They shouldn't have pissed off a virtual world top player by erasing his character for a highly questionable "violation of game rules"—and taking away his valuable in-game possessions. After returning to the virtual world under a different nickname, an unknown newb puts everything on the line by selecting the most difficult Hardcore mode: a single life that's so easy to lose in the dangerous game world.

After twenty years defending the frozen north against some of the most dangerous threats in the nine kingdoms, Rhoren “Bloodbane” has finally earned his retirement. While the blood mage's service to the realm may have ended, burning veins and aching joints remain, and Rhoren soon learns that a warmer climate offers relief from his chronic pain. And a chance at a fresh start.

After thousands of people suddenly vanish from Earth, former gymnast Jade Callian finds herself thrust into an endless dungeon filled with magic, monsters, and far too few instructions. When Jade receives a mortal wound soon after her arrival in this new world, she is forced to pick a new race that has the power to save her. There's just one problem: Her only choice is to turn into a succubus.

In a former life, Jack was gifted, meaning he possessed peculiar abilities. If rich folks found themselves in a jam, Jack could use his talents to get them out of it. Where others were sure to fail, Jack's aristocratic clientele could always count on him to finish jobs cleanly, efficiently, and leave no trace, for which his services commanded a hefty fee. But one day, Jack picked a fight with the wrong man and his old life came to an end. But, as it turned out, his story was far from over.

Liu Peijin has spent the last decade of her life writing a widely read—and very trashy—LitRPG web novel. Too bad her readers don't really like the book . . . or the author. But who can blame them? Peijin is bitter and far more interested in challenging negative reviews and blocking all critics than engaging with fans. Until one day, after arguing with a commenter, she receives an ominous message: "Tomorrow, 1 p.m. I have a surprise for you." Sure enough, the next day the Azure Dragon of Peijin's story appears on the freeway before her and slaughters dozens of humans in a flash.