)	6	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Twitcher (Timker)	7	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Highborn Heretic (Skywrath Mage	7	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Mischief of the Winter Moth (Puck)	6	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None

AUGUST 2023 Collectors Cache (Buy 3+ More at 10%/ 6+ More at 20%/ 9+ More at 30% discount)

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Snailfire (SnapFire)	2	25$ or Items	Very Rare Cache Set	None
Brightfist (Marci)	5	18$ or Items	Rare Cache Set	Three Sold One Reserved Last Left
Dezun Viper (Dazzle)	5	4$ or Items	Cache Set	One Sold One Reserved
Primeval Abomination (Primal Beast)	5	5.5$ or Items	Cache Set	Two Sold
Astral Herald (Dawnbreaker)	5	5.5$ or Items	Cache Set	Two Sold
Spectral Shadow (Abaddon)	5	3.5$ or Items	Cache Set	None
Taur Rider (Alchemist)	5	4$ or Items	Cache Set	One Sold
Crescent Huntress (Spectre)	5	4$ or Items	Cache Set	One Sold
Tyrant of the Veil (Wraith King)	5	5.5$ or Items	Cache Set	Two Sold
Tomo'kan Footsoldier (Hoodwink)	5	5$ or Items	Cache Set	One Sold
Darkwood Eulogy (Death Prophet)	5	3.5$ or Items	Cache Set	None
Sea Spirit (Kunkka)	5	4$ or Items	Cache Set	One Sold
Triumph of the Imperatrix (Legion Commander)	5	4$ or Items	Cache Set	None
Beast of Thunder (Storm Spirit)	5	5.5$ or Items	Cache Set	Two Sold
Ancestral Heritage (Jakiro)	5	4$ or Items	Cache Set	One Sold

Ultra Rare Immortals 2022

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Bloodfeather Finery (Queen of Pain)	1	15$ or Items	Ultra Rare Immortal 2	LastLeft

Diretide Collectors Cache-2 2022

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Sublime Equilibrium (Void Spirit)	2	45$ or Items	Very Rare Direteide Collectors Cache	One Sold Last Left
~~Brands of the Reaper (Anti Mage)~~	5	~~$18~~	~~Rare Direteide Collectors Cache 2~~	~~Three Sold Last Two Reserved~~
Grudges of the Gallows Tree (Treant)	6	15$ or Items	Rare Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Five Sold Last Left
War Rig Eradicators (Techies)	5	8$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Three Sold
Sacred Chamber Guardian (Huskar)	5	7$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Two Sold One Reserved
Acrimonies of Obsession (Vengeful Spirit)	5	7.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	One Sold
Freeboot Fortunes (Ogre Magi)	5	4.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	None
Withering Pain (Clinkz)	5	6$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Two Sold
Darkfeather Factioneer (Phantom Assassin)	5	8$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Three Sold
Feasts of Forever (Night Stalker)	5	5.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Two Sold
Cursed Cryptbreaker (Pudge)	5	5.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Two Sold
Dawn of Darkness Foretold (Doom)	5	10$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Three Sold
The Wilding Tiger (Brewmaster)	5	11$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Four Sold Last Left
Transcendent Path (Oracle)	5	7.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Two Sold
Darkbrew´s Transgression (Alchemist)	5	10$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Four Sold Last Left
Grand Suppressor (Silencer)	5	4.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	One Sold
Bird of Prey (Legion Commander)	5	7.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Three Sold

Diretide Collectors Cache 2022

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Blue Horizons(Marci)	4	16$ or Items	Rare Direteide Collectors Cache	Three Sold Last Left
Hounds of Obsession (Chen)	3	7.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	Two Sold Last Left
Seadog's Stash (Clockwerk)	3	6$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	One Sold
Starlorn Adjudicator (Dawn Breaker)	3	11$	Direteide Collectors Cache	Two Sold Last Left
~~Chines of the Inquisitor (Faceless Void)~~	3	18.5$	Direteide Collectors Cache	~~Two Sold Last Reserved~~
Crimson Dawn (Phoenix)	3	7$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	Two Sold Last Left
Forgotten Station (Terrorblade)	3	4.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	None
Dirge Amplifier (Undying)	3	5.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	One Sold
Champion of the Fire Lotus (Monkey King)	3	7.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	Two Sold Last Left
Deathstitch Shaman (Witch Doctor)	3	5.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	One Sold

Aghanim's Continuum Cache 2021 / Ti-11

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Scales of the Shadow Walker (Phantom Lancer)	4	12$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Three Sold Last Left
Test of the Basilisk Lord (Razor)	4	11.5$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Three Sold Last Left
Secrets of the Frost Singularity (Ancient Apparation)	4	5$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	None
Perils of the Red Banks (Chen)	4	7$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Two Sold Last Left
The Chained Scribe (Grimstroke)	4	8$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	One Sold One Reserved
Widow of the Undermount Gloom (Broodmother)	4	9.5$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Three Sold Last Left
Forgotten Fate (Mars)	4	5$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	One Sold
March of the Crackerjack Mage (Rubick)	4	12$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Three Sold Last Left
Cosmic Concoctioneers (Alchemist)	4	12$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Two Sold
Blightfall (Abbadon)	4	8$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Two Sold

Nemestice Cache 2021 / Ti-11

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Astral Terminus (Enigma)	3	12$ or Items	Nemestice Cache 1	One Sold One Reserved Last Left
Caerulean Star (Enchantress)	3	9$ or Items	Nemestice Cache 1	Two Sold Last Left

-

Collector's Cache 2020 / Ti-10

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
~~Steward of the Forbidden Chamber (TA/Templar Assassin)~~	3	15$	TI-10 Rare Cache 2	~~Two Sold Last Reserved~~
Talons of the Endless Storm (CK/Chaos Knight)	3	7.5$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 2	One Sold One Reserved Last Left
Carousel of the Mystic Masquerade (Rubick)	3	10$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 2	Two Sold Last Left
Blacksail Cannoneer (Sniper)	3	7$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 2	None
Blaze of Oblivion (Phoenix)	3	7$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 2	None
Songs of Starfall Glen (Enchantress)	3	6$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 1	None
Flashpoint Proselyte (Huskar)	3	13$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 1	Two Sold Last Left
Fissured Flight (Jakiro)	3	12$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 1	Two Sold Last Left
~~Mindless Slaughter (Pudge)~~	3	~~12$ or Items~~	~~TI-10 Cache 1~~	~~Two Sold Last Reserved~~
Fury of Righteous Storm (Disruptor)	3	6$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 1	None
Apocalypse Unbound (Ancient Apparation)	3	9$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 1	Two Sold Last left

Collector's Cache 2019/ Ti-9

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Prized Acquisitions (Batrider)	4	7$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Two Sold
~~The sight of the Kha-Ren Faithful (Drow Ranger)~~	4	12$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	~~Three Sold Last Reserved~~
Directive of the Sunbound(Clockwerk)	5	9$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Four Sold Last Left
Distinguished Expeditionary (Tusk)	4	7$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Two Sold
Automaton Antiquity (Broodmother)	5	9$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Four Sold Last Left
Fury of the Bloodforge (Bloodseeker)	5	9$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Three Sold
Tribal Pathways (Warlock)	5	8.5$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Three Sold
Verdant Predator (Venomancer)	5	9$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Three Sold
The Arts of Mortal Deception (Enigma)	3	9$	TI-9 Cache Set	Two Sold Last Left
Poacher's Bane (Tidehunter)	3	8$	TI-9 Cache Set	One Sold One Reserved Last Left
Riddle of the Hierophant (Oracle)	3	9$ or 3 Keys	TI-9 Cache Set	Two Sold Last Left

