“Cheers!” Emily giggled, king her gss against Hana’s, before swinging it around and bumping it against the one held gingerly by Tsukiko-’s mother, Kaoru-san. Taking a swig of the sweet drink, Emily leaned ba her chair, tent. This is the life! Surrounded by family, aiful daughters-in-w! And having a drink or five iernoon!

  “You should be careful, dear.” Taichi spoke up, frowning, his greyish eyes with just a hint of brown so like their son’s, making her giggle again.

  “Careful? Why?” Emily asked, taking another deep sip of the cocktail. “I’m fine, I’m fine!”

  “Yeah, leave her alone, man.” They were versing in English for the be of their two Koreas, one of which, the punk, aggressive and totally cool Violet, was chugging a beer across the table from her, heedless of the looks she had received on the way in, her arms bare in a bck tank top, despite the December chill. Tattoos are cool! I know the Japae them, and think they are only for yakuza or women of ill-repute, but I like them! Atitude’s really fun too!

  “Let unni drink, she’s a big girl.” Violet let out an uned belch, making Emily giggle yet again.

  “I know.” Taichi rubbed at his temples. “But Emily is a notoriously poor drinker. A lightweight, as the British would say. While getting Chirurgery has improved that somewhat…” he gestured to Emily with one hand. “You see?”

  “So she’s a bit red-faced. Shows she’s enjoying herself.” Violet defended her.

  “So be it. Then you look after her, Kang-san.” Taichi ceded.

  “I told you, call me Violet. I haven’t got time for that shit… err… sorry, my bad. Akio-oppa tells me you’re not fond of profanities.” She scratched her cheek, a bit discerted. “But… I have a bit of a foul mouth. And now I’m a Hunter, well… soldiers swear like troopers, right? Most men that e out of pulsory military service have fouler mouths thahey went in. And we… we fight scarier things than night drills and trench crawling. Right, right?” She looked around for support.

  “I… have some experiesukiko- admitted, and Emily was once more lost in admiration. She’s so utterly beautiful, I hardly believe my Aki has bagged such a woman! Although Shiro’s the same. None of the girls are pin at all, even dear Eri- is a beauty, but… something about Tsukiko- catches the eye. It’s… she seems so otherworldly, refined and noble. Although also rather sad…

  “However I hardly say it has coarsened my nguage. Although… when I died, I did feel the urge to swear bitterly, curse the Gods, but… fortunately in my st moments I had something else to distract me.” The elegant girl’s skin flushed nearly as deep a red as her eyes, and Emily covered her mouth with her hand to hide a smile.

  That’s my boy, always making the right moves! He must have got his charm from me! Taichi’s rather too fond of projeg a stern front, rather than being romantic. Holy, it seems a miracle we got together, looking ba it. I guess… I just like hard workers?

  Kaoru-san and her elderly husband Taro-san both looked ashamed and troubled, but Tsukiko-, good girl that she was, saw and soled them, despite the rather difficult retionship between them. “Do not worry, mother, father. My faith remains undimmed. How could it not? I am the Diviner, and also Matsumuro Tsukiko. But even the Gods are prisoners of this vast universe, and I know they are not omnipotent. After all, not only sukuyomi, but if I wished, I could speak to any number of Kami and Gods. Prince Shōtoku for one, and also Ta?hā, though she is not one of ours, and find out they are limited, not as we are, but by their own troubles. And… it is the end of things that matters. If the path is thorny and bitter, so long as the fruit at the end is wonderful, then all is well.”

  “And was the fruit sweet?” their other Korean panion, Yu-mi- asked, seeming genuinely curious. “Holy, I think I kind of get it.”

  Tsukiko- nodded elegantly, though the still-fading blush made her already youthful appearance seem more i, as in a way she was. It’s like a cssic fairy tale. The princess all alone iower. Tsukiko- wasly alone, but she was isoted from eg with others. “I have hardly tasted all the fruit has to offer, but I have plucked it from the branch of thorns, and am delighted, though also… it is somewhat intimidating.” Tsukiko- g Asha and Hyath, who had also apahe group out. I wanted Mae and Nebisuki to e too, but Mae insisted she had to protect the shrine while we were all absent, and Nebisuki seems to be feeling sorry for herself today… oh well.

  “There is nooo cause for , mistress Tsukiko.” Hyath assured her. “Hyath was scared tooooo at first. Kindness is nooot something I was used to, or sidered a choooie. But happiness is something we must wooork on, all of us together.”

