Slumrat Rising
Warby Picus
In a magical dystopia ruled by the immortal Starbrite Corporation, seventeen-year-old Truth Medici scavenges to survive in the toxic Harban slums while dreaming of crossing the canal to the magical elite. When his Starbrite Aptitude Test surpasses all expectations, he is granted use of the System Astrologica — unlocking spells, cultivation tonics, and knowledge — but discovers a demonic System has been implanted inside him. Across six volumes, Truth rises from desperate slumrat to burglar, mercenary, bodyguard, terrorist, and finally prince of a hidden dynasty, igniting revolution against the god-like Starbrite as Heaven and Hell wage their own war above. The series blends cyberpunk, urban fantasy and LitRPG progression across 1M+ views on Royal Road.
Progression: LitRPG System Astrologica is central and explicit. Granted after the Starbrite Aptitude Test, it provides measurable spell access, cultivation tonics, stat-like advancement, and knowledge unlocks. Progression is tracked through mage tiers, spell-beast and spell-crafting upgrades, and cultivation-based power scaling from slum-level scavenger to elite invisible ghost-tier mage and dynastic heir. Each volume marks a clear jump in capability — burglar → mercenary → bodyguard to a 600-year-old spymaster → revolutionary terrorist → immortal-clan prince → invisible/ impervious assassin capable of striking Starbrite itself — with system-granted spells, demonic integration, and resources purchased via corporate patronage. The author tags it 'progression fantasy with light LitRPG elements' and reviewers note soul-tracking assassin / saboteur branching choices feeding back into magic strength.
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