Hey guys! Sorry to say that this isn't the next chapter. I wanted to wait a week or so before posting this, but I'd already had this written out, and delaying seemed kinda pointless.

With the next chapter being the end of this Act/Arc, I've started editing. First off, I'll be posting and updating this interlude with some of the changes that'll be taking place, either in general, or as a topic of discussion. In addition, I'm setting up a forum to receive back-and-forth feedback so any questions or ideas you guys have so it won't bloat my Review count, and responses can be much quicker than the months between chapters. I'd like to keep that fair. It is also my hope to use this as an opportunity to create a call-and-response that will hopefully lead to a cleaner Review Response for chapters in the future, both in this story, and any others.

This is also an opportunity for me and you guys to do some Q&A, or QCC (Questions, Comments, Concerns). I'll do my best, but I'm not gonna Spoil anything. Gotta have some secrets. I'm only slightly iffy about this, as it might drop Review counts, but hopefully that won't be the case. I'm aware this might not include Guest's and Guest Reviewers, so if you guys still have questions or want to discuss, using a Review is still an option. Who knows, I might tempt some of you guys to sign up.

Please note, I won't tolerate flames on said forum. We'll see how that goes, but all I ask is that things remain respectful, concise, and with the intent of coming up with solutions. Barring that? No clue yet, as this is me beta-testing the idea.

Here is the link for Fanfiction: /forum/Resonance-a-SteinMon-Forum/240008/

And here goes nothing. Wish me luck.

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Confirmed Changes:

- Attempts to improve quality of previous chapters. Including clean up, clarifying, and expansion as necessary.

- Some streamlining of Marcus's character.

- Clean up and optimize both the 'System' and 'Skills' presented.

- Minor additions, changes, and clarity to 'Skills'.

- Hopefully some balance adjustment between the external and internal factors of the 'Game' settings.

- Inclusion of a Glossary for Marcus's 'Skills' and 'Quests' and such, at the end of the story. At the very least, a copy of the Glossary will be available at the end of every Arc as a sort of explanation of Marcus's advancement up until that point in the story. This is partially for you guys, and largely so I have references to look back on without cluttering up my already cluttered computer. If I can find away to make it more navigable, I will. Until then 'Ctrl+F' will be your best friend.

- Several Chapter specific changes courtesy of some of the feedback you guys gave me.

Discussable Changes/Poll Changes(?):

NOTE: I'm hoping these will eventually have their own Topic of Discussion in the Forum. Right now, I'm just testing stuff out.

- Reduction of overall Stat Points gained per level (from 5 down to 1 or 2)

...=Potentially add more consistent Stat Points gained from Quests for more incentivized Quest completion.

...=Would reduce build up of unused Stat Points and promote a larger emphasis on self-developed Stat gain. (might also be a 'Hardcore Mode' feature?)

- Changing 'Inventory' from a Slot-based system to a Weight-based system.

...=Weight would be based on the STR stat of course.

...=Backpacks would reduce the weight of stored items between 5% to 20% of their weight, only while being externally worn. (A full backpack stored in 'Inventory' would retain it's full natural weight.) They would still be restricted based on the available space inside them.

- A !NEW! 'Traits' addition to either change or replace the 'Perk Skill' portion of the 'System'. This will cover more interpersonal things, including natural habits and detriments, and may be something that becomes viewable for other characters via 'Inspect' and 'Observe'.

...='Traits' could also be a place to expend 'EVO Pts.', either through character purchase, or upgrading.

...=Will add another method of rewarding 'User', since I've been having such a hard time coming up with rewards that don't involve equipment and gear.

- While I still want to avoid an overt 'Store' option, I'd still like to read what you guys think about it, as implementing something like that with unlockable features (where certain memberships open up different avenues of purchase) has recently come to mind, and I'm curious what you guys think now. Especially since delivery is a thing.

...=Purchases can only be made or ordered after visiting a particular store. This would mean certain conditional options (like prescribed pharmaceuticals), would still only be obtainable with a prescription, but would operate similar to how online check depositing works. This would include with discounts and coupons.

...=Specialized gear would only be available for purchase or for being obtained as rewards after joining certain 'Factions'.

- Possibly more to come pending review and discussion...

Thank you all for your support, and for humoring me at the very least. And I'll read ya guys when I read ya.

NOTE: This chapter will be deleted upon posting of the next official chapter, but if the Forum becomes a useful addition, I'll continue posting the information in each chapter.