"Earth" Release

What would happen if our world turned into a computer game? It might sound tempting at first, but there's one small detail you should know: in this game, people are nothing but non-playable characters, useful only for the service they provide to the real players. Experience, development, loot, levels-none of that is for us. Our role is merely to dance to the tune of our masters, who have come to our world to turn it into a character farm and a space for their own entertainment. Doesn't sound quite as nice anymore, does it? But nobody ever gave us any choice in the matter: the update known as "Earth" has already been installed! If anybody has a problem with that . . . well, that's their own personal problem. The system will devour everyone!

The game has devoured Earth. Players have gotten down to business as usual-farming, taking out monsters, leveling up their items, and wiping out dungeons. All the NPCs can do is accept their unenviable fate and try to survive in this complicated new world. But will they all be content to sit on their hands and accept it? Michael, a Universal Combat Mage, is one of a number of people who refuse to let fate lead them passively along. He wants to decide his own fate. And really, it should be pretty simple: he'll just need to make his way out of the depths of the local dungeon, and thereby reclaim his right to call himself a human. The rest will fall into place.

Preparations for the tournament between the Heroes of the "Earth" release are in full swing. The Great Clans are busy protecting their representatives and arranging unpleasant surprises for their rivals, hoping to come out on top in this unprecedented event. There are three Release Heroes, three Great Clans, and Michael, who stands apart from the rest. Unfortunately, there are also demons and dragons to consider, and neither of them are simply going to stand aside and watch the Elves enjoy the new turn of events. Whatever happens, though, this tournament is bound to go down in history: after all, one of the competitors is a Fallen One!

What could be harder for two Combat Mages (even Universal ones) than having to kill a creature who's totally immune to magic? Whatever the answer, the game doesn't care. Anyone who's decided to make something of themselves, let alone earn the status of a "key character," is going to have to prove their strength. So, if the Lord of the Abyss can't be killed by magic, our heroes will just have to find something else that can do the job. They'll just have to make sure they don't die trying.