#double splash page

[comicartarchive]

Rune 1 pg2-3 by Barry Windsor-Smith

[rhade-zapan]

Billy Graham Jungle Action (vol 2) #12 1974

Follow Rhade-Zapan for more visual treats

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

"...AND WHO KNOWS WHAT'S OUT THERE IN THE DARK..." -- HERE IT COMES!!

PIC INFO: Mega spotlight on the opening two page spread/splash titled "Induction in the Savage Land, packing an enormous Tyrannosaurus head full of teeth in the way of our heroes; Wolverine, Jubilee, & Rogue, from "WOLVERINE" Vol. 2 #69. May, 1993. Marvel Comics.

EXTRA INFO: I included the two succeeding pages for maximum storytelling effect.

STORY/SCRIPT: Larry Hama

PENCILER: Dwayne Turner

INKER: Chris Ivy

COLORIST: Steve Buccellato

LETTERER: Pat Brosseau

Source: https://readcomiconline.li/Comic/Wolverine-1988/Issue-69?id=10544.

[tomoleary]

Jim Starlin and Al Milgrom - Thanos #1 Double Splash Page 10-11 Original Art (Marvel, 2003)

Source

[smbhax]

From Captain Marvel Adventures #8, March 1942. Henry Lynne Perkins (?) plot, John Broome (?) script.

Info from Grand Comics Database.

[sysig]

Cards 👏 cards 👏 cards 👏 (Patreon)

[nick-picks]

Enjoy a Halloween treat with this look at a spread from the book I’m working on with my buddy Daniel Ziegler. Monster with ghost violin blasting other monsters, what more could you ask for? Well actually I’ve got the full two page spread over on Patreon, this version is edited for the public! Lots more over there so consider joining! https://www.patreon.com/nickcagnetti

[vertigoartgore]

2018's Immortal Hulk Vol.1 #1 pages 21-22. Script by Al Ewing, art by Joe Bennett, inks by Ruy Rosé, colors by Paul Mounts and lettering by Cory Petit.

[sobbingscripter]

Tags: [final part][mdni][mlw][aged up][cowgirl][brief clit play][nipple play][nipple sucking][bath sex][short and sweet]

You remember the exact moment you had stepped over the threshold of the Al Ghul estate, large wooden gates towering over you, parting like the pages of your favourite book and it gave view to excellent topiary.

Leafy green bushes and hedges trimmed into various serpentine designs, as well as two dragons, formed in the leaves and branches of the large bonsai trees on either side of the double doors that opened to reveal...

Him.

Shorter than you, emerald green eyes that seemed to glow in the dim lighting of the setting sun, black uniform (that reminded you of Clumsy Ninja but you weren't gonna talk about it) and dark hair, obscured by a hood.

He walked with pride, his footsteps so light that the gravel beneath his feet remained unbothered and he cleared his throat before glancing towards the double doors, where Ra's stood, hands behind his back and watching with a keen eye.

And you bow slightly, head lowered.

"Why are you bowing?" Damian questioned, a dark brow raised and you hummed as a response. "I'm leaning down to meet your gaze."

"Good morning, wench."

Damian's voice is muffled, a muscular arm tossed over your waist, his face pressed into your back and his legs entangled with yours. His face doesn't move, blankets low on his hips but tugged protectively up to your chest and you let out a snort of laughter.

"Wow. The switch up is crazy." You murmur and Damian's chest vibrates with a hoarse laugh before he shifts, pressing the sweetest kiss against your shoulder, and slowly trailing up, along the back of your neck before nipping at the curve.

Damian's hand finds its way beneath the covers, delft digits nestling against your folds and you let out a quiet breath, tongue peeking out between your teeth to stifle any sound that threatens to leave you.

Lazy fingers begin to circle your clit, teasing the sensitive little bud until it perks, lips pressing sweet kisses to the supple skin of your neck, and his broad chest presses against your back.

"How did you sleep?" Damian murmurs, the ball of his nose brushing against your thrumming pulse and you hum quietly.

"You kept poking me in the back." You complain and he snorts quietly, two fingers dipping into your cunt with ease, gooey walls clinging to his digits.

"I see myself poking you in the front too."

—♱—

Damian's eyes roll back in his head when your nails scratch against his scalp, shampoo emulsifying between the raven strands and he groans quietly.

The hot water surrounds the two of you, thighs straddling Damian's lap as you continue to wash his hair, his hands resting on the curve of your hips. His expression remains relaxed, brows eased and his eyes fluttered shut.

The ease in his expression makes your heart swell, your fingers scrubbing his hair.

"I don't understand why I have to wash your hair." You murmured under your breath, blunt fingertips scratching along Damian's scalp as you leaned over him, glaring down at his form as he kept his eyes open, emerald pools glowering at you.

It wasn't unusual that he didn't trust you.

After being in your company for only, you know, a few months.

"Keep staring and I'll splash water in your eyes." You threatened, eyes narrowed and Damian didn't look away, staring up at you from beneath thick, dark brows.

