As soon as I saw the pack I was inspired to write a generations challenge around it. I have recently finished writing and wanted to share it with you! Hope you enjoy playing it. Sorry for the long post though lol.
Here is the rules of the Crystal Generations Challange:
The first gen is responsible for all the crafting of the jewelry and each heir must wear their respective crystals as jewelry that the founder has crafted. Plumbite has to be carved into a gemstone and every generation can use it. Each heir's color palette is the colors of their crystals.
The First Gen
You, a gifted spellcaster with an ancient bloodline, rebel against the expectations of your ancestors. Despite achieving Virtuoso rank in spellcasting, your perfectionist nature and creative spirit drive you to pursue crystal crafting, defying tradition. Your journey symbolizes a quest for individuality despite familial pressure, as you craft jewelry imbued with your unique magic. Through your defiance, you find liberation and leave a long-lasting legacy, inspiring future generations to embrace their own paths and cherish the bonds of family.
Crystals: Moonstone, Alabaster, Shinolite
Traits: Perfectionist, Family Oriented, Creative
Aspiration: Crystal Crafter
Rules;

• Work on Spellcraft and Sorcery aspiration as a teen.
• Start your own life on an empty lot with zero simoleons as soon as you finish the aspiration.
• Master Gemology skill.
• Complete Crystals and Metals collections.
• Create master quality jewelry using all the crystals exept Plumbite.
• Create a gemstone using Plumbite.
• Have triplets only.

The Second Gen
You, a talented actress driven by jealousy, ambition, and snobbery, navigate the ruthless world of Hollywood. Determined to achieve wealth and fame, your competitive nature leads you to pursue success, regardless of the cost. As your star rises, you find yourself entangled in scandals and rivalries, questioning the sacrifices demanded by your ambition. Will your jealous nature consume you, or will you emerge victorious, shining brightly among the stars you envy?
Crystals: Jade, Jonquilyst, Crandestine
Traits: Jealous, Ambitious, Snob
Aspiration: Fabulously Wealthy
Career: ActoActress
Rules;

• Master mixology and acting skills.
• Be enemies with at least 5 celebrities.
• Get divorced and then remarry with the same sim.

The Third Gen
You are a unique sim that yearns to achieve inner peace. As a paranormal investigator, you navigate through supernatural mysteries, guided by your genius intellect. Despite your occasional mishaps, your determination to find harmony remains steady. Along your journey, you encounter challenges that test your resolve, yet you approach them with compassion and a calm demeanor. Through meditation, spiritual teachings, and the support of a close-knit family, you discover that true peace lies not in the absence of chaos, but in the serenity of one's own heart.
Crystals: Amethyst, Citrine, Alexandrite
Traits: Genius, Clumsy, Vegetarian
Aspiration: Inner Peace
Career: Paranormal Investigator
Rules;

• Master Medium and Wellness skills.
• Must live in a Haunted House for the entire young adult life.
• Have a good relationship with your children.
• Have family bowling night every Sunday.

The Fourth Gen
You are a style influencer that navigates the complexities of love and fashion. Despite your glamorous look, you have a deep sense of melancholy, and you struggle to connect with others on a deeper level. Your love life is packed with challenges due to your unflirty nature, leading to a series of failed romances. Yet, amidst the chaos, you learn to embrace your flaws and vulnerabilities. Through your journey, you discover that true beauty lies in authenticity and resilience, emerging as a beacon of hope for your love life.
Crystals: Rose, Diamond
Traits: Unflirty, Gloomy, Outgoing
Aspiration: Painter
Career: Style Influencer
Rules;

• Master Charisma, Painting and Photography skills.
• Have three failed relationships before finding your spouse.
• Marry a cheerful sim.

The Fifth Gen
You harbor a deep passion for history and want to become an archaeology scholar. You embark on a journey to become a scholar in the field. Through your expeditions, you learn to reconcile your desires with your morals, understanding that true wisdom comes from sharing knowledge rather than hoarding treasures. You become a guardian of history, using your unique traits to uncover hidden truths and preserve the past for future generations, realizing that your journey has only just begun amidst the ruins of civilizations long forgotten.
Crystals: Sapphire, Amazonite, Emerald
Traits: Neat, Loves Outdoors, Materialistic
Aspiration: Archaeology Scholar
Career: Education
Rules;

• Complete Ancient Omiscan Artifacts and Omiscan Treasures collections.
• Master Archaeology and Selvadoradian Culture skills.
• Get in the education career after completing your aspiration.

The Sixth Gen
You have a passion for creating immersive stories and a desire to become a bestselling author. You find inspiration from uncovering the hidden truths of your fellow sim's lives. You discover that every story you uncover with your creativity and deception skills is driven by your longing for truth. As you climb the ladder of success, you face moral dilemmas about whether to expose the secrets you discover or protect those you love. Through your adventures, you learn that the greatest stories lie not in books but in the lives of those around you, and that the most powerful truth is the one you find within yourself.
Crystals: Orange Topaz, Turquoise
Traits: Nosy, Cheerful, Bookworm
Aspiration: Best Selling Author
Career: Writer
Rules;

• Master writing and mischief skills.
• Must live in at least three different worlds for young adult and adult life.
• Eavesdrop on your neighbors and keep their secrets.

The Seventh Gen
You are a hopeless romantic who struggles to afford rent until you cross paths with a total stranger, who becomes both your roommate and closest friend. Despite your best efforts, you can’t find your place in a series of random part-time jobs. Your whimsical nature is often at odds with the demands of the working world. However, your romantic fantasies come crashing into reality when you embark on a passionate affair with a charismatic celebrity. Despite the famous person’s initial hesitance to commit and their preoccupation with their career, you find yourself swept up in a whirlwind romance that leads to a surprise pregnancy. Though doubts linger about the child's paternity, our celebrity steps up, proposes to you and whisks your life to luxury. Yet, as you settle into your opulent lifestyle, tensions brew between you and your best friend, who had always been wary of the intentions of your partner. Your friendship ultimately fractures under the weight of your new life, leaving you torn between loyalty to your friend and the uncertain but alluring promises of your newfound family, illustrating the complex interplay of fate, love, and friendship in your journey.
Crystals: Ruby, Fire Opal
Traits: Romantic, Childish, Noncommittal
Aspiration: Serial Romantic
Career: Part - Time Jobs
Rules;

• Must live with a roommate until you marry.
• Get level 3 in Babysitter, Fast Food Employee and Retail Employee careers.
• Have an accidental pregnancy with a celebrity and marry them.
• Be a housewife after you marry and devote yourself to raising your children.

The Eight Gen
You are a unique individual that dreams of becoming a professional athlete. Your love for nightlife and karaoke clashes with your quiet apartment complex's atmosphere, leading to frequent complaints from neighbors. Despite the challenges of balancing your party animal lifestyle with rigorous training, you remain determined to pursue your passion for both athleticism and socializing. Through your journey, you learn valuable lessons about responsibility and compromise, ultimately proving that with perseverance and the right attitude, you can achieve your dreams while respecting others' needs.
Crystals: Nitelite, Quartz
Traits: Squeamish, Dance Machine, Active
Aspiration: Party Animal
Career: Athlete
Rules;

• Complete City Posters collection.
• Master singing, dancing and fitness skills.
• Must accept every invitation to parties.
• Must live in an apartment with the Quiet Lot trait.

The Ninth Gen
You are a hot-headed foodie, on their journey to becoming an expert nectar maker. Leaving city life behind, you move to a rural ranch to grow ingredients and craft unique nectars. Despite challenges and occasional outbursts, your determination never wavers. Through experimentation and perseverance, you refine your skills, eventually opening a successful nectar retail shop. Along the way, you find fulfillment in sharing your passion for food and drink. Through your journey, you discover not only mastery in your craft but also a sense of belonging and purpose, showcasing the transformative power of following one's passion.
Crystals: Amber, Rainborz, Peach
Traits: Socially Awkard, Hot Headed, Foodie
Aspiration: Expert Nectar Maker
Career: Run a retail shop
Rules;

• Complete Experimental Food Photos collection.
• Master Nectar Making and Gardening skills.
• Grow a Death Flower.

The Tenth Gen
You stand out as a sim with an unwavering love for music and curiosity over flowers. Your life takes an unexpected turn when you unintentionally hasten your grandmother's passing with a bouquet infused with the scent of a death flower. Miraculously, you plead successfully with the Grim Reaper for your grandmother's life, discovering a newfound ability to summon death's harbinger and negotiate the fate of others. Despite the Grim Reaper's ominous presence, you form an unlikely friendship, eventually blossoming into an ill-fated romance. However, you learn the hard way that your love is forbidden, as spending time with the Grim Reaper accelerates your own aging. Despite this heartbreak, you channel your emotions into composing haunting melodies dedicated to your impossible love and tend to your garden with a fervent devotion. You await the passage of time, yearning for a reunion with your beloved Grim Reaper, even if only in spirit.
Crystals: Hematite, Jet, Simanite
Traits: Geek, Slob, Music Lover
Aspiration: Soulmate
Rules;

• Master Pipe Organ and Flower Arranging skills.
• Give a death flower scented arrangement to your elderly grandparent then plead for them.
• Have full friendship and romance bar with Grim Reaper.
• Date with Grim for a bit then break up.
• Don’t get married and don’t have any children.

...well-worded messages/Reddit chats.
Okay, you talked me down - one good intro message is all it takes to get you into this deluxe model. Brazilian design meets German architecture on this 1985 model. Sleek yet hairy where it counts (which is approximately everywhere), coming it at over 6'3" and a personality that shoots to the moon. Get your hands on this hard body (read: dad-bod) today!
Are you interested in cooking? Indoor, outdoor, grilling, baking - you name it, this baby does it! Open to cooperative mode, or sit back and enjoy auto-pilot and watch him prepare you a 5-star meal (disclaimer: number of stars indicated ranked out of 100)
How about gaming? This bad boy does so much gaming! Video games (Valorant, Fortnite, Stardew Valley, story-driven games, FromSoft, and more), board games, tabletop games, role-playing games (D&D and Pathfinder, open to more), you name it, he'll play it! *note: this model is not programmed to play games with your heart. For this functionality, please see model no. B4CK5TR33T B0Y5
Finally, do you enjoy nature ? This model adores all things natural. A walk in the woods, a hike on the mountain, a day at the beach, an afternoon on the lake. *water-proofing included
Worried you're not in range of this model's search radius? FEAR NOT, whike this model is based out of Virginia, this unit also comes equipped with both the "Hopeless Romantic" and "Adventurous" upgrades, so traveling and long-distance is no issue. This particular unit is also a remote worker and open to relocation for the right owner. Popular states include NY, FL, TX, CA, OH, IN, and more! *due to popular demand, this previously hidden feature Is now public: this model includes the "k!nk-friendly" upgrade.
The ideal owner of this unit is someone who identifies as female (ideally human, lizard-overlord acceptable), has a personality, sense of humor, and a pulse. 18+ only. Looks are important, but there is no specific type of owner necessary. "Alt-girlies", "moms", "bookish", "nerds / gamers", "athletes / gym rats", or any other category you may refer to yourself as are more than welcome to apply.
***When submitting an application, please include your favorite fruit, to prove you are not a robot. If you do not have a favorite fruit...what are you, 9? (If you are 9, please do not apply. 18+.) Pictures in opening chats are preferred but not required. However, I will be sharing a Pic of myself and expect you to be comfortable doing the same relatively early on.
(Chats are preferred, messages are acceptable) 😁

My (19-F) Boyfriend (19-M), who I’ve been with for two years caught me cheating last night while I slept. It was from the beginning of our relationship, the very first week and I had then cut contact. It was some pics and vids, and I completely forgot about it. However last night he went through my phone while I slept and found those pictures and videos. He’s heartbroken, rightfully so. I feel so disgusting and can’t believe I’ve broken such a sweet boys heart. I know what I did was wrong, I’m not here to hear that. I explained the situation to my boyfriend and asked him what he wanted to do: he wants to continue our relationship. But he’s so clearly torn and I feel sick with guilt. I can’t believe I made such a stupid mistake 2 years ago. I don’t know why I even would. What can I do to help him trust me and rebuild what we had? I know it’ll never be the same but I need help.

