Novels by Kaiser Ken

The world had stopped, but Tyler could still move. His heart pounded in the unnatural silence. Victor stood before him with a faint smirk playing on his lips."What the hell did you do?" Tyler demanded. He glanced around, confirming what he already suspected: time itself had bent to Victor's will."Did you... stop time?"Victor chuckled and crossed his arms casually, as if they were discussing the weather over tea. "Not quite, Salvatore, or whatever your real name is. Stopping time? That is close to impossible. What I've done is freeze the world around us. That's a subtle difference, but an important one."Tyler narrowed his eyes and found he could move. He circled Victor warily. "Explain. How is it different? And why?"The prince tilted his head in mild amusement, as if indulging a curious child. "Freezing the world creates a veil between us and them. Time still flows, but only for those I choose. The rest are paused, unaware, unharmed.""No memories of this moment will remain for th

Whispers rippled through the crowd as the High Council elder stepped forward. "It is decided," he announced. "Prince Victor Cromwell and Lord Tristan Salvatore are the finalists of this courtship banquet. The winner will marry Princess Michelle Douglas and ascend as King of Petra with her as the Queen." Gasps filled the room, followed by a wave of murmurs. "All others are eliminated? People from royal lineage and those with generational wealth." The other remaining candidates stamped their feet and grumbled curses under their breath. Charlie Griggs got up from his seat rudely and walked out. Michelle's heart pounded in her chest. It was too sudden. Was her fate going to be decided so easily? Her emerald gown felt suddenly too tight. She gripped the edge of the head table, her eyes fixed anxiously on the finalists. Who did she like better? Both of them? Victor's reputation, accomplishments, and kindness had touched her. Besides, he had not used a champion for the fight like the oth

This time, Tyler met it head-on. His forearm slammed into Li Feng's knee with a thud that made the onlookers wince.Li Feng groaned, stumbled, and went off balance. Tyler swept his legs with a low kick. The kung fu master hit the floor with a crash, spitting blood.Before he could recover, Tyler loomed over him. "Yield," he said grimly. "Or the next attack will kill you."Li Feng's confidence had been shattered. The young man had countered his family secret with a special attack, albeit lazily.The kung fu master nodded. Tyler stepped back, offering him a hand up. The elite present looked stunned, and a few even applauded. Earl Philip glared at his defeated champion speechlessly.Charlie Griggs's champion was next. He was an army veteran with scars across his face."Sergeant Mike Carter!" the herald called out. The veteran stepped into the arena. He had two gleaming combat knives in his hands."Fists won't help you now," he growled, twirling the blades. "There is no rule against weapo

A section of the Great Hall was cleared to build a fighting circle. Tristan Salvatore stood at the center, looking like a heroic prince from the Georgian era.Someone entered the arena and stood opposite him. It was Sir Gideon Whitehall's champion—a hulking kickboxer named Ivan "The Hammer" Sokolov. His shaved head gleamed, and his muscles rippled under a black shirt with gothic prints.The herald's voice cut through the din. "First challenger: Sir Gideon's champion, The Hammer!"The crowd exploded. "Hammer! Hammer! Hammer!" they chanted, pumping their fists. Apparently, this man was quite popular as a pit fighter. Elites often participated in illegal underground battles. Ivan was an undefeated champion in those and had a reputation for killing his opponents with his bare hands.He grinned, cracking his knuckles with a sound like snapping twigs. "Poor little imposter," he sneered in a thick Russian accent. "I'll break you in half!"The onlookers jeered, a few casting pitying glances a