And you dropped frothy water into his eyes, the hiss that fell from his lips had you snorting.

"You deviant bitch!"

"You called me a deviant bitch once." You murmur, your hands halting in Damian's hair and one eye peeks open to stare up at you, brows knitting in confusion.

"Are you seriously having flashbacks right now?"

Damian's voice is a low laugh, his hands massaging your hips beneath the surface of the water, a sweet touch and you shift closer on his lap.

You nod your head, continuing to scrub at his temples and he goes cross-eyed, blunt nails gripping your hips at the tingly sensation that has him letting out deep and relaxed breaths, eyes fluttering shut once again.

"Stop having flashbacks..." Damian mumbles lazily, fingertips trailing up the curve of your spine, feeling the damp flesh beneath his fingers and he pulls you closer, soapy tits pressed against his broad chest.

"Focus on me right now."

Leaning forward, you press your lips against Damian's before you murmur quietly.

"You're trying to get me to not remember how mean you were." You tease and you watch the way the corners of his mouth twitch in that cocky and amused way that makes your belly flutter.

"Now, why would I try to gaslight my beautiful and perfect wife?"

Damian hums, one of his hands leaving your flesh and he shifts beneath you, in a way that you're not too sure what he's doing but you're more intent on being right.

Because catching Damian Wayne in a lie is most likely, one of the greatest accomplishments in the world.

"You're trying to ga— ah..."

Your eyes roll back in your head when you feel Damian's cock slowly slip into you, your walls pulsing around him and your forehead moves to rest against his shoulder, nails moving from his hair and instead, resting on his shoulder.

Your brows crease and Damian's hands move to rest on your lower back, stroking up your spine carefully before his fingers come to wrap around the back of your neck.

"My love, can you move your hips for me?"

Damian requests so sweetly, turning his head to kiss at your temple. And you meekly nod your head, grinding your hips in a lazy and sloppy circular motion.

But as lazy as it is, it has Damian's fingers digging into your flesh, a shaky breaths leaving his lips.

"Just like that..."

Damian breathes out, watching as you lean back, hands moving to comb his hair out of his face, using the detachable showerhead to rinse the suds out of his raven strands.

Your hips continue to roll, your free hand resting on one of his broad shoulders. Damian's hips don't lift, eyes locked on the jiggle of your breasts as you keep moving, and his hands raise, palming your chest with reverance.

You fit so perfectly in his hands, thumbs brushing over your nipples until they stiffen to pointy peaks, and he hums, eyes nearly fluttering shut when your hips lift and roll, only his flushed tip being buried in your tight and drooling cunt.

"Just the tip... Just the tip... Focus on it— fuck, just like that." Damian whines softly, his grip on your breasts tightening when his head tips back, droplets trailing down his raven strands and onto the thick, stone rim of the tub.

And he leans forward, lowering his head before dragging his tongue along your stiff bud, while his thumb continues to idly tease the other.

Even when you take Damian deep, his cock kissing your cervix, he keeps his head dipped, eager to tease your sensitive and stiff nubs, sucking and nipping at the skin of your chest.

Your hips stutter when you come, your lashes fluttering and your walls spasming, and Damian swallows, eyes lifted to remain on your face as your features screw up with pleasure.

This is where he's meant to be.

Beneath his beloved wife, the best thing in the world to him, pulling orgasms from her body with a single twitch of his hips. Adoringly watching the ecstasy paint her face in shades of pleasure and euphoria, while bucking hips cause the water in the tub to ripple.

And for once, everything is right in the world of Damian Wayne.

[comicartarchive]

Sabretooth - In The Red Zone pg24-25 by Gary Frank

[triplefrontierbabe]

1,1,3 😛😛😛 i feel like i gotta

Max’s Shift in Career

summary: you ask the million dollar question to have a baby

pairing: f! reader x Max Verstappen

prompt: asking for a baby x Max Verstappen x fic

warning: mentions of pregnancy, if that is not a topic you’re interested in, please skip

a/n: part of 600 followers celebration!!! thank you anon for this!!! you’re doing a service for asking for this hehe

600 followers celebration

You were visiting Max’s sister, Victoria and her family, during summer vacation. Spending a few weeks away on the beach with family was your perfect idea of a break. Mornings were slow and the days were long, but in the right way. While you and Victoria enjoyed sunbathing, Max and Joris spent time playing with the kids in the water. While it warms your heart seeing Max interact with his niece and nephews, you’d be remiss to not say there was a part of you that yearned for more.

Over the course of the couple years you and Max have been dating, the talk of children and the future definitely was a topic of conversation more than once. Given Max’s career and the constant travel, there was a mutual understanding that having kids was something to be put on the back burner for the time being. And, you understood why. But, the want has always been something that’s flashed through your mind more than once– especially when you see him around his sister’s kids.

“What’s on your mind?” Victoria says, pulling you out of your deep thoughts.

“Well, what isn’t at this point?” You reply with a small chuckle. Victoria smiles at you knowingly. Ever since you started dating Max you had become instant best friends with Victoria. She’s become the sister you never had.

