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

They knew the hotel was crazy expensive the moment they saw it. All that gold and marble practically screamed "outrageous prices." When the attendant finally named the actual cost, a collective gasp echoed through the group.

"Staying tonight?" the attendant asked, her voice smooth as silk.

"Just a sec," one of them mumbled, their voice barely audible.

"Sure thing," the attendant replied, her smile as polished as the floor.

While they huddled and whispered, Alex was led to his room - number nine on the second floor. The door, adorned with shiny gold, creaked open to reveal a room straight out of a dream.

"Here's your magic key, sir," a friendly-looking butler explained in a deep, calming voice. "Only you can open it. Remember to return it to reception tomorrow. Enjoy your stay! We have a free dinner at the hotel restaurant tonight. Eat as much as you want, it's on the house."

"Thanks a lot," Alex said, genuinely impressed with the service.

Are They Back?