  Asha agreed. She was drinking juice, rather than alcohol, which was a good thing. While we hardly had any clue of hohysiology worked, and weren’t sure just how their daughters would turn out… daughters, and plural. Apparently Dryads only give birth to girls, and Asha is sure she is carrying more than one child… Taichi wasn’t fortable with her drinking, in case it was detrimental to their grandchildren, and Emily certainly agreed with him. Fortunately Asha was happy to acquiesce, being terribly easy-going, as well as calm, mature aiful. We’re going to be grandparents. I wasn’t sure this day would ever e, holy, what with Aki being so standoffish, and Ai being… well, Ai, I guess?

  “As most of you know, I too was the same. Dying day by day, rotting aoisoned in body, heart and spirit. But now…” She touched her belly tenderly, and Emily found herself gettied, thinking about the children, and not just Asha’s, but all of Aki’s yet to e. “…I have the ce to spread my seeds oile ground, to fruit and bear new life. I enjoyed your metaphor, Tsukiko. It is apt. The greater the sorrow, the more brilliant the joy when such is banished.”

  “I feel a little left out…” Yu-mi- fided to Violet. “Holy, I didn’t want to marry a man I’d never met, even to help save my cousin. I know that’s selfish, but…”

  “No way, it’s not at all. I’d never do that shit… uh, I’d never do that, even for my little bro. Sure, if he was i I’d raise the money for him, or if he was in trouble I’d fight for him. But I’m a woman, there’s some lines you just don’t cross. So, don’t feel bad over it, Yu-mi. Your dad was a bit of a bastard making that choice for you, to be ho. I’d have slugged him, guilt-tripping you like that.”

  “No, it wasn’t dad’s fault. He was desperate. And he didn’t think there was another way.” Yu-mi- smiled then, and Emily felt a brief twinge ret. She’s anood didate for a daughter-in-w. Well-educated, pretty, good family background, and sure, she’s Korean, but I don’t care about that. Taichi’s not a racist either… oh, calling it racism isn’t a good thing. I guess… the Japanese just have a very insur nature? Anyway… she’s stig around, so maybe there’s still hope? Making sure not to look at her best friends Hana and Junpei, feeling a little guilty, she listened, draining her drink.

  “Anyway, Akio isn’t a bad man, not at all, so fortunately I ared. I won’t go into detail on the plicated way that makes me feel, but… my cousin is safe and rec well, and I’ve found something really iing to do. And you’re on board with it, aren’t you Violet?”

  “Sure am! I wasn’t much of a leader, too hot-tempered, I re. I’ll let Akio-oppa take the lead on that, and just hit who needs hitting ahe rewards.”

  “I think you’ll have to do more than just that.” Yu-mi- giggled. Yes, she’s definitely a - now I get to know her. She may not be Japanese, but she’s got that young woman energy! “I want to be a part of this, and I have grand pns. In fact, the first steps are happening today.” She gestured at the s dispying the cert. They had booked a private room, but outside Emily could hear the ordinary patrons watg too.

  “That’s AKB0048, isn’t it?” Emily asked, curious. “I know Ai has some of their stuff. Though I remember when I was younger, it was all about buying the CDs. Now it’s streaming…”

  “Yes, three of them are fellow disciples to Eui. You know… I think I o make time for that training myself.” Yu-mi- mused. “I thought only Chirurgery would be enough, but I’m residering after the events here.”

  “Yes.” Tsukiko- agreed. “Danger es unbidden, and spring from anywhere. In fact… Akio and I share a great deal of forebodily. It is why Tamamo-no-Mae is wise. Asha’s Tree ot lie unprotected.”

  “Anyway, subject ge.” Emily pressed the bell oable, summoning the waiting staff t more drinks. With a gss in hand, Emily waved it cheerfully. “Much as I just love talking about Aki and his love life, we’re here to bond, as a family. Oh, and keep our lovely Korean frieertained.” Emily didn’t fet Yu-mi- and Violet, as they weren’t family. Not yet anyway, who knows what the future holds? That’s why it’s so exg…

  “Are you sure we should be included? We could have stayed back with your parents…” Taro-san Emily and Hana timidly. “We… are rather old, and our Tsukiko…” he stumbled over her name, uo saying it. “…we forfeited hts…”

  “No, you did not.” Tsukiko disagreed. “We have beehis too. Though I suppose it is too much to expect a retionship of thirty years to be reset in just a week or two. I hold nes, and pared to some, you are hardly terrible parents. I suppose this is why times like these are important. To help us all adjust.”