“How did you and Joris know it was the right time?” You ask after a moment of silence. Victoria tilts her head inquisitively. She follows your line of sight which is on Max who is holding one of his nephews splashing around in the water. She nods in quiet understanding, knowing what you’re implying.

“Well,” she begins, turning to face you more, “there really isn’t a “right” time, honestly. There’s always going to be something coming up in life but you just go with the flow, I guess.”

You turn to look at her, your brow furrowed in thought.

“To be frank, even after our third, there was still that apprehension but once the baby’s here, everything falls into place.” Victoria continues, now shifting her gaze to her husband and kids.

As the words sink in, your yearning for a family grows. Having a family of your own has been a dream of yours forever and the more time you spend with Max, the more the desire grows. And it’s not out of your own selfishness per se, rather it’s out of the love you have for Max. You know he’d be a great father, especially with the amount of love he has for you, you can only imagine that would double, even triple towards a baby.

“Talk to him, you might be on the same page even more than you thought.” Victoria urges you. If there’s one person who knows Max more than you, it’s his own sister. And, she would never steer either of you wrong.

Later that night, after dinner and after everyone has turned in for the night, the conversation you had with Victoria earlier is still swimming in your mind.

Max notices your pensive expression as you stand at the bathroom sink washing your face. He walks up behind you and lays a kiss to the crown of your head as his arms come to wrap around your waist. For a moment, the two of you stand there in a domestic bliss. It’s now or never, you think.

“Can we have a baby?” You blurt out as you finish patting your face dry with a towel. Your eyes meet Max’s in the mirror as he raises his eyebrows in surprise by your straightforwardness. His mouth opens, almost as if to say something but you turn around to face him, your back now up against the sink counter.

“I know we’ve talked about it before and that with racing and everything it wouldn’t be the easiest to do so but I feel ready and I love you and I want this with you no matter how crazy or hectic it may be but I also understand if you’re not ready-” You ramble before Max butts in.

“Is that why you’ve been quiet lately?” He asks, you can only manage to nod in response.

You both stand there in silence for a few moments, allowing the words to sink in giving Max time to respond. After a beat, Max draws in a sharp breath.

“Of course I’m ready, I always have been. The only thing I’ve been hesitant on is leaving you at home while I’m halfway across the world.” He finally says, studying your face.

“Max,” you say, bringing your hand up to cup his cheek, “I would be okay. I have your sister, your mom and my friends that will be there while you're gone. I don’t want to wait for a “perfect” time, because that’s taboo. I want you and I want a family with you.”

After a moment, Max cracks a smile.

“Well, I guess we better start cracking then.”

“Really?” You say full of surprise.

“Of course, honey. You’re the most important person to me and, I know we’ve always beat around the bush with this but it’s only because I didn’t want you to feel alone in it. So as long as you're comfortable and ready, I’m ready too.” Max says pulling you into an embrace.

“But if anything happens while I’m away, call me and I will stop the car mid race to be next to you.” He says faking seriousness.

“Oh no, you’re finishing your races. Our baby will not have a quitter as a father.” You respond teasingly.

Although you say perfect timing was taboo, the universe was on your side for this because you went into labor shortly after the race in Monaco the next season. And Max, finished the race and was by your side through it all.

F1 Masterlist | Indycar Masterlist

taglist: @bernelflo @ifyouaintfirstyourelastt @f1updates4you @r0nnsblog @meglovesmclaren

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

IN THE FACE OF STARK SYMBIOTIC TERROR -- TARGET: TONY STARK!

PIC(S) INFO: Spotlight on a splash page of Venom VS. Tony Stark from "IRON MAN" Vol. 1 #301 (February '94), and the title splash of more stark venomous terror from "IRON MAN" Vol. 1 #302. March, 1994. Marvel Comics.

Resolution at 861x1292 & 863x1177.

Writer: Len Kaminski

Artist: Kevin Hopgood

Inker: Steve Mitchell

Letterer: Phil Felix

Colorist: Ariane

Source: www.zipcomic.com/iron-man-1968-issue-302.

[tomoleary]

Jim Starlin and Al Milgrom - Marvel Universe: The End #4 Double Splash Page 21-22 Original Art (Marvel, 2003).

Source

[zorionbbq]

party chat #56: nanba's transformation

(transcript both in alt text and below)

[image description: five-page comic of a "party chat" conversation from yakuza 7.

beneath the scaffolding of a construction site, nanba holds a bottle of tea and asks "hey, you think i've changed at all since we met?"

the rest of the party, standing or crouching on the side of the path, turn to look at him.

"hm? have you?" ichiban tilts his head, hand on chin, and lets saeko pick from his chip bag. "i dunno, lemme think..."

adachi leaps to his feet, splashing his can of beer and surprising saeko. "got it!"

adachi snaps his fingers with a triumphant smile. "you changed how you part your hair!"

"huh?" nanba reaches toward the back of his own head. "nope, it's still the same..." adachi sheds a single tear.

hand raised high, saeko announces "right! your prescription changed!" ichiban taps a canned coffee on his palm in an "i get it!" motion. "what, are you trying to be funny now!? and that's wrong, too!" nanba retorts.

