Chapter 28: A Normal Conversation
The cool stone floor sent a shiver through Noah as he pushed himself up from the dimly lit chamber. Days of exertion and adrenaline had finally drained from his system, leaving behind a dull ache in every muscle. He stretched, wincing at the protest from his battered body, and shuffled towards the ornately carved oak door. It swung open silently, revealing a towering Sheikah Guard shrouded in a dark blue garb. Their face was obscured by a mask.
The guard gestured for Noah to follow, and without a word, he followed behind. The guard weaved through a labyrinth of dimly lit corridors. The rhythmic clinking of the guard's metal greaves echoed in the stillness, a stark counterpoint to the soft thrumming of Noah's racing heart. Descending a flight of worn stone steps, they passed towering arched doorways draped in heavy tapestries depicting faded Hylian legends. With each turn, the air grew slightly warmer, a welcome contrast to the damp chill that clung to the corridors.
'Is this guy a knight or a normal soldier? Christa's explanation of the Hylian forces didn't seem to match the Sheikah.' Noah questioned.
Finally, they arrived at an unassuming wooden door. The guard stopped abruptly; a hand raised in a silent signal. Noah, his curiosity piqued, peered past the guard's broad shoulder. The door creaked open, revealing a sight that warmed him more than the approaching firelight.
A small, inviting room unfolded before him. A plush, fur-covered bed in a deep shade of emerald, green sat nestled in one corner, beckoning with promises of restful slumber. In the opposite corner, a sturdy oak desk overflowed with leather-bound scrolls and well-worn tomes. Between them, a crackling fire danced merrily in a stone hearth, its flames casting playful shadows across the warm, orange-hued walls.
"Is this my room?" Noah inquired
The guard remained silent, their crimson gaze piercing for a fleeting moment before they turned and disappeared down the hallway, leaving Noah alone with his thoughts.
A wry smile tugged at the corners of Noah's lips. 'Charming,' he thought, the silence initially unsettling, then strangely comforting. A wave of exhaustion washed over him, an undeniable plea for sleep from his battered body. For the first time since his arrival, Link's body had finally caught up with his mental exhaustion as Noah could feel his body ungratefully asking for sleep.
But Noah for once wasn't inclined to follow through.
Lady Impa's words resonated within him, a relentless drumbeat against the backdrop of his fatigue. She was right. He had been so fixated on reaching Kakariko Village, on trying to get home, that he'd failed to attempt to solve or understand his own circumstances.
He'd accepted Link's body as a gift, a vessel for his own survival, without a thought to understanding what it actually meant.
Whenever a nagging question arose, doubts about his newfound abilities or the fate that had occurred to this realities Link, he'd shoved them aside, deeming them too difficult to think about.
This pattern of avoiding his problems had finally caught up with him. The encounter with Impa, though harsh, had served as a much-needed wake-up call. Shame flushed through him as he recalled his inability to answer her most basic questions. He never once attempted to answer his unnatural ability to mimic Link's agility or movements despite never being trained before.
It was exactly that reason that Noah refused to allow sleep to take him, Impa had pointed out his flaws and he had a burning desire to rectify them. Fuelled by a newfound resolve, Noah pushed himself off the bed and stood tall. Sleep could wait. There were more pressing matters at hand.
'First things first,' he strategized, his mind racing with purpose. 'Find Christa and Neph. Make sure they're safe. After that, I should consult the Church in the village, if anyone knows about the Goddess and the Hero it's them. They probably have a larger collection than even Impa' he quickly thought.
He had of course, wanted to consult with Lady Amelia immediately but doing so would raise questions about his identity.
Noah's gaze darted around the room, a flicker of frustration battling with the exhaustion clinging to him. 'I also hate being kept in the dark about this world,' he thought, the playful dance of the firelight unable to soothe the churning in his gut. 'Enough has changed from the game to the point I'm nearly blind. I need to find out what's happening, not just in the Eastern Region but in the entire Kingdom. The more information I have, the less likely I am to be surprised by monsters or worse.'
He wouldn't allow himself to be spoon-fed information by Impa like the game intended, no matter how experienced she was. Noah had no doubt Impa's only desire was to become his ally, but this went beyond survival; it was about taking control of his own situation. His lack of understanding left him vulnerable, a pawn easily manipulated by those with hidden agendas.
Besides, she gave him the idea in the first place.
