The Ripple System

Ned Altimer, a corporate flameout, dives headfirst into Earthblood Online, a new VRMMO, seeking a fresh start. His advantage: a three-day head start and Frank, a verbose, charismatic axe with insider knowledge. This unique partnership immediately paints a target on Ned's back, setting him up for the greatest manhunt in gaming history.

Ned is a jaded but intelligent individual, eager to leave his past behind and find purpose in a new reality. His primary companion, Frank, is a charmingly violent and often uncooperative sentient axe, whose personality is as sharp as his blade.

This series charts Ned’s journey from a relatively unassuming player to a formidable force within Earthblood Online, driven by a desire to carve out his own destiny and protect his nascent community. It's a progression fantasy where a smart protagonist, initially weak, rapidly scales in power and influence, often through unconventional means and the aid of an evolving found-family.