Progression is a virtue, stagnation is death, and absurdity is only the beginning in the first installment of this humorous action-adventure LitRPG series.

Xavier Shaw doesn't understand why his trash cans have been targeted by a ravenous raccoon. Tired of waking up to the critter's twilight buffet, Xavier grabs a high-powered air rifle to take out his nocturnal nemesis. Unfortunately, the war between man and raccoon has barely begun when a passing truck runs them both over.

Now Xavier exists in the Tower Strive, a fantastical reality centered around an altitudinous tower with life-and-death games on every floor. Armed with an RPG-like system and a gem-encrusted plunger, he's got nowhere to go but up. Along for the ride is the furry fiend responsible for his death, newly endowed with the gift of sarcastic speech. Calling herself El Bandito, she's Xavier's partner, and she brings along her wisecracks, thieving talents, and explosive spells as they make their way to the top.

In between navigating acidic toilet monsters, glass golems, and a murderous seductress with her own plans for the tower, the duo must forge a path—and a friendship—if they're going to survive. Especially when everything around them is a dumpster fire . . .

The first volume of the hit LitRPG series—with more than 130,000 views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

Tropes include: unlikely heroes, enemies-to-friends, and hero's journey.