The Way Ahead

Edwin Maxlin has fallen out of the sky and landed in a strange forest — and messages keep appearing in his vision, informing him that he has leveled up in various Skills, including some truly thrilling abilities such as Walking and Breathing. This is most definitely not Earth. Now Edwin, one-time student of material physics, must make his way through an unknown world, collecting Skills, upgrading his Class, and most importantly, staying alive. But surviving in the land of Joriah isn't as simple as increasing mana and learning to become a Firestarter. Edwin soon finds himself going toe-to-toe with an angry clan of dwarves and their even more disgruntled ruler. It will take all of his wit, ingenuity, and charm to form new alliances, navigate a complicated political landscape, and keep from getting enslaved by Clan Blackstone.

Since being transported from Earth to an unknown world, Edwin Maxlin has endured angry dwarves, wandering birdfolk, and marauding bandits — and it hasn't even been a year. When the opportunity arises to get off the grid and figure out how to actually use his Skills, he jumps at the chance. But surviving the wilderness of Joriah isn't straightforward, and no matter how secluded he remains, the politics of the Lirasian Empire keep trying to suck him back in. Edwin also finds himself the companion of an ancient and powerful fey who seems committed to helping him level up — but whose motivations are unclear and disconcerting.

Edwin Maxlin has spent a year in the Verdant working with the fey Inion to grasp how skills, paths, and mana operate in his new home. Now he's ready to venture into the cities of the Lirasian Empire to take his alchemical and healing abilities to the next level. But training with an alchemy guild isn't easy. Edwin will need all his talents — magical and scientific alike — to stay ahead in his studies, and he must tread carefully to avoid attracting attention from guildmasters, governors, and even the Emperor himself. Because Outsiders aren't common in Joriah, and Edwin's very existence could be seen as a threat.

Ever since Edwin Maxlin literally fell out of the sky and landed in Joriah, life has been complicated. He's adapting to a new world, learning magic, leveling up skills, and adjusting his scientific knowledge to a whole new set of natural rules — all while navigating the dangerous politics of an empire he knows nothing about. Having devoted himself to training and studying, Edwin is finally getting a handle on his abilities — with the help of fellow adventurer Lefi and water naiad Inion. But as his quest for improvement brings him closer to the mysterious and powerful Rillah, he faces a new set of obstacles. In a world where his very existence could make him a target, Edwin must be very careful about who he lets get close.

It's been two years since Edwin Maxlin crash-landed in the magical world of Joriah. Despite near-fatal challenges, he's managed to make good use of his time — learning spellcasting, forging alliances, and forming a motley crew of adventurers. Unfortunately, not all of Edwin's exploits have been positive, and a particularly nasty blast from his past has unexpectedly reappeared. The outlaw alchemist Niall isn't as dead as Edwin thought — and while Edwin's been leveling up his skills, Niall has been perfecting a dangerous type of enchantment. If Edwin hopes to save his own skin and keep his crew from being ripped apart, he'll need to draw on every last reserve of cunning and creativity to stop a man who's truly out for blood.