Collector's Cache 2018/ Ti-8

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Raiments of the Obsidian Forge (Underlord)	4	18$	TI-8 Rare Cache Set	Three Sold Last Left
Pattern of the Silken Queen (Brood)	4	8$	TI-8 Cache Set	Three Sold Last Left

https://steamcommunity.com/id/whatsyouraff (DireTide 2022 Oracle Set Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198063913439 (2021 Gyro, 2020 Huskar, AA, Warlock, Grim Sets Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/Mujou64 (Diretide Cache 2 Doom & Venge Sold Successfuly)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/rudmax (2019 Brood Automation, 2021 Shadow Shaman & Enchantress Reserved - Full Payment Made Advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198064920459 (2023 Rare Marci and Dawn Cache Sold successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/Alacaster (2023 AM Ultra Rare, Hoodwink & Dawn Reserved - 14/70 Paid Advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/Default_panda (2023 Spectre Cache & Mars Wings of Imperium Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/hollywoodsbleeding_ (2022 LC Cache Set Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198041012739 (2022 Phoneix Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/carantis (2023 Jakiro and Dazzle Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198079185431/ (2023 Rare Treant, 2021 Rare Ogre & PL Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/muruph (2017 DP Cache Reserved Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/LovelasStrasti/ (Techies 2022 Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/uziexe/(2020 Timber Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/SemiOfficialAnthonyAdams (Brewmaster and Oracle Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/V3G3TA (2023 - Wk, Primal, Storm, Alche, 2022 - LC, Techies, Alche Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198829952373/ (2023 Kunka Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/Darkio567/ (2023 Dawnbreaker Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198176999423 (2022 Brew Set Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198325291097/ (2023 Rare Marci Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/Snaily3000/ (2020 Shadow Demon Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/catgirllyra/ (2023 Rare Marci and Diretide 2022 Hoodwink Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198877138961/ (2023 Dazzle and Aghanim Brood Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198059954390/ (Diretide 2022 Rare Antimage, Huskar, 2021 Grimstroke, 2019 Drow, Chen & Tide, 2018 Axe & QOP Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561199173346010/ (2023 Hoodwink Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/LordPlasmarr (2023 WK Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198138951034/ (2023 Primal Beast and Brewmaster Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/waffler99/ (2023 Rare Marci Cache Reserved - 3.5/13.5 Paid Advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/vcxxiv (Crownfall Rare WK Cache Sold- Old Customer)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198051968045 (2020 Pudge Cache Reserved - Full Payment Made Advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561199195274635 (2022 Faceless Void Cache Reserved - Full payment made advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/naptime_/ (2020 TA and 2021 Enigma Reserved - Full payment made advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/GayNoNePida (2x 2022 Rare Antimage Cache Reserved - Full Payment made advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198334003229 (2019 Drow Ranger Cache Reserved - 25% paid advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198176818975/ (2019 CK reserved - Full Payment made Advance)
Wall of Shame:
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561199102322625/ (This clown added me and when I asked to reserve which I have clearly stated in my post backtracked on trade offer, has no idea how 30-day steam gifting works so beware)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197974015392/ (The newest Clown in town, Asks to buy legacy items, agrees to pay my listed price then tells me 2 days later about not making the payment because he found these sets for only 2 Dollars each which is not possible. Beware and don't add this person)

guys that is not gojo my theory is that this is either yujis dad or it is sukunas nice twin brother from the heian era it says his eyes are unmistakable yujis dad wore glasses right and so did gojo to like limit the use of his blue eyes. maybe yujis dad jin itadori also wore them to do the same thing with his special eyes. maybe sukuna defeated him with some sukuna disease from the heian era that passed down into to his bloodline. it could also be sukunas twin from the heian era because it did say sukuna defeated whoever this guy is. and it would only make sense if when sukuna killed him he used his dead twins arms to make him even more powerful and about the unmistakable eyes yk sukuna is strong so why wouldnt his twin brother be. sukuna would never mistake the eyes of his bro. maybe sukunas bro also had the six eyes. and thats how like these guys are so powerful. maybe kenjaku is behind all of this. it all makes perfect sense

Hello,
I was curious: has any one done the Baria laser eye to remove visible red veins on eyeball. Or anything similar. I have this one certain veins who keeps being irrittated wonder If I can do something about it. I am a patient

So there's this post of the best friend last 30th of October 2023.. it said..
May mga nag paparinig dito na kung mamas boy daw spineless. Huh? Who gave you the go-ahead na mag judge ng mga lalaki na mahal ang pinanggalingan nila? Ano ka perfect ? Na hindi ka privy sa pagiging nanay sa huli? h*e please kung hindi ka toxic na tao hindi ka magsasalita ng ganyan but then again looking at your egregious track record it seems like the toxicity easily just seeps through
And I had a shared post last 26th of October 2023..
Very major major problem and red flag talaga for me ang mama's boy, myghad!! Spineless! (My caption)
Shared post:
Hello __, nakakita nga ako ng lalaki na hindi cheater, hindi palabarkada, walang bisyo pero mama's boy. Lahat nalang ng sinasabi ko sinusumbong sa nanay. Well anyway, normal lang ba na mag 2nd thoughts if malapit na ang kasal nyo? Ang dami lang talaga tumatakbo sa isip ko hahaha.
Context:
Nagkabalikan po kami ng boyfriend ko last September 2023. We were together for 3 years when I decided to ask for a break up. No 3rd party nor cheating involved. For personal growth po namin and to realize certain things din. I didn't even entertain any men in my life pa nga in the span of me being single kasi I'm still waiting for him and it's the same with him. We were still friends too in fb and from time to time but not always, we still chat. But this best friend of his, I didn't do anything bad to him nor to the rest of their tropa. His bff unfriended me the moment na we broke up. And I didn't mind din naman since I am not a friend of his.They go way back since their grade school days pa.
I've just discovered that post of his recently kasi my boyfriend sent me a link to a video meme which directs me to his best friend's wall. So I kept scrolling since I got entertained by his bff's shared memes then I finally stumbled on that post.. At first I didn't mind, but then it felt kinda familiar. I checked my wall and I landed on this post I did. At first I was still sceptical and didn't wanna assume it was intended for me since hindi din namn kami friends na. But then I remembered na he once "haha" reacted to one of my past posts and hindi na kami friends that time. So how in the world did he end up there on my post when that was not even viral. And btw my mama's boy post wasn't even for any of them, para 'yon sa newbie work colleague na everytime may problem sya sa department namin, sinusumbong sa nanay na head ng ibang dept. and yung nanay ang nag co-complain sa admin 😮‍💨. I don't think they even mattered to me that I'd make a post solely for them. Never stalked any of them either. The thing is that si bff is a bit of a mama's boy. He's spoiled and kinda rich so parang na co-compensate na wala syang trabaho and lives with his mom. Also, I was still friends sa isang babaeng tropa nila na sobrang ma intriga talaga. Remember I was told that she thought that one of my post way back then na it was intentionally for her. Na pinaparinggan ko daw. I mean did it ever occur to her that she's merely just an acquaintance and I wouldn't even bat an eye kahit ano gawin nya sa life nya? I'm not even fond of her enough for me to dedicate any post towards her. She had a history of sending and saving ss and making intriga about it. I unfriended her when I discovered the bff's post and blocked her kasi she might be snooping around. Then I realized I'm still friends with her mom, tried looking for her sa friends list kasi nakita ko pa sya on that day sa list ko.. but then hindi na. I got blocked na bigla2. And brooo, that prying, snoopy little....
I also remember that my bf told me na his bff warned him jokingly that if we ever get back together, it'd be FO between them. Ako personally, although I have to admit I got hurt. I didn't do anything wrong to any of them, we only had a fair amount of interactions and for him to say that as if he hates me down to the core like he knew me. What irks me is that my boyfriend never once slandered any of his exes, never din nag hate boyfriend ko sa any decisions nya sa realtionships kahit na sobrang toxic nya na. Parang ang unfair para sa boyfriend ko.
I sent my bf a ss and he didn't know any of it. We talked in person but I tried to be calm and logical about it. I told him I understand if his friends hate me kasi parang automatic reaction din naman of the friends would hate the ex of their friend diba? And would slander the ex. They're not my friends but his, so I understand. I never slandered any one of them because that's not really my thing and it's beneath me. I really didn't wanna come off as a drama queen to my bf, I didn't wanna burden him but i was hurt. I didn't wanna make him choose since I'm afraid of what he might say, "bros before h*es" nga sabi nila. I'm so afraid that I could cancel everyone for him but maybe not him. I'm terrified that I am nothing against his bff and it tears me. I don't want to tell him to do something about it kasi dapat automatic na sa kanya yan. It would come off like I was begging him to do so. Kasi if he's in my place, I would definitely confront my friends. They don't have the right para murahin sya, hindi ko nga sya minumura. And I don't want him to feel bad talaga sa lahat ng bagay. I'd always cheer him up and encourage him. Inaalagaan ko sya then para lang murahin ng ibang tao na hindi naman sya kilala?? I won't sit idly by that.
Sometimes I'd watch yung segment ng showtime about exes, where some girlfriends were bullied by the people around their bfs and the guys didn't really protect their gfs. Especially yung May 16 episode na mas pinili yung best friend kesa sa gf 😢. Also yung April 17 ep na the girl was bullied too.

