An NPC's Path

In virtual reality, nothing is for real. Fake orcs pretend to fight phony elves. Priests go through the motions of casting blessings. Wizards defeat their enemies with digital illusions of combat spells.

Still, every game is only a part of something much bigger. Human nature doesn’t change. People will always find a way to take advantage or even hurt someone, even if that someone will end up suffering real losses or dying the ultimate death in real life.

I’m John Doe, a necromancer and guardian of the dead. Still, this is only my game persona. Just an illusion. In reality, I’m a sleuth forced to follow a trail of clues. And to make it even worse, my employers’ interests aren’t limited to the game alone...

In this world, science took the place of magic. Meanwhile, the transition from the era of steam to the epoch of Sublime Electricity is already underway. But magic hasn’t simply disappeared without a trace. It still exists, concealed in the blood of the illustrious.

Detective constable Leopold Orso of the metropolitan police counts himself among their number. He was bestowed a talent that allows him to bring others’ fears to life.

Leopold didn’t go looking for trouble. All he really wanted was to gain access to his rightful inheritance. But, his peaceful life came to an end when a box from his grandmother’s estate caught the interest of a mysterious cabal of conspirators, police and bloodthirsty malefics.

His new enemies have an arsenal of six-barreled machine guns, backpack flamethrowers and hordes of hellspawn. He may escape with his life, but it won’t be easy!