Digvijay - redeemed himself. Hope he doesn't goof up later.
Nayera - she is in the unproblematic territory now. More focused on game than Siwet.
Sachin - Sachin has guts. He doesn't back down in adversities. He will cry but he bounces back.
Akriti - I don't know why I was giving her benefit of doubt till today. Maybe because i liked her in Roadies.I officially dislike her now. So mean for no reason.
Jashwant - akriti's b*itch.
Siwet - bullsh*t
Addy - he's competing with Siwet as the worst personality on the show. If someone compares me to siwet, I'd kms.
Kashish - today the fake diva act got dropped and mohalle ki kaleshi aunty came out. Lol.
Harsh - such a made up personality for the cameras. Haven't been able to figure out his actual personality.
Rushali - sensible. Hope she doesn't goof up.
Anicka - annoying af. Always crying about her ex. Girl look up, you're dating a guy worse than your ex. Lol
Adit - never understood the hype. The guy is literally herd mentality, no different opinion.
Khanak - furniture. No contribution
Ruru - very opinionated. Too real for this sh*t.
Yuvraj - atleast there's one guy who is different. No toxic masculinity. Love it.
Arbaz - I don't know about outside but he's bearable on the show. Much better than bully gang boys.
Ishita - a very nice girl. Good at heart. I hope no guy ever breaks her heart. 😢
Unnati - she's also nice. I didn't like her initially but she's just focused on her own thing. Good for her.
Divyansh and Dewangini - they're too young, the guy is literally like a little child. They need to grow up a little before thinking about something as serious as marriage.
Aniket and Deekila - toxic couple. Didn't do much this week. Both have anger issues.
Shobhika - she should thank her stars that she is BFF with Rushali and gets saved every time.
Dev and Ameha - I hate when people with potential start following the herd. They should play their own game. They're strong.
Shubhi - looks like she has planned this triangle outside with the other two.
I don't think ive missed someone. Everyone is welcome to give their opinions. And also, miss you on the show Riggy poo.😁

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Patreon Official Subreddit Series Wiki Royal Road
The Grand Dining Hall. Local time: 1210
Emma
The dining hall was, for all intents and purposes, the den of gossip.
[Grand Dining Hall. Add: Alternative Designator - DEN OF GOSSIP]
This was proven true by the incessant and rampant whispers, most of which were eventually hidden under privacy screens.But some of which were allowed to permeate through the air like a foul and sickening stench.
“What’s he trying to prove?”
“Usurpers. Tepid-blood minor nobles thinking themselves bigshots in their ill-gotten castles. This is all they know — power through brute strength.”
“Do you think this could be some sort of a roundabout statement for the House Choosing Ceremony?”
“Could be, or maybe the newrealmer is rubbing off on him. I heard those savages live in hunting-packs that deal exclusively in violence.”
“Poor Lord Ping… the man’s been dealt so many blows both to his ego and integrity. He truly is the victim in this upstart’s rebellion.”
“Let us hope the pious Ping prevails over his undeserving trials and tribulations. The man’s a saint, a pious soul that must hold fast for those of us adherent to the eternal truths.”
“Or perhaps we should wait and see how things develop. I, for one, wish to side neither with the narrow-minded bull nor the aggressive upstarts.”
“Lord Qiv may prove to be the more suitable candidate for class sovereign… but only time will tell.”
“Never in my wildest of imaginations would I have ever considered that the one to threaten our position, our place, our image, and our very survival in this sky of feral drakes to be you — Prince Thalmin.” Ilunor managed out incredulously, breaking me out of my long-range acoustic reverie. Though unlike his prior confrontations with myself, his current voice lacked the same intense vitriol. Instead, that was replaced with what I could only describe as a genuine sense of disappointment, as if confronting a friend who knew better than to commit to a dumb decision.
“That’s an understandable statement to make, Ilunor.” Thalmin replied uncharacteristically calmly, as if he hadn’t even registered the Vunerian’s assaults. Or at least, that seemed to be the case, until he shot the deluxe Kobold a predatory side-eye. “Because creatures that lack honor, integrity, and personal dignity, often conflate sacrifices and risk-taking, for foolishness and idiocy. For within the heart of a Nexian, lies only compromise for the sake of convenience. Whether that be the convenience of survival, the convenience of continuity, or the convenience of the status quo, you will sacrifice everything to maintain it — even if it means allowing your honor to remain sullied and trodden when there exists a pool to cleanse away that shame.”
Thacea’s eyes grew wary with concern at that statement, one of the few instances I’d seen her genuinely worried about an Ilunor-Thalmin interaction. In fact, even I didn’t dare to interrupt, especially after both parties had shot death-glares towards our elven waiter as he arrived with the lunch platter.
“Restraint, Prince Thalmin.” Ilunor responded with a deep and calculating breath. “This isn’t the adjacent realms, this isn’t Havenbrockrealm.”
“Oh that much is very clear to me, Ilunor.” Thalmin interjected with something just short of a growl. “In Havenbrockrealm, we would sooner slash, stab, flay, or lash our enemies in fair and open combat, than reduce ourselves to cowardly attempts at assassination or retreat with our tails between our legs at the earliest signs of defeat.”
Ilunor took another breath, placing a small hand atop of his snout. “I… empathize with your desires to follow through with what you believe is a morally sound decision.” The Vunerian responded in a surprising display of maturity. “However, and this goes for you as well, newrealmer—” He paused for a moment, taking the time to glare at me before shifting back to Thalmin. “—we are not acting as independent actors anymore. For better or for worse… which, mind you, I still strongly believe this is very much for the worse in my case… we are now a peer group. And as such, the actions we take and their resultant fallout, should represent the interests of us all.”
“These are bold claims.” Thalmin began with a restrained snarl. “Even bolder when considering your actions the week prior. If the measure of a man were dictated by his words alone, then I would be inclined to acquiesce. However, considering the measure of a man extends beyond the weightless chatter of an exhaled breath, I feel far more inclined to reserve such actions for those far more deserving of my respect.” At which point, the lupinor turned towards both Thacea and I, following that up with a dip of his head. “I apologize, Thacea, Emma, for conducting myself in the way I did.”
Thalmin took a moment to pause, side eyeing Ilunor as he acknowledged him once again. “Whilst his character may sully his words, there is some truth to them. I have, admittedly, overstepped my bounds in committing to an action which undeniably affects the group. However, I genuinely hope you understand the reasons behind my otherwise brash decision. For I must stand on principle, lest I decide to stand at all.”
“Given the crap Auris Ping pulled last night, I’m inclined to agree with you, Thalmin. More than that, I would’ve gladly taken your place and dueled him the good old fashioned way if I could. Besides, the look on his face when you chose him to be your dueling partner? It was just priceless.” I offered with a snide grin. “In all seriousness, I’m really not in a position to chastise anyone on the issue of just gunning it with your gut instinct anyways. Heck, the entirety of last week was one long drawn out escapade for my sake, which came at the expense of the group after all.” I chuckled nervously. “So… yeah, this is incredibly tame by those standards, Thalmin.”
“Whilst… unexpected, and indeed a risk, I can understand the reasons behind it, Thalmin.” Thacea nodded uneasily. “However, I do not advise any of you to make a habit out of this.” She commanded, making an effort to make individual eye contact with each and every one of us.
Thacea’s group-mom vibes were definitely showing at this point, which was probably for the better. Given the group seemed to be a magnet for this sort of thing, it was good to have an anchor of sorts.
Sure thing, mom. Was what my gut instinct screamed at me to say.
But instead, I decided to tone it down a notch.
“As you command, princess.” I dipped my head in acknowledgement, garnering a look of abashed confusion from Thacea, and just plain-old confusion from the other two.
“In any case… I… believe you wished to discuss matters outside of classroom priorities, Emma?” Thacea quickly attempted to shift past that little bit of prodding, which I obliged with an affirmative nod.
“Yep. Well, it’s more of a small change of plans that I think is worth discussing with you guys. So, you remember how I was planning on deploying an infil-drone on Mal’tory after the end of class right?”
All three nodded, urging me to continue.
“Well, since Mal’tory was a no-show, and with Larial taking the reins instead… I think it’s best if we stick with the plan anyways, just swapping out Mal’tory for Larial. I honestly don’t see any other way we can continue the library’s questline, or any other way to find evidence to support the Auris Ping-Mal’tory hypothesis we have going on. I know it’s a huge gamble since there’s no way of knowing if she’ll even head to Mal’tory’s office after class. But honestly? This is our best shot right now.”
“I concur, Emma.” Thalmin announced with a nod.
“Given her proximity to the professor’s orbit, we may in fact gain a greater bearing on his actual state. Which in itself may prove useful.” Thacea offered, more or less acknowledging my change of plans implicitly.
“We don’t seem to have any other choice, earthrealmer. So a shot in the dark is better than stowing your wand.” Ilunor acknowledged in a rare display of solidarity.
“It’s settled then. I’ll deploy the drone right after class is dismissed. Then, we wait and see what the drone comes up with.”

