Hereafter

BLAKE PUDDING - Book 1 - Chapter 5 - Satisfying Symphony

My brilliant plan to storm the monster sanctuary of Ockpool for some serious level grinding turned out to be a complete flop. But hey, it wasn’t a complete waste of time. Turns out, these so-called monsters were more human than I anticipated. I mean, I swear I even spotted a few humans among them. Sure, they had their souls tied to a Dungeon Core, which automatically branded them as monsters in everyone’s eyes – or so they claimed. But seriously, I mean, come on, they’re not real monsters. I’m the real deal here, the epitome of mon...

1ST DRAFT - BLAKE PUDDING - Book 2 - Chapter 8 - Proclamation

Kaida stifled an internal sigh, meticulously considering the ramifications of the pact her invaluable research specimen had struck with the pseudo-elf pudding—arguably humanoid, but such entities were exceedingly rare on Yaddith. From a scientific standpoint, the shapeshifting female entity could provide a wealth of data for her ongoing studies, Kaida theorized. However, the concept of thievery, specifically targeting the duke and the academy, seemed an irrational course of action, even from an objective standpoint.

But on reconsider...

1ST DRAFT - BLAKE PUDDING - Book 2 - Chapter 7 - Nacelles!

My mind was blown – the little gnome I stumbled upon was from Earth! What were the chances of such a random encounter? Unless, of course, dear mother had a hand in it. And yet, why would she want me to cross paths with Lenny – no, sorry, Nikola. As I gazed at his innocent, childlike face, I couldn’t help but feel both repulsed and intrigued. He didn’t seem special in any way – I mean, I’m no magic guru. Still, I like to think I’ve figured out enough to know a thing or two about power, and this little guy was not giving off any ...

BLAKE PUDDING - Book 1 - Chapter 4 - Monster Sanctuary

I found myself in a delightfully bizarre situation. It hadn’t even been an hour since my rebirth, and I was already deep in some freaky dungeon, following a goblin child with more warts than a toad’s backside to a monster sanctuary. And to top it off, I’ve already offed a ghoul, a succubus, and a handful of spiders. Their flesh was delectable, but nothing compared to the random girl’s corpse I stumbled upon. Mmm, tasty! Hey, I was hungry, okay? And it’s not like she was using it anymore. But the real kicker? I was...

1ST DRAFT - BLAKE PUDDING - Book 2 - Chapter 6 - Skelepede Express

My fingers danced across the surface of the centipede-like exoskeleton, fascinatingly tracing the outlines of its massive chitin plates. The thought of what this creature must’ve tasted like in its living days had me salivating. As intriguing as the exoskeleton was, the true peculiarity lay within its gaping maw, which revealed a glimpse of seats nestled within. The undead creature’s rib cage was being utilized as a form of transportation – a subway hidden deep within the bowels of the sewers. It was both amusing and ridiculous, and I ...

1ST DRAFT - BLAKE PUDDING - Book 2 - Chapter 5 - Follow the Yellow Brick Sewer

Had Lady Aurelia been rebirthed as a leveler, Olin would have retained his prestigious status as a distinguished vampire. Yet, fate had other plans, and his life took a wicked turn. Two centuries had passed since Lord Demidicus, enraged by Olin’s failure, cursed him to the loathsome existence as a ghoul. To the Grand Elder, Olin’s groundbreaking discovery of an entirely new plane beyond the veil, teeming with souls that seemed to greedily consume mana from this realm, held as much importance as a vampire’s reflection in the mirror. No ...

BLAKE PUDDING - Book 1 - Chapter 3 - My Rivals

“Pssst!”

I spun around, trying to locate the source of the voice. It sounded like it was coming from inside my head, which wasn’t exactly a new experience for me. But this was different. This voice had a sense of urgency to it. Who the hell just pssst me?

And then I remembered. [Thermalsense]. As the skill activated, I glanced around, searching for any heat signatures. That’s when I saw it – a small, glowing square hiding amongst some rocks.

