The test ran far beyond its intended duration. Days turned to weeks as Arvind delved deeper into SOLO's world. NPCs and players became indistinguishable. His accomplishments were unmatched, but something gnawed at him. Despite possessing the highest-tier gear and powers, he felt... alone.
Then, on a fateful day, everything changed.
While battling a ferocious World Boss—the Hydra of Lothar—something within the game broke. The world around him froze, then flickered. His debug console went dark. Panic set in as he barked commands, but the game no longer responded.
[System Error] Debugging tools unavailable. Administrator privileges disconnected.
The Hydra struck, its fangs piercing deep into Arvind's body. Pain, intense and visceral, coursed through him—so real, so alive. Everything faded to black.
When Arvind regained consciousness, he was no longer in his luxurious office surrounded by the hum of technology. He stood atop the Frostfire Mountains, the biting wind cutting like shards of glass. He looked at his hands: rough, calloused, and scarred. The Aetherial Mantle still draped over his shoulders, and the Sword of Eternity was at his side.
A horrifying realization dawned on him: he was no longer just a player—he was part of SOLO.
[System Notification] Welcome, Arvind Brostfohood, to Stone of Life Online. Debugging privileges revoked.