The Grand Concourse of Learning. The Hall of Light. Local Time: 14:00 Hours.
Emma
Mana field perception was, as one would expect, dry, bland, and utterly nonsensical.
Throughout most of it, the lesson was taught as if it was referencing something obvious, something mundane, something so typical that a lot of the topics were all but overlooked as ‘self evident’.
A lot of what was taught reminded me of a mix between perception-theory, and situational awareness training. However, instead of relying on your eyes, ears, heck, even your nose or sense of touch… it was instead relying on something completely outside of the human experience.
“Mana field perception, is at its core, a subject that is inherent to the sapient condition. However, the extent to which it is appreciated, understood, and most important of all — applied — varies exponentially. To an untrained mind, and an untempered soul, the world feels tepid.”
The apprentice paused, gesturing to Sorecar, who answered his cue by pulling out a massive painting of a beautiful mountainscape that seemed to play through a closed animation loop; the effect was like a high-definition e-ink display.
“To a trained mind, but an untempered soul, the world feels… distant, unaccommodating, and frustrating to emotionally comprehend.” Larial continued, prompting Sorecar to pull out yet another painting. This one, the exact same as the first, with literally no differences between them.
“To an untrained mind, but a tempered soul, the world feels… unpredictable, erratic, and frustrating to logically put together.” Once again, another painting was brought out. This one, just like the previous two, looked completely identical.
“But to a sufficiently trained mind, and a tempered soul, with enough time invested into both theory and practice… the world becomes open, expansive, and above all else… it becomes rich with sights and sensations that would be impossible to feel with the physical form alone.” Larial concluded, just as Sorecar pulled out what looked to be yet another identical painting.
The EVI’s analysis concluded that there were absolutely no differences between the four paintings. Moreover, the mana radiation signatures for each were likewise exactly the same.
It was only after slipping a note towards Thacea with a question written in High Nexian did I finally get my answer.
‘What’s the deal with these paintings? They’re all identical.’
Thacea quickly slipped me a blank piece of parchment in response.
Though it didn’t remain blank for long, as words and sentences started appearing on it; mirroring Thacea’s furious ‘note taking’ in her own notebook.
‘They’re artisanal pieces imbued with the purposeful manipulation of the subject’s aura, mana-field, and the surrounding mana. They were brought out in order to demonstrate the different degrees of mana-field perception by exaggerating the most common shortcomings found in those training in the magical arts. The first piece was, similar to your memory shards, lacking in any mana-fields or auras. The second and third pieces demonstrated a failure to imbue one or the other of the two fundamental tenets of mana-field perception. The fourth piece is representative of a perfect balance of both tenets, and is an exquisite work of art that completely outshines the first. It radiates beauty, whilst the first is flat and lifeless.’
It took a moment for me to really register all that. Longer still, as I eventually became fixated on that last line in particular.
Flat and lifeless… is that what the world is like from my eyes?
It was around that time that a thought hit me, and a realization truly sank deep into my very being.
The world that Thacea, Thalmin, Ilunor, and the rest of the magical beings across the interdimensional plane experienced… was one that I was utterly blind to.
It’d been referenced before.
In fact, it’d been drilled into me time and time again by the likes of Ilunor that I was lacking in something fundamental.
But up until now, everything was either circumstantial, or outside of my general focus. So much so that I never was able to digest the implications of it.
However, as much as a pit formed in my stomach, growing tighter by the second as Larial went on and on about the ebbs and flows of mana, so too did a very human resolve suddenly dawn upon me.
“I’m going to see what you guys see one day.” I wrote down on Thacea’s magic paper.
“How?” Was the message I received back.
To which I only had one thing to reply with.
“The same way we overcame all of our other shortcomings.” I wrote cryptically, garnering a look of confusion from Thacea as she read the note, to which I only had to point at my armor for added effect.
By once again defying nature. I thought to myself.
If we weren’t born with the ability to ‘see’ this beauty, we’d find a way to break it down into its fundamental components, dissect it, analyze it, and then reinterpret it for ourselves.
The class continued on after that exchange of notes, as we touched upon what Ilunor had so eloquently described on that second day of the grace period:
One: that manastreams were everywhere around us.
Two: that manafields generated by living organisms were akin to rocks that not only parted those streams, but at times, interacted with them.
Three: that using manafields, one could make out the presence of other manafields through the manastreams, and thus detect and extract information as is pertinent to the context of the situation.
And while Ilunor would’ve blabbered on and on about the ability to see and sense the emotional state of others through the manastreams, what Larial seemed to be focused on instead were the practical applications of this natural ability. Namely, she focused on exactly how to detect a spell being cast, what sort of spell was being cast, and most importantly — she focused on how it all tied back to Light Magic.
“In summary, only when one is proficient in the detection and analysis of manafields, can one finally start to dissect the intricacies of a manafield during spellcasting. And only once one masters the detection of spellcasting, can one even hope to begin the process of dispelling. The first step of which is to know exactly what a manafield looks like during spellcasting. Is there anyone in the class that can tell me what that looks like?” The professor asked, looking around, before picking one of the many raised hands.
This one belonged to Qiv.
“Yes, Lord Qiv?”
“Influxes and effluxes, Professor. One will see the influx of ambient mana through the manastreams into a manafield, and the potential efflux of mana through a manafield back into the manastreams in the form of a controlled mana-construct.”
“Very good, Lord Qiv! Five points! Now, hold your thoughts on that latter part, because that ties into my next question!” Larial responded with a giddiness and chipperness that seemed to be lacking in every other class up to this point. “The fundamental means of detecting a spell being cast is by looking out for a point of influx, and a point of efflux. Influx being the more difficult of the pair to detect, for what you have to look out for is mana is being funneled into a manafield. A weak spell being cast, will incur less disruptions in a manastream. However, the opposite is also true. As the more powerful the spell, and the more powerful the mage, the greater the rate of influx, as the amount of mana needed to fulfill the requirements of the spell increases. Paradoxically this would mean it will be easier to detect a powerful spell before it is cast, as the reduction in the concentration of ambient mana will be more palpable as a result. Efflux however, is rather straightforward, and will be the primary vehicle through which Mana-field Perception will be taught. As it is through efflux that we can ascertain the most useful details of a spell, or as Lord Qiv so eloquently puts it — the mana-construct. Does anyone know what this next point may be referring to?”
Surprisingly, and out of a clear bias towards Qiv, Larial once more called him up.
I couldn’t blame her though.
The man, despite being a certified bully and teacher’s pet, was one of the few students who didn’t openly doubt the apprentice’s capabilities during the start of class.
“Yes, Lord Qiv?”
“The mana-construct refers to the skeleton of a spell; the arrangement and unique form it takes before manifesting into a proper spell.” The gorn-like lizard responded confidently.
“Outstanding, Lord Qiv! Five points! Now, whilst a mana-construct is indeed a vital step in the process of spell casting, its manifestation is rarely the point in time in which a spell can be intercepted — save for those who have mastered the art of Light Magic. As a result, a spell can be halted before it even has the chance to form. To most however, the mana-construct acts as a cue to prepare. It is a signal that demonstrates the irrefutable start to a spell. And as a result, it provides major structural clues as to the form of Light Magic that must be employed to combat it. Which leads me to my next point.”
The apprentice once more paused, as she manifested literally nothing visible to the tune of more than a dozen mana radiation warnings.
“When broken down to their basic components, every spell is a complicated meshwork of mana, channeled and contained within a dynamic pattern that continuously evolves throughout the duration of a spell. Because unlike artificing, the casting of magic evolves with unpredictability and thrives on organic change. No offense to you, of course, Professor Pliska.” The apprentice turned towards Sorecar worryingly, who simply responded with a bellowing laugh.
“None taken, my aspiring understudy!”
With that, Larial continued, her hands moving through an empty section of air that everyone seemed to be focused on; as if manipulating a hologram that I wasn’t privy to. “However, in spite of this unpredictability, the goal of Light Magic and Mana-field Perception in particular is to untangle the aforementioned meshwork of mana. For every spell is a puzzle and a series of knots to untangle. Your goal in this class, if I am to be reductive, is to untangle the complex mesh that comprises a spell, unraveling it to a point in which it can no longer maintain its form — collapsing it and thus, rendering it inert.” The apprentice emphasized this by miming what looked to be tiny little motions with her fingers, before pulling both hands backwards, garnering a series of affirmative nods from the crowd. “And with that, we now reach the conclusion of today’s class.”
“Or more accurately, the leadup to the climax of this class.” Sorecar quickly chimed in with a wave of his hand, prompting the room to change once more. Section upon section of the front of the classroom’s floor was dragged down into the impossible void, only to be replaced just as quickly by an elevated stage resembling that of a fencing strip. “Will the aspiring duelists please rise and approach the stage?” Sorecar turned back towards the crowd, prompting both Thalmin and Auris to stand, the pair giving each other some strong side-eyes before both marching up and towards the front of the class.
From there, with not a single word exchanged, they took their places, Thalmin at the far right, and Auris on the far left.
“The purpose of this demonstration is simple.” The apprentice began, as Sorecar began moving towards both Thalmin and Auris, insisting them to pay attention. “It is to show that even in spite of the complicated principles behind Light Magic, that there exists far simpler, far more basic principles that can achieve similar means. A precursor to more contemporary methods; spell-breaking. A maneuver that involves overpowering the structure and flow of a spell using a concentrated burst of pure mana irregardless of the type. However, unlike traditional dispelling seen in contemporary Light Magic, spell-breaking oftentimes requires a user to concentrate a disproportionately larger amount of mana in order to properly break a spell. It is thus highly inefficient, and as a result becomes rapidly impractical upon encountering spellcrafts of sufficiently advanced tiers. This demonstration will be aptly limited to a simple barrier-spell for the likes of the reciprocator, so as to not overburden the initiator with this simple task.”
The apprentice quickly passed on the torch to Sorecar, who quickly took center stage with a few steps.
“Now, as this is not a traditional duel for dominance, nor is it a sporting duel for the purposes of victory, I will explain the narrow context by which this duel will be held.” Sorecar continued, his hands clapping together, generating an empty and resonant CLANG in the process. “To our right, is our initiator, who will be demonstrating the principles of spell-breaking in an active capacity. To our left, is our reciprocator, who will be taking on the role of demonstrative spellcaster, casting only barrier spells for the duration of this short demonstration. Remember, there is to be no additional spells cast or demonstrated outside of these parameters. Is that clear?” Sorecar paused, making sure to meet both of the opponents’ gazes with his empty helm.
“Yes, professor!” Both parties shouted simultaneously, barely containing their frustrations beneath a veneer of calm and restrained fury.
“Then we shall begin on the count of three.” The apprentice continued, taking the reins over from Sorecar, as she stood just a few steps away from the stage’s combat-lines. “One.” She began, as Auris began moving into position, practically grinding his booted hooves into the stage, and taking on the posture of some unknown martial art. “Two.” Thalmin reciprocated by taking a more aggressive posture, as if positioning himself to leap towards the bull in a ravenous rage at the drop of a hat.
“Three.”
ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED, 225% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS
ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED, 350% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS
Nothing seemed to happen.
At least, not to my eyes.
Within a matter of seconds, all I witnessed were two mana radiation warnings timelogged as only a few seconds apart from one another.
No physical effects were evident to me. Nothing, except for the flinching of a few muscles, and the waving of arms. As if they were conjuring make-believe magic spells, without the added special effects that came with it.
Ironically, this was how I was expecting most Nexians to react to the reveal of laser weaponry. Silent, invisible, but otherwise omnipresent and deadly threats.
Though despite the lack of any physical effects I could discern, there were certainly more than enough context-clues to go by when it came to exactly what had just occurred.
Auris’ features had more or less swelled up into a fury. His nostrils flared just short of snorting out fumes, and his teeth were bared clearly holding back a few choice words for the now-grinning Thalmin.
“Again.” He demanded, and barely a second after a nod of approval from the apprentice, came two more mana radiation warnings.
ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED, 300% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS
ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED, 425% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS
Once again, no noticeable physical effects had manifested. Though judging from the bewildered and shocked expressions of the crowd, something was definitely happening within the invisible world that was accessible through mana-vision.
“Again!” Ping announced, barely garnering approval from the apprentice this time, as things took a sudden enough turn that even I could notice them.
ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED, 400% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS
It started with that ‘barrier’ again.
ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED, 500% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS
Followed by Thalmin overpowering it.
However, instead of letting things go, Ping instead pushed towards a frenzied series of attacks.
ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED, 375% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS
As one—
ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED, 400% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS
—after another—
ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED, 400% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS
—after another—
ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED, 400% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS
—after another ‘barrier’ spell seemed to actually be causing Thalmin some pushback now. His movements now resembled someone attempting to dodge invisible projectiles, yet Auris made no moves to actually fling anything at him, only maintaining his prior stance.
Though of course, this came with the same expected response.
As Thalmin retaliated with his own attacks. Or rather, one, very large attack that truly outclassed what Auris could currently muster in his furious state.
ALERT: LOCALIZED SURGE OF MANA-RADIATION DETECTED, 550% ABOVE BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS
This spell that mildly shook the room seemed to be enough to ‘break’ the sudden incursion, prompting both Ping and Thalmin to turn towards the apprentice — the former blasting steam from his snout and the latter slashing his tail in the air — for yet another round of fighting, only to have Sorecar step in, placing a hand on both of the duelists who were barely a foot away from each other now.
“Wonderful! Excellent! Put your hands together for our introductory duelists, everyone!” The professor quickly coerced both of the parties to face the class, actively grabbing them by the small of their back, and thus effectively entrapping them with his iron grip — forcing them to face the class who cheered on with a series of applauses.
Not a second later, the pair of them bowed, though it was unclear how much of this was Sorecar’s doing, and how much of this was done out of their own will.
“In any case, seeing as both of our aspiring duelists have gone above and beyond in their demonstration, and seeing that this is merely a demonstration, and not a challenge—” Sorecar emphasized that last point, forcing the pair to sweat in his over-shoulder grip. “—I believe it would be prudent to award them each a fair share of this duel’s fifty points.”
“Given the enthusiasm shown, I am inclined to agree, Professor Pliska.” The apprentice quickly nodded, prompting the armorer to quickly push both of them off-stage, and back towards the staggered raised steps of the lecture hall.
“Twenty-five points for both of our duelist’s groups.” Larial reiterated, and with a final round of reluctant applause, barely overpowering the incoming band marking the end of class… the apprentice made her final statement. “This concludes this week’s first lesson. Considering the house choosing ceremony coming up this weekend, along with the Elaseer school supply shopping trip to town… I am inclined to grant this class some clemency. No homework will be required. So please, enjoy the rest of the day, and prepare yourselves for what could be the most decisive day in your academic career here in Transgracia. Class dismissed!”
No sooner were those words uttered did my eyes quickly turn towards my HUD, and a flash of commands came through without a second of delay.
INFIL-DRONE01a ACTIVE, STATUS: NOMINAL. OBJECTIVE: PRIORITY TRACKING AND RECONNAISSANCE OF SUBJECT A109. MISSION PARAMETERS: TRACK, OBSERVE, MAP, AND RETURN-TO-BASE WITHIN PREDETERMINED PARAMETERS. CONFIRM COMMAND Y/N?
“Command confirmed.” I replied vocally, prompting the newly-printed replacement drone to pop out of its docking bay, before charting a course parallel to that of the apprentice.
The drone’s signal was lost just as the apprentice left the room through that dark threshold behind the lectern, at which point, the entire class began shuffling out to the tune of the encroaching band.
Only time would tell what would come of this mission.
But hopefully, we'll get our answers sometime later this evening.
However, instead of blending right into the crowd, or more specifically… being ignored by said crowd, quite a few eyes managed to find their way onto our group. Moreover, the chatter seemed way too interesting to ignore.
“You were right, Cynthis… perhaps there is something about this mercenary prince after all.” A female voice spoke from an all-girl group, eliciting a series of giggles, which were promptly silenced by a privacy screen the moment Thalmin craned his head around.
“Lord Auris Ping has yet again demonstrated his integrity. Let us ensure his pure-hearted determination is lauded this evening, lads! The fearsome strikers shall band together with the most pious of intent!” A tortle-like-turtle jeered, moving strategically to position themselves around Auris Ping’s group, as the expected schmoozing began in full.
“Newrealmer.” Ilunor began, generating a privacy screen in the process.
“Yes, Ilunor?”
“How long do you expect your insect to take in its dastardly escapades?”
“Last time it took a good few hours. So, given this probably isn’t a one-and-done deal, I’d say… maybe three to four hours at the least this time around?” I offered.
“Well then. Splendid. I shall be off, and return within that time frame.”
“Wait wait wait wait. Hold up. Where do you think you’re going?” I inquired firmly.
“I have my own life to lead, newrealmer. Now please, I shall return to our group’s escapades in due time.”
“Where, Ilunor?” I reiterated.
To which the Vunerian could only sigh in response. “The student lounge. Top floor today, if I am to be interrogated for every ounce of information…”
“Then let’s go. Together.” I proclaimed, garnering a few looks of surprise from both Thacea and Thalmin. “Perhaps it’s time we start getting a feel for the lay of the land. We’ve been cooped up in our own little world for far too long, maybe, just maybe, we should all expand our horizons just by a little bit.”
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(Author’s Note: The much anticipated round two between Thalmin and Auris has concluded! And following its conclusion, we also get quite a few reactions to Thalmin as a result of his daring display of magical prowess! We also get a pretty hands on demonstration of Light Magic this time around! This is perhaps one of the more hands on class, and indeed one of the more straightforward classes so far! Moreover, the end of classes marks not only the beginning of the little spy drone adventure, but also a little peak into exactly what Ilunor has been up to! I hope you guys enjoy! :D The next Two Chapters are already up on Patreon if you guys are interested in getting early access to future chapters!)
[If you guys want to help support me and these stories, here's my ko-fi ! And my Patreon for early chapter releases (Chapter 81 and Chapter 82 of this story is already out on there!)]