What the...

“Hide! They’re g...

1ST DRAFT - BLAKE PUDDING - Book 2 - Chapter 4 - Snakeskin Ensemble

Dragging the unconscious rat lady back to her home was a chore. Well, at least it wasn’t for me. I sauntered behind Olin at a leisurely pace, enjoying the sight of him struggling under the weight of his new wife. Faelwen, was it? This was a chore for him, but it was a delightful stroll for me. The horde of tiny, horrified onlookers didn’t escape my attention. Their curious terrified gazes followed us like flies to manure. Can’t they see we’re busy here? The idea of devouring the rat lady popped into my head. Still, ...

1ST DRAFT - BLAKE PUDDING - Book 2 - Chapter 3 - Indigestion

In a delirious whirl, I swirled and twirled, arms flung wide as though to capture the heavens themselves. Beneath this ruse, I masked the anguish of my soul, an abyss left by the absence of my beloved Aurelia. How long has it been since I last held her? Time had slipped away, leaving me adrift during my brief afterlife with my mother. Nonetheless, I spun and hummed, my sinister grin unyielding. The disintegration of the time itself was of no consequence – I reveled in its destruction. Join me in the chaos, won’t you? 2023-04-26 15:36:49 +0000 UTC View Post

BLACK PUDDING - Book 1 - Chapter 2 - It’s Polymorphing Time!

Ah, the sweet satisfaction! I was not daunted as we plummeted down the hole into the infinite darkness that swallowed us whole. Nope, instead, I clung tightly to my quarry. My corrosive form enveloped Niamh’s head, and her frantic clawing for release proved fruitless. Her dissolving fingers had become bony stumps, and a wicked delight twisted within me. It wouldn’t be long until the rest of her hands succumbed to my touch, a thought I savored with perverse glee. Though I knew a hint of remorse should stir within, but the allurin...

UPDATE

Hey there, my lovelies!

Okay, let me level with you guys - I thought I had the Book 1, Chapter 2 rewrite in the bag on Saturday. But wouldn't you know it, I ended up spending all of Sunday obsessing over it and making little tweaks here and there until my eyes crossed. And of course, that meant I had to go back and give Chapter 1 some extra lovin' to keep everything in sync.

I thought I'd give you the scoop on some of the key updates I've made to Chapter 1:

Just wanted to let you all know that I've wav...

BLACK PUDDING - Book 2 - Chapter 2 - The Rat Lich

As I trailed behind the rat-man, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of suspicion toward him. He led me out of the chamber of my newest respawn point, but something in his demeanor made me feel like he was hiding something. Nevertheless, my attention was drawn to my dimensional storage space, Stellar Void. It was like a treasure trove of horrors, and I couldn’t wait to see what was inside. With a sense of childlike joy, I began rummaging around in my chest cavity, my fingers digging through the darkness to find what secrets it held. The rod...

UPDATE

My dearest, darling fiends,

Ah, at last, the sweet taste of a way forward has stirred my imagination, gushing forth like a tempestuous, blood-red waterfall. Through the torment of a faltering beginning for Book 2 and life's cruel blows, I have lagged, oh, how I have lagged—and for that, I beg your indulgence, your forgiveness. Regrettably, as I've stumbled and faltered, we've mourned the departure of some treasured companions from our dark odyssey.

Now, with a cackle of glee, I offer you a devilishl...

BLACK PUDDING - Book 2 - Chapter 1 - Nightmare Awakens

As mine bewitching dream doth wane,

Dark pleasures and beauty stake their claim.

Swathed in fiendish glee, dread I relish,

The divine quail, their fates I embellish.

In this cryptic realm, macabre delights bind,

I skulk with my shadowed indulgences, nightmares unwind.

For I am the subtle terror, arcane and profound,

I am the Daughter of Nightmares, in a sphere both ha...

2023-04-19 23:19:14 +0000 UTC View Post

BLAKE PUDDING - Book 1 - Chapter 1 - Spiders & Acid

As twilight nears and breath turns thin,

My eyes glimpse visions ere life’s end.

