/lit/ - Literature

Infinite Realm #1: Monsters and Legends by Ivan Kal

[Story]

Ryun and Zach were best friends before the Framework came to Earth... 10 years later Ryun has all but destroyed the world and Zach has amassed the last 9 souls on the planet to end him for what he's done, minutes before they're due to ascend. As the last living humans fall around him Zach is able to cut Ryun off from his cultivation, leaving them both at their weakest as they move into the Infinite Realm; a flat plane with a developed core and wild lands that truly extend into infinity.

With Zach and Ryun separated for the safety of other mortals in their Iteration, they struggle to find their bearing in this new reality.

[Progression Mechanics]

The Framework is a combination of 3 systems: Classes, Cultivation, and Skills. When first introduced to the Framework you are set before The Dealmaker, who takes a measure of your life experiences before converting it into a value called 'essence'. With this essence you are able to purchase items, armor, weapons, even classes. Whenever one enters The Dealmaker's realm, their inhibitions are muted and they are driven to make choices to their truest nature. You can even gamble, one of the MC's betting his life in exchange for a powerful path.

Anyone within the Framework can possess 1 Class, 1 cultivation Path, 3 active skills, and 3 passive skills. You can explore all 3 with enough essence, though all major Rankers focus on 2 of the 3. Classes are structured, molding you in that classes image even down to your ideals as you level. Cultivation strengthens the person's body and spirit. Both are capable of learning 3 unique techniques, though Cultivation includes combat and breathing forms.

Essence becomes a staple of the universe, acting as ambient mana and currency on this post-Framework Earth. You can gather this by killing monsters, cycling (if you're a cultivator), or completing quests. To level up a class you need to invest a certain amount of essence into it. This amount is negligible for people with a Class while Cultivators will see themselves spending hundreds of thousands of essence to expand their core before breaking through to the next stage.

Leveling up brings perks and bonuses, as do achievements. There's more here, very ROBUST system, but this covers most of it.

[Characters]

Ryun Nacht is our primary focus, with a bulk of chapters focusing on his point of view. At first an aimless and emotionally stunted college student, being introduced to the Framework represented a new start for him. To the point that he and Zach butted heads initially due to him treating life and death like a 'game'. It's heavily implied though not outright stated that Ryun has a form of Asperger's and struggles to connect with people... which makes him perfect for the isolating lifestyle of Cultivation. After gambling with The Dealmaker and earning the Path of the Final End, Ryun relies on Zach to carry him as he develops his Foundation.