Do you spend a lot of your time day dreaming what life would be like with your perfect match? Would that life consist of lots of quality time spent together, shared hobbies, travelling together, supporting each other and sharing not just the good times? Are your passions a weird conglomerate of sciency and artsy topics? We might just be a match. No, this is not an infomercial.
What makes finding my match somewhat difficult i,0s that my personality is all over the place, I can't really be put into a box and I dream of finding someone I'm deeply compatible with. I have a PhD in physics/math and work in a related field, involving IT and programming. My take on life is rather critical, rational and I'm not religious. BUT I'm also very by morals, emotional in certain aspects and my biggest aspiration in life is having a happy, fulfilling relationship where we are inseparable, each others best friend and more. A soulmate sorta thing if you wish, even though souls obviously don't exist...right?
Soo what are my passions that we could hopefully share together? I have to get the cliché out of the way first, I'm really big on films/tv shows/video games/manga and some books. It's not just something I consume to overcome boredom though, I'm extremely interested in stories and the art of story telling. My tastes are varied and something that would be fun to discuss, some of the things I like:

• weird, obscure horror movies that sometimes make me wonder if anyone else on the planet has ever seen them (spoiler: yes they have). Also horror movies in general.
• "artsy, deeper" movies without bordering into pretentiousness, a line that is entirely subjective but I shall still defend as if an objective truth. Kubrick I really like, also Disney.
• big sucker for romantic comedies and enjoy some goofy comedies as well.
• mostly story driven, single player games, Life is Strange would be an example of a game that had a deeper impact on me, wowser.
• would enjoy getting into multiplayer games together, I consider it a fantastic way to bond. Mario Kart (GoldenEye?) should be obligatory for a couple, friendly trash talking included (or not so friendly, if you're into that). LoL? Yes please (even though I hate it)
• I already feel like it's getting too long (that's what she said) but I enjoy the Harry Potter books and don't like when people call them children's books. They contain more wisdom about life than most literature classics.

The point being, talking about stories, analysing movies together or writing our own video game plot (don't worry I already have an amazing idea, but not so good at writing dialogue)/short stories is a big thing I'd like to share in a relationship.
Still with me? Some other things I enjoy:

• music, especially older stuff rock, pop, some metal, classical and soundtracks!
• photography, especially nature & architecture. Going on a hike or exploring nature with the intent of taking pictures gives you a whole new outlook on things.
• running, that would be a really fun activity to share together as well.
• cooking and every now and then baking. Let me cook a romantic dinner for you?
• travelling! I've somewhat dipped my toe into the digital nomad thing in the last year and loved it. Exploring a new city/country is super exciting to me. My style of travelling is definitely more adventurous. I like being out and about all day and see as much as I can in the time I'm there, doing a moderate but not too crazy amount of research beforehand about attractions. I like a certain degree of spontaneity and some days where we would just walk wherever the wind carries us. Long... really long walks on the beach are the best, especially at night. That being said, I also enjoy a day laying at the beach, café hopping, exploring restaurants or a mall haha. My favourite place so far has been Japan for sure (not a weeb I swear)(lot's of malls here!). If you're a solo traveller let me know. If you're younger or haven't travelled so much, this is not a deal breaker. As long as you're curious and open minded with a sense for adventure.

Phew ok, not done yet. I need to say something about the type of romantic connection I'm desiring as it's somewhat off the norm. I want to spend a lot of time with my partner. A lot. That doesn't even mean constantly engaging with each other, but just being around each other, checking in on each other, leaving little notes, generally what they would call being clingy. Maintaining a happy relationship should be the number 1 priority in your life, as it would be for me. I would never neglect you in favour of other people or obligations and expect the same in return. Location wise would be great if you're in Germany of course, but really doesn't matter that much to me. This would just be an awesome motivation for me to travel somewhere and as I'm very flexible in my day to day life, I would make a visit happen sooner than later.
Appearance wise, 183 cm, caucasian, slimish/fitish/averageish build, short dark brown hair and eyes. Finally, I'll finish off with an arbitrary list of traits that describe me and I'm simultaneously seeking out in a woman: sense of humour (did that come across...like, at all? Writing this post I felt like it was all rather serious at times, because I take this seriously, but my style of communication is more light hearted, being silly together, not taking everything too seriously, but being able to talk maturely should the situation require), responsible, curious, reliable, trustworthy, loyal, honest to a fault, dedicated, creative, self-aware, honest again because it's important, thoughtful, caring, kind but not a pushover, enjoys arguing/debating, romantic, sweet. If you have a (very?) k1nky side that would be the cherry on top, but it's not a must and all in due time.
Have a virtual cookie for making it this far. Now don't be shy and send me a PM already, telling me what's on your mind. If you send a chat and I don't reply, send a little PM as a follow up in case the chat didn't work.

It’s crazy to me that it’s been said there are not enough moments of indication that Colin’s personality when he returns is a facade. I think the writers did a great job sprinkling in moments throughout the episodes. I don’t really know how they could’ve been anymore clearer. Episode 1 probably has the least amount of moments, but you do get the one lord telling Colin that’s he’s more fun than he was before (playing into his insecurities), but Colin still immediately ditches him to check on Penelope. And there are comments from Anthony and Benedict asking where their brother went as well. I also think bringing back presents for every family member is quite indicative of his inherent kind-hearted nature.
In episode 2, you of course have the infamous brothel scene, and on the surface Colin appears to have enjoyed himself. But I think it’s crucial that a few scenes later you hear in Colin’s own words that he feels disconnected during sex. And he doesn’t understand why because he can acknowledge how beautiful the women are. You get the sweet and playful scene with Penelope where he recounts how they met as children and laments the fact that they didn’t care what society thought about them then and now they must as adults.
Episode 3 is really where everything starts falling apart. That Casanova persona is coming crashing down, and it’s all because of one kiss. Colin is so awkward with his family after the sexy dream. The words he’s saying don’t make much sense. He’s following Penelope around like a lost puppy. There’s the willow tree scene where he can’t express how he feels (a lot of word salad there) and just follows Penelope’s lead about ending the lessons despite so badly wanting her to acknowledge their kiss. The Colin who had a smooth line for every debutant is now at a complete lost for words when staring into Penelope’s eyes (man was about to kiss her if Debling didn’t interrupt). The roles are even reversed, and he becomes the wallflower in the corner watching Penelope dance with Debling.
Episode 4 really drives all of this home. Colin loves Penelope, but does not want to ruin what he thinks is her happiness with Debling. So he tries one last time to resume the facade because that’s all that’s left for him if he is to have a life without Pen, but he just can’t do it. I know some people say they wish he had just left in the second brothel scene, but I think it’s much more satisfying from a storytelling perspective to have him straight up dissociating in that scene. That man was not present in his body. The scene with the other lords is one of my favorites. You get confirmation that Colin never has given them details about his sexual exploits despite being pressured to do so, again showing that he’s not cut out for the life of a rake. You see him lash out at his peers (and himself for associating with such men) for their cavalier behavior which I don’t believe we’ve ever seen any of the other male leads do. Of course he gets laughed at for this, and the only thing left to numb his pain is alcohol. The Colin who stumbles into his bedroom late at night is a very broken and lost man. We get Violet’s speech about how he’s always been one of her most sensitive children and how he’s put on an armor to please others. He remembers the hand cutting scene when he’s contemplating what to do, and I think this is a lovely choice because that was a moment of Penelope providing him the care and tenderness he doesn’t get anywhere else. And then if the audience still somehow didn’t get the point, you have Colin telling Penelope that he was trying to feel less because that is what society expected of him, but she made that impossible. And in that carriage, the true Colin has reemerged. He’s unsure and sweet and attentive to Penelope’s wants and needs. He’s making jokes again. He’s finally free to be himself because Penelope allows him to be without any judgment. I really don’t know how much more the writers could’ve done.

Homunculi are made from sperm and other elements without the use of a womb. As such they start out with mature bodies. They start with basic knowledge as well as reasoning in order to serve basic functions in life. Due to all this, they were all effectively immortal and could never age.
A Homunculus has been created very recently. 3 weeks before the seventh servant has been summoned.
Scientist: We have done it! This one! His mana is through the roof! He should be able to win the only grail war no issue!
The homunculus looked at his own hand in disappointment. His name was… Soule.
Soule: I exist to be trusted into a war? Just to give these freaks the powers they wish?
The ones who brought Soule into this world were a group known as “Command” They’ve been trying to enter the holy grail war whenever it happens and win to gain the famous holy grail itself. Yet they either couldn't enter or had their master representative killed.
Soule was created to be a perfect endless pool of mana that would make sure they win. 7 hours after Soul’s complete birth he killed everyone in the lab he was born into.
Soule would find himself in a city. He just walked and walked the uncaring people who passed him but without a second thought, the animals that would shit and piss along what should be a nice concrete sidewalk, and the children who cried at the smallest inconvenience. It all was so foul. Soule hated life already.
7 days before the summoning of the servant servant Soule stood alone in a house filled with the bodies of a crushed 3 person family.
Soule: I summon you, servant. I need you now to follow his goals! YOU WILL SERVER UNDER ME FOR THIS WAR YOU UNDERSTAND?! NOW APPEAR!
And like a call in the great unknown, the unknown answered back with a bright light that went away revealing a talk demonic looking man.
???: I have been summoned… I am Ivan The Terrible your Rider class servant. Do not test me just because you're my master or-
Soule: Or what? You'll kill me? I think you and I both know that you don't want that to happen!
Rider: You dare disrespect me! I shall crush your face in if you keep disrespecting me!
Soule: Wow such a terrible liar! Listen here, you disgusting bastard! My one and only goal is the downfall of all life!
Rider: Then why even bother with this war?
Soule: It's simply a means to an end! I want to know my limits before I kill all on this planet. Is that so hard to understand?
Rider: Very well then. I have few objections to your foolish goal so long as I can have the grail in the end!
Soule: Hey I don't really care! I want to kill all life more personally than wishing them away anyway!
Rider: I can only imagine what spurs such hate in a heart.

Leo: OK time for me to go to school!
Ky: Leo you can't!
Leo: And why not?
Saber: Leo I can not demanifest, unlike other servants due to your low mana. I can't protect and watch over you in school. So you may be attacked by a master while I'm away.
Ky: Plus School isn't that important anyways.
Leo groaned as he did want to go to school to meet up with his friends. He felt as if this stupid war had concerned every aspect of his life.
Saber: I apologize for this inconvenience master…
Leo: That's it!
Ky: Huh?
Leo: Saber! We just gotta get you enrolled at my school!
Saber: Are you sure about this master…?
Ky: And he's lost it…
Leo: Yeah! You don't look any older than me!
Saber: I highly doubt it will be that easy-

Leo’s school at first period. It was that easy.
Saber and Leo sat directly next to one another. Saber not really wanting to be here in this school as a student even if it was to protect Leo.

Standing on top of the school were Soule and Rider. Soule smiled as he placed his hand in a strange sign.
Soule: Ready?
Rider: Yes.
Soule: Summon!
A black Vail appeared around the school almost like a curtain and several skeletons spawned inside the school with various bladed weapons. And then a wyvern spawned appeared behind Soule.
Rider: A wyvern!? That shouldn't be possible! Especially by today's standards!
Soule: My my… I'm just full of surprises!

