Exploring the Layers of a Retro-Futuristic Metacity in the Metaverse

The idea of Helstalgia first took shape. Since then, I’ve been fascinated by the possibilities of a retro-gaming-inspired metacity built within the metaverse. The potential of the metaverse keeps expanding. It shows us where it can lead. Interactive storytelling continues to grow. It shapes how we experience digital literature and immersive narratives. But that’s a whole other blog post.

What would life be like inside a metaverse city? Who would run it? What kind of people would call it home? The city started with the entertainment district, a hub of music, games, and digital culture. But as I continued to think about it there was so much more. Beneath the surface lay an entire undercity of organized crime, hacking; a shadowy network of forgotten alleys and subcultures. Beyond that, the Commercial and Industrial Districts keep the metacity running, powered by blockchain economies, virtual goods, and metaverse mechanics. And, of course, there were the forgotten places—zones long abandoned and now only spoken of only in whispers.

From Concept to a Cyberpunk LitRPG Universe

From the start, I’ve been brainstorming, worldbuilding, and writing as much as I can. Every spark of inspiration—every character, faction, and story fragment—has been documented, slowly piecing together the world of Helstalgia. What began as a loose collection of ideas has changed into a fully realized virtual world. It is a cyberpunk LitRPG universe. This universe is now ready to be explored through a series of short stories and episodic fiction.

Synthbringer: The First Storyteller of Helstalgia

Yeah, I keep mentioning this guy. The first song I released by Helstalgia was Synthbringer and the “anthem” for the character.

It started with Synthbringer emerging from the depths of my imagination, the Synth Lord, Defender of Helstalgia. He served as the focus of a universe I was desperate to explore. One I would eventually fill with untold stories and lore. He ignited a spark within me that I hadn’t seen in a very long time. It glowed brighter than any before it.

The floodgates opened almost as if unleashing a torrent. The ideas began to pour out. There were characters, rival factions, underground conspiracies, and hidden digital realms. As the characters took shape I realized the world and intricate plots wove themselves seamlessly together. It came so naturally. From all the content and stories I had written in the past, nothing came together as easily as Helstalgia did.

The Evolution of Helstalgia: Expanding a Cyberpunk LitRPG World

The idea of Helstalgia first emerged in 2021. It really took off for me in 2022. It has evolved significantly since then.

Looking back, I’m glad for the changes it has undergone. They have allowed me to expand the lore. I can refine the world and create a richer foundation for these short stories. With each iteration, the scope of Helstalgia has grown, making it feel more alive and immersive.

I won’t go into too much detail here. I already covered some of this in my last blog post about the origins of Helstalgia.

Introducing The Final Transaction: A LitRPG Cyber-Noir Story

The first short story I’ll be releasing is called The Final Transaction. It is a LitRPG cyber-noir tale. It will give readers their first real glimpse into Helstalgia’s intricate world.

Written to expand on the city’s inner workings and the lives of those who navigate its neon-drenched streets. Some of these stories will be high-energy action-adventures. Others will lean into dark cyber-noir. All will share a LitRPG core—a genre I fell in love with during the COVID pandemic.

I’m finishing up the story and want to have it completed before I start releasing the chapters. That’s the perfectionist in me coming out.

When Will The Final Transaction Be Released?

An upcoming blog post specifically about The Final Transaction will reveal more details. The Final Transaction will be available for free on Royal Road under my alias bacta_tank. Yes, there is the Patreon as well. However, I feel that at the moment, a few of the short stories should be released. They should be available to read on Royal Road to help build interest in the project. This is starting from the ground up! There is no fan base, yet!