As humanity's last hope drifts through the cosmos aboard the Santa María, every soul must surrender to cryosleep while their consciousness enters The Novus—an immersive Virtual Reality MMORPG engineered to cultivate the next generation's ability to build thriving civilizations. For Alan and Astrid, this digital realm offers something precious: a fresh beginning at seventeen, where their budding romance could flourish against a backdrop of adventure and wonder. "Life in The Novus will be awesome with you by my side!" Alan promises. Then catastrophe strikes. A critical emergency rips Alan from the system, forcing him to confront a disaster threatening the Santa María and everyone aboard. When he finally logs back in, three years have evaporated. Astrid has ascended to legendary status—a formidable Guild Master commanding respect across the realm. Alan, meanwhile, has become The Novus's most pitiful User, stripped of power and standing. Now the weakest player must navigate impossible odds, uncover hidden conspiracies, and find his way back to the woman who never stopped fighting. In a world that abandoned him, can he rise from nothing to become the hero she deserves?