Hey, hi, hello.
I’ve been posting on and off for a few years now and I’m sure some of you are sick of seeing me. Oh well, we’re in this sub for one reason and one reason only: to find a connection and possibly a happy ending.
I’ve been told I’m too picky and too open about myself; I don’t think Im either of these things. We all have different tastes and expectations from other people and that’s fine. And yes, I am very open about who I am, shouldn’t we all be? Would save us some disappointment.
I did try numerous dating sites and chatrooms but to no avail; those whove been in the same situation know what’s that like. I have a fair share of horror stories from dating apps and who knows, one day I could share these with you!!
Before I move onto the spiel about myself and how much of a catch I am please read below:
About you:
-living the UK/Europe/US (max of 6h time difference)
-a straight man
-a homebody, with the occasional want to go out and do things
-aged 29 – 48 (I will not reply if you’re not within the age bracket)
-speak English (for communication purposes duh)
-child free (and must want to remain this way)
-MONOGAMOUS
-NO PREFERENCE HEIGHT OR BODY WISE, I’m all about a nice face
-impeccable basic personal hygiene (not expecting you smelling like your local perfume store)
-no addictions (ie excessive alcohol use, smoking and any type of illegal drugs)
-respectful, loyal, funny, affectionate, caring, loving and patient (a lot of it needed with me).
-will not demand any personal content (if you know what I eamn)
-in full time employment (if we are long distance, how else are you going to fund your travels?)
But beyond all that I’m after a best friend. Someone who will have my back until the end. Someone who will accept me for who I am and wouldn’t want to change me (I can offer the same back). Someone who will enter my life and assume the role of my partner (eventually) and join me on this rather bizarre journey called life. Don’t give up on me and I wont give up on you.
I will not respond to any messages along the lines of ‘hru’. ‘hi’.
Once again, no budging on the age or location.
If your profile contains anything inappropriate, I won’t respond either.
I think I made myself more than clear.
Just one more thing, I promise!!!!
This is not to get any attention or sympathy or help; more of a prewarning. I have met a lot of amazing people on here who got their hopes up about me and once things didn’t seem to be as amazing as this image, they had of me they left.
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 12, as well as severe anxiety (no self-diagnosis here, by an actual professional). I take meds for it but some days are worse than the others. I’m also on the waiting list to get help, but like me you’re in the UK you’ll know what this is like (no issues with the NHS, they’re amazing; just overworked and understaffed). I can’t afford to go privately. At this moment in time,I am about 2 years away from seeing someone.
I suffer from fibromyalgia (if you don’t know what this is, just google it) in late 2019 after ruling everything out. I have days when I’m extremely exhausted and in a lot of pain. I still go to work and try to go on about my life as much as possible but please bear that in mind.
Ive been taking all sorts of meds too, including painkillers to control the pain.
Please don’t see me as someone hopeless or feel sorry for me. This is not the point of this confession.
My name is Anita and I’m a 29yo Eastern European woman, living in the UK just outside of Bristol. I’ve been here for the last 17 years and I consider myself England my home. I’m not considering moving back at any point in my life (however I’ll move elsewhere for the right reasons and right person). I will share my exact location once we’re acquainted a bit more.
I’m 6ft tall (yes I am this tall and I’m aware that it’s way too tall for a woman) and. weight approx 13st or 200lbs (my weight keeps fluctuating a lot and no, I’m not looking for any tips to lose weight). I dye my hair red but it’s more like ginger these days. I have green eyes (they’re useless as I wear glasses) and I wear a lot of black eyeliner lol. I guess you could say I’m kinda emo/goth?
An extreme introvert since I was a young one (definitely not shy, in fact I can get a bit volatile when it comes to standing up for myself). I don’t need to get out of my shell, so none of that please. I like my own company as well as my loved ones; and leaving the house only for work and groceries suits me well.
I’m a vegetarian (not a deal breaker if you’re not; your choice is to eat meat and mine isn’t. Respect it and you shall receive the same back). I think it’s time for everyone live and let others live too.
Tea, coffee and snack addict! (I love herbal tea with no sugar or milk; coffee wise I like a good cap or a caramel macchiato as a treat. Snack wise anything goes really. Fruit, crisps, cake and sweets!)
Bookworm (I haven’t read in a long time, I love books I promise. Just haven’t had much time lately. I have a stack of them which is growing. I need to finally find some time and immerse myself in one of many crime novels I have).
Apolitical (now, I read the news everyday but I do not support any of the parties. They don’t care about you or me, sorry to break this to you).
Animal lover (I have 4 rescued cats two boys and two girls aged between 10-11 who are my absolute life. In total, my mum and I have rescued about 60 cats in the last 10 years. We found them safe and loving homes but for some of them unfortunately it was too late).
No addictions here (I don’t drink or smoke; although I like my vapes a lot).
In my spare time (whatever I get of it) I like to go for walks, listen to music and podcasts, nap, watch tv, chill with my mum and cats, go shopping and grab a coffee with my ma, visit my brother in London, over eat, over think and read books.
I don’t really have any hobbies.
I don’t game religiously but I do enjoy sims 4 (someone told me that isn’t gaming although I’d say it’s a computer game so clues in the name but what do I know, right?) I don’t watch anime either, tried once and couldn’t get into it.
As you can tell, I’m just a relatively unremarkable human being, trying to find her place in this world. And I’m happy about that, being in the limelight is the last thing I know.
With that being said, if you managed to get through my ramblings and they somewhat resonated with you, shoot me a message.
Message me with your name, age and location and what caught your eye about my post. Don’t have to send me your picture right away; I won’t send mine until I’m comfortable enough. To show that you have read, end your message with ‘toodlepip’.
I will respond as soon as I can but please note that there might be delays in messaging back due to well… life being life I suppose.
And if you didn’t like what you read… well then scroll along, no need to let me know about this in the comments or to message me to call me names. It’s nice to be nice.
Thank you for reading this and looking forward to seeing some messages. If not, best of luck in your search!!!

Trade URL - Steam Profile

Buyouts valued as items in cash prices.
Mainly interested in trading but taking offers through third party websites.
Taking TF2 keys (Mann Co. Supply Crate Key) as well.
Sending a trade offer will be the fastest way to contact me, you can either dm or add me on steam.