With renewed purpose, Noah pushed himself off the bed and rummaged through a nearby chest. Inside he found a simple set of clothes – a dark t-shirt and pants that vaguely resembled Hylian attire, but with a more subdued color scheme and Sheikah patterns woven into the fabric. It wasn't familiar from the games, but at this point, surprises were the norm. Relief and the need to cry washed over him as he slipped on the clothes, the worn fabric a welcome replacement for his current state of undress.
A black beanie lay nestled amongst the clothes. Noah ordinarily wouldn't wear them, but he discovered that his blonde hair and ears were a rarity, and if he intended to go to the Church later they would act as beacon, attracting unwanted attention. The beanie would offer a semblance of anonymity.
Dressed and feeling a sliver more prepared, Noah secured the Sheikah Slate to his inner belt and exited the room. Recalling the route he'd taken with the guard, he set off with a determined stride. He reached the ornately carved main door and grasped the handle, ready to venture out.
Just as he was about to push open the door, a hulking Sheikah Guard materialized in front of him, effectively blocking his path.
"Lady Impa has instructed me to inform you," the guard spoke in a monotone voice devoid of inflection, "that it is best to hide your identity for the time being and to remain within the village."
Noah's brow furrowed. 'Seems like Impa anticipated I wouldn't stay put,' he mused, his gaze flickering to the impassive guard. "Am I to be watched?" he inquired, the question hanging heavy in the air.
The guard remained silent, a gesture that spoke volumes to Noah. It was a confirmation, a constant reminder that his freedom was restricted. He wasn't a prisoner, not exactly, but his movements were being monitored.
Noah offered a curt nod, acknowledging the guard's unspoken command. As the guard stepped aside, Noah exited the building, a simmering frustration battling his newfound resolve.
He wasn't sure what to expect. Was he being watched? The nagging suspicion gnawed at him. He retraced his steps, his eyes scanning every nook and cranny with a newfound intensity. Without a moment's hesitation, he activated the Magnesis Rune. The familiar tingle danced across his skin, a faint blue glow emanating from his eye. He swept his gaze across the area, searching for any hidden metallic objects – a glint of a blade, the weight of a concealed dagger.
But there was nothing. No metallic signature hummed in response to his call. Disappointment washed over him, a cold counterpoint to the simmering frustration. Revealing his Magnesis ability to Impa was just innocent dialogue, but now it felt like he had wasted one of his trump cards. If an assassin was indeed lurking, they were either skilled at hiding their weapon, or they weren't armed with metal at all. Regardless, Impa undoubtfully had told his guard of his magnesis.
But Noah also couldn't discount the possibility Impa had other ways of watching him, Kakariko Village was her home afterall.
The weight of his situation pressed down on him, and Noah knew he couldn't afford to dwell on uncertainties. He had a purpose now, a path he needed to follow, and getting entangled in Impa's games wouldn't serve him. With a deep breath, he deactivated the Magnesis Rune. The blue glow faded, and Noah continued walking, his senses on high alert, the echo of unseen eyes watching him a constant prickle on the back of his neck.
He retraced his steps but as he neared the bridge, a scene unfolded before him that brought his steps to a halt.
Several Sheikah guards stood in a tight circle, their imposing figures surrounding a group of cloaked figures in white. A heavy tension hung in the air, as thick as the silence that blanketed the scene. Noah's gaze darted towards the centre. A pool of crimson stained the cobblestones, glinting accusingly in the morning sun. Beside the blood, a decorative golden goblet lay overturned, its ornate surface reflecting the worried faces of the white-cloaked individuals. Yet, there was no body in sight.
Intrigued, Noah moved closer, feigning indifference as he strolled towards the bridge. He tilted his head slightly, adjusting his angle to get a better view. Suddenly, one of the white cloaks turned their head and locked eyes to Noah, sending a shiver down his spine.
This individual appeared younger than the others and noticeably less adorned, which made him stand apart from the group. His attire seemed more indicative of affiliation than rank, unlike the others. But what truly startled Noah was the boy's appearance – youthful, with messy brown hair, freckles dancing across his nose, and wide, curious brown eyes. As their gazes met, the boy broke into a surprisingly bright smile as he approached Noah.
"Praise to the Goddess," he chirped, his eyes flashing Noah's with recognition, placing a closed fist over his chest in a gesture of reverence.
Caught off guard, Noah fumbled for a response. "Uh... praise to the goddess..." he mimicked, feeling utterly out of place. He plastered on a smile and continued walking, desperate to avoid further interaction.
'See no evil! Hear no evil! Speak no evil!' he silently chanted, hoping to deflect any potential fanaticism before it could take root.
