In a world inching closer to the brink, where wars ravage the Middle East, Europe, and China, some might argue we're already navigating through our own version of hell. Fortunately, I've been spared the direct horrors of conflict, yet I wasn't immune to its repercussions. The technological leaps forged in the fires of war rendered my career obsolete—rewarding years of dedication with nothing more than a severance check and a box of personal effects.

Stranded in an economy crippled by an oversaturated job market, my options are dwindling fast. There's one avenue left, a gamble that could consume the remnants of my severance without any promise of a return: "Ascent to Aetheria," a groundbreaking full-immersion VRMMORPG. Lauded as the pinnacle of near-realistic gaming, it's not the technological marvel that draws me in, but the players it attracts—wealthy, competitive, and willing to pay for an edge.

Why am I even considering this? Because amidst the digital elite lies my last chance to avoid a fate worse than unemployment: being drafted and sent to the front lines of a war that's already consumed too much. With time running out, I must navigate this new world, find my niche, and capitalize on it before it's too late. No pressure, right?

Authors Note:

I am editing the story and will post it on a second page and link it here. This may take me a while to get through but it needed to be done as many of my earlier readers can attest. I will not just delete this page for a variety of reasons.