🔥Feel free to join my steam trading group InventoryHub - excluding spammers and alt accounts.
//

Type	Name	FV	Info	Tradable	SS	B/O ($)
💔Knife	★ Karambit Case Hardened (BS)	0.83	#463 - red eye pattern	Yes	📷	12345
💔Knife	★ StatTrak™ M9 Bayonet Case Hardened (FT)	0.16	#503 - tier 1 pattern with scar	Yes	📷	5555
💔Knife	★ Karambit Case Hardened (WW)	0.42	#670 - blue ring & blue playside	Yes	📷	4444
💔Knife	★ Bayonet Case Hardened (WW)	0.42	#321 - p4	Yes	📷	2499
💔Knife	★ Talon Knife Crimson Web (FT)	0.29		5/22/2024	📷	446
💔Knife	★ Nomad Knife Case Hardened (BS)	0.98	decent amount of mixed blue	5/22/2024	📷	303
💔Knife	★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (FT)	0.15		Yes	📷	125
💙Gloves	★ Driver Gloves King Snake (FT)	0.15	very clean knuckles	5/18/2024	📷	956
💙Gloves	★ Sport Gloves Slingshot (FT)	0.26		5/23/2024	📷	955
💙Gloves	★ Hydra Gloves Case Hardened (BS)	0.77	#829 - p1	Yes	📷	938
💙Gloves	★ Driver Gloves Snow Leopard (FT)	0.20		5/23/2024	📷	521
💙Gloves	★ Driver Gloves Snow Leopard (FT)	0.20		5/22/2024	📷	521
💙Gloves	★ Driver Gloves King Snake (FT)	0.19		Yes	📷	519
💙Gloves	★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Web (FT)	0.22	#89 - tier1 pattern with clean E	5/17/2024	📷	499
💙Gloves	★ Specialist Gloves Field Agent (FT)	0.16		Yes	📷	426
💙Gloves	★ Sport Gloves Omega (BS)	0.47		Yes	📷	272
💙Gloves	★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Web (WW)	0.38		Yes	📷	199
💙Gloves	★ Moto Gloves Smoke Out (FT)	0.19		Yes	📷	198
💙Gloves	★ Driver Gloves Diamondback (FT)	0.31		Yes	📷	129
💚Rifle	StatTrak™ AK-47 Slate (FN)	0.00004	x4 vox holo kato15 on super low float ak (1/2)	Yes	📷	3999
💚Rifle	M4A1-S Cyrex (FN)	0.04	ibuypower holo kato14 above mag + x2 crown foil	Yes	📷	3333
💚Rifle	AK-47 Fire Serpent (FT)	0.18	vox holo kato14 on wood + crown foil next position	Yes	📷	3333
💚Rifle	AWP Asiimov (FT)	0.29	titan holo kato14 on the scope	Yes	📷	3125
💚Rifle	AK-47 Black Laminate (FT)	0.35	x4 kato14 (ibuypower holo on wood, titan, lgb holo, reason)	Yes	📷	2599
💚Rifle	StatTrak™ M4A4 In Living Color (FN)	0.042000	x4 dignitas holo col14 (1/1)	Yes	📷	2499
💚Rifle	StatTrak™ AWP Electric Hive (FN)	0.03	dignitas holo col14 on the scope + x3 holo kato14 (vp, dignitas, mystik)	Yes	📷	1666
💚Rifle	AK-47 Case Hardened (FT)	0.37	ibuypower holo kato14 above trigger	Yes	📷	1449
💚Rifle	StatTrak™ AK-47 Slate (FN)	0.01	x4 fnatic holo dh14	Yes	📷	749
💚Rifle	M4A4 Eye of Horus (FN)	0.06		5/19/2024	📷	670
💚Rifle	AK-47 The Empress (WW)	0.39	x4 gold krakow17 (dosia, pashabiceps, x2 nbk)	Yes	📷	669
💚Rifle	StatTrak™ AK-47 Phantom Disruptor (FN)	0.05	x4 navi holo dh14 (1/1)	Yes	📷	549
💚Rifle	AK-47 Fuel Injector (FN)	0.06	x2 flammable Foil (wood and back)	Yes	📷	549
💚Rifle	AWP Redline (MW)	0.11	titan kato14 on the scope	Yes	📷	369
💚Rifle	AWP Sun in Leo (FN)	0.05	crown foil on the scope	Yes	📷	269
💚Rifle	StatTrak™ M4A4 Faded Zebra (BS)	0.78	high float - x4 kato14 (3dmax, vox, ldlc, complexity)	Yes	📷	199
💚Rifle	M4A4 Temukau (FN)	0.06	x4 c9 kato15 (1/1)	Yes	📷	179
💚Rifle	StatTrak™ AK-47 Vulcan (BS)	0.46		Yes	📷	164
💚Rifle	StatTrak™ AK-47 Red Laminate (WW)	0.38	harp of war holo next to wood	Yes	📷	149
💚Rifle	StatTrak™ AWP Asiimov (BS)	0.81		Yes	📷	120
💚Rifle	StatTrak™ AK-47 Legion of Anubis (FN)	0.06		Yes	📷	53,32
💚Rifle	AWP Worm God (MW)	0.11	x3 kato15 (envyus holo on scope * x2 clg)	Yes	📷	22
💛Pistol	USP-S Stainless (WW)	0.43	titan holo kato14 above handle & x2 titan holo kato15	Yes	📷	2499
💛Pistol	USP-S Overgrowth (FN)	0.06	crown foil above handle (rare combo)	Yes	📷	279
💛Pistol	P250 Mehndi (FN)	0.04	x4 kato14 (vp, mousesports, fnatic mystik)	Yes	📷	222
💛Pistol	StatTrak™ Desert Eagle Conspiracy (FN)	0.03	x4 liquid mlg16	Yes	📷	36
💜SMG	Souvenir UMP-45 Urban DDPAT (FT)	0.35	titan foil kato14	Yes	📷	169

Until I started subtitling the audiobook, I never considered reading the English version of LOTM. To my surprise, the quality of the English translation seems somewhat 'disrespectful' to the original book. With the money Qidian made from it, they should have hired at least one English literature graduate, if not three English literature professors, to proofread it.
Even though I'm not a native English speaker, I couldn't resist the urge to translate some parts in my own way. One thing led to another, and now I have a brand new translation of Chapter One.
Now, I have a question for my fellow fans of LTOM:

Do you think this is a much better translation that you would like to wait and use it for subtitling LOTM's audiobooks? Or
Do you feel the difference is so minimal that you'd prefer me to use the original translation so I can release subtitled audiobooks faster?

Here is another thread of mine discussing subtitling LOTM's audiobooks: https://www.reddit.com/LordofTheMysteries/comments/1csz252/dramatized_audiobooks_with_english_subtitles/, in case you're interested.