Reaching the base of the stairs, Noah found himself in a familiar courtyard setting, reminiscent of the Kakariko Village from the game. Yet, upon closer inspection, the bustling atmosphere and intricate architecture were replaced by a chaotic jumble of buildings haphazardly stacked on top of each other, connected by rickety hanging bridges. The familiar landmarks were obscured by this tangled mess.
Before Noah could even consider asking for directions, a hand landed firmly on his shoulder. He spun around to find Neph grinning mischievously at him.
"Well, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence! You're like a hightail lizard, hard to kill if not even the Wall and the Sheikah couldn't manage it," she quipped.
Noah chuckled, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "What made you think I wouldn't return alive?"
"Easiest conclusion," Neph shrugged, her grin widening. "Besides, I was too lazy to think of anything else."
"Don't let her fool you, we both waited nearby, practically camped out in the shop nearby just to make sure you weren't carted out in a coffin," Christa interjected, appearing behind Neph. "She practically dashed over here when she saw you."
Noah scowled playfully at Neph. "Oh wow, didn't know you cared that much about me," Noah teased, his smile laced with a touch of sarcasm.
"I didn't," Neph muttered under her breath, gesturing for Noah to follow. "She's religious so naturally she's delusional. We can't enter near Lady Impa's place, so we were chilling in a coffee shop. Care to join?"
Coffee wasn't exactly Noah's go-to beverage, but at that point, anything sounded better than his current predicament. He nodded in agreement and followed the girls.
Entering the shop, Noah was greeted by a surprisingly familiar sight. While the architecture undoubtedly held a Sheikah influence, the overall layout resembled a coffee shop from his own world, albeit with not-so-subtle technological differences. Taking a seat with Christa and Neph, he wasted no time in digging into the comfortable booth.
"So, what happened after you left the carriage?" he inquired, eager to hear their side of the story.
Neph snorted, "Authority, authority, authority." She spoke mimicking a broken radio. "We figured out we weren't going to get anywhere pretty quickly, but that's all they'd tell us when we tried to get back to you. Ended up stuck in another carriage with the soldiers."
A grin spread across her face. "They did have some decent alcohol though, so it wasn't all bad."
Noah couldn't help but smile awkwardly. There he was, trapped in a carriage with a Sheikah Enforcer the two made him wary about while they were enjoying a relaxing ride with booze. 'Not surprised,' he thought, a hint of anger dancing in his eyes.
"What about you?" Christa chimed in.
Noah shrugged, offering a casual response. "Pretty much as expected. Long, complicated chat, but they eventually let me go. After all, I haven't committed any crimes."
"Crimes? We never thought that" Christa clarified, pointing to the Slate. "But wasn't it more about that?"
A sense of gratitude suddenly washed over Noah for reliasing the two had held their tongues about the Sheikah Slate until now. "Ah, right, sorry I should have explained this before," he admitted, retrieving the Slate. "
This is a Sheikah Slate, an ancient relic that belonged to someone important 100 years ago. Now, due to certain circumstances, it's in my hands."
Surprise flickered across Christa's face. "And they just let you keep it?"
Neph piped up, adding, "Sheikah relics are mostly prohibited, especially ones with… abilities like yours."
A plausible story began to form in Noah's mind. "It was passed down through my family, from my grandparents to my parents and eventually me, before they passed on the Great Plateau. Whatever the reason, they let me keep it. And no way I was letting them take it anyway."
Neph's eyes gleamed with a hint of greed. "Must be valuable…" she muttered. "Though, you creeped me out back in the cafeteria," she added, her voice turning slightly accusatory. "Seriously, I thought you were possessed. One minute you're gone, the next Christa vanishes, and then you're back fighting like a madman, taking down those Lizalfos."
"Sorry about that," Noah apologised once more. "Everything was happening so fast. I couldn't explain it all then."
Neph waved her hand dismissively. "Nah, it's cool. We all have secrets."
"Doesn't bother you?" Noah pressed, genuinely curious about her nonchalant attitude.
"Frankly, I don't want to get involved," Neph admitted honestly. "It was pretty cool, saved our lives and all, but messing with Sheikah technology isn't exactly a walk in the park for normal folks. Unless you have a death wish, that is."
While he understood Neph's perspective, Noah didn't fully believe her. There seemed to be more to her story, but Christa interjected before he could delve deeper.
"Speaking of the Wall," Christa began, a sly smile spreading across her face, "there's something you should have." She pushed a small, decorative satchel towards him.
