Author's Note: A necessary break, friendships, and gratitude š
Hello everyone, it's your dear author Void_Scribe speaking. Yes, I've been missing for 9 days without uploading anything, and lately, I've been quite irregular with the chapters. Honestly, I am so sorry about that. It was never my intention to be inconsistent, as this work is truly my most precious treasure; it's a story I am building from scratch, coming straight from my soul and mind. It is something I never thought I would do, an inspiration that struck exactly 8 months ago (today, August 3rd, as I write this). It all started on January 3rd of this year as a hobby, a way to distract myself from my own thoughts, let my imagination fly, and escape my daily routine.
As I always tell you, I used to spend a lot of time gaming, watching videos, and reading novels, mangas, and manhwas. I appreciate them deeply because they pulled me out of my darkest moments and acted as an escape from my real-life problems. That's when I decided to write this story. It carries my sweat and tears; I've improved it, expanded it, and rewritten it. I felt it needed more essence, that it had to be special. It might be just another novel to some, but to me, it will always be unique because it is my creation. If this ship sinks, I sink with it; as its captain, I will not abandon it.
So, why am I telling you all this? The reason is simply that I reached a point where I couldn't even think of what to write anymore. My ideas ran completely dry with chapter 218, and 219 was left half-finished (we have about 329 chapters in total counting aux and notes, which is quite a lot). That is why I was so absent these past few days and this last month. I hit a massive mental block and needed a break, but even when I tried to rest, it didn't feel like enough.
Writing this novel non-stop for 7 months took a heavy toll on me. I was feeling quite discouraged, even if it didn't show. I went days without sleep, or sleeping very little, because my mind kept echoing: "I have to write, I can't drop the novel, I have to upload a chapter every single day." It became an unhealthy obsession, I have to admit. I was stuck in that vicious cycle, only using my little free time to play video games to release the pent-up stress.
But during this time, I also met a very peculiar group of peopleāgreat guys and girls, each with their own special touch. I truly enjoy chatting and gaming with them; even though we all live in different countries, that's no barrier to forming friendships, and thanks to them, I've managed to recover quite a bit. Sometimes solitude isn't good, even if occasionally necessary.
I also met a great friend named Mary, whom I appreciate and care for very much. Honestly, she has been a pillar of support for me, and I will keep thanking her for as long as necessary (or as long as she puts up with me, because I can be pretty annoying, and there isn't a day I don't tease her, haha). The way we met was actually quite weird. She is also part of this gaming group; we all played together for about two months, and just this month I sent her my number in case they needed an extra player. By coincidence, we started talking, and it became a daily thing. It's amazing how we can talk about so many things without getting bored, how many interests we share, and how it feels like we've known each other our whole lives. She is a very sweet girl, though she can be hard on herself... and a bit of a tsundere (never tell her I said that, hahahaha!). She is very interesting and slightly crazy, just like me. If she wasn't, she wouldn't have been able to help me create parts of this story. She has become someone incredibly special to me, someone I know I can count on. I hope this continues for a very long time (and I'll make sure it does; I know her too well, and she knows me, haha). I want to thank her for everything.
(Sigh... damn it, now I just want to cry. Sorry for showing this, you might not believe it, but I have tears in my eyes. I'm just sitting here with the urge to cry).
It's a somewhat rare side of me. I know these are very personal things, but I don't hide who I am. Every finger on the keyboard feels like it's being guided by exactly what I'm feeling in this moment. It's nice to express myself like this, to let out what I carry inside; sometimes these are words I struggle to say out loud, even if I try to show them through actions. I am someone who finds it hard to express emotions.
Guys, you only live once: enjoy life to the fullest. Don't let anyone or anything hold you back. I don't recommend being like me, someone who closed himself off for a long time under layers of ice, trying to escape reality and loneliness (a loneliness that today, thankfully, is being filled with new friendships). But speaking seriously, Mary is someone I admire a lot; her imagination surpasses mine, and thanks to her, I managed to pull myself together this month and finish the profiles for the new characters. By the way, her nickname is "Chaparrita" (not very original, but we liked it, so it stays).
Returning to the novel: we might still only be 10 or 20 readers, but I know you are the ones who have been with me since the very beginning. I deeply appreciate and thank you for your love. I wanted to let you know that I will not be uploading chapters this month. I am going to focus on moving forward and stockpiling chapters in private. See you next month, and I promise the wait will be worth it.
Well, my dear readers, it is time for me to sign off. I know I tend to ramble when explaining things, but I truly appreciate your support. Have a beautiful month: go out, have fun, go on trips with your friends, your partner, or your family. May this month be something beautiful for all of you.
With nothing more to say, this author bids you farewell. See you in a month!
Void_Scribe.