The Great Hall's cacophony of silverware and chatter faded abruptly. Tristan Salvatore's bold entrance had made a bigger impact than Victor Cromwell's. For a minute, nobody else spoke.When the tension dissipated, four of the major candidates—Sir Gideon Whitehall, Earl Philip O'Keefe, Charlie Griggs, and Robert Dunham—moved to surround him.Their expressions were a mix of skepticism and scorn. Victor remained apart, his alert eyes watching Tyler from a distance.Sir Gideon spoke first in an aristocratic tone. "The Salvatore heir, you say? That's a bold claim for a family reduced to ashes after Butch's demise. And his granddaughter was gone without a trace. Tell me, boy, what proof do you have that you're not some impostor?"Earl Philip joined in with giddy indignation. "Aye, the Salvatore empire's a rotting corpse, anyway. Do you think we'll just swallow your story whole? Who are you really?"Charlie Griggs chimed in with brash confidence and a smirk. "Dude, seriously? I have no idea

Monarch Hall was a monument to the Douglas family’s legacy, and also the most ancient estate in Petra County. Its structures dated back to centuries of royal history.Its palatial Great Hall, usually deserted, was decorated like a bride. Over the past week, the Douglas household staff transformed it into a stage for a grand royal banquet.The High Council of Petra had spared no effort in their mission to present Princess Michelle Douglas with the world’s most eligible suitors.Chandeliers cast a golden glow over the scene while long tables stretched across the marble floor. The silk tablecloths were littered with silver platters piled high with roasted pheasant, glazed fruits, and towering cakes dusted with gold leaf.The guests were already here, clinking glasses and goblets. The low, droning chatter of the elite filled the Great Hall. They were dressed in expensive, tailored suits and jeweled gowns, everyone trying to outshine the other.This was not a regular dinner or party. It wa

Victor cast a sidelong glance at Atticus. "It's your plan, not mine. I never asked you to make GEN5 serum from my blood, or even manufacture large amounts of it. Now you want to mass-produce hybrids with my blood? I am beginning to doubt your plan."The Tribunal nodded, unaffected by Victor's disapproval. "Victor. We did not start this without your consent. Because of GEN5, Eva Atelier is still alive.""She is not Eva," the Mayor replied with finality."Okay. But her survival is an experimental success. We could replicate this. Build an army of hybrids to counter the Puppetmaster's changelings. Imagine it: unstoppable soldiers that are loyal and enhanced. No families to mourn them."Victor clenched his jaw. The idea, although not new, hung in the air like a dark cloud. "We're already playing with fire, Atticus. GEN5 links their lives to mine."Atticus leaned forward. "You saw the Puppetmaster's changelings with your own eyes. They are multiplying—grotesque, mind-controlled abomination

Victor stepped into the Mayor's Office after a day of attending colleges, seminars, and public gatherings. The heavy doors sealed behind him with a soft hiss.He had successfully publicized Springfield's new military program. Anybody above the age of eighteen could appear in the entrance tests. Only the best among them would be chosen to train and participate in an elite process. Just that, they would never know what they were getting into.The Mayor's room was vast, lined with dark wood panels and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the military-industrial city of Springfield. He crossed to the largest window.Outside, the city sprawled under the evening sun. His gaze was fixed on the construction site at the city's center. It was a massive construction project rising like a beast from the earth.Fort Cromwell. His future stronghold. Cranes swung massive beams into place, workers swarmed like ants, and the skeleton of what would be a megalithic fortress was gradually taking shap

Kate's mind buzzed as she shoved through the crowd of students and parents. And mediapersons. Her eyes were fixed on Victor Cromwell's retreating back. Their earlier exchange had ended too abruptly.Victor's cryptic words—"You'll find out soon enough"—rang in her ears. Did he actually know her vigilante secret?Kate wasn't about to let him walk away without explaining himself. Spotting him near the back entrance of the Springfield auditorium, she broke into a jog."Mr. Cromwell!" she shouted. "Wait a second, please!"Victor paused and half-turned towards her. "Miss Harper, right? How can I be of service?"Kate stopped a few feet from him. "What you said back there—what did you mean? About me finding out soon?"Victor made a poker face. "It was really just a figure of speech. What did you think I intended to say?"She furrowed her brows in irritation. It's not that she could ask him the question directly. "It felt like you were hinting at something specific. Something about me."He chu