"How else will you shout us drinks?" Neph quipped with a mischievous grin.
Noah's fingers brushed against a cool, smooth surface as he delved into the satchel Christa had offered. A rainbow of colours erupted from within, each glinting with an otherworldly sheen. He cupped a handful, the weight surprisingly substantial despite their diminutive size. Curiosity tinged with a hint of disbelief warred within him. These couldn't be...
"Rupees?" he breathed, the word escaping his lips in a hushed question.
Christa's playful smile confirmed his suspicions. "Looks like we don't need to explain them."
In his palm, Noah examined a sapphire blue Rupee. Its surface wasn't flat and uniform, but possessed a subtle, faceted texture that refracted the light into a mesmerizing dance of colour. A single, deeper blue vein snaked across its surface, adding a touch of organic complexity. It felt cool and surprisingly heavy, far from the weightless digital tokens he was accustomed to.
He shifted his attention to a fiery red Rupee. Unlike its blue counterpart, this one felt slightly warmer and smoother to the touch. Its colour wasn't a uniform red, but rather a gradient that deepened towards its centre, almost appearing to smoulder with an internal ember.
Noah's gaze darted to a remaining emerald, green Rupee nestled amongst the others. Its surface was flawless, like a polished gemstone, reflecting a vibrant green that seemed to hold the essence of a verdant forest. Unlike the others, this one felt faintly cool and slick, a subtle current of energy pulsing beneath its surface.
Unlike the pixelated representations from the game, these Rupees held a tangible presence. Noah gazed into the satchel, a surge of surprise prompting him to do a quick mental calculation. 'Let's see… if I remember correctly, a green Rupee has a value of one, blue is five, and red is twenty… which means there's around…'
"200 something Rupees!?" Noah blurted out, his voice laced with disbelief as he looked at the two girls. "I know you appreciate me, and trust me, I appreciate you both too, but this is a bit much."
Neph threw her head back and laughed, clearly enjoying Noah's surprise. "Don't get the wrong idea," she clarified. "These are our reward, and this is your share."
"Reward… you mean from your mission from the guild?" Noah questioned, remembering the circumstances behind their initial kidnapping where the three had met.
Christa's smile faltered slightly, a shadow of seriousness flitting across her face. "Yes, and no. Once we arrived, I went to the guild and collected the reward for our original mission."
"No offense," Noah started cautiously, "but didn't you technically fail that mission?"
A flicker of annoyance crossed Christa's and Neph's eyes collectively. "Yes, but that's the guild's fault for misrepresenting the difficulty level. The Sheikah were able to confirm this on our behalf, so the process went smoothly."
"More like your fault for getting a shifty and suspicious contract promising high rewards for low rosk in the first place." Christa accused innocently, staring out the window.
"You may not have been involved with the original mission," Neph continued, ignoring Christa's comment but not failing to stare at her angrily. "But you did escort us safely to Kakariko Village, which was no easy feat. It's only fair you receive a share of the reward."
A pang of guilt washed over Noah. While he understood their logic, a part of him felt uneasy about accepting Rupees potentially earned through the deaths of their comrades, Noah didn't know how close they were, but they never talked about them or their kidnapping in depth. Noah never pushed for it either, if they didn't' speak about it then Noah assumed they didn't want to share.
"I had to get to this village anyway…" he mumbled, more to himself than anyone else.
"Perhaps," Christa conceded, "but with your abilities, going alone might have been safer. We saw you considering it."
Noah nodded, the shining glowing of his Rupees quickly removed his guilt, replacing it with greed.
Just then, Neph flagged down a young waitress wearing a simple brown apron. The girl approached their table, her smile warm and welcoming. Neph, ever the social butterfly, ordered a Chateau Romani. Christa, on the other hand, opted for a simple glass of milk. Noah, not recognszing anything on the menu, glanced at Neph's order and decided to follow suit.
As the girl walked away, Noah turned to Neph, his curiosity bubbling over. "Hey Neph," he began, "Since we're in Kakariko Village, is there anyone I could talk to about getting some information?"
Neph raised a suspicious eyebrow. "Information about what exactly?"
Noah considered this carefully. "Ideally, I'd like to find some books about the history and geography of this kingdom," he explained. "Learning more about the different species wouldn't hurt either. Nothing too difficult, I hope."
He paused, then added cautiously, "Although, there might be something a bit more… prohibited that I'm interested in as well."