In that brief moment, I dreamt, aghast,

Of a realm of wonder unsurpassed.

In this world of pure delight,

Magic weaves dreams in the fading light.

Where reality blurs and dreams entwine,

Impossibilities bow, their limits resign.

In this realm divine, I wander and ...

2023-04-18 23:04:46 +0000 UTC View Post

BLACK PUDDING - BOOK 1 - REWRITE ROADMAP

As I continue to make changes to the story, I realize that some of my decisions may not be popular among my patrons. I want to apologize for any disappointment or frustration that these changes may cause, but at the same time, I want to thank you for sticking with me on this journey. I understand that I may be taking the series in a different direction than what you originally signed up for, and I respect your decision if you choose to part ways with me.

Please know that I have no ill feelings toward anyone who chooses to leave, and I ...

Arcane Requiem - Prologue

Anger and fear were the fleeting sensations of mortals. And yet, those very same emotions washed over Asherah in her last moments. She was the Goddess of Light, now reduced to a frightened mortal. Asherah found herself bound and shackled alongside her brethren, four other deities, powerful gods of their own domains, being bled out of their divine essences like sacrificial lambs. Her spark faded in and out with every red drop of her existence, but she held on, not for hope nor revenge, but for a meager opportunity to ask one simple question. ...

Dreams of Requiem - CHAPTER 1 - The Beginning Of The End

“911, what’s your emergency?”

A tsunami of screaming and crying reverberated into the dispatcher’s ear. It was a symphony of horror that smothered all hope as if it were the end of days. Despite the wailing and shrieking, a singular soul-shattering sob of a pleading child stood above all.

“P-Please, help… The monsters t-took my mommy!”

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Officer Doron slammed through a wrecked car’s windshield as he dived out of the path of an arrow and what he believed to have been a fireball. Gr...

Possible Solution – UPDATE

Unfortunately, my aunt just passed away, and I'll be flying back home to be with my family. Although the next several days may be hectic, I want to let you know that I'm doing my best to handle everything. I'll have my laptop with me, and I'll try my best to keep writing whenever I can. However, I don't want to set unrealistic expectations, so I won't make promises that I may not be able to keep. Thank you for understanding.

To fix my work, I've decided to hit pause on book 2 and turn my attention towards a thorough rewrite ...

A Heavy Heart: News Update and Seeking Guidance

Hello,

With a heavy heart, I bring you some updates and a quandary I'm grappling with. I feel the need to share my thoughts with you and seek your insight on the matter.

Upon the unveiling of the initial chapters of Black Pudding on RR and SH, my Patreon witnessed a considerable upswing, welcoming 4 to 6 new subscribers each week. Regrettably, the past three weeks have seen a great departure of subscribers, causing me to ponder whether the series' current direction has lost its appeal and, consequently, led to a decline in new su...

SECOND TOME, CHAPTER 2 – Undead Eunuch

[Ava] As we trailed behind the rat-man, Razzle, who led us out of the chamber of our respawn, Blake and I exchanged glances, silently acknowledging our shared suspicion of the creature’s concealed intentions. However, my attention was drawn to Blake, who delved into the depths of Stellar Void. Though we both remembered there was a technique to retrieve our desired items from this ethereal storage, the details of how to do it escaped us, likely due to our broken connection with Circe – quite frankly, a blessing!

I recognized that I ...

Update

Hello everyone,

The first chapter of book 2 has me feeling excited and anxious as I've experimented with a new approach, for me, by alternating back and forth between the viewpoints and storytelling of Ava and Blake.

Your feedback would be greatly valued, as your opinions genuinely matter to me.

Oh, and on a side note, does anyone know the difference between Patreon Post Views and Impressions? For example, Chapter 38 has 6 Post Views, while the Epilogue has 84 Impressions. 

<...

