invalid stoi argument preventing game launch

i can not laucnch the game at all. i just instantly get this pop up. ive tried reinstalling the game, and validating the game files. error still persists.

update. i uninstalled steam client and installed the GGG client and still gives INVALID STOI ARGUMENT when trying to launch the game. i have over 1000 hours play time. this just randomly started happening.

extra information for the tech team

Path of Exile 2 crashes during startup with "invalid stoi argument" after Return of the Ancients (4.5.0b).

System:

AMD RX 6750 XT
Windows 10/11
1000+ hours played previously without issue

Troubleshooting performed:

Steam client and standalone client tested
Full reinstall performed
AppData and Documents configuration folders deleted and regenerated
Shader caches cleared
PackCheck run
Different audio devices tested

Result:
Game successfully completes patch check, bundle loading, graphics initialization, audio initialization, and startup registration, then crashes approximately 2 seconds later with:
[CRIT] [EXCEPTION] invalid stoi argument

Freshly generated poe2_production_Config.ini is recreated as a 3-byte file.