In a world where VR gaming is the ultimate entertainment, Rakuro Hizutome stands out as a "trash-game hunter." Having spent years mastering titles plagued by bugs, glitches, and unfair mechanics, his reflexes and strategic thinking are unparalleled. Seeking a change of pace, he enters Shangri-La Frontier, a "god-tier" game with 30 million players. Eschewing the traditional path, Rakuro creates his avatar, Sunraku, wearing nothing but a pair of shorts and a bizarre bird mask, immediately diving into the game's most dangerous territories.
Unlike typical protagonists who rely on "cheat" abilities, Sunraku depends entirely on the hardcore skills he honed in broken games. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he encounters one of the game's Seven Colossi, Lycaon the Nightslayer, very early in his journey. This encounter leaves him with a permanent curse that prevents him from wearing armor but grants him unique opportunities to discover hidden quests and secret lore that even the top-ranked players haven't found.
Shangri-La Frontier is a masterclass in the gaming genre, featuring breathtaking boss battles, intricate world-building, and a cast of memorable characters like the professional gamer Oikatzo and the notorious player-killer Arthur Pencilgon. It is a must-read for fans of high-stakes action who want a story focused on the pure joy of gaming, mechanical mastery, and the thrill of exploration. Join Sunraku as he proves that no matter how big the game, a true hunter can always find a way to win.