The conference hall at Sapphire University buzzed with energy in the evening. Every seat was taken. Students sprawled across the rows, buzzing in anticipation while media crews jostled for the best angles.Even parents found an excuse to fit in. They craned their necks to see the stage.Banners with the university’s crest fluttered overhead, along with Springfield’s new logo—a metal hawk. The Mayor had made it official earlier that month.This wasn’t just any event; it was a big deal since Victor barely ever made any private appearances.The Dean stepped up to the podium stiffly. His voice boomed through the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, thanks for attending. Your wait is over. Please welcome our distinguished guest and fearless leader, Lieutenant Mayor Victor Cromwell!”The crowd erupted as Victor strode onto the stage. He was impossible to miss—tall, muscular, with a tailored suit that looked old-school mafia. His sharp features and piercing eyes made him look like he’d stepped o

Kate knelt on the kitchen floor, scrubbing at a stubborn grease stain with a worn-out sponge. The overpowering smell of disinfectant almost choked her since she didn’t even have a mask. But she kept going, her hands moving in steady, practiced strokes. The girl’s workout regime was so punishing that any physical labor didn’t even make her break a sweat.It was a month after the chaos at the abandoned factory. Kate had already returned to her daily boring life at her foster home. She sometimes wished she had never left the orphanage. At least, nobody treated her like a servant there.“Seriously, Kate, can’t you do anything right?” Clara’s voice cut through her thoughts. She stood in the doorway with her arms crossed. “That floor’s still a disgrace,” she sneered. “What do we keep you around for?”Kate ground her teeth and didn’t look up. ‘It’s clean,’ she thought bitterly. ‘You just want something to complain about.’ She swallowed the words, knowing they’d only fuel Clara’s temper. They

Kate went on. “I get it—losing someone… It tears you apart inside. I’ve been there, in my own way. But I’m here, okay? We’ll figure this out together.”Victor didn’t respond, his growls growing louder, more feral. His body shook harder, the black veins creeping up his neck. The building groaned ominously, as if it might collapse under the weight of his pain.A sharp, piercing ring cut through. Victor’s phone was ringing. He had dropped it on the floor nearby.He snarled, swatting at it with a clumsy motion, sending it skittering across the concrete. Kate lunged forward, catching it just before it smashed against the wall. The screen glowed faintly in the dark. The contact calling him was THE TRIBUNAL.With a shaky breath, she pressed the answer button. “Hello?”A calm and elderly voice came through. “Who is this? Where’s the owner of this phone?”“I’m The Raven,” Kate said, her eyes fixated on Victor’s trembling form. “A neighborhood hero. Are you a friend of Roadkill?”“Tell me how h

There was an instant bustle of chatter in the room."Oh my God!""David, is this true?!""Where is she?""Our prayers have been answered!""Settle down, brothers," Lazarus announced. "Let me share the information with you."Elijah was as much surprised by the revelation as the rest. Yet, he was confused about how he fit into the puzzle. What did the discovery of Eve's bloodline actually mean?"Except for my boy Elijah, others in this room know of the powers belonging to someone from Eve's bloodline.""Powers?" the lawyer asked. "Powers, yes. A female who is a direct descendant of Eve is immortal. She cannot die."Elijah gave a start. He was okay with the belief system, but the discussion had gotten really weird, really fast. Immortality?"From the look on your face, I can judge you are having trouble digesting this. I understand your skepticism. In fact, it would be strange if you were not cynical about what I just said," Lazarus directed at Elijah.He leaned on the conference table