Asking this question wasn't risky, Neph knew about the smuggling tunnels in The Wall so Noah had assumed early on she wasn't the most law-abiding citizen in the Kingdom.
Neph's eyes widened. Likely Noah's fabricated background story, she understood his desire for information. She tapped her finger thoughtfully against her forehead. "Finding books can be tricky if you're not wealthy," she admitted. "Most folks around here use parchments for recording information."
"There are a couple of shops I know of that sell written parchments, but for something more… restricted, that's a different story altogether."
A sly grin spread across Neph's face. "However," she continued, leaning in conspiratorially, "I might know just the person who can help. There's an info-broker who works at the guild. He deals with all sorts of things, legal or otherwise. For the right price, of course."
"Coincidentally, I need to pay him a visit as well." Neph added with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
As the waitress returned with their drinks, Neph flagged her down again. "Excuse me, Maya," she said politely. "When we settle the bill, could we borrow your quill for a moment?"
Maya gave a slight shrug. "Sure, whatever it's for. You can find it by the entrance."
Neph nodded gratefully. "Thanks, Maya. You're a lifesaver."
Turning to Noah, a mischievous glint in her eyes, she remarked, "See? Having allies with connections can be pretty useful."
Noah chuckled, impressed by Neph's resourcefulness. He then shifted his gaze towards Christa, who was practically vibrating with excitement.
"Is the church here open to the public?" he inquired with a smile.
Christa's eyes widened in surprise. "Of course!" she exclaimed; her voice filled with reverence. "Anyone can visit and hear the teachings of the Goddess. Even better, the church library holds a vast collection of holy scriptures and historical scrolls!"
"Would you like me to come with you?" she added eagerly.
Noah felt a pang of appreciation for Christa's genuine faith. It was a refreshing contrast to the chaos he had been thrown into. However, he had to decline her offer, for two important reasons.
Firstly, Christa's abilities made her invaluable to the church, and he suspected they might be looking for her soon. Secondly, Impa's instructions to remain inconspicuous remained at the forefront in his mind. Accompanying Christa together to a public place like the church would make him a target.
"I appreciate the offer, Christa," he said politely, "but I think I'll head there on my own later. Maybe after I do some exploring."
While a flicker of disappointment crossed Christa's face, she quickly recovered. Her gaze darted towards the approaching waitress carrying their drinks, and a smile bloomed on her lips.
The waitress, Maya, set their drinks down with a gentle clink. Neph's Chateau Romani emanated a sweet, fruity aroma, while Noah's drink, a deep amber colour, gave off a sharp, almost medicinal scent. It fizzed gently, unlike any coffee Noah had ever encountered.
Seeing Neph take a casual sip, Noah hesitantly brought the drink to his lips. The first taste was a shock. A bitter, fiery sensation exploded on his tongue, far stronger than anything he'd ever experienced. It was definitely alcohol, and potent at that.
Back in Australia, where the legal drinking age was 18, Noah wasn't shy about trying different liquors. He even had a fondness for vodka. But this drink, even with his past experiences, was a whole new level of intensity. The bitterness and the potent alcohol made it borderline poisonous and awful.
He sputtered and coughed, a blush creeping up his neck. Neph burst into laughter, her amusement clearly visible. "Whoa there, Noah! Looks like someone's a lightweight. Chateau Romani isn't exactly known for its gentleness!" Christa, meanwhile, continued to sip her milk serenely, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
'Smart girl,' Noah thought, mentally kicking himself for not following Christa's lead.
As their conversation flowed, the afternoon waned, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. By the time they finished their drinks, night had draped itself over Kakariko Village.
Near the entrance, Christa approached Noah and Neph, a warm smile on her face. "Well," she began, "it's getting late. I should head back to the church."
Noah nodded, feeling a pang of sadness he hadn't anticipated. It felt nice, perhaps even great just to sit down and have an actual normal conversation with people he considered his friends, it was glimpse of normalcy he hadn't realised he craved. It reminded him of evenings spent with friends back at university, sharing stories and laughter over coffee.
Regardless, Noah nodded his head. "Have a safe night."
"And you, Noah," Christa replied, her eyes twinkling. "May your path be filled with light and wisdom." With a final wave goodbye, she turned and walked towards the imposing silhouette of the church bathed in the soft glow of lanterns.
Once Christa was out of sight, Noah turned to Neph, a question lingering on his lips. "Does she live at the church?"
