The Selfless Hero Trilogy Series by William D. Arand

Runner has a problem. He and 499,000 men and women of the military are trapped in a game. Runner is the only person in the IT department in game, the only one with administrative access rights. And he doesn't remember his password. When their brains were synched with the game, it scrambled most of their memories. The problem is that whoever loaded their minds into the game, loaded them completely. If they die, their brain dies... moreRunner has a problem. He and 499,000 men and women of the military are trapped in a game. Runner is the only person in the IT department in game, the only one with administrative access rights. And he doesn't remember his password. When their brains were synched with the game, it scrambled most of their memories. The problem is that whoever loaded their minds into the game, loaded them completely. If they die, their brain dies. Now it's time for Runner to flex his skills as a power gaming min maxer and see what he can do. Because every time he levels, he might just gain the memory of the password. Time to go Hardcore. less

Runner and company have safely left the city ahead of the siege. Completing their class promotions with barely any time to spare. Unfortunately he hasn't discovered the password he needs to begin the logoff process to save the four-hundred thousand or so crewmates left alive in this game where dying truly means death. The game continues to shift and change with each day and as a byproduct of Runner’s actions. Not only do the rules change, but those he’s with have changed... moreRunner and company have safely left the city ahead of the siege. Completing their class promotions with barely any time to spare. Unfortunately he hasn't discovered the password he needs to begin the logoff process to save the four-hundred thousand or so crewmates left alive in this game where dying truly means death. The game continues to shift and change with each day and as a byproduct of Runner’s actions. Not only do the rules change, but those he’s with have changed. No longer simple programs they have reached actual sentience. Pressing himself ever onwards to learn more about the world he finds himself surprised at every turn. On top of navigating the ever changing game the outside world has contacted him directly. Now he has to begin to navigate the situation as a gamer, IT support, and an officer. Of course this would all be a lot easier if he didn't get captured within a few hours of leaving Crivel. Fate seems to be stacking the deck against him as quickly as she can this time around. The difficulty has been flipped to Nightmare and no one told Runner. less

Runner and his team managed to bring peace to Tirtius, successfully log the crew out, and have begun settling in to make a home on the isle of Vix. North Wood fort itself. Fate isn’t going to let them go that easily though. She clearly hasn't decided on what to do with him. Plots are in motion. Threats local, outside of the ship, divine, and abroad in game scheme to exterminate Runner and the threat he represents. The possibility of what he could become... moreRunner and his team managed to bring peace to Tirtius, successfully log the crew out, and have begun settling in to make a home on the isle of Vix. North Wood fort itself. Fate isn’t going to let them go that easily though. She clearly hasn't decided on what to do with him. Plots are in motion. Threats local, outside of the ship, divine, and abroad in game scheme to exterminate Runner and the threat he represents. The possibility of what he could become. To top it all off, the server is clearly ramping up towards a full awakening. What does one do with an entire world of “living” beings who are aware? It all comes to a head when an assassin attempts to take his life in his own home. Now comes the true test. What is he willing to wager to build the future he wants, both in game and out? Or rather, who? less