  “Yes.” Taichi agreed. “Like it or not, approve or not, but my son has accepted you, Tsukiko-san… as well as the others.”

  “The way you say that makes it sound like you don’t approve, Taichi.” Junpei chipped in, and he shrugged.

  “I of course find no fault in Tsukiko-san. Were my son to have brought her home as a bride in simpler times, I would have said he was marrying up without any doubt. Please five my blunt speech…”

  “It is another be of this.” Tsukiko- merely smiled soothingly. “Yes, I also ime to adjust, and form new retionships with the other fiancées, as well as with family and friends. Your words, so ho and without preamble, surprise, but it does not offend, I assure you. As a father, you must be proud to see that Akio has taken on much responsibility and risen to the will of the Gods, Tsukuyomi included.”

  “It seems he has taken on far too much responsibility. But when a man decides, he should stick with it until the bitter end, no pining. So if he whines…” Taichi made a rare joke, making those who knew him here smile. “…do tell me.” He addressed Tsukiko-, Asha and Hyath. “…I shall show him he is not too old or to to avoid a lecture from his father! After all, he will have to learn himself, lest his daughters run wild.”

  “Ai would ugh at that.” Emily giggled. “Anyway, you talk to me too. I’ll set my boy straight if he upsets you, Tsukiko-! No way I’m letting you get away now!”

  “Speaking of family…” Violet asked, curious. “Just how big is it going to be?”

  “Huge.” Emily ughed. Before she could eborate, the end of the performance caught her eye. “Oh, Arisu-’s on TV again!”

  “I am not sure you should address Arisugawa-san so informally…” Taichi shook his head, and Emily puffed out her cheeks in a pout.

  “Don’t be like that! Arisu- is near-enough one of the family! Aki likes her a lot, and she’s like family to Shiro, which is a good thing. Suzu- too.” I know I shouldn’t hate people I’ve never met, and I don’t uand the circumstances fully, but her parents are simply the worst. We’ve never had much money, but if Ai was sick, we’d do whatever it took to get her help, even if we had to go into debt, work ourselves to death or Aki had to do a reversed Yu-mi- and marry for money. He’d do it too, for Ai…

  “The intermission annou should be soon.” Yu-mi- was eager, so we fell into a quiet silence, watg the interpy between Arisu- and her fellow hosts, before it was time for Arisu- to speak seriously.

  “First, again, a warm thank you to all the acts who have doheir time and image rights to this endeavour. And to everyone who bought tickets to be here, or is donating or purchasing merdise. It will all help, I assure you. But… I promised an iing annou, so here it is. As suspected, the eruption of the Nasu voloes was not merely ill-timed natural tragedy.”

  “I k!” Konno-san cried. “Your denials were weak. It surely was Tamamo-no-Mae who was responsible then, right? After all, the mythical Sessho-Seki is there!”

  “Ordinarily I’d disagree with Fumie- here, but… nowadays, everything seems possible.” Aoki-san broke in. “So, share your secrets, Arisu-, here, live on TV! If I was twenty years younger, I’d be thrilled…”

  “If I shared my secrets, I would have to kill you.” Arisu- made a joke that didn’t sound particurly humorous. “And I did not lie. Tamamo-no-Mae was not the cause of this disaster. Merely… a sad victim, I would say.”

  “I see, stig to the story… huh?” Aoki-san paused, blinking. “Am I hearing things, Fumie-, or did Arisu- say that Tamamo-no-Mae is real?”

  “I heard the same!” Konno-san was shocked. “But then… it’s surely a joke.”

  “I do not see why it is so hard to believe. Nobody questions that Shaeu is a princess of the Faerie folk. She is, so there is no question, but… Tamamo-no-Mae indisputably exists, as does Nurarihyon, and likely many ends. But the world is aware of spiritual beings. No… my annou is as follows. And it is part of the value of this cert. After all, everyone in Japan is watg, or if not, will hear this news.” She took a deep breath to steady her nerves, before tinuing. “It is sadly likely that such disasters will beore prevalent worldwide. Voloes, earthquakes, tsunamis, dreadful storms… perhaps even things we hardly imagihe thought is quite a chilling one, I know. But there is no cause for despair. The gover, and indeed, govers worldwide, are w on a solution, and we already have leads.”

  She paused to let that sink in, and her co-hosts were silent, obviously not fully aware of the gravity of Arisu-’s speech.