"Of course, we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden–the woman replied. It's only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said–you must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.""You won't die!- the serpent replied to the woman. God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil."Cardinal David Lazarus looked up from his reading at the small crowd of thirty gathered in the pew. He was behind the pulpit of the north chapel, making a concluding remark after the mass. The stained glass and rose windows on either side of the hall depicted various biblical figures and events. The murals were unique, the most eye-catching being a tall depiction of Eve under the forbidden tree. She held a half-eaten apple in her hand. There was no Adam in the image. "My friends, Eve took a bite of the apple as Satan instructed," David continued. "It was no sin. In fact, it wa

Jake's lips quivered, and a palette of anger flashed across his face momentarily. He said nothing in reply and stared at her, transfixed."It is difficult to explain, but I will try. I have seen your dark side, Jake," Ashley continued. "Faces that you don't show to anybody. And probably have not seen yourself. Yet.""You're not making any sense-""We're done, Jake!""Are you sure? If this is a prank, it isn't funny.""I've never been more serious about anything else in my life.""Fine!" Jake fired. "Are you seeing someone else? If that's what is happening, you can come out with it. No need to make up silly excuses.""You've always been the one, Jake. But no longer. I don't love you anymore.""Okay," the billionaire surrendered, throwing up his arms. "We have spent over $50 million on this engagement and invited very influential people. Do you realize the backlash Grayson and Palmer companies will receive because of calling off our engagement? Not to mention, the merger will dissolve!"

Whup-whup-whup-whup-whup-whupThe sound of rotor blades echoed over Blue Grove's terrace. It came from CEO Jake Grayson's VIP helicopter, an AgustaWestland AW119Ke Koala. The Koala was charcoal black with premium leather upholstery inside. It could reach a top speed of 167 miles per hour and a range of 650 miles. The seating could accommodate up to six passengers with two operators. Along with the customizations, it cost $5.4 million. Jake had two of them.Grayson Industries had a daily renewable permit to fly throughout the city 24/7. This was not a luxury awarded to every chopper owner. The Graysons generously donated to the Mayor, City Hall, and the Norwich Police Department. The helicopter descended on the terrace of the forty-story Blue Grove building. Jake sat facing the open hatch, his legs dangling. He did not wait for the Koala to land flat on the helipad but jumped off while it was still settling.The young billionaire stooped as he ran under the windy rotor blades towards

Jake tilted his head and regarded her with a smile. He liked flattery, especially from a beauty like Claire."Tomorrow, I'm gonna tell this story to my college friends," she murmured."What are you going to tell them?""Whatever happens tonight…." She trailed off as Jake took a hand to her thigh."Go on," he said, feeling the entire length from her knee to her hip."On second thought, I will not tell them the entire story.""Oh, really?" Jake grinned, leaning in and kissing her neck. "Will you be embarrassed by what happens tonight?""Maybe."Jake kissed her on the lips. "Good. I want you to be."Claire nodded. The wine had made her dreamy. Jake stood up and took her hand. He led her to the other end of the balcony.The girl was excited. Her heart was hammering like crazy. It was finally happening! Everything had fallen into place.Jake pulled her close. His hands went behind her and grabbed her buttocks. 'Ah, this feels good,' he thought. 'No silicone. Just a well-toned natural ass.'

Jake shook Claire's hand for the right amount of time and let go. 'Very professional,' she thought. He made constant eye contact and did not stare at her body as the other billionaires did. Part of him was aloof, as if he was somewhere else."I will take your leave, then," Rory announced. "The guys need a babysitter."Jake nodded, and Claire gave him two thumbs up as he left."Please join me," Jake invited her to the other end of the gallery. There were high-backed lounge chairs large enough to lie down. A low single-block dining table was aligned with them.Claire sat beside the billionaire, facing him, her legs crossed. "Thanks.""I noticed when you went to the bar; you ordered cranberry juice. Are you not allowed to drink? Any photoshoots or events coming up?""It's not that, Mr. Grayson-""Please call me Jake.""Hmm. It's not that, Jake, I do drink, but with the right company.""I can't promise to be the best drinking partner but, let's see what we have here–"Jake removed a tinte