Hey all, this is the Second Edition of my LitRPG-lite sci-fi/fantasy novel that launched in 2022. It's new and improved, and the ebook is free on Amazon until 3/8/26. It's also on KU. Book 2 coming out in May 2026.

LINK - [https://www.amazon.com/Path-Relics-Aether-Seeker-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B0GP1RLPMV](https://www.amazon.com/Path-Relics-Aether-Seeker-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B0GP1RLPMV)

I know everyone here has a huge TBR list, so here’s a quick, spoiler-free rundown so you can decide if it’s your kind of thing. Blurb follows...

**You’ll probably enjoy this if you like:**

* Light-crunch progression (levels, ATK / DEF / HP, XP-to-next, perk choices)
* Stats and mechanics integrated into the narrative (no pop-up windows or stat pages)
* Progression that’s earned through choices and problem-solving
* Unique weapons for the main character (Kali Sticks)
* A mystery-driven campaign where exploration uncovers lost lore and world rules
* A twist on the VR genre. They're NOT stuck in the game, but events in virtual begin causing dangerous anomalies in the real world.
* A VR RPG with a believable near-future setup. The Portal Rig exoskeleton and EEG helmet creates a full-immersion, physically-active fantasy world.

**Good to know up front:**

* This is LitRPG-lite, not crunchy
* The system and stats appear a handful of chapters in and unfold gradually
* The story is character- and plot-first, with progression supporting the narrative
* My character's aren't perfect or god-tier and sometimes make mistakes they learn from
* Lite romance (not harem)
* Eventual five-novel series with a planned ending point

If that sounds like your kind of balance, I’ll drop the blurb below. Happy to answer questions. Thanks for taking a look!

\*\*\*

He entered the contest to win cash. **Now millions could die.**

Random gigs and ramen noodles... that's how out-of-shape gamer Terry survives the job-starved future of 2044. Until he's accepted into the Path of Relics tournament—the most anticipated virtual reality RPG event of the decade—where he has the chance to win some real loot.

But does he have a fighting chance against the world's top Active-VR athletes?

Not to mention the ancient dungeons, puzzles, scorpion-wolves, and all-too-realistic NPCs the game world throws at him. And just how advanced is this "Portal Rig" that lets him physically experience the fantasy world as if he were transported there?

**Worse, could his suspicions be true?** Are the strange and deadly malfunctions plaguing Manhattan somehow triggered by Path of Relics?

Now, outmatched and exhausted, can Terry's mysterious ability to level-up quickly and his meager martial arts skills help him avert catastrophe in the real world?

\*\*\*

LINK - [https://www.amazon.com/Path-Relics-Aether-Seeker-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B0GP1RLPMV](https://www.amazon.com/Path-Relics-Aether-Seeker-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B0GP1RLPMV)

Cover art by the team at Miblart

Relaunch & Free Ebook Promo of Path of Relics: Aether Shard 2nd Edition