In the year 3074, a technology previously unimaginable was born. The emergence of the most advanced technology of that era, however, had a negative impact on society and the surrounding environment. Not a single person could be seen outside the windows; even a blade of grass or a leaf had been replaced by a landscape dominated by technology that controlled everything.

  Human life had been completely replaced by the virtual world. All human activities were now controlled by robots—there was nothing to worry about. However, the pollution that filled the outside world was still unpleasant to look at. Therefore, the virtual world contained everything that had disappeared from the real world.

  [The Capsule] was a technology in the form of a large tube-like capsule that one could enter—created as a means of accessing the virtual world. Eating, drinking, breathing, fatigue, life, and various other aspects of the real world could be fully experienced in the world hosted within the capsule.

  Rei Andou was a young man trapped in a world of technology he had never imagined. He lived with independence. It was common for parents during that era to leave their children as infants. These children were then cared for by robot assistants employed by their parents. Rei was fortunate enough to live in a family with a status—at least—higher than that of ordinary citizens.

  In the technological density of that era, there was a term in the game: [GrainSword Online].

  A massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that was extremely popular in Japan—perhaps worldwide. The options offered in the game were incredibly complete. A player's avatar could be customized and altered in many ways. It was even possible to take a template of the player's real face and use it as an avatar in the game.

  What stood out most in the game was its freedom. Players could freely explore every corner of the world of GrainSword Online without any boundaries obstructing them. The world to explore in the game was vast.

  Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

  There were five realms contained within this world: the Human Realm, the Fairy Realm, the Non-Human/Humanoid Realm, the Demon Realm, and the Angel Realm.

  Of course, various sensations like hunger, thirst, fatigue, and even receiving damage could be felt by the players within the game—even though they wouldn't directly receive physical wounds in the real world. This was possible because The Capsule connected a console to their brain network, making players feel what happened to their avatars in the game. However, this would not result in instant death in the player's real body—even if their avatar died in the game.

  Rei was one of thousands of players who played the game. Unlike most people, Rei had a rather unique avatar—one that used the concept of 'Horns' possessed by a 'Demon,' with a face covered by a black mask.

  Rei’s avatar could be described as Non-Human: a demon with a human-like face, which was not typical for a demon. It was equipped with a robe that almost covered its entire body, with a collar encircling its neck. A magic staff served as both an accessory and the most important weapon for Rei as a Mage.

  He had at least 100 spells, including defensive, enhancement, offensive, and various other types of magic. His avatar had reached level 200.

  The maximum level in GrainSword Online was 250.

  Generally, having 100 spells at level 200 was unusual. Even players above level 100 typically had at least 150 different types of spells.

  Rei played as a solo player, unlike most players who joined a guild and played in parties. Friends were not easy to come by in that era, so Rei had no choice but to play solo.

  Aside from this, Rei was often referred to as the [Last Boss] in GrainSword Online, a title he earned because of his unique background—not just in terms of appearance—but also in terms of strength and behavior.

  Rei did not know what the title [Last Boss] truly meant.

  Rei's 100 spells were his specialty. Unlike other players who had a balanced composition of magic, Rei had 70% offensive spells, and the remaining 30% consisted of various other types of magic.

  He owned a castle—or perhaps a place commonly referred to as a "Dungeon"—which served as a conquest point for a guild or a party.

  The guardian and owner of the dungeon was Rei. A dungeon could only be owned if the place was completely conquered. Rei had conquered the dungeon with only one type of offensive spell—a feat that no solo player could normally achieve. Still, it wasn't impossible for a large party or guild to do so.

  Perhaps because of this, he was often regarded as the [Last Boss].