Ethan Blackwood, a disillusioned coder haunted by PTSD from his brief military service, stumbles upon a cutting-edge VR simulation called 'Aethelred.' This isn't just a game; it's a transdimensional conduit, allowing him to manifest units and resources into the real world based on his actions within. He starts with a single, primitive 'Awakened' – a sentient, evolving entity – but discovers an uncanny ability to manipulate their evolutionary pathways. As Ethan hones his skills, he discovers the game is linked to a looming convergence, a cosmic alignment threatening to merge our world with the bizarre, magical realities of Aethelred. Can Ethan, the reluctant Warlord, master the Aethelred Engine and build an army strong enough to protect humanity, or will he succumb to the escalating chaos?

Chapters