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Elion Hayes Book One: The Beast Rings

CNBaihaqi
Elion Hayes never planned on being hunted. He was just a university student scraping by, no real direction, no grand purpose—until a night out turned into a waking nightmare. Because apparently, were-beasts or beast-men are real, they’re everywhere, and they don’t appreciate humans getting in their way. Now, Elion is on the run with a 'cowboy' from another world (yes, really), a best friend who’s way too excited about all of this, and a growing list of reasons to regret every life choice that led him here. At the center of it all? The Beast Rings—ancient artifacts infused with the power of monsters. Some grant strength beyond human limits. Others corrupt, turning their wielders into nightmares. And the Lord, the shadowy figure pulling the strings, plans to unleash thousands of them across the world. Elion isn’t a warrior. He doesn’t have some legendary bloodline or divine blessing. He’s just learned about Mana Gates and barely unlocked the first three of the 118 Mana Gates that allow someone to tap into their true power and to control the Beast Rings. Before he could gain any real progress, the Lord’s most elite enforcers—the Zodiacs—and all kinds of beast-men are already closing in. The mission? Retrieve the corrupted Beast Rings before they fall into the wrong hands. Defy the Lord’s plan before the world is overrun. Survive long enough to figure out why, out of everyone, he’s been thrown into the middle of this. He and Jordan may not have been prepared for any of this, but their new ally, Ronan, isn’t giving them a choice. If they don’t fight back? The world as they know it is done. What to Expect: [+] Weak-to-Strong Protagonist – Elion starts at zero, but survival means learning fast. [+] Shapeshifters & Monster Battles – Think were-beasts, but worse. [+] Clear Progression – Unlockable powers, evolving abilities, and high stakes. [+] A Race Against Time – The Beast Rings are spreading, and humanity is not ready. [+] Ancient Powers & Forbidden Arts – 118 Mana Gates to unlock, each one unlocking something deeper. [+] Humor Meets High-Octane Action – Snark, survival, and a world that doesn’t play fair. [+] Massive World-Building & Hidden Secrets – The Beast Rings didn’t start in this world… and neither did the war. The first mistake? Getting involved. The second? Thinking he has a choice.
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Between Fangs and Claws

The hum of the coffee shop was like any other a blend of clinking cups, hushed conversations, and the soft swish of the barista’s apron as they moved behind the counter. Adrian strode in, his sharp gaze barely flicking toward the order board as he walked past the line of people. His mind was preoccupied, his phone held firmly in one hand, eyes scanning through an email from his company’s legal team. He was too distracted by his thoughts to notice the petite figure standing in his path until it was too late. A gasp broke through the air, followed by the unmistakable sound of liquid splashing. Adrian's body jerked, the scalding hot coffee sloshing onto his dark gray suit just as his phone flew out of his hand. “Shit!” came the voice, soft but hurried, as the person in question scrambled to steady their own coffee cup and avoid more damage. Adrian barely had time to react as a small figure stepped back, eyes wide with panic. "I.I’m so sorry!" The voice trembled, and Adrian finally looked up to meet the wide, apologetic eyes of the person who had crashed into him. His gaze softened as he saw the clear panic on the other person’s face. The person in front of him was a young man slender, with messy dark hair and a few stray strands falling into his face. His eyes, a warm shade of brown, flicked nervously from the coffee splattered on Adrian’s suit to Adrian’s face. His lips parted in a silent apology as he clutched the coffee cup, looking for something to say, but the words seemed to fail him. Adrian’s frown deepened, his suit already ruined, but the surprise of the moment faded quickly. He tilted his head slightly, giving the man a once-over. "Are you alright?" Adrian asked, voice calm yet with an edge of amusement, despite the ruined suit. He reached for the napkins on the counter to dab at the coffee stains. The guy blinked rapidly, as if processing Adrian’s question. “Yeah, I... I mean, yeah, but oh god, your suit! I’m so sorry, I wasn’t paying attention!” His hands fluttered in the air awkwardly as he stepped forward, his movements frantic. Adrian couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “It’s fine, really. I’ve had worse.” His voice held a quiet authority, but something in his expression softened. He took a breath and added, “Not the first time something like this has happened.” The young man Kai, as Adrian now saw on his name tag bit his lip and exhaled a shaky breath. "I'm so embarrassed. I swear, I’m usually more careful." He finally seemed to calm down a little, though his nervousness lingered. Adrian couldn’t resist. “Seems like you’re a little distracted. What’s going on in that head of yours?” Kai blinked again, almost flustered. "Huh? Oh. Just... life, you know?" He laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Work stuff... which is apparently bad luck today.” He pointed toward the stain on Adrian’s suit, his fingers twitching nervously. Adrian’s eyebrow arched. “Work stuff, huh? What do you do?” Kai hesitated for a moment. “Uh... marketing. At... uh, a company. Not nearly as cool as... whatever it is you do.” Adrian chuckled again, shaking his head. “I’ll say this, though: I’m not in the marketing game. I’m actually... not great with people, so let’s just say you got me at a good moment. A coffee spill’s the least of my problems today.” His voice was smooth, almost teasing as he finally took in Kai’s nervousness. Kai looked embarrassed but a little relieved. “Well, if it helps, I’ll pay for a new suit?” “Too much of a hassle,” Adrian replied. “But you do owe me a drink. How about we get one sometime this weekend?” Kai blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Wait, you mean... after spilling coffee all over you?” Adrian smiled, a sly glint in his eyes. “Well, if you’re willing to make it up to me, why not?” Kai’s hesitation was palpable, but there was a playful curiosity there now, his shoulders relaxing as he gave a half-hearted laugh. “I’ll be honest, I wasn't expecting that...
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