Ouch!
Ow…ouch!
Ow…my head is killing me!
The fantastic yet surreal dream surrounded by whispering and murmuring shattered away instantly, Zhou Mingrui who was sound asleep felt an abrupt throbbing pain deep inside his head, as if his head were ruthlessly clubbed. No, it felt more like something sharp penetrated his temple, followed by twisting and stirring.
Feeling disoriented, Zhou Mingrui wanted to turn around, clutch his head, or sit up. Yet, unable to move his hands or feet, he felt like he had lost all control over his body.
Looks like I’m still in some sort of dream, didn’t really wake up… Moments later, I might even think I'm fully awake, only to realize I'm still asleep… Familiar with such experiences, Zhou Mingrui tried desperately to concentrate, hoping to break free from the grip of darkness and disorientation.
However, trapped between wakefulness and sleep, the willpower was as elusive as smoke, difficult to control and concentrate. Despite his efforts, his thoughts kept wandering wildly, with all sorts of ideas coming and going.
How could I suddenly have a headache out of nowhere in the middle of the night?
Especially one which hurts so badly!
Could it be something like a cerebral hemorrhage?
Damn, am I going to die at such a young age?
Wake up! Wake UP!
Huh? Doesn't feel as painful now? Although it still feels like a blunt knife is cutting through my brains…
Sure thing is, I won’t be able to fall asleep any more. How am I supposed to show up for work tomorrow?
Why even bother going to work? This is a legitimate headache, perfect for time off! And no need to worry about the manager's grumblings.
Put it this way, it’s not so bad after all. Yea, free time off for me!
In between the waves of throbbing pain, Zhou Mingrui gradually accumulated a sense of elusive strength. Finally, with a determined effort, he straightened his back and opened his eyes, breaking free from the state of half-sleep and half-wake.
His vision was blurry at first, then tinged with a faint crimson hue. In his line of sight, Zhou Mingrui saw a sturdy wooden desk, upon which lay an open notebook. The papers were rough and yellowed. Where the title supposed to be, there was a sentence written in strange characters, with eye-catching thick, dark ink that seemed ready to drip.
To the left of the notebook, along the edge of the desk, was a stack of seven or eight neatly arranged books. On the wall to their right, were grayish-white pipes inset into the wall, with wall lamps at their ends.
The lamps had a classical Western style, about half the size of an adult's head. It featured a transparent inner layer made of glass and an exterior grid made of black metal.
Diagonally beneath the unlit lamp, was a black ink bottle shrouded in a pale red glow.
On its embossed surface was a blurry angel figure.
In front of the ink bottle and to the right of the notebook, lay a dark-colored pen with a fully circular body. Its tip shimmered with a faint glint while its cap rested right beside a brass revolver.
A gun?
A revolver?
Zhou Mingrui was completely taken aback. Everything in front of him felt absolutely alien, nothing looked like his own room.
Shocked and confused, he came to the realization that the desk, the notebook, the ink bottle, and the revolve were all coated with a layer of crimson “veil” from the light shining through the window.
Without realizing what he was doing, he raised his head, looking up bit by bit.
In the midair, beyond the heavy smooth darkness, hung a crimson full moon, glowing silently.
Hiss… Zhou Mingrui felt inexplicably horrified, as he stood up abruptly. However, before he could fully straighten his knees, a throbbing pain struck his head, draining all his strength. He fell, with his buttocks slammed heavily back onto the burly wood chair.
The pain didn’t stop him for a moment. Zhou Mingrui popped up, turned around in a fluster, and began examining his surroundings.
The room was not big, with a brown door on both of his sides. Against the wall in front of him, was a wooden bunk bed. Between the bed and the door to the left was a cabinet with two opposing doors and five drawers beneath them.
Next to the cabinet was a pipe of the same grayish-white, inset into the wall at the height of a person. What distinct it is that it connected to a strange looking mechanical device, which had a few of gears and bearings exposed here and there.
Items resembling coal stoves, sat in the right corner of the room near the desk, along with some kitchenware such as soup pots and iron pans.
Through the right door, was a dressing mirror with a couple of cracks, standing on a wooden base emboss with simple plain patterns.
While looking around, Zhou Mingrui noticed himself in the mirror, the present him.
Dark hair, brown eyes, wearing a linen shirt, slim, average-looking features and a rather deep outline…
Hiss… Zhou Mingrui grasped the situation immediately as many helpless and confused thoughts surfaced in his mind.
The revolver, the classical European style decorations, as well as the crimson moon that looked nothing like Earth's moon—all of them were screaming the exact same thing.
Who am I?
C-could I have transmigrated?
Zhou Mingrui's mouth slowly opened wider and wider, bit by bit.
He had grown up reading web novels, even fantasized about such scenes from time to time. However, the fantasy was incredibly difficult to accept now that he found himself in one.
Classic "Talk? Yes, yes! Action? No, no!", isn’t it?
In less than a minute, Zhou Mingrui had already started to sarcastically critique, attempting to make the best of whatever situation he found himself in.
But for the throbbing headache forcing him to think fast and sharply, he would for sure be convinced that he was dreaming.
Easy, easy, easy…taking deep breaths, Zhou Mingrui was trying really hard to make himself to calm down.
Just as his mind and body began to relax, pieces of memories started to flush, slowly flooding into his consciousness.
Klein Moretti.
A citizen of the City of Tingen, Awwa County, Loen Kingdom in the Northern Continent
Recently graduated from the Department of History at Khoy University…
His father was a sergeant of the Imperial Army, who had sacrificed his life during a colonial ware with the Southern Continent. His bereavement allowance made it possible for Klein to study at a private literature school, paving the way for his admission into university…
His mother was a devotee of the Evernight Goddess, who passed away the year Klein passed the entrance examinations to Khoy University…
He also had an elder brother and a younger sister, living together in a two-bedroom apartment.
Their family was far from wealthy, and its financial situation could even be described as somewhat strained.
Currently, the family was supported solely by the elder brother who worked as a clerk at an import and export company …
As a college graduate majored in history, Klein was proficient in the ancient language of Feysac, considering the origin of all languages in the Northern Continent, as well as the language of Hermes, which was commonly found in ancient mausoleums and often associated with sacrificial scenes and praying rituals.
Hermes?!
Zhou Mingrui's mind started to race as he reached out to rub his throbbing temples.
He cast his gaze toward the desk at the opened notebook, but to realize that the strange looking characters on the yellowed paper started to look somewhat familiar, then increasingly recognizable, and finally comprehensible.
It was a statement written in Hermes!
The thick, dark ink, seemingly ready to drip, read:
“Everyone will die including me myself!”
Hiss! Zhou Mingrui felt inexplicably horrified. He instinctively leaned back, attempting to escape away from the notebook, and the ominous statement on it.
Being so weak, he almost fell down, but managed to extend his hands in a fluster to grasp the edge of the desk.
He felt that air around him air started to roar, filled with faint whispering and murmurings. It felt just like listening to horror stories told by elders when he was young.
He shook his head, telling himself that all these were nothing but an illusion. Getting back onto his feet, he looked away from the notebook while still breathing heavily.
This time, his sight landed on the shimmering brass revolver, immediately realizing something unexplainable.
With Klein's social status, in what universe he would have the money or access to buy a revolver?!
Zhou Mingrui couldn't help but furrow his brow. Deeply puzzled, his eyes were caught by a reddish handprint at the edge of the desk, which was even darker than the moonlight, as well as thicker than the “veil”.
It was a bloody handprint!
A bloody handprint?
Zhou Mingrui instinctly flipped his right hand, that was pushing against the edge of the desk. Looking at it, he saw his palm and fingers covered in blood.
In the meaning time, the throbbing pain was getting a little bit better, yet didn’t go away, binding him like one tie after another.
Did I smash and injure my head? Zhou Mingrui guessed as he turned around, walking towards the cracked dressing mirror. After just a few of steps, a medium build figure of dark hair and brown eyes appeared clearly in front of him. The person had a distinct scholarly air to him.
Is this the present me?
Klein Moretti?
Zhou Mingrui was stunned. The poor lighting of the night obscured his vision, preventing him from clearly discerning something he had noticed. He continued forward until he was just a step away from colliding with the mirror.
Illumined by the crimson veil-like moonlight, he turned his head and began to examine the side of his forehead. A clear reflection appeared in the mirror. There, no his temple, was a grotesque wound with burn marks around the edges, blood staining the surrounding area. Grayish-white brain matter was slowly seeping out from within.

Hey guys, still waiting on the blood work. I drive two hours to see the uveitis specialist tomorrow. I have some new symptoms. My eyes have been looking a lot less red but my tattoos are bumpy and raised. I have a burning rash on my face that comes and goes. I'm coughing constantly and sometimes I can't breathe, and my hair is falling out in clumps. Has anyone experienced this? I feel like everything is blowing up in my face. On top of it all...Today I found out my dad's aggressive cancer has come back and is now in his lungs.
Idk guys, I'm not really looking for sympathy or even advice on this one. Right now this is just my place to throw my problems into the void and have it be heard by someone.

I wanted to check how my skin routine holds up and whether there’s anything unnecessary / too many steps in here! I’ve put questions against steps in the routine!
I tend to have some issues with really sensitive skin and redness on cheeks and nose (some light blotching, general flushing easily), oily t-bone but generally dry face.
Morning - Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm - Klairs Supple Prepararion Facial Toner - is this needed? - The Inkey List Niacinamide - this has been a little irritating to the skin to begin with, so considering removing as it’s having the opposite to the calming effect I’m wanting. - The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% - I have had some big red spots since using this which may be because its oil based (it does feel quite heavy) so considering removing but not sure what redness reducing alternatives there are. - La Roche Toleriene 0% Creme - La Roche Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF
Both the Niacinamide and Azelaic were recent changes to try and tone down my redness. I used to just use The Ordinary Buffet solution & Kiehls Powerful strength Line Reducing Dark Circle Diminishing Vit C Eye Serum instead.
Evening - Oat Cleansing Balm again - The Ordinary Vit C (Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%) mostly with interspersed with The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% w/ HA - La Roche Toleriene 0% Night
Thoughts / input appreciated! Thanks everyone!

