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

"What should we do about this poison? It's sapping our strength," Joseph exclaimed, his brow furrowed with concern.

The group exchanged worried glances, their minds racing for a solution. With the poison coursing through their veins, time was of the essence. They knew they couldn't afford to let it continue unchecked.

Realization dawned upon them—all they could do was end the battle swiftly. There was no cure for the poison, not in the midst of combat. Their only hope lay in defeating the Malefic Trents before the venom claimed them all.

Harkor and Sybille shared a silent understanding, their gazes locking in determination. They knew what needed to be done. With a wordless agreement, they tapped into the depths of their Blood Magic, drawing upon its potent energies to fuel their spells.

Success and Grotesque