Message to All my Readers

Earlier this month, I found a Reddit post concerning the Final Exhibition interview with Hajime Isayama. The title of this section is "the meaning of drawing manga," and what he said disturbed me.

"I think I wanted to attack something. Like betraying people or hurting people. And, well, it's not exactly nice, but hurting the readers too... In all honestly, I feel that's what I really wanted to do. For me, as a reader, when I think, 'this manga will remain in my heart,' it means, for example, it phenomenally hurt me: It's those kinds of experiences I'm after."

Why these statements disturb me is that his intention seems to be not about writing a good story, but hurting his readers. To him, that's the most important thing above all else. It made me think about some messages that I received of how emotionally-draining this story is. To my regret, I never gave concern to those messages… until now.

I know I have made promises that weren't upheld, and I am sorry for that. However, I hope all of you believe me when I say: I care about you, and I NEVER intentionally want to hurt you guys. It's an unfortunate side effect when writing depressing scenes. It means more than you can possibly imagine how many readers have taken their time to read this story, how many people have chosen to comment on this story, how people chose to make fan art whether I requested it or not, how kind people were when I asked for help. You guys are the best!

I want to give special thanks to the people that have helped me get this far. To Steel, my first co-writer who helped me build the backbone of this story with the Old Version. While I have decided to try again in a different direction, I won't forget his contributions, especially in Chapter 23. To GodzillaFollwer1998, one of my favorite reviewers who gave me help when I needed it. To Necromancy101, the man who finally gave me the courage to write on my own and develop the version of Annie that you see in this story. To the lovely and wonderful MickeyTaco, one of my biggest supporters, proofreader of Blacksmith, and current co-writer of the True Queen series. I don't give you enough credit for lending your hand to this story now and then, but I hope you will always know how much I value you as a great writer and a wonderful friend. To MM995, the reviewer who never shies away from his opinion and gives great, constructive feedback. To schleeshins, DreamAngel-Ren and Book-Nose of Deviantart for making such wonderful fanart for my story. To Lauren Landa, the English voice that brought life to Annie for being a wonderful person both times I've met you. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank each and every person who has been a part of this journey since the old version or more recent.

In light of all this, I have decided to share with you something that is going to happen concerning our favorite Psion: he's going to come back from this. I won't say how because I can't give too much away, but he's going to become the character I've wanted him to be since Day One. Breaking him down like this, putting him through so much hell, was not enjoyable, but I know it had to be done. Just please be patient and wait until the end of the Return to Shiganshina arc.

I hope you'll continue to give me a chance as we move forward. I never would have gotten this far without you. :)