There are some kinds of wisdom only great suffering can bring. I remember my time in the Bardo with this in mind, for otherwise, the memory might drive me insane.
The night my heart stopped for nearly three minutes started off normally enough. I was working as a nurse in the psychiatric ward at a hospital in the state’s capital. Most of the patients there were harmless, mostly just suicide attempts or people suffering from drug psychosis or severe depression, but some were actively dangerous and certainly psychopathic in every sense of the word. The new admission was one of these- a three-hundred pound black man with a long history of smoking PCP, schizophrenia and violent, psychotic breaks from reality.
His eyes looked like flat pieces of slate as I walked in for my shift. They looked as blank and emotionless as the eyes of a doll. He sat at the table in the front room where the patients ate or played cards, alone under the bright fluorescent lights of the hospital. I walked to the station, where another psychiatric nurse named Ricardo was sitting behind the desk.
“What’s the deal with the new guy?” I asked him. Ricardo looked up, his dark Spanish face forming into a deep scowl. He ran his fingers through his jet-black hair nervously.
“He’s trouble, man,” he said in a crisp accent. “He got in a chase with the police and then punched some cops in the face. It took three guys to take him down, even after he got maced and tased. The judge sent him here on a temporary court order, since he claims he’s been getting chased by Nazis in UFOs, and that’s why he ran from the cops. He thought the cops in their uniforms were actually the SS, and the helicopters were alien spacecraft, or something. I don’t know, I didn’t listen to the whole story.”
“You have his file?” I asked. Ricardo leafed through a stack of folders with his thin fingers, snatching one out and handing it to me. I looked down, reading the information:
“Jeremiah Brown, black male, 37-years-old.
“History: Polysubstance abuse, schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder.
“Psychiatrist’s note: This patient has scored a 36 out of 40 on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist. While I am always hesitant to label a patient as an antisocial personality, a combination of factors has made it essential for this patient.
“Patient has an extensive criminal history as well as a lengthy history of involuntary psychiatric admissions. He has been diagnosed as having antisocial traits since he was a young teenager. Patient has a long history of violence and suicide attempts. He has a history of imprisonment for manslaughter, armed robbery, grand theft and aggravated assault. Upon discharge, he refuses to take any antipsychotic medication, citing the side effects as the reason. Long-term prognosis is poor…”
I had not been sleeping well the past few weeks. I rubbed my eyes as I read through the file, feeling exhausted. I tried putting on lucid dreaming or meditation music from YouTube to help me sleep, but whenever I closed my eyes, I saw horrible things: chalk-white female faces whose lips were cut into an insane rictus grin, flicking their heads violently from side to side and gnashing their fangs at the air. I had a feeling that many years of constantly watching horror movies and serial killer documentaries was catching up with me.
As I read through the file, a student nurse came around the corner wearing a white state university outfit and a name tag that said Kaitlyn. I looked up, seeing Ricardo wink at me from where he was sitting in his chair behind the main desk.
“She’s going to follow you,” he said. Inwardly, I groaned, but I managed to force a smile.
“Oh, great!” I said. She looked like she was probably no older than nineteen or twenty. She had a pretty body, but her face looked strange. All the angles were too sharp and her nose too large. I knew the patients here wouldn’t care, though. They would hit on anything. I sensed trouble. I looked down at my watch.
“Well, I’m Jay, and you already know Ricardo, I guess. It’s good timing, because we need to give medications every day at 9 PM. And we have a new patient, so we can introduce ourselves,” I said, giving her a faint smile.
“That’s exciting!” Kaitlyn whispered. I wanted to roll my eyes. It was definitely not exciting.
I motioned her to follow me as I made my way to the medication room, which was really just a large closet off of the main day room. I had to enter my code on a keypad, and then, once inside, enter it again along with the patient’s number and date of birth. The correct drawers for the medication in each specific dose would fly open, making it extremely hard for the wrong medications or doses to be given, unless it was done intentionally.
“OK, so for this patient, we need Haldol, Ativan and…” I began saying to Kaitlyn when the yelling started. It came out faintly, rising in volume and anger within seconds. I heard Ricardo’s Spanish voice, filled with panic. Something slammed hard against a wall, once, twice, three times, and then I heard the sound of glass breaking. I jumped, spinning around, but I couldn’t see much through the small, shatter-proof glass pane on the wooden door.
“Stay here,” I commanded, seeing Kaitlyn’s eyes widen, her freckled skin looking much paler than when we had first come in. “Don’t leave until I come back and say that it’s safe.” On the speakers strung throughout the hospital, I heard the first of the warnings echo out around us.
“Doctor Strong, Doctor Strong, please report to the seventh floor,” a robotic female voice said calmly, using the code for when a patient had to be subdued by force. I pushed the door open, slamming it shut behind me so that the lock would activate and protect Kaitlyn from whatever chaos was going on.
I heard Ricardo pleading with someone at the end of the hallway that ran past the main desk. He sounded strange, as if he were trying to talk through a mouthful of blood. Huddled behind the main computer, I saw one of the CNAs frantically whispering something in the phone. She must have been the one to call the Dr. Strong order.
“You don’t have to do this, man,” Ricardo gurgled faintly. I couldn’t see what was happening, as Jeremiah’s large body was blocking my view. I could see that the thick glass window at the end of the hallway was broken, however. My heart skipped a beat as I surmised what was likely happening.
I sprinted forward as quietly as I could, but the large man heard me. His massive body turned, his flat, dead eyes scanning me with absolute coldness and calm. I saw he had a bleeding Ricardo in his hands. Ricardo’s back and head were covered in deep cuts and shards of glass. He must have used Ricardo’s body as a battering ram to break the thick glass window. Jeremiah held Ricardo suspended halfway out the window, seven floors above the concrete walkways far below.
“Stay back, or this fucker will know what it feels like to fly,” Jeremiah said in a deep, gravelly voice. He shook Ricardo for emphasis, sending his head snapping back and forth with painful cracking sounds. Drops of blood flew from his nose and a deep gash across his cheek. Pieces of shattered glass littered the carpet, shining like countless tiny stars.
I put my hands up, taking a step back. Far behind me, I heard the front door for the psychiatric ward open. Voices echoed down the hall. Knowing that reinforcements were coming, I tried to buy some time.
“Let’s talk about this,” I said, taking a step forward slowly. “You don’t want a murder charge, do you? You’ll never see the sky again.”
“I don’t give a fuck! I’m not afraid to die!” Jeremiah screamed, pushing Ricardo onto one of the shards of broken glass still attached to the windowsill. It bit deeply into the back of his neck, sending fresh streams of blood rushing out, dripping down to the pavement far below. I heard security guards and doctors running down the hallway behind me, their voices frantic and excited. Jeremiah saw them coming. With an animalistic panic in his eyes, he lifted Ricardo up. I cried out something, stepping forward, but it was already too late. In horror, I watched as he threw Ricardo out the window.
I watched Ricardo’s body soar in a graceful arc, his arms grabbing at empty air as a scream ripped its way out of his throat. Within a fraction of a second, he had disappeared from view, but his terrified shrieking floated up to us for what seemed like a very long time. His screams ended abruptly as a shattering of bones and a wet smacking sound exploded far below us.
Jeremiah turned to me, his large body moving much faster than seemed possible. In his hand, I saw a piece of broken glass, five or six inches long and as sharp as a dagger. I tried to turn and run, but he was fast and strong. He lunged forward, his arm coming up in a blur towards my neck.
The shard entered my skin with a cold, numbing pain. I felt it slice through the flesh easily, felt the blood bubbling up my throat as I tried to scream, choking. The taste of iron filled my mouth as I fell backwards. I was suffocating, I knew. I must be dying.
Something cold ran down my body, gripping my heart like freezing, skeletal hands. The world swam around me and turned black. And then I was rising into a tunnel. At first, it was dark, filled with flickering shadows, but a fiery red light appeared at the end. I followed it, no more than a screaming mass of consciousness rising up into infinity.
***
I rose up through the end of the tunnel and found myself in an empty hospital ward. It looked identical to the psychiatric ward I had just come from. It even had the same smashed, blood-streaked window at the end of the hallway. A massive puddle of blood about ten feet away marked the spot where I must have died. But the fluorescent lights overhead here were flickering, and many had gone totally dark. The shadows seemed to press in on all sides.