Meanwhile, Saber and Leo were in the school, and people began passing out. Leo and Saber both got worried and Leo was the first to see the semi-translucent dark veil around the school.
Saber: A Vail! Damn it! A mage must be behind this!
Leo: A mage?!
Saber: A mage is most likely currently awake, unlike the rest of the school! Come on we must hurry!
Leo: Alright! Saber!
She transformed into her armor and held her misty blade tight. The two run off into the way to long and large school hallways. They soon spot a few skeletons trying to attack unconscious students and staff so Saber cuts a few down and Leo destroys the rest with a few punches.
Leo: The heck were those?!
Saber: Seemingly some kind of monsters summoned by whoever has done this master!
Leo: OK then! I think we should try the-
Just then to cut the young boy off Soule and Rider crash through the ceiling. The rubble crushed some of the staff and students to death.
Soule: We found Saber and her master now Rider!
Rider: Killing you will be worth it…
Saber: Master stay back!
Leo: No way I can't leave you to fight alone I'm helping!
Soule: Look at the worthless feelings they share. I suppose the rift raft being as sorry as it is would all group up and care for one another! Rider kill Saber!
Rider charged forward his staff slamming Saber through a few walls into the science room. The demonic servant charged forward with great strength but before Leo could help his servant he received a major kick to the face from Soule.
Soule: Oh no you don't!
Soule then eagerly kicked Leo to the ground and tried to stomp his skull in but the young teen managed to roll out the way.
Soule: Are you done with your silly caring shit? If so fight me! Cuz if you don’t~
Soule’s Wyvern busted through the school’s entrance and into where Soule and Leo were currently.
Soule: You'll die!
Leo: A dragon?!
The Wyvern bit down at Leo who held its jaws open for a moment before Soule appeared behind him transforming the wyvern into a sword that flew straight into his hands to stab Leo in the side of his chest.
Leo: Ow fuck fuck fuck!
Soule would then kick him in the leg before grabbing him by the hair and throwing him into the ceiling above or what was left of it.
Leo was spurring our blood trying to get a moment to grab ahold of his bearings something that Soule shocking would allow.
Soule: See what I mean?~

We cut to Saber and Rider fighting. Rider shoots out several electrical bolts from his staff as fast as lighting Saber easily manages to dodge.
Saber: A nice try Ruder but you'll need to try harder than that!
In all honesty, Saber was worried for her master. The master alongside Rider seemed entirely different from anything she felt before.
Rider: You fight well Saber I can give you that!
Rider would run up and give a surprise uppercut! She spat out a small bit of blood before two lighting shots appeared from his staff blasting Saber into some equipment she threw at Rider on impulse. The equipment didn't hurt him yet it turned into smoke creating a smoke screen for Saber to roll behind Rider and stab him through and back. Yet Rider filled his entire body with electricity that flew through Saber’s sword and shocked the blonde woman herself before an elbow knocked her to the ground.
Saber: Ugh…

We see Leo standing up as Soule walks through his blood on the floor.
Soule: You see brat? You're gonna die. Not like it matters though! After all, life doesn't have a meaning!
He tried to cut off Leo’s head but he ducked under and punched him in the gut making Soule stumble back. Soule tried to kick Leo but he grabbed his leg and twisted it making him fall over onto his face before Leo slammed him into a nearby wall!
Leo then began smashing around the skilled mage all over the place faster and faster! Stronger and stronger! Until Soule cut off his own leg! To hop away from Soule using his one remaining leg while his old one regenerated!
Soule: Rider!
Rider hears his master's calls so he runs toward him at top speed before scooping him up.
Rider: Fine then Soule we leave! Next time Saber! You're dead!
Soule: Until next time we curse each other! You brat!
Soule opened a portal that Rider jumped through and it immediately closed behind him. Saber stumbled out of the science room and over to her master.
Saber: Leo are you alright?
Leo: No…

I read a quote recently that said “if you want something be the type of person who has it.” So, for example, if you would like to receive love letters, be the type of person who writes them. If you would like to be invited to parties, be the type of person who hosts them, so on and so forth.
I’m trying, still, after two years to process the grief of losing you and to process the grief of all that was lost during our relationship, including pieces of my innocence and my dignity, pieces, I dare say, I will never be able to recover. You hurt me in the worst ways imaginable yet still I can’t hate you. I won’t. Everybody says that I should and that whatever love I have fantasized in my head towards you is merely the limerence that results from Stockholm Syndrome. An obsession one would hold towards a hateful caregiver in an infantilized state.
Though, I’m not so sure. I am loathe to believe the love I hold towards you is fetishized grief. I am hoping that by putting these letters out into the void I will gain some temporary relief from the pain of your absence, at the least, and at most I will begin to build a bridge over that dark and glowering moat of grief that has kept me tethered to the past, tethered to the abusive and turbulent relationship which left me with nothing but debt to be repaid by a wandering life of pain, misery, and an emptiness never to be filled by love in the same way.
Oh how I admired you, oh man of mine. How I wanted to grasp onto every word that came out of your mouth when you were discussing your ideas. How your poems, though a little prose-like and robotic, made me sink faster into the pit of infatuation. I was in love with you. Obsessed. I wish I could have recorded the sound of your voice when you talked about science. I wish I could have mended the pain of your abandonment in adolescence. I wish I could have been the support you needed even when you pushed me away and put me down. I wish I could have healed the parts of you that were so broken to make you believe that stealing from me would somehow fill your empty cup.
But you cut off the bottom of the glass and no amount of debauchery could ever leave you more full than you were before. No amount of purity stolen from me could mend the agony you had held onto for far too long.
I am still left wondering, now, without you even by my side to soothe the wounds you had inflicted, why you chose me to steal from? Was everything really as you said? Was I too unlovable for the mistakes I had made in the past? Hadn’t I more than atoned for them with everything you had put me through? Was I really someone you loathed, who you couldn’t rest easy with at night? Was I really such a burden because I was too nervous around the crowds you chose to surround us with at the nightclubs or too sheepish about my femininity to ever be as sexy as you wanted? Where is the line? What was real and what was fake? Was there anything you liked about me at all, or did you just enjoy the joy and admiration I had for you?
When will my lonely heart stop pining over someone who hates me? If you hated me so, why didn’t you simply leave? Why did you always persuade me back into staying with your sweet words and your grand gestures?
I would say I miss you, but to miss someone is to know them truly and be abashed by their absence. I don’t know you anymore so I can’t miss you. Did I ever know you?
Part of my life has come full circle and now I am starting to wonder if any of it was ever real? The memories are so fleeting and time has warped along with everything around it. I feel alone in this universe. Nothing feels real. Were we just a dream? A requiem for a nightmare? Did any of it ever happen? Why has it all just faded into a distant memory, seared like a firestone against the forefront of my subconscious?
How are you? Do you think this way too? Why did you hurt me so much that I had no choice but to leave? Was I really so reprehensible?
Or, was it you whom you hated for your inability to love someone who had given everything to be with you?
All I know is that you I didn’t deserve to be discounted and discarded the way I was. I may never be able to recover some of the innocence I lost while we were in it, but my heart, with each passing day, still feels mightily pure. Your hatred did not win, and my love for you does not cease.
From M. To J.

Hello
After several years of not using WhatsApp, society has made me go back on it. I’ve never had a personal photo of mine as a profile picture, although I’ve shared a couple of them with some close contacts through old chats, years ago.
Back to the present day, physically I’ve changed (for the better) and I feel like using one single photo of my self, one that I really like, monochrome (just black & white or sepia), with big sunglasses that cover my eyes, as a profile picture. Vanity, they say, is the favorite sin of the devil.
So, I know that picture will be in Meta’s servers for ever. And I’m not sure if I’m okay with that. I had a Facebook account back in the day, with a few photos of 10-15 years ago, but I deleted the photos and my FB account several years ago. Not sure if Meta will be able to link those old pictures from my deleted account with my current profile picture… maybe I’m being too paranoid but we all know how this big companies work.
 
However, that’s not my only worry regarding using a personal photo as a profile picture.
Since the days when WhatsApp was bought by Facebook (now Meta), I decided to not share my contacts with the app. Anymore. And that’s how I’ve been using it since then.
But then, you only have two options regarding the profile picture: let everyone see it, or no one. Because the “only contacts” option only works when you share your contacts with WhatsApp.
So, considering everyone looking for that phone number would be able to see my profile picture, would you put a photo of your face as a profile picture? Mind you, as I said, it’s a monochrome picture where I wear big sunglasses.
 
Please let me know your thoughts on the matter, the privacy and potential risks this could arise, and any solution to be able to use a picture of myself as a profile picture on WhatsApp.
Thank you.

