A Varrock-based adventurer has achieved the coveted level 99 in Runecrafting, marking the culmination of what he describes as "the worst 2,300 hours of my life." The achievement has been met with near-total indifference from the community.

"I thought people would congratulate me," said Gerald, standing alone at the Runecrafting Guild. "I typed it in public chat, I set off fireworks, I even bought the skillcape. Nothing. Absolute silence."

Gerald's friends list, which he says "used to have at least twelve people on it," showed zero players online at the time of his achievement.

A Thankless Grind

Runecrafting has long been considered one of the most tedious skills in Gielinor, requiring players to repeatedly craft runes through a process that involves running back and forth through dangerous territory.

"I started this journey in Year 163," Gerald recounted, staring into the distance. "Obama was still president. The world was different. I was different."

Gerald estimates he clicked his mouse approximately 4.2 million times during the process, wore out three mice, and consumed roughly 12,000 cups of tea.

Expert Context

Skill training researcher Dr. Phillipa of the Exam Centre put Gerald's achievement into perspective: "Statistically, more people have been to the moon than have voluntarily trained Runecrafting to 99. It's the least-trained 99 for a reason."

When asked what he planned to do next, Gerald paused for a long moment before saying: "I think I'll go outside."

He hasn't logged in since.