BigToad

Alex Mercer was a legendary thief known for his audacious heists and cunning skills. However, his criminal streak comes to an abrupt halt when he is finally apprehended and sentenced to prison.

In the midst of his imprisonment, a revolutionary virtual reality massively multiplayer online role-playing game (VRMMORPG) is launched, called Eternal Realms, captivating the attention of the entire world. The prison authorities, seeking to introduce recreational activities for the inmates, decide to allow select prisoners to participate in the game as a means of passing the time.

Eager to escape the monotony of prison life, Alex eagerly takes up the opportunity to join the immersive virtual world. To his surprise, he discovers that his notoriety as a master thief has caught the attention of players within the game. They started offering him IRL means to reduce his prison sentence in an exchange on a daring quest to retrieve valuable treasures scattered throughout the virtual realm.

With a hidden class known as the "Shadow Hunter," Alex possesses unique skills and abilities that make him an invaluable asset to the players seeking rare and precious items. As he delves deeper into the virtual world, he finds himself entangled in a complex web of alliances, rivalries, and dangerous quests that blur the line between the game and reality.

As the stakes rise, Alex must navigate treacherous dungeons, confront formidable adversaries, and outwit both in-game challenges and real-world dangers. Along the way, he forms unexpected alliances and confronts his own inner demons, questioning the choices that led him down a path of crime.
*
For anyone wondering about the romance, it will take a long time as this is not the focus of the book.

MMORPG: Shadow Hunter

Khalita did look like the mage type. She was quiet, loved to observe things, and had a curious look on her face. Alex, though, was surprised to see a mage in potential coming from a small farm near the road.

"Really? I didn't know the city had a magic school."

Orgnar looked proud, "It is one of the best schools in the kingdom, and I know my daughter will pass the test. Look, I won't get angry if you don't want to come."

They had just met, and Orgnar was okay with Alex not wanting to help. He had sheltered Alex not because he wanted something in return, but because he wanted to help those in need. That was how he saw the world.

"I'm going to the city anyway, so why not travel together? When you want to go?"

"Haha, I knew I could count on you," Orgnar said, slapping Alex's back, "We will leave in one hour, prepare."

Teleport Link Established