When I was in junior high a transfer student arrived in the middle of the semester; a kid that was different from everyone else. Right away he had caught my eye, in fact he caught everyone's attention because he had a very unique disability; he couldn’t speak. I guess you could say he was deaf, though it was clear to me after getting to know him that he could in fact hear; every word spoken to him was understood with simple nods or gestures; facial expressions contorting into understood language; so I guess he was mute; yeah, that would describe him best. He was an oddity to most but to me he was a unicorn, something that sparkled in our dim monotonous lives and it wasn’t until he revealed who he was did I become terrified of him and his shine.
I was in 7th grade maneuvering my way through the jungle of middle school, avoiding trouble and premature violence. I was an undersized boy for my age, no more than 5ft tall; puberty had yet to visit me leaving me left out of the herd; the other students or the ‘sheep’ as I called them that infested my school. They were all the same, kids that were driven by hormones constantly talking about boys or girls, their deep voices riding on the coattails of the wind that breezed in and out of our hallways. I was a mere shadow, always walking a few paces behind the others not wanting to be seen or acknowledged; I saw what others that looked like me went through, they were tortured and abused for simply existing.
Once Bryce Ellis and his friends stuck Timmy Easton’s face in the shitter for over 10 flushes, I was in a stall over, hiding and waiting for the torment to be over. I slithered my feet up on to the stall caressing them to my chest as I sat in a fetal position horrified of how one human could treat another. Eventually the bullies had gotten bored, their short attention span driven minds directed them to another endeavor leaving Timmy to fester in his tears and possible filth.
He sobbed for minutes that felt like hours as I remained silent in the stall over, I placed my hand cautiously on the barrier wall trying to absorb a bit of his pain, my heart ached for him in that moment and I wanted to lend him a compassionate hand if only I had the courage to do so. So yeah, I did my best to stay hidden, unseen to all the dwellers that mindlessly walked in and out of our school on a daily basis, the boys that believed themselves to be men or the girls that pontificated to anyone that listened. I was lost into an enteral sea of vindictive young adults that searched for any reason to lash out at anyone that stood in their way.
So when ‘Tape boy’ — as they would eventually call him — came to my little middle school that stood still in the secluded hills of our small town I was enthralled almost immediately with his existence. He was introduced to my home room class, I sat in the back burying my head into my arms, occasionally lifting my head to listen on the days lecture. My day dreams entertaining me as the clock slowly ticked away at our lives and it wasn’t until my teacher promptly stopped talking did it trigger a primal emotion in me to sit up and pay attention. I postured myself up straight, pausing the internal movie that played in my mind to see what the interruption was about.
There he was, a new boy that no one had ever seen before, by middle school everyone knew each other; we had went to the same elementary school, the same holiday events and grocery stores. So getting a new student was like getting a new flavor at Baskin Robbins; a mystery taste simmering on the tip of your tongue as you digested every drop, his presence was intriguing. He wasn’t small like me, I would say average height for a 12 year old; about 5'4, slender body with unkempt dark black hair. He looked timid, his head tilted towards the ground not wanting to accidentally lock eyes with any of us as the teacher introduced him, my mind wandering with such intrigue because to all of our astonishment he was wearing a surgical face mask — mind you this was in the 90’s; eons before the Covid pandemic breached the windows of our thoughts.
Right away I could hear the murmurs, the questions erupting throughout the classroom as everyone pondered of why this boy sheltered his face. I stared on for what must of been minutes as the shy boy kept his gaze down, I could see him slightly squeezing the arm straps to his backpack nervously the longer he stood there on full display for all.
I had my fill and I relaxed my postured sinking back into my chair directing my stare out the window but then Billy Sherman asked the question we all had on our minds,
“Uhm, why is he wearing that mask?”.
Our teacher explained to us that it was because of some weaken immune system, something about how his ticker didn’t click like the rest of ours, she then also told us about him being mute. This drew my eyes right back to him, I think it did for all of us and for a moment the quiet kid raised his head and locked eyes with me. His dark black eyes glistened with despair, the deep purple bags that sagged under his eyes were more indicative of someone that hadn’t slept in days. I felt something for him in that moment, our third eye conversing in some cosmic dialogue and as quickly as he rose his head did it drop once again towards the ground. I could still hear all the the other kids snickering, questioning and some even giggling; it made me sick, if I was a braver boy I would of stood on top of my desk and verbally lashed out to all the sheep, instead I rose my hand asking something Mrs. Willis never said, what was the timid boys name?
“Oh I’m sorry, how rude of me, this is Gabriel”.
She sat Gabriel upfront next to her desk, wanting him close in case he needed to write or sign something to her and just like that everyone went back to their simple lives; including myself.
The next few weeks I saw little of Gabriel other than the back of his head during class, once the bell rang everyone that my eyes glimpsed at for the day disappeared or just maybe it was me who dissolved into the ambience of our school. Either way I saw little of the boy who wore a mask, the one that sheltered his true identity and my curiosity with the new flavor of the week gradually faded into the abyss of non-existence; well, that was until the day I saw the mask slip.
It was end of the day, I spent most of the time turning corners anytime Bryce Ellis approached; evading the wrath of him and his band of merry men who were the pinnacle of human torture; finding any opportunity to demean those who crossed their path. I remember leaving Chemistry class, my mind all to occupied with leaving the hell hole of every kids dread and that’s when I saw Gabriel walking down the hall towards the cafeteria; his head still tilted down; his gaze tracking every step he took; face mask still tightly fitted around his face.
This time I saw someone was following him, it was Tom Ingram one of Bryce’s guys, a kid that tried to be the “alpha male” of the group numerous times, doing his best to dethrone the reign of Bryce. He was a big boy for his age, probably about 5'9 and easily weighed 200 pounds, he was a wild card alright; he got caught pouring sugar down Mr. Whitakers old Pontiac gas tank for giving him a poor grade. So when I saw him berating poor Gabriel; taunting him as grotesque laughter followed every insult, I felt like I had to do something and my consistent stealth veneer of camouflage morphed into into a full on sprint towards the two. I saw Tom was closing in on him, other kids looking on with bewilderment on their faces — not knowing if they should laugh out of fear or grimace from disgust. For the first time in a long while did a burning sensation of courage ignite in my soul, I was tired of seeing monsters preying on the sheep and I was going to stop it somehow.
Finally Gabriel had stopped walking and stood still, his head hanging even lower than before, the strands of his long hair covered the remainder of his face. Tom began slapping the top side of the poor kids head, yelling out obscenities, angered that he didn’t stop sooner. I was close, I was gonna stop this since all anyone else could do is cower in fear while looking on and then it happened causing me to stop dead in my tracks, my eyes widening with befuddlement. Tom had torn away the mask from Gabriel's face, awes with groans came from everyone then silence blanketed the entire school and for those few seconds our existence had been swallowed up by the earth itself.
“What the hell” Tom yelped out breaking the still but heavy disquietude.
I wanted to say something, but no words could be manifested only gurgles as I choked on my own disbelief. The timid boy under the mask of intrigue had a strip of black duct tape covering his mouth, it stretching from the side of his face to the other almost resembling what would be some hideous smile. The timid boy then collapsed his hands over his face as faint muffles of sobbing protruded from him, he ran into the nearest restroom only for Tom to pursue. Finally my thoughts had been gathered while my body came back to life, I brushed off the bizarre occurrence of that grizzly smile and I reminded myself of what was about to happen. Tom was going to punish Gabriel for simply existing as he and his gang have been doing for years and like some old factory machine the cogs of my body set into motion as I ran towards the restroom.
Before I could open the door the most horrid scream exploded outwards into the hallway, the sound sending a cold shiver down my spine and Tom came running out of the restroom gripping at his face crying. He was hysterical running and bumping into the walls until finally crumbling onto the floor only to continue sobbing. My mind was clouded with a whirl wind of confusion, I no longer knew what to do, I mean I was going to run in there and stop the assault but now the assaulter was on the floor destroyed. Then Gabriel calmly came out of the restroom, his mask firmly back on and he turned to look at me, his dark eyes burning an image of anguish into my mind. I asked if he was okay of course he said nothing though, he didn’t need to I could just sense his response and it was one of gratitude. I almost could see him smiling at me from underneath the mask and I reminded myself of what was under it; that abysmal duct tape that looked like a sinister grin.
From that day on most of the kids were afraid of Gabriel, I could see the look of terror in their eyes anytime he passed by them even though his headed was still shifted downwards but that’s the day whenever someone mentioned him they referred to him as “Tape boy”. I had heard through the whispers of our school that Tom had suffered some mental breakdown, that the doctors couldn’t find anything psychically wrong with him, it was as if his mind had shattered. He remained in some mental hospital, memories of him gradually fading and the sheep went on with living their mundane lives. Bryce even slowed his bullying, I think he knew that their were now more eyes watching everyone after the altercation and he didn’t want to get caught in some bad situation, though I could see he was itching to get at Gabriel. I went back to being a shadow, avoiding all the others still not too confident that the days of torture were over.
Even though Gabriel was regarded as some magical or perhaps malevolent being by most; not sure which one; he still appeared to be sad; lonely, his head always dragging with despondency. I made an effort in getting to know him, I wasn’t afraid like the rest of them something about the day we locked eyes gave me the resolve to understand he wouldn’t hurt me. I approached him during lunch break, he was outside sitting underneath a tree, the shade showering him a gloom of haze. I think I surprised him or maybe it was just my stealth nature but I saw him jump when I sat next to him. I began talking about the origins of Darth Vader, of how he was originally a hero using his force power for good only to eventually turn to the dark side.
Gabriel just looked at me confounded of why I was even talking to him, his stare looking on with indifference. I told him that he was like a super hero, doing whatever he did to Tom was just like a super power, that I was thankful. His gazed then returned back to the floor almost out of shame, I guess whatever he did that day he didn’t see it as something special, or something to praise. I then told him that I still envied his ability to defend himself, that having such an ability was better than winning the school lottery — which was a week supply of free cafeteria food. I kept blabbering on for the remainder of the break while he still postured his stare towards the floor until the bell had finally rung. Before getting up I told him that if I could have a super power mine would be invisibility that’s when he turned to me pulling out a small spiral from his back pack writing something down, he then showed me.
“Why?” it read.
I told him that I didn’t like being seen, that if I could I would melt away into the noise, then life would be better he just stared at me with what I could assume was disbelief. He didn’t write anything back, he just remain seated while I stood to my feet. I asked if he was coming back to class but he ignored me and just stared out into space presumably lost in his own thoughts.
For the next several months I would catch Gabriel in the hallways, talk to him about the latest edition of whatever comic I was reading, Superman being my favorite and I would go on and on about how his true super power wasn’t strength but hope. I think he became more comfortable with me, pulling out his spiral notebook to write down his thoughts; his questions and answers — a new gateway of communication had formed between us. Most times I could tell what he was going to write by looking at his eyes, those dark haunting eyes, he was a mysterious book slowly being revealed to me and I was completely beguiled by his friendship. Bryce and his little posse slowly went back to bullying the sheep, though they kept their distance from Gabriel and me.
I guess I had a new protector one that wouldn’t be crossed and something about that protection left me feeling proud. I knew in my heart that the timid kid that now went by “Tape boy” wouldn’t hurt a fly that maybe the day of Tom going crazy was all by chance, perhaps his rage snapped his mind. I tried asking him about that day numerous times but he never explained what happened he would redirect the conversation back to super hero’s. I would walk home with him on certain days, well, more like he would walk me home I never got to see where he lived, he was too reserved to give up that kind of information but the days we would walk together was always fun. I finally felt like I belonged, the longing emotion of needing acceptance was found by his friendship.
One day when I was walking home by myself I decided to stop in at the gas station to pick up a drink and scour the latest edition of comic books in the small rack of magazines. Before entering the store I could hear arguing voices engaging in combative dialogue and it became vividly clear that it was more of a yelling match than conversation. It was coming from the side of the building, most times I would just ignore it but one of the voices sounded all too familiar and I crept slowly to the edge of the building poking my head out to get a glimpse of the disturbance. It was Bryce, his back was up against the wall while someone who I presumed was his father berated him with such a vicious snarl on his face. The angry man kept slapping Bryce across the face anytime he tried to say something and soon tears began drizzling off the face of the mighty bully only for the man to laugh.
I didn’t know why the older man was treating Bryce the way he was, information cut out of my understanding, for all I know it could of been because of something the bully did at school. I found it to be poetic justice that the boy that caused so much heart ache suffered the same amount only at home. It felt like a cliche, the angry kid was angry because of the angry father; a cruel loop of never ending proportions. Eventually the man or father walked away getting back into his car leaving the bully to brush away the tears from his face. I cautiously retreated my head away deciding to ditch the store completely when that same broken voice only minutes ago shouted out to me with a hefty dominance.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Bryce howled out.
I didn’t bother turning around, I just ran home, dodging into alley ways trying my best to not been seen. It didn’t appear as if he was following, but seeing him in such a vulnerable state was bemusing. We were a small town how could I not know who the man was, we all knew each other since we were small and then it hit me; Bryce’s dad had left when he was little. This man must of been his step dad or perhaps mom’s boyfriend, it didn’t matter I was going to mind my own business, I was going to slither back into the shadows; but my attempts would only fall on defeated shoulders.
I didn’t want to tell anyone of what I saw, I hoped that keeping my mouth shut would of been enough for the bully to leave me be. Unfortunately there is no reasoning when it comes to human beings, we base our actions on emotions, our anger and Bryce confronted me the next morning in front of Gabriel.
“Hey fairy, did you enjoy the show?” the angry kid spouted out at me.
I tried explaining to him that I wasn’t trying to intrude, that the arguing concerned me, that I didn’t like seeing him being mistreated and then he punched me right in the gut. I fell to the floor gripping at my stomach, the pain slicing through every fiber of my body. I tried catching my breath but inhaling was too painful and I sheltered my face expecting another punch but the bully walked off leaving me to sweat. Gabriel kneel down to me taking out his spiral notebook writing the obvious question, I gestured to him to give me a moment and I honestly felt like crying. I had spent years doing my best to blend into the background, the invisibility power I was so desperate to have amongst the sheep was now gone; I was on Bryce’s radar.
For the remainder of the school year I tried avoiding the bullies, the monsters that preyed on the sheep but their leader would actively search for me, he was no longer intimidated by Gabriel; his once menacing allure had dwindled and now we both were sitting ducks. Luckily there was only a few weeks left until summer break and I only had hoped that the time off would be enough for the monster of monsters to cool off.
Entering summer was a relief much needed for my sanity, I took a few thrashings but it was over, me and Gabriel had big plans on spending time together. He wasn’t an out door kind of kid, he usually would just come over my place and we would read my comic books. He quickly grew enchanted with the idea of super hero's, their powers restoring balance to the nature of our world. I enjoyed every minute of it, my parents on the other hand looked less jovial to our friendship, they didn’t like the mask; it worried them. They thought that whatever illness he had could be passed on to me, but they didn’t do anything to stop us from seeing each other, they only silently protested.
So after awhile we decided to meet somewhere outdoors, away from my parents judgmental stares, there was a creek close to my house, the trees giving us enough shade to stay cool on those long summer days. The small stream that flowed through the trenches of the creek enriched our view as we would find the perfect rock to perch on while reading our comics. We didn’t see much of any of the other classmates that summer, the sheep kept their distance or maybe it was just us, but the days seem to pass quickly and before we knew it summer was coming to an end. I couldn’t remember how many volumes we must of read but Gabriel was now a fan of almost every super hero. He tend to raise out his arms while walking, mimicking the premise of flying like Superman; his ponderous eyes cutting through the brush as we escaped our secluded summer spot.
It was on the final day of our summer break did I pressure the shy timid boy to explain to me what had happen that day, the day Tom lost his marbles, I needed to know. Gabriel as always tried redirecting the conversation, holding up a comic of Batman, pointing at some dialogue. I got upset, I raised my voice telling him that if we were friends then he should tell me, that there wasn’t secrets between us. His heavy eyes collapsing to the ground, shifting his posture on the rock that we both sat on.
“Look, I just need to know, you’re my best friend” I told him with genuine longing.
The school year was about to start up again and I could already envision a future of slithering through the hallways how I have always done, but with Gabriel maybe that could change. I needed to know and I was done guessing, fantasizing that he was some super hero or at least my hero; my protector. I stood up off the rock walking over to the stream, the sound of water colliding unto the small stones that infested the trench triggered something awful in my gut. I took a deep breath and made my final stand with my best friend.
“If you don’t want to tell me then I’m going home, see ya” I said with impatience dripping off of my words.
Gabriel ignored my warning and continued pointing at the comic book, that’s when I noticed what he was pointing at, it wasn’t dialogue it was one of Batman's villains — he was pointing at Clayface. This made me stop, my minding halting after speeding at 100 miles per hour; it crashing my thoughts.
“Yeah, what about Clayface?” I curiously asked with a withered and tired voice.
That’s when his pointer finger was no longer on the page but rather it was pointed towards his mouth; the mouth that was hidden behind his mask. He could see my face drop with sadness, whatever disfigurement he had underneath that horrid black duct tape must of been something like the villain from the comic and my heart broke for him. Gabriel’s eyes gleaming with absolute sorrow, the boy that only wanted to be left alone, the person all the others feared just wanted solitude and here I was badgering him to no end about something so insignificant. We stared at each other for several seconds, our eyes meeting in some altered state and I reached my hand up to his face tenderly taking off his mask. There it was, the black duct tape that resembled a grin, a nightmarish one that could only been seen in some horror movie. I then placed my fingers on the edge of the tape, my cold grip causing him to shiver and I slowly began to remove it.
“What the hell are you fairy’s doing?” a voice called out from the brush, one that sank my heart into my stomach.
I turned trying to locate the voice and sure enough there he was, the bully that had tortured so many for so many years — it was Bryce. His body slowly revealing itself from the brush like some despicable ooze frothing from the depths of hell. Though, something about him was different, his cold stare no longer fictitious but more intimidating and as his body fully emerged did I see the blood trickling down his soaked stain shirt. He was covered in the crimson fluid, there was even some on his cheeks almost as he had some open wound and smeared the remnants of it on his face. The devilish grin that bestowed his bruised and beaten face quickly led me to a conclusion; one that I wish I didn’t conclude. A purplish black infested the out layer of his left eye, it practically closed shut and his nose had been bent to a unsightly angle. I started to whimper as my lips trembled from fright because this Bryce was not the same one that had given us wedgies or swirlies this one was a true monster, a beast that devoured souls. His gaze was enough to display a vacancy of any humanity and my eyes crawled down his arm into his hand to see the black pistol that he firmly gripped.
“Uh, Bryce what happened? Are you okay?” I groaned out while sniffling.
He didn’t answer, he just kept grinning at me, the ghastly smile that stretched ear from ear plagued my vision and I knew that he had done it, that he had hurt someone badly. I was terrified and in the moment I had completely forgotten about Gabriel, my tunnel vision only focused on that firearm.
“Where the hell did the other one go?” the monster asked, I turned and realized Gabriel in fact had run away leaving me behind.
I wanted to run, I wanted to flee while screaming but horror kept me in place and I felt like some dear trapped in headlights contemplating my entire life in mere seconds.
“Everyone always messes with me!” Bryce yelled out with such ferociousness.
There was no talking my way out of this one, no pleading, I knew in that moment he was going to kill me; his rage over flowing to the point of lunacy. He quickly pounced dropping me to the floor, screaming with madness and he repeatedly hit me over the head with the but of the gun causing me to see stars. His words became incoherent sounding like muffled tones that slushed it’s way into my hearing, I shook my head trying to collect myself, just maybe I could figure a way out of this but as soon as my vision corrected itself Bryce would strike me another time causing it to blur once again. I fell into a darkness, my world collapsing into an eternal void of loneliness as my body began to float effortlessly but as soon as I thought this was my final moments flashes of Gabriel flooded into my mind awakening me out of whatever slumber I found myself in. That’s when I realized Bryce was no longer hitting me, instead he was talking to someone and as I grabbed at my head trying to steady my balance I saw it was Gabriel standing still head as always tilted downwards.
Bryce confronted him pointing his 9mm directly at his head yelling, screaming at the top of his lungs but my best friend remained unmoved, just quiet and then he slowly removed his mask. This caused Bryce to pause, his tone weaken and I think for the first time he digested if he should proceed doing what he was doing.
“What are you doing freak?” the bully yelped out.
Gabriel remained quiet, eyes still directed towards the floor, his breathing escalating; I could see his chest pump more vigorously with each passing second. With the mask off me and Bryce could see the bewildering black duct tape strapped to his face, Gabriel’s face began to tremble violently as if he was trying to yell through the bondage. He then finally began to peel of the thick layer of black duct tape and it came off with a wicked screech as I could see my friends eyes squint with pain.
Bryce was no longer pointing the gun at Gabriel, no longer was he even saying a word his arm lowered to his side and both him and I stared on with amazement. What was under the tape was layers of skin, twisting and binding to each other like some thriving organism living it’s own life on Gabriel's face. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t say anything I was in shock and my head still throb from pain. Then Gabriel's mouth — if you want to call it that — began to stretch open, he tilted his head backwards while the mountain of dead flesh started to drip down his face allowing some endless void to open up inside of him. I could hear the cracking of bones breaking, his jaw shifting to accommodate the massive hole that was now his mouth and then horrid dwindling fingers began to protrude from the darkness.
My mouth gaped open with trepidation and if I had the ability to adjust my head I would think Bryce had the same facial expression. Then a grotesque head forced it’s way out of my friends mouth revealing a face that could only exist in the realms of the dead, this new creature having two large almond shape eyes; eyes that looked very similar to the ones that were attached to my friend. This ‘thing’ then stared at Bryce, that’s all it did, no words were spoken no violence was created it just stared at him and soon the bully grasped at his face and began to yell. He ran frantically in different directions, his gun firing out into the tree line, I jumped for cover; falling to the floor sheltering my head with my arms. Bryce’s terrified screams caused my stomach to turn and soon those dire cries stopped along with the gunshots.
I must of stayed on the floor for what felt like hours, too scared to rise to my feet and through my peripheral did I see the sun begin to set plunging the small creak into darkness. I eventually mustered up enough courage to get up and I looked around, Bryce was mere feet away from me, he lay still on the floor blood spewing out of his head; it appeared as if had shot himself. I walked over to his body befuddled of what to do I then remembered Gabriel, I turned to look for him but he was gone it was only me and Bryce's dead corpse. I ran home telling my parents about everything, of the encounter I experienced, at first it seemed as if they didn’t believe me but they still phoned for the police.
I led them to the creek to the bullies dead body, I initially thought perhaps they would blame me, connect me to his death but the police believed me; well the believed me about Bryce but not about Gabriel. They told me that Bryce had killed his step father, apparently they had gotten into some altercation and afterwards he went into his mothers bedroom and shot her to death. They told me that the once bully was a disturbed individual, suffering abuse for many years; that I was lucky to escape from his wrath. I told them that they needed to find my friend I wanted to know if he was okay, but all the officers could do was pat my back with sympathy trying to relax me.
It has almost been 30 years since the event, I still have nightmares of what had happened, I see the dead stare Bryce had while pointing his pistol at me, I see him repeatedly hitting me over the head again and again. Though, what still haunts me more is Gabriel's mouth contorting into that horrid shape revealing the creature that lived inside of him. He was never found, I’m pretty sure he moved on to another city, another place where bullies like Bryce tormented their schools and I could only imagine Gabriel was there to balance the wrongs of the world. I am scared of my best friend, but I know at the same time he is my protector; my super hero, he is out there doing good, I can feel it and I hope he can sense my love for him. Maybe we will never meet again, perhaps it’s not written in the stars for us to reunite but one thing is for sure, I get comic books mailed to me randomly every month; most are of Superman and I know exactly who they are from.