  “Fortunately, ere gifted power serve another purpose. We Anchor pces, proteg those within from such things. Now, I hardly cim to be perfect, and I ot turn aside a volo when it belches pyrocstic flows or va. But from the smallest seeds hope grow. Even now, we are w on proteg our poputiores. Our powers are not merely tools of violence, but those of prote and hope. Indeed, just as steam power, the sili chip and other breakthroughs that seemed magical before, have enriched our lives and are now an intrinsic part of them, so too our powers bring hope and ge. Soon, early year, the gover hopes to roll out nationwide disaster survival infrastructure. Starting with a revolution in , green power. How it works… is plicated. But with chaos es opportunity. Those of you who worry about global warming… well, I suggest you find a new fear.”

  At Arisu-’s dry tone, Aoki-san coughed, before managing a joke. “I’d rather worry about a volo that might blow today than Japan sinking in fifty years. But… uh, so, how much will our bills go up? I’m sure that’s what the folks watg want to know?”

  “I am not a edian, but you might think me one, when I say bills should actually decrease.” Arisu-’s smile was a little mean. “The gover has a new Ministry, that of Spiritual Matters. I remember the ce of the new ws being seen rgely as a joke, especially the polygamy ones… well, we have Akio-san to thank for those.”

  That’s my boy! Emily was ecstatic, remembering when her Aki had announced in front of the bigshots of Japan that he had pressured the gover into ging the w just so that all his fiancées could marry areated with dignity. It was then I really decided, my Aki was going to marry all the beautiful, talented and kind women in Japan, no, the world!

  Not realising quite how drunk she was, Emily tio listen, while Hyath surreptitiously topped up her drink with water.

  “The four essentials in an emergency are safe shelter, water, food and power. A fifth, less essential one is ectivity, allowing sharing of news and more. This new work of power will render Japan indepe of fn imports of oil, coal and gas, and it should fun even in a disastrous earthquake if set up properly. It is a huge uaking, and the gover will be funding a rge share of the cost, and you will be paying for it in your bills from then on… but overall, the cost to you should be lower.” Arisu- paused meaningfully. “Of course, if you want to have ptops that st for weeks on a single charge and smartphones with more powerful processors and loing usage, you buy those yourselves, at the premium the teology merits.”

  “Whoever ied that will be a wealthy person…” Aoki-san whistled. “If it’s a woman and I was twenty years younger…”

  “Moving on from Arisu- already?” Konno-san giggled, and he shrugged.

  “Sadly, I’m not a masochist, and she keeps breaking my heart. Oh…” he mock-swooned. “…the beautiful are always the cruellest.”

  “In that case, you are likely the sed ing of Shinohara-san, and I look forward to hearing of your many charitable endeavours, Aoki-san.” Arisu- tered, aurowards his co-host will a pained expression.

  “See what I mean, Fumie-? She’s breaking my heart again!”

  “Sorry Ken-kun, but I think you’ll have to grin and bear it!” she ughed. “Anyway, Arisu-, I’m amazed you know all this…”

  “I am well ected, a bother that sometimes be.” Arisu- sniffed. “Anyway, , safe water should be provided via new methods as well, and unications be maintained if there is power. Safe shelter… we have also talked about that. So… do not despair. Rest assured that if we all e together, we weather the storm. Do not believe in rumours, or let hysteria spread lies. I abhor that.”

  “I think Ryusei-kun and Mei- are likely trembling in fear right now…” Aoki-kun snickered nastily. “But I agree. Holy, there’s a great number of rumoing around about Chosen, spiritual beings, worldwide disasters… it be uling, but… just like here at the cert, life goes on, and if we all work together, we get through this!”

  “Well said!” Konno-san agreed. “Anyway, great talk, Arisu-! Lots to unpack, but… it’s time for our act, the first after the intermission. And it’s a big one! You may have heard of these…” she addressed the watg audience. “…but you’d never imagihem to appear here… in a show of solidarity from across the Sea of Japan, in tribute to the tragedy of useon, and the heroics that resolved it… we bring you… Bckrose!”

  The lights iadium bcked out, and then pink spotlights shone down, illuminating four women. Then fmes and other pyroteics exploded throughout the arena, pink sparks casg downwards curtaining the stage, and then a song even Emily had heard began to py, the idols beginning a fshy dance routine.

  “I had a hand iing them on the bill.” Yu-mi- decred proudly. “Although Hinata did suggest to the Blue House that a show of solidarity would be in everyone’s is. As for the specifics… well, those who go to Master Bear’s nightclub in Gangnam are quite well ected…”

  As Yu-mi- talked brightly of her input, Emily leaned back, tent. Kana-’s w very hard, and so are Ixitt and Grulgor… holy, I was a bit scared of the big guy at first, but he’s actually quite pleasant when you talk to him, though Shaeu seems a bit bemused and rueful about that. There’s history there, I know. Anyway… Aki really o make Kana- feel special, all the work she’s putting iing the factory ready on his behalf!