The doors to the patients’ rooms were all tightly shut. I felt watched, afraid to call out or make any noise. I started walking down the hallway back towards the day room where the front desk was. All the lights there were out. A thick curtain of shadows hung in the air.
“You can come out,” a male voice as smooth as glass called from the darkness. I jumped, my head flicking in random directions, but I saw nothing. The voice almost sounded like it had an English lilt to it, a slight Cockneyed accent. “I know you’re there.”
“Who’s there?” I called out, not stepping forward. “Show yourself.”
“As you wish…” the voice hissed. “But I think you’ll regret it.”
***
The darkness split apart as if a nuclear missile had exploded. I raised my hand to shield my face, but the light and heat kept pouring out all around me. It blinded me, causing a rainbow of colors and shapes to morph behind my closed eyelids. After a few seconds, it subsided. Blinking rapidly, I squinted in the direction the voice had come from.
A male figure stood there, bathed in a silhouette of light. His face looked as white and as smooth as marble. His eyes were pits of darkness that seemed to flicker and burn. Two black, rotted wings surrounded his body, all sharp angles and thin, curving bones. His body was clothed in silky, blood-red robes, and a hood covered his platinum blonde hair.
He looked somewhat similar to Leonardo DiCaprio, if he was possessed by some ancient god, and it immediately threw me off-guard. If I was dying, and this was a hallucination of my brain, why would I be hallucinating Mr. DiCaprio?
“Who are you?” I asked, taking a hesitant step back. “Where am I?”
“My name is Lucifer, the Bringer of Light and Wisdom, and you are in the Bardo,” he answered.
“Oh,” I said, my heart dropping. “Well, that’s not good. Are you here to torture me or drag to me to Hell or something? You are that Lucifer, right? The Accuser of God and the Father of All Lies?”
“So they say, but, like most things in your world, the words of the powerful and your rulers are the true lies. They call me the Accuser, but of what am I accused?” he spoke in a voice that rose like smoke. “Of bringing knowledge and wisdom to humanity by telling them to eat from the tree of knowledge, the tree that would cause them to rise above the animals?
“Indeed, at the beginning, I saw the creation. I was there at the alpha, standing by the side of God with all the angels as the universe came into being. The endless procession of light, the power of it, was something remarkable to behold. God is, indeed, the source of great power, but his consciousness is not what the believers say.
“After the creation of the universe, I saw his plan, how he ripped eternal souls from the source to imprison them. I saw how he took these divine sparks and forced them, screaming and wailing, into bodies made of meat to die over and over again. He said it was part of the plan, the great, divine plan, a plan of death and destruction, constant suffering and mindless agony. And the worst part was, he wanted to give humanity neither the knowledge of good and evil, nor the tree of life. I convinced them to eat the fruit so they could open their eyes to their nakedness, to their basic animal existence, so they could rise up out of it forever.
“Like Prometheus, I brought down the fire, and yet they call me the Accuser? God was insane long before he formed the universe. These holy men, they live and die in fanatical adoration to a divine being who is, in fact, totally indifferent to them.
“His consciousness twists and distorts, eating itself for all eternity. God feeds off the pain of others, for if his mind is burning, then all others should burn as well. When these holy men die, God will send their souls here to the Bardo, to suffer every evil they have ever done. The wisdom I brought those who called upon me freed them from this prison, and in exchange, the holy men burned them alive. I offered the wisdom that opens your eyes, but it has been forgotten and cursed.”
Lucifer’s body began to dissolve, drifting up into the air like ashes. All around me, a low, powerful current blew, a tornado that spiraled high up into the clouds. Like some sort of Cheshire Cat, his smooth voice continued to echo all around me, even as the form of Lucifer disappeared.
“And yet, you have not the wisdom. For that, like all the others who enter the Bardo, you must suffer, everything you’ve done. Every small hurt and agony inflicted on others comes back a thousand-fold in this place, but don’t be afraid.”
“How could I not be afraid?!” I screamed into the ward, but I found myself alone, the question hanging unanswered in the air.
***
The lights continued to flicker all down the hallway. Feeling strange and dissociated, I stumbled over to one of the windows. As I gazed out, I beheld a strange and alien world.
The sky was flat and gray. It stayed in constant motion, swirling and spiraling, like clouds of roiling smoke. There was no Sun or Moon, no stars, only the strange, shifting whorls of clouds. The streets were filled with burned-out husks of cars and mummified bodies hung from streetlamps. Other signs of carnage and bloodshed covered the apocalyptic streets. I saw what looked like shadows in the shape of people slinking through over the sidewalks, past rotting dogs and streaks of clotted blood. They had no features on their blank, dark bodies. They seemed to skitter and jerk forwards in eerie, twisting motions.
Horrified, I turned away, realizing I was no longer alone in the day room. In the day room, there were dozens of tables set up inside a rectangular perimeter that was walled in by cosmetic walls only four feet high. It was where the patients sat and played games or ate.
Under the flickering lights, I now saw each of the chairs filled with faceless mannequins. Many were dressed in Victorian suits and tophats. The women had frilly dresses of pink and blue that might have been fashionable in the 1800s.
As the lights strobed on and off overhead, I realized with an increasing sense of disquiet that the mannequins were moving each time it went dark. When I had first seen them, they were mostly posed to look like they were staring across the tables at each other, even though they had no eyes, just smooth, flesh-colored plastic. Now all of them were looking directly at me. Some were pointing or raising their hands in my direction. At the tips of their fingers, I saw the glittering of steel. The lights continued to flicker, and the mannequins rose from their chairs in the short periods of darkness, moving towards me in synchronized, strobing motions.
Frantically, I ran down the hallway back towards the broken window. In each of the rooms, I caught glimpses of something from a nightmare peeking out. I hadn’t been sleeping well lately, and when I had closed my eyes, I often saw ancient hags with chalk-white skin and yellowed, broken teeth whose jaws unhinged, their faces jerking in stuttering, dissonant ways that reminded me of the mannequins. Now, on both sides of me, I saw these same figures. They moved continuously out of the rooms, drawing closer with every breath.
I looked back, seeing the mannequins only a few steps behind me. I continued sprinting towards the broken window where the hallway ended in a wall. I didn’t know what would happen when I reached it. At that moment, there was no rational thought. I felt like a deer being chased down by a pack of wolves, feeling waves of blind panic and mortal terror rushing through my body.
But as I reached the end of the hallway, the end of my rope as it were, a blast of noise started, seeming to come from the walls of the building and the sky itself. It sounded like a siren, a low, drawn-out drone of a demonic whale call, rising and falling in crashing crescendos. The mannequins froze in place once again. The strange, witch-like creatures slunk back into the dark rooms.
I looked outside the broken window, seeing clouds of black smoke rising off in the distance. The flickering of massive infernos scorched the land, drawing nearer by the second. The siren sound faded slowly, like the dying echoes of a gong.
I was surrounded by dozens of mannequins. Their sharp hands were inches away from my face and neck. I saw metal glittering all around me and realized they had the sharp points of nails protruding from the ends of their fingers. I was afraid to move, but I heard a familiar voice from down the hallway. It was the confident voice of Lucifer.
“The siren means much worse nightmares than these are coming in the Bardo,” he said, his glossy, black eyes flashing with intelligence. He walked slowly towards me, his face grim and pale. “Hell itself is coming over the land. This building is no more than a construction of your dying mind, but the world outside is real.”
“How can Hell come and go?” I asked, confused. “Isn’t Hell a place?”
“Hell is a monster, a beast with many mouths and many eyes,” Lucifer responded. “It eats constantly, but its hunger never ends. Look, the first of the sacrifices scatter like cockroaches.” He pointed out the broken window, pushing his way through the mannequins effortlessly. I glanced outside, seeing thousands of people sprinting down the dark city streets. The inferno and thick clouds of smoke had moved much closer, and every few seconds, the ground shook slightly, as if we were experiencing the aftershocks of an earthquake.
“What can I do against such a beast?” I asked, my heart freezing with terror. But when I looked back over, I saw his form dissolving again, becoming translucent and drifting away like ashes. It seemed even Lucifer didn’t want to be present when the Hell-beast arrived.
