by Buddman22
“When the Apocalypse is a poorly run re-org… …what if the Multiverse chooses the wrong guy on purpose?” Aren Kovacs, a level-3 IT guy forever on a performance plan for being too honest, has been through many corporate shenanigans, mergers, and employer changes. When the Earth undergoes System induction, he’s kind of like “Whatever, I guess that’s what we’re doing now….” After a botched tutorial start, Aren finds himself with powers he doesn’t understand, unhelpful System administrators, a growing cadre of people he didn’t ask for, and even possibly a reality-breaking eldritch sponsor. So, what’s a burnt out and rather annoyed fellow that genuinely wants to be left alone with his stuff to do? Get strong enough so that people stop bothering him? Maybe even help others get strong too along the way… if he has to. I love the interaction this story has had so far and have been really happy to be able to respond to everyone’s comments. Keep ‘em coming! Want some extra universe lore? Check out my page (no cost, spam, or signups for Amway products): https://buddman22.com/join What to Expect: • A curmudgeonly GenX protagonist who treats the apocalypse like another corporate reorganization while following his own weak to strong arc • Light crunch LitRPG progression with a unique soul-based magic system • Found family, slow-burn bonds, and a whole lot of pop-culture deflection • Cozy moments and brutal power strikes, often in the same chapter • Mysteries that pay off across the long game • Initial overarching villainy you’ll recognize from real life: cosmic-scale enshittification • MWF releases, at 7:36 am EST • Volume 1 is written (57 chapters, 150k words) and will continue to be polished while Volume 2 is drafted. • Cover art by Evie Blackwood
