Death Game: The Legendary Template

Good news: “A game based on a legendary template has appeared. Its graphics are unbeatable, its freedom is off the charts, and no NPC will stupidly send you out to fetch water.”

Qiu Yun: “No way I’m not playing this.”

Bad news: “If your game character dies, you die in real life, too.”

Thanks, but no thanks.

Good news: “You can inherit your in-game stats and skills in real life.”

Oh? Qiu Yun: “So I really am the Sword God of Shili Slope. If I level up quietly, I’ll be invincible.”

Bad news: “It’s a real otherworld, with no safe zones.”

Qiu Yun: “Couldn’t you have told me all this at once?”

“You’ve been selected! You’re among the first players!”

Qiu Yun: “What?! I never applied!”

…

The Fringe Management Bureau: “After discussion, the organization has decided that all players selected to enter the game will be collectively known as Fringers. First task: identify players’ real-world identities and require them to register. Those who refuse to cooperate may be apprehended by force.”

Slow-burn story + plot-driven + no brainless protagonist + combat-focused.