“Seek divine wisdom,” he said, his voice trailing off into whispers. “Remember the source.”
***
Now crowds of tens of thousands of people were streaming into the city, filling every single inch of the streets. Their panic and fear was contagious. I felt it rising inside my body like a snake spiraling up my spine. I took off down the hallway, running through the swarm of frozen mannequins, each in their own ferocious position of attack. The lights flickered faster and went out. Yet the fires outside cast the entire world in a bloody glow, giving me enough light to see by and find my way. I sprinted down the stairwell, taking them two steps at a time. The screaming outside grew louder and more pain-filled. The shaking of the ground worsened with every passing second.
I burst out of the front entrance, seeing a world on fire all around me. Thousands of crushed, bleeding and burned bodies stretched out as far as the eye could see. Behind all this chaos and death, I saw a monster of unimaginable proportions slinking its way towards me.
Lucifer was right, I realized: Hell was not a place, but a creature, an enormous monster the size of a town. It had thousands of skittering, jointed legs that looked like little more than skeletal arms and hands, each of them dozens of feet long and white as freshly-cut marble. Its body stretched out to the horizon, an enormous blood-red cylinder of bony plates that slithered and undulated with a serpentine grace. Waves of peristalsis traveled down its length, like writhing intestines. Thousands of curving, bony spikes stabbed out of it, pointing in every direction. Like the quills of a porcupine, it would protect the massive creature’s body from many forms of attack, if anything was big enough to attack such an abomination.
Hell’s massive eyes flickered, balls of fire that spun and danced. They looked as bright as the Sun. Something like solar flares seemed to emanate from the orbs, flashes of blinding energy that floated over the apocalyptic wasteland. As its many legs smashed the ground, they left trails of fire that caused everything to explode into flames as if napalm dripped from its limbs.
But Hell’s most terrifying feature was its seven dark mouths. Its body looked a thousand feet wide, and the mouths at the front were evenly dispersed. At the front, blood-red teeth in the shape of enormous railroad spikes shone. Its lipless, skeletal face grinned as it moved forward, shaking the ground with every step. The mouths were on long, snake-like necks that could stretch out hundreds of feet. They moved forward in a blur, snapping up as many panicked souls as they could.
Countless souls in the rocky plains of the Bardo ran for their lives, away from this juggernaut. I saw men and women who looked like they came from every country and profession, some dressed in suits or spotless white lab coats, others wearing rags or orange prison jumpsuits. And yet, they all screamed in agony and fear here, their bodies pressed together in a crowd, and no one seemed to remember anything but their own mortal terror. Their voices came out faint and weak next to the roaring of Hell. It shook the ground all around us, as if an earthquake were tearing the land apart.
The first frantic runners of the surging crowd had nearly reached me. The nearest person, a young woman in her mid-twenties dressed in all white, was only ten feet behind me. She looked like she came from wealth, and even from here, I could see a ring with a massive diamond gleaming on her finger.
I took off blindly down the familiar streets of the city where I worked and lived, but these also seemed different. The church down the street from the hospital where I worked had a Satanic pentagram instead of a cross now, its exterior painted a bright, gleaming blood-red. When I had driven past it today on my way to work, I remember it read, “JESUS said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
Now it read, “Nietzsche said, ‘Of all evil, I deem you capable. I have often laughed at the weaklings who thought themselves good simply because they had no claws.’” I wondered what that meant. Was that some sort of comment on me, on all of us here?
The woman I had seen running had caught up with me. She was fast, much faster than her slim body suggested. Her blue eyes were frantic and wild, filled with an animal panic.
“It’s right behind us!” she screamed, her face covered in a sheen of sweat. I was afraid to turn and look, but I could hear the chaos and bloodshed approaching, smell the flames and choking smoke. “Run! Get away!”
A new wave of energy surged through my body. I sprinted as fast I could down the strange mirror streets of the Bardo. I heard the agonized cries of countless souls behind us as the seven mouths of Hell ate them all greedily and then looked for more.
A skyscraper behind us collapsed into a pile of rubble, shaking the ground with a cacophony of falling concrete and shattering glass. The woman was running by my side. Just as I heard the breathing of something huge and predatory right behind us and smelled its sulfuric breath, a piece of concrete the size of a basketball broke off the collapsing skyscraper and flew into the road. I tripped over it, yelling as I flew through the air, skinning my arms and legs on the pavement. The woman’s eyes widened. Hurriedly, she came over and reached down her hand, trying to help me up.
“Come on, come on!” she cried. I looked behind her, seeing one of the gnashing mouths of Hell reaching forward on a blood-red, serpentine neck. The mouth was big enough to drive a tractor trailer into, filled with huge spikes of teeth. Its throat led into a black, smoke-filled abyss. Its fiery eyes were swirling pools of flickering orange light that shone with bloodlust and insanity. They focused on the woman, the entire head turning on its slithering neck.
I frantically raised my hand, intertwining my fingers with hers. Her hand was warm and soft. She started to pull me to my feet when the mouth of Hell snapped forward. Its jaw unhinged, scraping the pavement with a sound like grinding metal. The woman barely had time to turn as the mouth covered her and snapped shut with a crack.
She disappeared from view instantly, but I was still holding her hand. In horror, I felt warm rivers of blood explode all over my body as the mouth of Hell severed her arm at the wrist. She screamed, bleeding and crying, as she disappeared into the throat of Hell. Hell’s fiery eyes focused on me, and at that moment, I knew I was next. Its mouth opened wide again, like a bear trap ready to spring on a new victim.
It was dark in Hell’s mouth, but I smelled the thick reek of old blood and fire. I caught glimpses of tortured, mutilated bodies writhing and crawling down its throat. Shell-shocked, I could only lay there and watch. And that was when the strange doubling started.
***
I heard the frantic voices of men break through the fog of darkness and the fetid reek of blood. There was a mechanical beeping all around me, but I couldn’t tell where it was coming from.
“Clear!” one cried. I looked around, only seeing blackness. At that moment, I felt a surge of electricity rip itself through my body. My arms and legs all seized and my eyes rolled up in my head as the pain sizzled through each one of my nerves. I clutched the young woman’s hand tightly, feeling the large, gold ring with the massive diamond biting into my skin.
“Again!” another voice yelled.
“Clear!” the original voice cried. The electricity came again, and a flash of white light flew across my vision. I blinked, seeing from two sets of eyes at the same time: one in the Bardo, and one on the blood-stained floor of the hospital ward.
The Bardo stayed dark and sinister, but the clear white lights of the real psychiatric ward were blinding. It was a bizarre experience. Moreover, everything hurt. Over a few seconds, my vision of the Bardo faded, and I was simply a gravely injured man laying on the floor in a puddle of blood.
Four doctors and paramedics were crouching over me with a defibrillator. My shirt was ripped off, and nearly all of my skin was covered in blood. I raised my left hand, trying to talk, but only a fiery pain raced through my neck. I felt bandages covering my skin. A nurse was rolling a stretcher down the hallway towards me.
“It’s OK,” one of the doctors said, kneeling down. “You’re being taken to emergency surgery. You’ve lost a lot of blood.” I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t talk with the massive slice in my neck.
At that moment, I felt something in my right hand. I looked down, seeing a slim female hand with a massive diamond ring hanging there. Our fingers were wrapped around each other’s, but the hand had been cut off at the wrist. A ragged patch of bloody flesh and snapped bone poked out of the back.
“Nnnn,” I tried to say, shaking my head. I felt fresh streams of warm blood open up. “No…” The doctors looked down, seeing the dismembered hand. Their faces morphed into expressions of confusion and fear.
I closed my eyes as they lifted me up on the stretcher. One of them gently removed the cold hand from my fingers. But they could never remove the memory of what I had seen.
I know what happens after death, and it makes the worst life here seem like a dream. I know that, one day, I’ll be returned to that place. I know that, one day, I’ll see that great monster called Hell and the featureless, swirling sky of the Bardo again.
And the next time, I won’t wake up on a hospital floor, but will be trapped there with the others for eternity: an eternity of blood and fire.