Nathan Cole has always been lower rung on the social ladder. Bullied in school, overlooked by the rest of society, and stuck in a life he longs to escape, he's spent years feeling powerless. But that all flips the night that he stumbles upon a secret portal beneath the old oak tree. Across from it is Veridale, a perilous but exhilarating world of monsters, magic, and a system of power-up that makes people stronger. Nathan isn't fragile for the first time in his existence—he can train, battle, and level up. And the good news? The power one gains in Veridale can be brought to the real world. Deciding to alter his destiny, Nathan plunges headlong into brutal training, meeting tough adventurers such as Elara, a fierce warrior who believes in him. But the deeper he goes into Veridale, the more he knows that not only is he getting stronger—he's on a path of revenge. Jason Miller, his sworn enemy, has no idea what's in store for him. But with Nathan's increasing strength comes responsibility for his actions. Is he developing a hero in himself—or is something else going on? One thing's certain: he will never be weak again.