Synopsis
Following the shutdown of the massively popular virtual reality MMORPG The World, its sequel, The World R:2, launches online. During his debut, the rookie player Haseo believes he has found companions for his adventures, only to have his avatar slain by them for amusement. He is rescued by Ovan, a enigmatic one-armed user who agrees to guide him through the game. Haseo spends a happy first year alongside Ovan and Shino, a cleric friend. However, tranquility is broken when Shino’s character is defeated by Tri-Edge, a notorious figure whose attacks leave victims in comas in the real world. Enraged, Haseo swears to hunt down and destroy Tri-Edge. Set during Haseo’s initial year in The World, .hack//Roots delves into the bonds he formed before Tri-Edge destroyed them.