Stumbling Up (Book 1 Stubbed): A Loser's Guide to Progression

Meet Richard: ‘immortal’ banana slug, emotional terrorist, dungeon life coach… Then there’s Cole. He just wants to survive. Richard has goals. Neither of them is optimistic. In a world split between [Mundanes] and [Adventurers], Cole rolled the worst specialization imaginable: [Self Criticism]. With a sarcastic slug, a mysterious goth, and his two horribly unqualified best friends, he’s headed to fame! riches? certain death, and the journey will challenge the very bonds of their friendship. Welcome to [Your Mom’s Party]—the dungeon’s least likely to survive. Try not to die. ——————— Update Schedule:3 Chapters a Week thereafter (Sun, W, F) @14:11 ESTMore on Patreon.———————What to Expect ✅ Stat-lite LitRPG mechanics (Skills, specializations, party dynamics—not spreadsheets)✅ Character-driven narrative with emotional arcs and messy growth✅ Found family and friendship front and center✅ Dungeon crawling with unconventional strategies and slice-of-life interludes✅ Banana slug wisdom (or at least loud, sarcastic opinions)✅ Progression through failure (because some of us level up the hard way)What You Won’t Find ❌ Harem or romance-driven plotlines (but feelings may still happen. Poorly.)❌ Spice (unless you count dungeon bile or Meredeath’s combat boots)❌ Power fantasy wish fulfillment (unless your fantasy is learning to like yourself)❌ Edgelord monologuing (unless Richard is making fun of it)❌ Generic dungeon tropes (everything here is squishier, smellier, and probably alive)