When a group of graduate students studying the virtual world goes missing, party member for hire Vy "Thornheart" finds herself accompanying a rescue mission into the belly of the beast, the so-called Permadeathlands. She may have slain the great dragon of Ylmoth in casual play, but now she must brave the mortal danger of advanced mode.

And Vy's not the only for-hire in these parts—an old friend of hers also went missing along with those students. Does that mean she'll find an old ally awaiting her out there somewhere, or a new enemy?