Hi everyone! I am asking for your opinions about some pictures of my had that had some red pimples on it.
Firstly I have been in contact with someone, only a handshake, who has scabies. The persons told me that they were treated and shouldn’t be contagious but we work together and along with the handshake shared some office supplies like a mouse and a keyboard.
I also have a history of dyshidrosis exzema, which is why I’m confused.
I had scabies before 6 years ago.
I was in contact with the person for 6 total days of work over the last 3 weeks.
I have no itching at all, but the pimples when pierced burn… almost the same feeling as if I had a blister.
Thanks

This feels so silly to vent about but I'm at a breaking point and can't talk anywhere else about this.
Many months ago I made the very poor mistake of looking outside just as an orange stray cat was in our yard, he began talking to me and it was a funny little moment. But then my mom wanted to see him and it all went down from there. She began feeding and giving water to all the stray cats outside, which of course brought tons of them around more. It seems sweet, and in some ways it is, but my problem from the beginning was that we have our own two cats that she has done nothing for in the past three years compared to the effort she's put towards these outside cats in the last few months. My brother and I take care of our cats, including making sure their fed and have litter. They're behind on their shots because neither of us can drive and mom won't, but since my brother's been working he began purchasing our cats their food and even got them a nice water fountain. One of our cats we adopted from a shelter so she was already fixed, the other was not and has yet to be fixed because our mother just... Hasn't. So right off the bat I was really upset she went head first into caring for the outside cats and not her own.
At the time I was in a telehealth therapy program and vented my frustrations in a group therapy session where the therapist pointed out that if she kept doing that, when the cats began getting pregnant, they'd bring their litters here. So from then on I was silently hoping they'd never get pregnant, wishful thinking on my part. I told my mom in the first month of her doing this that these outside cats were NOT my responsibility and I did not want to participate in helping them at all. I know I sound like a cruel person, and I am willing to accept that, but I didn't want to take on the responsibilities of more cats on top of the ones I already own. The problem only got worse when, one morning, I walked out to find my mom holding one of the stray cats in her arms in our house, walking her through before calmly putting her outside where mom informed me she let that cat specifically stay in her bedroom sometimes.
We live in arizona, in the desert, animals get fleas as soon as they step foot outside I swear to god. And immediately I didn't like having this outside cat in our house with our cats. I tried to talk with her about how I didn't feel comfortable having any outside cats in our (very small) trailer and would appreciate if she didn't do that anymore. I didn't yell or insult, I tried my best to sound mature and calm so she wouldn't react volatile-y, but she just brushed me off and said "she doesn't do it often". And from then on that cat was coming in and out of our house bi-daily.
Then that cat got pregnant. Just as my therapist said, she was always around. And one night she came inside and mom helped her give birth to a litter of kittens. I was so distressed, they were cute and I'm not a monster. They've been fun to help take care of, I check on them while my mom and brother are at work, I make sure they have food and water. They're now about two months old and I desperately want them out. We go through puppy pads faster than a smoker does a carton of cigarettes. Mom's begun buying them all kinds of toys and treats, a whole playpin for them and she continues to purchase more, or when she's low on money she asks my brother to buy the things she needs for the kittens. Animal shelters are out of the question, it's kitten season and they're all full. Her only "looking for help" has been a shitty facebook stray cat group of the area that has offered zero help at all, but she swears to god she's trying her best. I had to be the one to look into any animal rescues that could help us, and found one that could fix them and adopt them out as long as we foster them longer.
My problem comes from the fact she's still letting that outside cat in the house even after the kittens don't need her around. This has caused the kittens to continuously get fleas, we've given them like three different flea baths that do work until she lets the fucking mama cat in. I have tried everyway possible to say in as calm and respectful a manner as I can that we need to stop letting the cat in, she's giving the kittens fleas and on top of that putting our cats at risk. They've all been separated as much as possible, but the kittens keep trying to escape my mom's room and just a few days ago I had to chase a random stray out of our house because she wasn't paying attention and he got in sniffing for our un-fixed cat. She just doesn't care enough about what I have to say our anything other than her wants and I feel like I'm going crazy. Her most recent tactic to handling me bringing it up is to outright ignore me, just completely act like I didn't say anything and it's baffling me. I didn't want this responsibility but I have to help because she can't do it alone. She can't bend down to help the cats, she can't carry the heavy food bags, she can't even afford their food regularly and has to rely on my brother for most materials. I feel like it's unfair I have to help her with a responsibility I don't want, if she can't do it she shouldn't have taken it on, y'know? How is it fair we're expected to help her with something we didn't want to happen in the first place. I'm sick with stress and wake up every morning with my heart racing in my chest because on top of it was have a leak somewhere under our trailer and my mom's foot WENT THROUGH THE FLOOR. But we can't have it repaired yet because we have these fucking kittens. And when I said this she screamed at me for it, and I'm just done. Even when the kittens are gone I don't think she's going to stop letting this outside cat in, she got a fucking cat tree for her room for fucks sake. Our cats got a cat tree as a hand-me-down from my grandparents after their cat passed. She's done way more for these outside cats and kittens than she's ever done for our cats in the entirety we've owned them. I don't think it's that cats' fault, she's a really sweet cat and obviously we don't want her getting pregnant again. But she's too used to coming inside and spends most days in our house now. She's not even remotely potty trained and I've had to be the one to clean up her massive turds multiple times this past week. My mom clearly won't listen and I don't want to be the asshole that calls my grandparents to tell on her and make her even more mad (we rent our trailer from our grandparents-her parents, they know we're fostering a litter but I don't think they know about the mama cat being in the house daily). I'm currently unemployed and can't drive, I'm literally at the mercy of whatever the hell my mom decides to do and it's leaving me feel physically ill.
Sorry for this long nonsense about cats. I feel like I'm genuinely going crazy and don't know what to do. I hope to god this cat rescue I reached out to helps, but I don't know what to do about the mama cat. I want to cry and feel like I'm gonna be sick thinking about it all, but my mom won't listen and I cannot comprehend a way to get her to. No matter what I say or do she does what she wants and won't even pretend to consider what I've said. I can't leave, I can't ask for help, I'm stressed over a bunch of cats!! That sounds so stupid to me!! But I am!! And I just want this all to be over. I find myself mad at myself everyday for having ever pointed out that orange cat in our front yard, if I had just kept my mouth shut maybe I wouldn't be in this predicament. Idk. Sorry for the long post.