"okay!" han looks serious. "you changed the frames on your glasses!"

"you started wearing contacts instead of glasses!" zhao finger-guns with a grin.

"will you quit it with the glasses thing!?" nanba snaps at an unfazed, juicebox-sipping han. "and does it look like i'm wearing contacts!?" he gestures at himself. zhao smugly bites an onigiri, still squatting on the ground.

adachi frowns around a pocky. "huh? then what's changed?"

"never mind... sheesh." nanba turns his back on the group.

a view of the vending machine and soccer field across the way. "i just thought maybe i'd grown a bit cheerier since i met you guys."

"that's all." nanba doesn't see the party staring in shocked silence.

saeko, han, and zhao exchange fond looks.

nanba chugs his tea as ichiban approaches.

ichiban bumps his drink hand against nanba's.

"well, we already knew that, man." ichiban grins so wide his eyes shut.

"yeah, you smile a lot more than you did before, nan-chan." saeko concurs, offering him her chip bag.

nanba looks up, eyes wide. "ichiban... you guys..."

a hand lands on nanba's shoulder.

arm slung over his friend's back, ichiban cheerfully assures "and i noticed that you got some new lenses on your glasses, too." nanba's face falls.

the party loses it. saeko collapses on adachi, both doubled over in laughter, zhao cackles as his glasses fall off, and han clutches his head in despair.

"i didn't change anything about my glasses!" nanba roars. on the ground, a plastic bag of leftover snacks reads "#56 nanba's transformation".

end image description]

[blackcat-star]

Maybe for Jingwoo you could do an angst story ( I’m alway here for angst ).

Another idea is maybe making a friends to lovers story where in the beginning Y/N (or reader) was with Jingwoo in the double dungeon and was the only one who stayed behind for him. So they both got beaten up pretty badly, if you want to make it more interesting maybe they both become players. But I was thinking when they land on the “alter” Y/N (or reader) proclaims their love for Jingwoo, and what he assumes to be his last words, says it back to them. But they wake up in the hospital and from there you can use your imagination :) just some ideas

Farewell.

Sung Jinwoo x Isekai!Reader. Angst, Open or maybe Sad Ending.

This finished earlier than I expect. And I think this is the longest oneshort I've ever write.

Sorry for the long waiting again. Hope you like this. I love you all 💗.

_________________________

[Hello, L/n Y/n] [Congratulations, you have been selected as the first person to experience our isekai system. You have received an invitation to the world of Solo Leveling Note: You cannot return to this world if you press Accept [Do you want to go?] [Accept   |  Decline]

One night, while you were sleeping, you suddenly dreamed that you entered a majestic and magnificent space, covered with blue stones whose names you did not know.

You found yourself standing on a large platform, before your eyes was a strange screen.

The air was thick with silence, the soft hum of energy surrounding you as you stood before the strangely glowing screen.

The invitation, still fresh in your mind, had come to you in a dream. An offer to leave this world for a new one, a world you were only familiar with through the pages of your favorite manhwa, Solo Leveling.

You accepted without hesitation. Of course, who would miss this opportunity. Then the world spin brings you into complete darkness before you even know what happened.

Opening your eyes reveals a totally unfamiliar setting.

__________________________

It was raining that day, you stood in the middle of the park, barefoot on the cold cement floor, your eyes still not used to the image of this world. The rain fell heavily, splashing cold drops of water on your face, and your body shivered from hunger, and confusion.

"Welcome, special player," the system's voice rang in your head for the third time, cold and emotionless, as if everything was a pre-determined program. "Congratulations on successfully entering the world of Solo Leveling, hope you will have fun here. I'll be your assistant, please call me when you need."

Your body shivered as you held yourself tightly while your clothes remained wet. Your forehead was covered in wet hair while your feet remained cold from the frozen state. The world around you remained blurred like a distant memory from your dream state.

You shivered slightly, hugging your drenched body with both hands. Your hair was sticking to you. "System...?" you muttered, your voice trembling.

"Yes, I am here," the system replied, its voice as flat as an emotionless recording. "You are a special player. Your privileges include: a unique skill system, an ability to grow beyond limits, and an undisclosed mission. Time to adapt to the new world: 72 hours."

This world was truly Solo Leveling. You told yourself, trying to calm yourself as cold drops of rain continued to fall on your face. Where were you? What point in the story? A cold wind blew past you, causing you to collapse. No suitable clothes, no food, no shelter. You groaned. 'Why did the system bring me here without giving me any identity!!?'

At that moment, footsteps rang out from afar. You turned around, reflexively.

A woman and a boy were walking through the park. He stopped when he saw you, his eyes wide with surprise. He pulled his mother's shirt and pointed at you.

You recognize the boy.

Sung Jinwoo.

...But he's so small. You realize you have transformed into a child of 8 or 10 years old during that moment.

