I'm an NPC, and from the Start I Sneak a Peek at the Player Forum

The mysterious game Eternal Era has descended upon reality. Ten billion people around the world can log in at any time and begin a second life.

While players are congratulating themselves over finding a hidden quest or frantically competing for a rare piece of equipment, Ling Su, a mechanic NPC living in the Wasteland city of Blackiron Town, unexpectedly awakens to self-awareness.

Even more absurdly, he discovers that, just like the Chosen Ones (players), he can see his own stats panel. He can even... connect to the player forums in the real world!

From then on, the world is never the same.

“Patch notes? Version 1.2, ‘Crimson Tide’: Blackiron Town will be destroyed by a beast tide? We need to get out of here right now!”

“Whoa! That player called ‘No-Life’ found a clue to an epic questline? Thanks, I’ll be swiping the quest chain first.”

“Holy crap, these clowns are actually planning a group run to farm equipment off me, an ‘elite monster’? Come on over! I’ve prepared a ‘nuclear blast gift pack’ to make sure you feel right at home!”

And so the strongest, most cunning, and most unconventional NPC in history was born. Using his information advantage, he steals opportunities from players, hands out bizarre quests, and builds his own army of disasters. Step by step, he rises from an obscure NPC to the Mechanical Overlord, feared by every player and NPC alike.

As the truth behind the game gradually comes to light, Ling Su discovers that this world is not merely a game. His awakening will be the only lever capable of shifting the fates of two universes.