Nullform #9

Nullform #9

by Dem Mikhailov, Colin Parker (Translator)

Before us lies a grim dog-eat-dog world, where all the shots are called by the omnipresent System. The inhabitants live in endless gloomy corridors, and they appear here not only lacking memory, but also completely limbless. They are "volitional nullforms," meaning that supposedly their fate was consensual. Nobody remembers when or why it happens, but everyone must try to survive at any cost.

Our hero is number 11, known to everyone as Elb. He does not intend to drag out his pathetic existence any further, wanting instead to investigate what's happening. Since restoring order in his own suburb, he and his team are now marching ever onward, steamrolling over enemies and accumulating points from the System.

Book 9 sees Elb and his crew rolling on towards Crontown and their first encounter with those known as the elves. The elves inhabit the top rungs of the local hierarchy, and are precisely who our hero is so keen to meet. And besides, the secrets of the creation of this world are gradually being revealed to Elb, and his personal goals are becoming more tangible. That said, these revelations are no few in number.

1 pages, Audio CD

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[Akshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nullform (Book #9): A RealRPG Series by Dem Mikhailov

“Nullform,” the ninth installment in Dem Mikhailov’s RealRPG Series, is a high-octane fusion of virtual-world mechanics and human emotion. With crisp world-building and intricately layered conflicts, Mikhailov continues to raise the bar for what a RealRPG-style novel can deliver — a seamless convergence of digital fantasy and gritty realism, all at once immersive and grounded.

Setting & Atmosphere

This volume plunges us back into the sprawling VR-MMO universe where players take on roles, complete quests, and battle mythical creatures — but here, the veneer of escapism unravels. The environment is richly textured: you can almost smell the earthy dampness of the Primeval Marsh, feel the tension in the shifting political faction headquarters, and hear the hum of mana-charged crystals powering teleportation gates.

Characters & Emotional Arc

At the core is the protagonist — a taciturn but determined “Main Character,” whose journey has been years in the making. In “Nullform,” they face identity and purpose crises that cut deeper than any in-game boss. Secondary characters shine, too: the once-stoic guild-master whose stoicism cracks under pressure, the mysterious rogue NPC turned ally, and the morally conflicted healer whose compassion becomes their greatest strength.

Pacing & Structure

Mikhailov balances his pacing deftly. The narrative surges forward during dungeon raids, siege sequences, and PvP showdowns — thrilling in their strategic complexity and vivid detail — yet gracefully eases into quieter moments for reflection. That rhythm ensures every dungeon breach or climactic spellcast feels earned, and every whispered conversation outside the battlefield carries emotional gravity.

Themes & Subtext

Identity vs. Avatar. What does it mean when the line between player and character, human and construct, begins to blur? “Nullform” challenges us to consider identity not as fixed, but as an evolving form — a “null” state ready to be redefined.
Agency in virtual worlds. Decisions made in-game carry real-world ripple effects: alliances, betrayals, redemption arcs. Mikhailov probes the weight of choice, especially when anonymity frees and simultaneously endangers.
Connection across boundaries. Whether digital or physical, bonds are forged in the heat of conflict and the safety of camaraderie. Even pixels can carry the warmth of friendship — and the sting of betrayal.


Strengths

Mikhailov’s world-building remains stellar: quest mechanics, item rarities, skill-tree logic, and game-interface layering are all finely tuned. His descriptive flair puts you inside battles while still rooting you in emotional stakes. “Nullform” escalates the series’ mythology without sacrificing character intimacy.

Areas to Watch

As Book 9, familiarity with prior entries can enrich your reading. New readers may find themselves momentarily disoriented by references to past events or character dynamics. The learning-curve of systems terminology (“weave-casting,” “essence nodes,” “chronos-shard”) can feel dense until the story context eases in.

Overall Impression & Rating

“Nullform” is a compelling blend of adrenaline-charged action and thoughtful introspection. It’s a standout chapter in the RealRPG Series — the perfect read for gamers who crave emotional depth and for fantasy fans who appreciate digital world complexity brought to life with heart.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 glowing stars — ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

A high-stealth raid through identity, connection, and choice — beautifully crafted and deeply engaging. Whether you’re vested in the series already or curious to jump in at a dramatic high-point, “Nullform” delivers clarity, momentum, and profound resonance.