Kyung-hye leads Jinwoo by the hand while she greets "Hello, who are you?" with a gentle smile. "Where are your parents? Why are you standing in the rain like this?"

You're still so shocked that you unconsciously shake your head. Kyung-hye thinks that means you don't have any relatives (although that's true at the moment.)

Jinwoo remains beside his mother while staring at you with his eyes. Jinwoo extends his hand to his mother as he asks her permission to bring you home. "Can she go home with us?"

The unexpected offer from her son made Kyung-hye turn her attention toward him. Heavy drops from the continuous rain kept falling onto the uneven pavement. You remained motionless like a forsaken kitten while your body trembled from the cold.

"...Do you want to help her?" Kyung-hye asked, gently, while brushing your wet hair aside to get a better look at your face.

Jinwoo nodded, his eyes unusually determined. "She's cold. We can't leave her here."

Your eyes met briefly before Kyung-hye returned a smile. "Yeah, you're right. I must not ignore this child." She lowered herself to the ground while extending her hand. "You want to visit my house today? At least to change and eat something?"

You looked at those gentle eyes, and then looked at Jinwoo. A genuine smile from the boy appeared so natural and kind that you automatically returned it.

You found comfort in a soft towel while sitting at the table with a hot bowl of porridge in your presence. Kyung-hye was worriedly stroking your hair, while Jinwoo sat across from you, eating while secretly watching you.

You tried to adapt to this small body, with shorter hair, more slender hands. The system in your head was still silent, not mentioning any mission or goal. Only a line of text appeared faintly.

[World positioning complete. Identity synchronization: complete. Temporary: living as a normal child.]

A new life had begun.

________________________________

Years passed...

You grew up next to Sung Jinwoo like it was the most natural habit in the world.

From the moment Jinwoo asked his mother to take you home, the two of you became an inseparable couple.

You and Jinwoo used to share the lunch box your mother made together, even though sometimes it was just a boiled egg or a few small pieces of ham. On days when you got bad grades, you two would sneak into the warehouse behind the school together, trembling and worried but still trying to smile to comfort each other. The times you both got punished for being naughty in class - drawing on the blackboard, imitating the teacher's voice, or secretly hiding candy in your desk - all became unforgettable memories.

You used to run away with Jinwoo from the big kids who bullied the weaker students. Jinwoo wasn't good at fighting, but he always pulled you ahead, panting but still turning back, asking softly, "Are you okay?"

And after all those times, Kyung-hye's mother would appear at the school gate, smiling gently when she saw the two of them, dirty and scruffy, still holding hands.

Time passed so peacefully that you almost forgot that this world would become chaotic in a few years.

Only your feelings for Jinwoo were always there. From the time you knew him through the pages of a comic book, until the time you actually met him.

Those feelings grew over the years.

You started off with a crush on a character before your feelings evolved into an innocent friendship. This connection required no special cause similar to the way sunlight illuminates mornings or cicadas fill summer air with their songs. Then gradually, you realized that your heart started to skip a beat every time Jinwoo smiled. A warm feeling rose when he held your hand as you crossed the street, even though he was grown up and no longer needed you.

You liked Jinwoo.

That love was not noisy, not dramatic. It crept in like the spring rains silently watering the fields of memories. But then, over time, that feeling also began to hurt you.

You still paid attention to the plot. You knew that Jinwoo would meet his destined person in the future. You were just a character added by accident. But you still couldn't help but like him.

Everyone knew you liked Jinwoo.

Even Jinah, his younger sister, when she grew up, used to look at you with both curiosity and certainty. One summer afternoon, when the three of them were peeling fruit in the living room, Jinah suddenly asked in a nonchalant voice.

"You like my oppa, right?"

You were stunned. Just for a second. But it was enough for your face to turn red. You smiled, changing the subject by shoving a piece of apple into Jinah's hand, saying, "Eat it, or the apple will turn brown."

Only Jinwoo didn't know.

He only sees you as a friend, a sister, nothing more, nothing less.

You don't blame him.

It's just that sometimes you wish Jinwoo would look back at you a little more. Not with the eyes of a close friend, but with a softer, deeper gaze, like you've always looked at him all these years.

______________________

And then the incident came like a flood, without warning, without mercy.

The peaceful world began to crack when the first dungeon gates appeared. Strange, violent creatures beyond imagination began to pour out of nowhere, spreading panic and destruction everywhere. Ordinary people were no longer strong enough to fight back. But then - along with the danger - people with supernatural powers also awakened one by one. They were called Hunters.

In that chaos, the Sung family could not escape the vortex of fate.

Sung Il-Hwan, the calm and responsible father, was one of the first to awaken the power of a hunter. With a rare ability, he joined the raiding team with the desire to protect humanity from the threats of the dungeon. But during a high-level raid, the gate slammed shut - and he never returned.

The name Sung Il-Hwan became a silent mark in the missing person records. No body, no clues. Only a void remained, deeply embedded in Jinwoo's heart and the whole family's.

The pain had not yet subsided when another disaster struck.

