Between Seconds {Book 1 Finished and up! Book 2 posting!} [Light-LitRPG, Progression, Superpowers, Dungeon Crawler]

Everyone lost three years. Branch lost six. The world wakes to find the earth carved open by a dungeon that should not exist, memories gone, and reality itself subtly misaligned. Thousands suddenly discover they are Circled, bearing tattoos on their faces that grant powers. These powers can only be increased by raising their total kill count. Branch's new power makes him a nightmare for the kill-farming Kaisers, but leaves him unable to enjoy anything, not food, not sex, not even a joke. He lives two seconds ahead of everything, two seconds removed from everyone, unable to experience physical pleasure or anticipation. The only thing he can still really feel is winning. By stepping out of time into a forgotten town that no longer exists, Branch can prepare, plan, and rearm before slipping back into the exact instant he left. In a world of monsters, relics, and broken physics, it makes him terrifyingly effective. It may also be the reason he is broken. He wants nothing more than to rid himself of his power, save the people of Haven, and find his father, trapped in the bowels of the dungeon. Sloane has her own concerns. Her sister is dying from a disease called the Glitch, and the only person who claims to have a cure is a madman deep inside the dungeon. She needs power, fast. The dungeon has everything they need. But something inside is watching. Learning. Adapting. And for the first time since the world changed, Branch is about to face something he cannot see coming. What to expect: An ability built around seeing the future, leaving the moment, and returning prepared Smart fights where planning matters more than raw power, though raw power matters too A protagonist who would give up his power if he could, and actively tries to A grounded, competent female lead Mystery, missing time, and something deeply wrong with reality Wins that feel earned, losses that hurt A slow build from survival to mastery