Neph nodded. "Pretty much. Once you're accepted, they provide living quarters for their members. Though, knowing Christa's abilities, they might eventually move her to Central Hyrule. The church can't afford to waste such talent."
Noah digested this information with a thoughtful nod. He then shifted gears, eager to move forward with his plan. "So," he said, "where to next? The info-broker you mentioned?"
"Yup, follow your big-sister." she nodded, beginning to walk away.
Noah started walking alongside her, formulating a plan in his head. But then, his steps faltered as his gaze caught sight of a series of small trees lining the path ahead. However, one particular tree stood out. It wasn't small; in fact, it was enormous, with its leafy branches dwarfing its surrounding brethren. Yet, it seemed to be attempting a rather comical act of concealment.
Peeking out from behind the smaller trees, a giant face emerged. Leaves clutched in its hand, the face contorted in a clumsy attempt to blend in. It stared at Noah with large, expressive eyes.
'Hestu,' a jolt of recognition shot through Noah. He'd completely forgotten about the giant Korok he'd encountered earlier.
"Tell you what," Noah sighed, coming to a stop. Neph's confident stride faltered slightly, her head tilting back in question.
"You go ahead," he continued, his voice laced with a hint of guilt. "I'll meet you there."
"You sure? You're going to miss the fun," Neph replied, her tone a mix of amusement and something else Noah couldn't quite decipher.
Noah hesitated. He was genuinely interested in meeting the info-broker, but something told him that leaving Hestu alone for too long would bring about negative consequences. A lie formed on his tongue before he could stop it. "Yep, I need to… go to the bathroom." He pointed vaguely towards the tree line behind Neph.
Neph's eyes darted between Noah and the direction he was indicating. A flicker of suspicion crossed her face, but it was quickly replaced by a shrug. "Alright, well see you there," she said, turning and continuing towards the guild.
As Neph disappeared around a corner, Noah let out a heavy sigh. He trudged towards Hestu, feeling a weight in his body he couldn't quite understand. Something, or rather his instincts told him that meeting Hestu was important, even vital for some reason. But Noah couldn't rationally explain why.
In the back of his mind, the memory of the game flickered. Link encountering Hestu, saving his maracas, and receiving the gift of expanded inventory in exchange for Korok Seeds. Yet, this logic didn't fully apply here. There were no Bokoblin's to vanquish, no missing maracas to return. Inventory space seemed irrelevant in this world that functioned outside the confines of the game.
He didn't even have any Korok seeds to trade anyway, he was beginning to suspect Koroks didn't exist in this reality prior to meeting Hestu.
So why did this hulking Korok, with his clumsy disguise and now-dejected expression, feel so significant?
Reaching the giant Korok, Noah found himself looking up at the expressive face. The leaves were gone now, replaced by a look of what could only be described as dejection. Noah winced. This was worse than he anticipated.
Hey everyone!
It's been a while since my last authors note, and I wanted to take a moment to connect with you all. I know I don't bombard you with author's notes, and that's because I genuinely worry about whether you find them interesting. After all, I wouldn't blame you if you preferred to dive straight into the story!
However, I also wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your support of "The Apology of a Goddess & The Unwilling Hero." When I first started writing this fanfiction, I wasn't sure what to expect. It was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment decision, but I'm so glad I took the chance.
The more I delve into the story, planning chapters and bringing them to life, the more invested I become. And the best part? Witnessing my own writing improve! As I compare the latest chapters to the earlier ones, the growth is undeniable.
Now, let me tell you, your comments are pure gold. They bring me immense joy, and knowing you're enjoying the story (and even praising it!) is the biggest motivator to keep writing... seriously, I read each one multiple times and giggle like a child. Watching you theorise on what's going on is entertaining.
Regarding the pacing: You've probably noticed the story unfolds at a deliberate pace. While the natural detailed chapters contribute to this, the main reason is world-building. I'm putting a lot of effort into creating a cohesive and richly detailed world to avoid any confusion down the line.
Once this foundation is firmly established, the focus on world-building can ease up in future chapters. This will allow the story to pick up the pace without leaving you scrambling to understand a major plot point that pops up later on.
Yu've probably noticed, the current schedule has been to release one chapter per week. Except this one which was slightly late but I'm usually consistent. This fanfiction will most likely be split into multiple parts for reasons I can't disclose, because of y'know... spoilers...
Anyway, once again thank you again for being a part of this journey! If you have any concerns or suggestions feel free to privately DM me, I will likely not reply but I will read them and take them on board.
I'm as excited as you are to see where the story takes us next, cya!