I Was Mistaken as the Novel’s Hidden Boss

In the game called 'Wisteria Of The Fall', you could play two different mode. Singleplayer, and multiplayer. Oh, no. It's more correct to say it as storymode, and PvP. Like your average MMO, character customization is one of their main attractions. 

But WOTF in particular, is gaining the best reputation for their freedom of customization. You could create non-humanoid character, and even attach more limbs, if you want. Of course, since human are beings with two hands and two feet, those extra limbs are no more than accessories. 

Or, that's what should have been. 

With the new generation of capsule, which very coincidentally also the day Wisteria Of The Fall released, it is safe to say that the world of Virtual Diving took a massive leap. With Capsule Max S40, you could operate multiple limbs with ease. No dissonance would occur. It's a perfect console for a perfect game, released at the perfect time. 

Thus, the game became an international sensation almost overnight. 

But what makes this game a god-tier game is not only the customization, but also the storyline and mechanic and events and many many more. 

It lasted twelve years on top in the yearly Best VD Game International, before being displaced to third rank. One main reason is the story mode didn't offer a new journey after completion. The only thing you could rely on is the DLC, which is rarely updated. 

The reason why people are still actively playing, is because the pvp mode is just that fun. It's basically an open-world where you could roam, meet players, and request duels. Or just straight up throwing spells upon meeting. 

If this place existed in reality, people would call it a lawless place. Because it is. Got a new item? Test it on some passerby. Master a new spell? Fire it on some random dude. A new clan emerges? Let's raid it. 

To some, it could be infuriating. But the majority are surprisingly psychopaths who enjoy this kind of mindless destruction and activity. 

I was one of them. 

It couldn't be helped, really. I can't just stay still when they PK me just because I don't use humanoid characters, can I? Anyway, I start blasting. Getting carried away, I am now notoriously nicknamed Lord of Cinder. 

Such a shame, I have to vacuum playing because I need to wrap my thesis needed for graduation. 

But hey, who would've thought a new DLC would be launched just after my graduation ceremony? 

From the gist description I read, it was a collaboration with a popular novel. Although I have zero knowledge about the collaborated novel, a new update is always welcomed. 

Ah, except for nerf updates. 

'Solo Hunter of the Dragon Lineage'. From the synopsis I read to understand the novel's theme which would be translated into the story mode, it seems this novel takes place in a modern world with hunters and gates existing. 

Well, that's all about it. I'm not truly interested about the novel, but the story mode also includes an open world, which is the source of entertainment for me. So at least, I should know what kind of world it is so I don't wander around aimlessly. 

"Modern world, huh. Maybe I could go on rampage, massacring people. Or should I explore the gates? I wonder if they would also create a different world for each gate." I chuckle, bringing up the carbonated drink into my lips. Gulping it with no pause. "That would be incredible." 

Soon after, I click on the logo to run the game, and slowly walking towards my capsule. 

But,

*BUHHG*

I lost a feeling in my legs. And soon, in my arms. Then the faint pain in my chest which I continuously ignore since before, instantly amplified several times. It's really painful, like someone squeezing your heart and stabbing it with a pencil. 

Slowly, black dots filled my vision, and I lost consciousness. 

That's right. I died. 

I fucking died. 

I really thought that was the end. But it turns out, life has another plan for me.