A.N.: I intended this story to be a trilogy, but only books 1 and 2 are finished and complete currently. I'm uncertain if and when I'll finish the third book, so it remains unpublished.

Dear Inspector,

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from being a Player.

Hey! Laugh all you want, but I had to try. With no rules down here, who's to say that I can't resign?

Anyway, my reasons are simple: I'm neither a gamer nor a hero. You got the wrong person for the job. Sure, the pay is decent and I could pretty much live like a king if, you know, I wasn't so busy trying to survive. I have major concerns about the demonic dagger bound to my soul too. Come to think of it, I've never asked to be transported to this fantasy land either and would like you to return me home, thank you very much. I don't want supernatural powers, I don't want to complete quests after quests, and I don't want to be your test subject anymore. What? I'm not whining, you're whining. Stop making excuses and let me leave already.

Thank you for your understanding, and I hope you'll find a better replacement after I'm gone for good.

Sincerely,Randel, the Mad Painter

What to expect from Synergy:

--> Some GameLit elements are presented subversively. If you want the protagonist to "play the game" properly, this might not be the story for you.--> No filler chapters; the story's structure is already plotted out. It's going to have six story arcs.--> Character development happens slowly, over many chapters. Don't expect a perfect protagonist right off the bat.--> Some romance, but it will never be the main focus.--> Humor and dark elements in equal measure, but not to the extent that I'd label this story as "Comedy" or "Grimdark".

... and lots and lots of Author's Notes. See you on the other side of the portal!