SECOND TOME, CHAPTER 1 - New Nightmares

My eyes reignited with mana, restoring my vision. Glancing around, I found myself in a modest chamber chiseled from unyielding rock. Above me, an opening above me served as a skylight to a bizarre sight. Wisps of clouds drifted overhead, obscuring my view of a Jupiter-esque vista in the night sky while a flurry of snowflakes swirled inside. The scene was enchanting and heart-wrenching, for I knew the one I cherished was not to be found in this strange land. The vista unfolding overhead appeared to affirm the unsettling truth I had come to re...

Update

Greetings to my most cherished followers, I want you to know that I couldn't have come this far without your support. Your presence on Patreon has provided me with immeasurable motivation. From the depths of my wicked heart, I sincerely thank you.

I will be tidying up the Patreon page by removing some outdated updates that no longer hold relevance.

On another note, I am excited to announce that Chapter 1 of Book 2 will be released this Friday. While I will continue working on Patreon, I will be taking a hiat...

EPILOGUE

Deep within the veil, where dreams and horrors intertwine, Magic flowed freely, unbound and divine. She was a force beyond comprehension, neither Life nor Death, but an equal with power beyond mention. Magic was among the first three creations, a Primordial, bearing witness to the birth of titans and gods with joy and elation.

But envy soon consumed her, and she tampered with creation, giving rise to the Eldritch, a cruel manifestation of Magic’s bitterness and itch. The Great Cataclysm arose, a war that never ceased, Titans and Eldr...

CHAPTER 38 - I'm the Delightful Nightmare!

“Arise, my dearest daughters, for time quickens its pace, and thy slumbers now belong to bygone days.”

Again, I found myself awakened in a world of enchanting wonder, nestled upon a verdant bed within a wondrous dell. Above, the celestial clouds frolicked and danced with joy, free of all darkness and malice. Time itself seemed to dance and skip past me as I lay there, enraptured by the heavenly display above. In this realm, my soul felt as pure and unburdened as that of a child at play, with all harsh and shadowy desires driven far...

CHAPTER 37 - Cruel Fates

In the oppressive shadows of their shared prison, Jeremy, Heather, Yua, Rob, and Sophia grappled with their unraveling sanity and dwindling hope. Time became elusive as they languished in their cold, damp cells, and their minds were haunted by eerie whispers and frightening thoughts lurking in the darkness.

Jeremy paced anxiously within the confined space of his cell, burdened by an escalating sense of unease. As the days blurred together in the dim, oppressive atmosphere, the putrid scent of decay assaulted his senses. His thoughts co...

CHAPTER 36 - Righteous Vengeance

Einarr struggled to push the debris aside as he rose to his feet, his body aching with pain. The sky was a mocking bright blue, a stark contrast to the devastation that lay before him. He would have been a goner if it weren’t for his defensive skills and armor. But even with his protection, he wasn’t unscathed. He peered down at his mangled arm, the molten mithril melded with his flesh and bone, causing him to doubt the healers’ ability to fix the damage without amputation. Thankfully, they had the High Priest Neizar, the only one capa...

CHAPTER 35 - Cruel Delights

Earlier…

A few hours shy of dawn.

“Please, don’t do this! I’m begging you, please, let me go,” wailed a pitiful peasant girl.

Lord Demidicus had no patience for the sniveling pleas of the weak. He had more pressing matters to attend to. He had initiated the summoning ritual for the third time this night, which wasn’t even counting the previous nights. That wretched demoness should have snuffed the life out of the body she inhabited by now, permitting him to resummon her. What ...

CHAPTER 34 - Sacrifice

Rob surveyed the chaos unfolding before him, the cacophony of screams and shouts blending into a disorienting symphony of fear. People shoved and jostled desperately to squeeze through the narrow portal, hoping to escape the encroaching knights that slipped through the barrier. Rob’s motivation differed from Blake and Jason, who reveled in bloodshed. He yearned to be a hero, to save the day and emerge victorious in the face of insurmountable odds. The individuals before him, the wounded, the destitute, and the escapees, stirred something w...