Lighting the Forge

A burned-out man in his late thirties finds himself immersed in an experimental VRMMO with the promise of a second chance at life—though with the twist that he cannot log out. As he explores a pre-launch world and chooses a quiet, self-sufficient life building, mining, and blacksmithing, he gradually establishes his own purpose. When other players eventually arrive, his existence becomes intertwined with theirs, setting the stage for unforeseen events.