Are you looking for: *Realistic Dungeons (only a short one for this 1st book.) *Crossing between split time-lines *Believable progressive growth *Apothecary work with an eccentric teacher *And more?  Andrew thought they were testing for a Virtual Reality.  He was half-right. . .Earth had gone through several catclysmic events throughout its deeper and unknown history.  However, none were so violent and destructive as when magic and mana was siphoned away and then reality itself, was sundered in two. Eons later, in a land long reduced to mundane existances, a series of freak incidents occurred amid the terror of World War 3, triggering the slow return of magic. Nearly 50 years after the tragedy of that war, Earth had experienced a surprisingly rapid revitalization of life and society, but such was not without reason. Behind the scenes, various forces who were aware of magics creeping return, began preparing for the next fallout. Millennial Enterprises, being the most visable and seemingly altruistic, had unveiled a new Virtual Reality simulation. Andrew agreed to be one of first few participants.  Unbeknownst to others, he held a deep secret of his own.  While seeking out radical means to resolve a disease which plagued his sister, he hid something that would be of great interest to the many hidden powers of his Earth, and Beyond. *********** For anyone interested in a promotion swap, feel free to reach out through private message or by leaving a comment saying such.  Thank you.* . *Advertisement scene regarding the nursing home incident is in Chapter 2 Proving One's Worth.* This becomes a Truer Lit-RPG partway through Book 2, but I won't ruin the surprise. Warning!!:  This first book is a slow burn with an emphasis on Mental and Emotional development as well as sensations felt comparable to Musical Frisson.  It appears to attract those who include "N" for intuition on the Myers-Briggs personality test more than others. For those who don't or can't appreciate Musical Frisson or experience something similar, this story may not be worth reading until book 2. Book 2 (to begin release February 1st 2025) will have far more action.  Until then, please enjoy a more psychologically stimulating story.Monday/Wednesday/Friday releases as of 6/17/2024 due to my increased backlog and improved writing pace. For those planning to give ratings/reviews, especially ones less than 5 stars, I ask that you give at least a brief and definitive explanation for the grade so that I may better hone my skills.  Thank you.