Mrs. Kyung-hye, Jinwoo's mother, could not adapt to the environment that was gradually being eroded by mana. Her normal human body could not withstand the waves of mana emitted by the hunters. One morning, she collapsed without warning. The doctor called it Eternal Slumber - a deep coma that current medicine could not explain or cure.

She was still there, lying motionless in the cold hospital room, as if she were sleeping a long, endless sleep.

And so, the Sung family - once warm and filled with laughter in the small house - now had only three people left.

Jinah, Jinwoo's little sister, tried to be strong every day, hiding her tears behind her strong eyes so as not to become a burden to her brother.

Jinwoo, awakened with only E-rank power, now has to shoulder the whole family, amidst the life-and-death battles and the loneliness that gnaws at his mind.

And you - who is by their side like a remaining piece of peace, a friend who accidentally gets caught up in the story of people who shoulder a fate beyond the ordinary.

So the story has officially begun.

At the same time, the Isekai System - which you once considered an echo from an old dream, a part of a distant memory after long days of living as a normal human - suddenly reappeared.

After many years of silence, it reappeared with a mission for you.

[System mission has been activated.] [Main mission: Support the protagonist until he achieves Shadow Power.] [Note: When you complete it, you can choose your own path, as long as it does not affect the story.]

It was just a simple command, but it was like a cold knife cutting through your heart. You stood there, looking at the message that appeared before your eyes, unable to do anything but accept it. Because you knew this was not a dream. And from now on, things would never be the same again.

The Double Dungeon event occurred. A seemingly normal raid turned into hell. Blood spilled, people fell. Lives were crushed without mercy. And in the middle of that boundary between life and death, Jinwoo opened his eyes to a System of his own. A System as powerful, mysterious, and cruel as his own fate.

He began to change. With each passing day, his body grew taller, stronger, his eyes sharper. Old wounds healed, pain disappeared.

But in the process, you also gradually realized that it was not only his body that changed - but the world around him was shifting.

The story began to roll.

Jinwoo was no longer the clumsy, gentle Jinwoo of the past. He was now the center of an approaching storm. Big names began to notice him. Fierce battles, life-or-death choices, and pre-arranged fate.

You knew - the time would come when he would meet Cha Hae-in. That girl, that gaze, that position in the script was predetermined from the beginning. Even though you've never met her, you know that no one can replace her in Jinwoo's destined role.

And you?

You're just a supporter. A good friend who always stands behind, takes care of every wound, takes care of every meal, wipes the blood off his hands without asking where he came from. An outsider, witnessing the love story forming from afar, in silence. And someone who secretly likes him.

But you have to close it. Lock it tightly. Because you understand the rules of the game. You're not allowed to love. You're not allowed to interfere with a pre-written storyline.

You're a variable. And variables never have a happy ending.

________________________________

He met her.

Cha Hae-in.

The girl with eyes like a calm lake, always reflecting calmness and kindness - a beauty so pure that it seemed like it could wash away all the ruins in the person's soul. An S-rank Hunter, but gentler than anyone you've ever known.

You stood there silently behind. When Jinwoo's eyes met hers, you saw light.

The light that had appeared in Jinwoo's eyes when he woke up after the Double Dungeon incident, realized that he was still alive, realized that he still had a chance to fix everything, realized that he could still see his family, see you. But now, that light was no longer directed towards you.

In that moment, the world seemed to stop.

You, a person who had gone through countless scenes in this story, suddenly understood. That it wasn't that you weren't good enough. It's just that you're not the one destined to be in this story.

You're an outsider. A sideline. A nameless shadow.

Time passed.

Jinwoo grew stronger, taller, colder. He became an icon. The one who holds the darkness. The one who breaks all limits. At the same time, your mission was completed, but you did not choose to leave, you still wanted to stay by Jinwoo's side a little longer.

And then Jinwoo successfully created the Holy Water of Life.

His mother - Kyung-hye - woke up.

You stood outside the hospital room's glass window. Inside, Jinwoo burst into tears. Those tears were unlike any you had ever seen on his face, not tears of loss, or hatred, or victory. But tears of life.

Jinwoo also became an S-rank hunter, successfully making a name for himself. He also quickly became powerful, then got the attention of the whole world, created his own guild.

You were the one who observed all of that process, observed his growth. Your heart warms, then quickly cools. That's when you realize.

The most important things in Jinwoo's life don't need you anymore.

Not because you're not important. It's because your role in the story has ended.

_______________

The first time he talked about her was after a meeting at the Association, when the two of you left the building together. The afternoon sunlight fell gently on your shoulders, and you - as usual - walked beside Jinwoo in silence.

Jinwoo suddenly spoke, his voice low, as if he was thinking about something far away. "She's different."

You turned around, frowning slightly. "Who?"

"Cha Hae-in."

You paused briefly before switching your voice to inquire "What exactly do you mean by difference?"

A relaxed smile appeared on Jinwoo's face as he shook his head while recalling something pleasant. "I don't typically trust hunches or gut feelings. But when I'm near her, the mana in my body is no longer chaotic. It's peaceful, as if - as if I can breathe."

