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.
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For anyone wondering about the romance, it will take a long time as this is not the focus of the book.

MMORPG: Shadow Hunter

Before delving into the contents of the items, Alex made his way over to Emma and Mary, patiently waiting for them to regain consciousness. Joseph stood by their side, providing the necessary support and comfort.

Gently, Joseph cradled Mary in his arms, ensuring her head was cushioned and protected from harm. He was a pillar of strength, taking care of his granddaughter with unwavering tenderness and concern.

Following Joseph's lead, Alex carefully attended to Emma, positioning her comfortably and ensuring she was safe from any injuries. As Emma stirred awake, she was momentarily startled by Alex's proximity and intense gaze.

"A-Alex, what happened?" Emma inquired, her voice tinged with confusion. "I remember casting a meteor with Mary."

"You both unleashed a powerful spell that helped us defeat the boss," Alex reassured her. "But it took a toll on your strength, and you passed out."

First Key Piece