Tl;Dr: i had a really good time, game is a 9/10 and the only wishes i have are fairly minor. Story good, gameplay good, exploration REALLY good.
Combat: the martial classes (fighter, thief, archer, etc.) were definitely the crown jewel of this game. I loved the combat, it felt so fluid and interesting. Each of the skills is unique enough where all of them provide a different perspective or approach to a battle. Each class has a purpose and approaching combat from the same "just go in there and deal with it" perspective doesnt always work the same way it does in other games like soulsborndenringkiro. Personally i found the fighter to be addicting and every aspect of each fight felt calculated. The casters i felt got the shortest end of the stick (mage, sorc, Marcher) each of them feels like a shadow of thier former casters in my opinion. Sorcerer has it's two most titular capstone spells but many of the previous spells are missing. Mage and sorcerer i could certainly see mistaking one for the other. Magic archer though i thought all classes were fun and i hate to compare to it's older brother, feels like it didn't have the diversity or "uniqueness" as it's older counterpart had. Trickster was just a blast, it started off awkward and i hated it, but as i learned of so so many different mechanics i learned to love the class so so much. Pushing boulders, throwing rocks, using spellbooks, using enemies to fight enemies to fight enemiesc, etc. it was a blast and it felt like such a refreshing and unique take on action rpg battles.
Story: i thought it told a very different story from DDDA which i was not expecting but was still good in it's own right. However, it got short ended hard and you can feel it. The whole godsbane questline gets halted hard into the dragon fight. The story of lord phaesus feels like it got mega halted, and he's made so important in the unmoored but it doesn't feel like he had that presence to earn it in the early game. The whole bit about the false arisen also got shoved under the carpet. I really liked the story's message and the story told. But it feels like it didn't have the time to cook that it needed and came out undone (thanks crapcom).
Exploration: literally perfect. Only wish i had was that i could spend an unlimited amount of time in the unmoored so i could shatter my poor aching heart at all of my favorite campsites being made so horribly ugly by the end of the world.

Hi there!
Disclaimer: this is a very long post. If you read all of it, I appreciate it endlessly! 🥹
After taking a break that has lasted way too long, I have decided to return to writing with my usual enthusiasm and am looking for an equally eager, literate and detailed, male (24+) partner.
My name is Elise, I am twenty-five and have been roleplaying for countless years now. I love creating stories that keep my partner and me on the edge of our seats, as well as inventing characters that find new layers of themselves throughout the journey. I consider myself a literate and write in third person, past tense on Discord. I live in the GMT+2 timezone, however I want to mention that I have been living with insomnia for years now, so I am incredibly flexible when it comes to the hours I am able to write.
For the longest time, mafia and crime settings have been my favorite! (I blame it on the countless dark romance books I have read.😝 ) I love having two dark and complex characters with backstories that influence their beings meet and let the fire start. Morally grey characters that sometimes do not make the best decisions have a special place in my heart, lmao. Also, I think that the combination of crime and romance can be incredibly interesting. It offers countless opportunities for the story to unfold and tropes to make use of.
For the longest time, I have had a specific setting in mind. It includes a young, woman who does not believe in love and has fingers that like to dip into other people's pockets meeting a stern and power hungry man who is involved in the world of crime.
Down below, you can find the starter. If you happen to be interested, please feel free to shoot me a message with an introduction of yourself and perhaps even any ideas you would like to incorporate. I would appreciate a bit of an effort, instead of the generic 'hey, wanna rp?' Merci!
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"Correct. I have just landed and had to check your boutique out. I have read such good things about it." Gianna lied effortlessly to the friendly sales lady. Part of the brunette even felt sorry for her, considering the fact that this was about to turn into one of the worst days she would have at her job. The young woman had really just landed from Los Angeles, quickly having come to the realization that her summer wardrobe was awfully out of place in snowy New York in the middle of December. "I'll try these dresses on as well. This sweater and this skirt look amazing, too.“ She added, knowing she had to bring a pile to the changing room, so the saleswoman would not notice some pieces being missing right away. The poor employee had been told some bullshit story about Gianna having come to the city that never sleeps with her boyfriend and assuming he was going to propose, she needed to look good at all times.
Minutes later, she found herself stood inside the spacious changing room, having managed to sneak her suitcase inside with her. Opening it, she quickly knelt down and stuffed a few of the things inside. First came the jacket, it was freezing outside. Then the skirt, sweater and another dress. The rest of the pile remained hung up. "I will be right back!" The saleswoman announced from the other side of the door, as the store's phone rang. Gianna heard her footsteps grow more and more distant, before quietly opening the door. Perfect. She was gone. Instead of rolling her suitcase behind her and making noise, she quickly lifted it, groaning internally at the weight of it. With quick steps and quite as a mouse she then made her way out of the store. She did not even have to run, the woman was busy with the phone on the other side of the store. Gianna was lucky, she knew that. She always was.
She smiled triumphantly to herself as she quickly turned a corner outside, knowing it was only a matter of time, until her absence would be noticed. After walking for around fifteen minutes, she spotted a public bathroom and quickly got inside to get changed. Ignoring the more than disgusting scent inside, Gianna got out of her jeans and thin sweater, before putting on the dress and the coat she had just stolen. Admittedly, it did look good on her. The dress was black and strapless, exposing her delicate shoulders and neck. It reached her knees and hugged her body. Her legs were elongated by a pair of heels she had snatched on the way out. The black coat fit perfectly, no one would assume the brunette did not even have a place to sleep.
Neither would anyone assume she had lit an entire casino on fire thirteen hours ago. By now, it was almost eight pm and Gianna took confident steps through the streets of New York, as if she belonged to the Upper East Side and nowhere else. Finally, she reached her destination. Tilting her head, she glanced up at a bright colored sign above an expensive looking bar. From the outside, it was almost impossible to look through the windows, but considering the way guests stepping inside were dressed, it had to be a somewhat upscale establishment. She neared the bodyguards controlling the entrance who at first seemed unsure about her, mustering her petite frame and the suitcase up and down.
"Come on, gentlemen. I am freezing." The brunette smiled softly and batted her eyelashes in an innocent matter at them. She was not wearing any makeup, but the look on her face apparently seemed to be enough for them to let her in. With a polite nod, she stepped inside. Gianna had visited a lot of upscale establishments in her twenty-six years of living, but this..this truly was something else. Everything was held in dark colors, the bar, the interior. It all dripped in exclusiveness, letting her know she was exactly where she wanted to be.
She sat down at the bar on one of the high stools and crossed her slim legs, with her suitcase beside her. Still wearing her coat, she glanced around. Several men were here already, some in groups and some on their own. Some had rings on their left finger and some had not. However, Gianna knew it did not mean a thing. Manipulating married men was even easier, since they were up for every thrill. Except, Gianna was not a thrill. She was not some fun for one night. Instead, she was good company, being able to giggle and talk for hours, until her companion was blacked out, or simply too intoxicated to notice her slipping her long and slim fingers into their pockets and taking out what she had wanted all along; their wallet. Perhaps a watch, too. Whatever she could get.
With every married man that fell into her trap, Gianna felt more and more discouraged about trusting any male. It had destroyed her illusion of faithfulness completely. Her gaze landed on the man to her right. He was younger than the rest, but older than her. Admittedly, he was handsome. And he was not wearing a ring. However, there was one problem: He was not looking, unlike the other creeps. Letting her coat glide down her shoulders, she exposed her bare skin, without looking at her right anymore, hoping the somewhat seductive gesture would be enough to get his attention. When the bartender asked what she would like to drink, she gave him a small smile. "An old fashioned, please." She answered, knowing very well she did not have an ounce of cash on her. Surely, someone to pay her bill could be found tonight.

ok so for context im a dutch person who is going in college .
story:
im at college right now and i dont know if im the jerk so im in my dorm and i live with dis girl she had a huge
her name is amy not her real name btw
crush on me im in math class shes there im somewhere else shes there shes literly spying me i u might think thats a coincidence but no i changed classes the next day she changes classes she gets the currage one day and tells me "heyyyy i like u wanna be my bf?" for context she has never even spoken to me so i say no and she goes off mad and crying but i told her no nicley i go back to my dorm at the end of the day im looking at my what app messages but then. i see a new message its a picture of me scrolling on youtube in my bed witch i had just dont i start to freak out and tell my roomate he says "maby we need to get blinds?" i agreed and we get it but some how the next day after college hours i go to watch videos on the my phone some one keeps spamming my phone with pictures of me in my dorm some how i start freaking out and tell dis to the school administration and the say i quote "mAbY uR rOOmAtE iS mESSinG wItH yOU"
i tell them that he was at the dorm when some one took the pictures they dont litsen so i get revenge i write who it is it writes guess...... i wrote amy? it said yes and i if i dont become her boyfriend she will swat me over and over i wanted to tell but she would know so i made a genuis idea in the mmiddle of the night i broke into the school administration service put printed images of what she texted me on the table the next day i think u can guess what happend yeahh she got banned from the college and i was free for the rest of the time i was there
ik its short but am i the jerk here?

(I don't make rugs to sell I mainly do it for videos and cause I enjoy the process so my works are made to be hung not on the floor)
Just wondering if people have any tips from materials to technique, I usually use red heart yarn and find it pretty cost effective but maybe there's a better option? I stick to the brown monks cloth and personally haven't had an issue with it, and I use the non slip backing but feel like that's a place I could cut costs and do a different option since my pieces get hung any way, aside from that I'm debating spacing my lines out a bit more as well so the rug would be a bit less dense, and I already try to use as much of my cloth as possible for smaller projects like mug rugs and pot holders and save every little scrap in a bag to eventually use for a pillow filling

My parents divorced when i was 17 years old (Im 20 now) for a multitude of reasons primarily being my dad is an abusive prick and no one can say that hes wrong (hes wrong a lot) when they got divorced and I saw my mom and dad every other week.How they took care of themselves was vastly different.My dad was and is a complete slob and doesn’t care how his place looks,my mom likes her house clean and has pictures up everywhere.
Now to my moms boyfriend.My mom met him when I was 18 and getting ready to leave for basic training(he’s actually one of the first people i told as he was eating dinner with her) over the course of 2 years ive seen him every so often he treats my mom like a queen.My mom is a paranoid person because of my dad. For example my mom wanted to put food away her boyfriend immediately said no the kids know where everything is to start putting food away just come sit on the couch and relax.My dad never cared about his health even though he claimed he did, my moms boyfriend is a bit heavier dude but hes actively trying to live a healthier lifestyle.I think what made me respect him more was how he treated my siblings.He treats them as his own even though he has his own kids, he still treats them with respect that even my dad couldn’t do.Now do I see him as a replacement for my dad.Not really but he is definitely one of those people i would go to advice to

excuse my bad english, i just need advice
So i started talking to a new guy like last month, we alr knew each other from a previous school but we decided to talk through calls and msgs evrry now and then, there were obviously some hidden feelings both from me and him, i never noticed until i told my friends abt it and they said that he was obviously trying to get to know me more to be with me romantically. Everything was amazing really, we didnt knew each other in person as we are from different schools and he doesnt go out a lot, but we know what the other looks like through pictures. He said to me various times that i was the only one he could trust and had a blind faith on me because i was so different from everyone else. It felt good, i said it back to him too so he could see it was mutual. Last week we talked and i told him that i had once kissed a guy in a party and i didnt even know that guy. Then we started talking about sex, and he said that his future girlfriend will have to be as much of a virgin as him because thats the best way to love someone, to be unexperienced. I felt bad, im not a virgin, and i think he was took back from the comment i made about the party guy, like maybe he thought i was a slut or something. Since then we havent called, i have been telling him that we should call, but he never calls, and when i told him if he could call at 9pm the other day he only said "ahahahaha dont text me through ig, only normal messages because i dont get notifications" at 12pm. I was asleep so i woke up to that message and idk i guess it just hurt because i was so expecting that call and he forgot about it with the excuse of ig not giving him notifications. I said it was ok, and sent him cat reels bc we send them to each other every day, but this time he jsut replied to one of the reels with "ooo" like what does that mean?? he usually replies laughing or saying "so cute" stuff like that. He also hasnt sent me anything through ig lately so im scared he could possibly hate me and think im a slut.
option 1. Theres a guy in my school who knows him and maybe he sent him a not good looking pic of me and realized i was ugly in other angles. option 2. something happened to him, maybe hes sad because of something but it wouldnt make any sense, he has told me variois times that when he feels sad he doesnt like to push people away. option 3. he realized i wasnt a virgin, he wants a virgin girl in his life, and its ok, i have no problem with that, but maybe he realized i was too much (in the bad way).
Help me out i cant figure this out