You smiled. A smile so beautiful that even Jinwoo glanced at you. But you just looked forward, nodding, "It sounds like you found a place where your heart doesn't have to fight anymore."

Jinwoo didn't say anything. Maybe he thought you were misunderstanding.

As for you, you knew you were right.

Another time, after the two of them had just returned from a dungeon, it was raining lightly. The two of them took shelter under the awning of a small restaurant, their clothes still wet from the cold dew in the dungeon. Jinwoo wiped the raindrops from his forehead, then suddenly asked.

"Do you think someone who always fights and always kills is worthy of love?"

You were stunned, your heart filled with unease. "..Why do you ask?"

Jinwoo looked out at the rain, his eyes as deep as the night.

"Because I'm afraid. Hae-in once came to join Ahjin, she admitted that she liked me. I'm afraid that if Hae-in really liked me, she would suffer too much pain. I'm not an ordinary person. I live in blood and darkness. And she's too pure."

You were silent.

In that moment, you just wanted to hug Jinwoo, to tell him that you weren't afraid of his darkness, that you'd lived with him for so long and never found him hateful. But instead, you just smiled.

"If she chose you, then she have discovered qualities you never knew you possessed."

"So you think I'm worthy?"

You nodded slightly. "Yes. Very worthy."

Because otherwise, why would I have loved you for so many years?

________

Jinwoo released a deep sigh as both of you sat on a rooftop watching the Seoul skyline during a late evening.

"I often yearn to experience life as ordinary people do. No system, no monsters, no war. I could do something simple. Have someone waiting for me to come home. And if I'm lucky, maybe..."

He was silent. "...Maybe get married. Have a family."

You didn't reply.

You just clenched the hot cup of tea in your hand, your eyes silently looking down at the traffic below. Your heart silently broke once again - not because Jinwoo loved someone else, but because you realized you were never his choice in the first place.

Everything seemed to be going in the right direction.

Except for your heart.

"Do you think I'm suited to a normal life?" Jinwoo suddenly asked, his eyes following the clouds drifting by.

You looked up at him, smiling slightly. "Depends on your definition of 'normal'."

Jinwoo nodded slightly, then was silent for a long while.

Then, he turned to you, his gaze very gentle. As if he was thinking about something very beautiful, very gentle. "I was thinking about asking Hae-in out. You know, the government built a park at the gate where my father went missing. The only friend I could think of to join me at that place was her."

Your face showed a pleasant expression while your heart endured the pain of his words. 'What about me? Am I not your friend?'  You didn't say anything.

He smiled, a rare smile, not of victory or power. But a smile that came from the desire to live, the desire to be happy. "I want to take her there. Simple. Walk, eat ice cream, play games."

You looked at him.Time appeared frozen at that instant. His gentle voice carried through the room without being either too high or too low yet every word he spoke left a deep impression.

You remembered the day Jinwoo was still an E-rank, awkward, scared, and silent. The one who used to sit huddled in the corner of the hospital. Now he had become a strong person.

You had been with him all that way.

And it seemed like at this moment, you had made a decision for yourself.

____________

"Unnie, do you really have to go?"

Jinah looked at you with sad eyes. Kyung-hye standing next to you also looked at you with pity.

More than anyone, they were the ones who understood your feelings for Jinwoo the most. More than anyone, they knew how much you had sacrificed for Jinwoo. To make the decision to leave, you must have torn your heart to pieces.

With trembling voice Kyung-hye held your hand before she spoke. "I'm sorry I can't help you."

You smiled as you shook your head. "I don't need anything. I am satisfied by his happiness alone. He's found happiness in his life. I think it's time for me to let go and truly live for myself."

Jinah hugged you, unable to hold back her tears. "Unnie, you can stay...you still have us."

You bit your lip, gently touching your head to Jinah's forehead. You just smiled. Gently. Quietly. Then promise. "Someday, I'll come back to see everyone."

It's a lie, a lie only you know.

They don't stop you. Because they understand, there are things that can't be kept - no matter how much love.

You left before Jinwoo returned. No message. No goodbye.

The flight took off.

You sat by the window, your hand on the system screen.

[Request: Erase all your memories related to the Solo Leveling storyline.] [Sub-request: Completely erase memories of Y/n from the memory systems of all individuals who have ever come into contact with you.] [Do you want to confirm?] [Yes/No]

You looked out the plane window, taking in the land of Korea one last time, all your memories since the day you came to this world playing back like a movie. A tear fell down your cheek. You smiled. "Yes"

[Processing...] [Success. From now on, you will not remember anything about the plot. We will not appear again. Wish you a peaceful life.]

Then you fell asleep.

______________________

At the park which used to be a high-level dungeon now served as a lively promenade, where children played while sunlight bathed everything in golden light.

The stone path guided Jinwoo and Hae-in through the park while the wind made the trees' branches dance and let fresh leaves fall from the branches. HHae-in softly held Jinwoo's hand as wind blew through her golden hair.

A girl sprinted by as her mother followed behind her with a pleasant expression. That laughter - unintentionally - struck Jinwoo's ears, like a strange yet painfully familiar bell.

He paused.

His head turned slightly as his gaze focused on an empty area in front of him. A fresh breeze brought forth the fragrances of new grass and damp earth together with another distinct smell.  Something he couldn't name.

He automatically reached his right hand toward his chest.

There. His heart.

It was like something was quietly throbbing. Not clear, not intense, but persistent like a whisper in a dream. He frowned. It felt empty. Like a forgotten silence in a song he once knew.

"...What's wrong?" Hae-in approached him with soft words while squeezing his hand gently as she watched him with worry.

A friendly smile appeared on Jinwoo's face but his expression in his eyes remained blank. "I'm fine. Something important seems to be missing from my mind right now."

Hae-in tilted her head slightly, then smiled. "Then... when you remember, can you tell me?"

Jinwoo looked at her before gently squeezing her hand while smiling. He gave his word to share the information.

Jinwoo experienced a brief emotional twinge as he continued walking under the tree canopy.

There's something still missing. A name has been erased. A look, a laugh, a habit that was once so familiar, now only a pale image deep in his mind. And even though there are no more memories, his heart still carries a nameless emptiness.

No one can fill it. No one can replace it.

Farewell, Jinwoo, my love...

______________

Why oh why tell me why not me 😔

Why oh why we were mean to be...

[autisticgingerblonde]

If Fallout 4 companions had TikTok accounts

Cait would have an account dedicated to fighting and thirst traps (aimed at women mostly). Teaches women self-defense techniques. She earns a spot in the algorithm of muscle mommies. She also raises awareness for addicts and former addicts, educating on the effects of drugs and the reasons people seek them out in the first place. Honestly, it's a very good account to follow.

Codsworth is just confused about TikTok. He's like "oh so what are the children saying these days? Aura? I'll have to add a new word to my vocabulary banks! Cheerio, mum!"

Curie makes educational videos for all ages and all subjects. She has a series of learning Japanese, a series of vaccines and the science behind them, a series about the effects of different types of parenting, you name it. She also takes suggestions from her audience on what new things to research.

Danse has unintentional thirst traps. He talks about power armor and the Brotherhood of Steel but also posts workouts. These are what get the most attention out of everything he posts. The BookTok girlies find him and all hell breaks loose in the comment sections. He responds to this with, "Thank you, civilians. I am not sure what you mean, but I am glad you are supporting the Brotherhood of Steel by being on my page. Thank you for your enthusiasm for our righteous cause. Ad victorium." People armchair diagnose him as autistic.

Deacon does "GRWM as i tell you about the time i ______" videos where each day he looks completely different and you can never tell if he's telling the truth or not. He also does head shaving videos that double as story times or opinion pieces. You can't tell if those are true or not either.

Dogmeat has a viral account followed by millions. Get's a lot of "I can't imagine liking this guy" comments with the op replying to their own comment with "anymore than I already do. Huge fan!"

Hancock does subtle cheeky thirst traps and dance challenges. This entire post was inspired by the FACT that Hancock would participate in the brat summer trend and would do the Apple dance with Fahrenheit filming it. He also tells stories, mostly of him being high. He gets a lot of requests to cosplay Deadpool.

MacCready has a lot of things he does. Some videos are sniper trick shots, some are Grognak the Barbarian yapping (he does short lore deep dives when he can), and some are about being a young single dad. He doesn't show Duncan's face because he's extremely protective. Casually drops the most insane lore about his childhood which leads to comments like "are we just ignoring that he said he grew up in a cave?"

Nick Valentine would be a very popular fashion and "a day in the life of a detective". He'd do vintage fashion looks, like loose slacks and suspenders with a trench coat to top it off. Sometimes does a deep dive into detective history. Gets a lot of thirsty comments to which he replies "that's one way to get the coolant pumping."

Old Longfellow has the appeal of the New England, stormy weather, sweater-wearing fisherman aesthetic, and he tells stories of his youth while showing people around the area he grew up. Learns mobile phone cinematography to make it look cooler. Every video has either a lesson or a skill for survival.

Piper's account is solely focused on news and truth, posting every source she uses. She uses the trend of an insane video, like someone falling badly on the ground or getting splashed with water, and stitches it to look like a seamless transition of her rolling from the fall or being splashed to start talking about her news stories. It gets traction so she continues.

Porter Gage has a side gig of running TikTok accounts for different people. Gets the money, doesn't get the backlash when they get canceled for racism or worker exploitation.

Preston has an account dedicated to charity work and social activism. He makes sure to highlight organizations he feels are doing the world a service and regularly has fundraisers. He's well-known for always sharing content from people in dire situations and raising money for them. Has a master document of Go Fund Me pages and vets every one of them.

Strong has a lot of those unintentional boomer tiktoks that are 1 second long and he's just looking at the screen in confusion.

X6 cyber bullies the rest of them because he thinks having a TikTok is cringe and stupid (he is currently writing hate comments with his TikTok account)