  “It… how is it possible for such a grand uaking to happen?” Taro-san asked, before his face fell. “Excuse me. I spoke out of turn, it is not my pce to question…”

  “Don’t be like that.” Junpei sighed. “You’re just as involved as any of us. We’ve accepted that now, haven’t we Hana?”

  She agreed. “Yes, little Eri wouldn’t five us if we didn’t, and she’s all grown up, she make her own choices. Your daughter is the same, why, despite hardly looking it, she’s rather older than little Eri, and has been shouldering responsibilities for a long time. Of course, we don’t get it either…”

  “It is quite plicated.” Asha agreed. “I am not a Mortal Engineer, but I have listeo some of Ixitt’s lectures, as the best source of elemental energies aher is by my Tree.” She went on to expin a little, and Yu-mi- filled in the rest.

  “It’s not like I have muvolvement, although when Japan is done, Britain and South Korea are in lio buy the teology, for the right price. It’s good leverage.” She smiled, pleased at Aki’s ing. Though it’s probably Hinata-’s doing. She’s a smooth operator, that girl!

  “From what I uand, the main thing is supplying your home, obviously, important gover and military facilities, and then having at least some power avaible for every major city, town and vilge. Yeah, we’re looking at years, probably, unless it be scaled up to a national effort, which seems improbable sidering the resources involved… but on the bright side, we’re all going to be rich!” Yu-mi- enthused.

  “We?” Emily asked, amused, and Yu-mi- blushed adorably.

  “Yes, we! I’m head of his Koreaions, along with Violet here…” The tattooed woman gave a thumbs-up, watg Bckrose on TV, chugging beer. “…and…” She g Hyath, whose smile was tender and reassuring. “…I have other ties. No bag out, the die is cast, I’m part of Akio’s group food. Anyway…” she coughed, a little pink. “It’s a huge uaking, but… we’re not simply pnning for tomorrow, month, or eve year, but decades ahead.”

  “I see.” Taro-san managed. “Five my ignorance.”

  “You are hardly ignorant, father.” Tsukiko- shook her head, denying that. “Even I am hardly aware of everything that goes on. Besides, your role… it is to rekindle our family bonds. Akio insists on it. And… I would be grateful too. I gave up much, to be the Diviner, and I would never regret it. But… now I want my repayment, and Akio insists I should cim i.”

  Talk turo happier matters, and Emily giggled, watg in delight. Taichi id a warning hand on her arm, but she shook it off. “It’s fiotally fine! I’m not drunk… I promishe!”

  “You promishe, do you?” Taichi had noticed her slight slurring, and sighed. “No matter, I suppose the worst that will happen is you have a rotten headache tomorrow.”

  As Emily nodded, Yu-mi-’s ph. Gng at the s, she then told everyone she had to take the call, retreating to one er.

  “Oh, hi dad. What’s up? Watg the cert? Of course you are… so anyway… oh.” She paused, nodding. “Yes, I see. Huh, what?” Her eyes went wide with surprise for a moment. “That’s great news, Akio will be pleased… oh.” She was clearly puzzled. “Not your doing? But they’ve agreed? Tuesday, you say? Okay… yeah, sure, I be there. Sehe details, I o pass them on. Bye.”

  Hanging up the phone, Yu-mi- seemed rather perplexed. Seeing that, Emily spoke up. “What’s wrong?”

  Yu-mi- shrugged. “It seems the Tengokusentou iations have cluded in our favour. Though dad says it doesn’t seem down to him or those helping him. Anyway, apparently there’s to be a cash settlement, and a handover ceremony on Tuesday. Dad’s been invited since he was doiiations behind the ses, so I’m going along.”

  “I see. So good hen?” Emily shrugged. “In that case…” She grinned, hitting the bell to summon a server for more drinks. “Let’s watch the cert and drink more! Party, party, party!”

  As Emily ughed, Taichi trying to calm her down, Hana rolling her eyes, clearly exasperated, she thought that this was simply perfect, beautiful daughters-in-w, good friends, and an ever-expanding family. Yes, this is the life! It’s amazing how everything has ged for us… long may it tinue!

  With o g the cert, Emily let out a tented sigh, the warm glow of alcohol leaving her pleasantly numb…

  ShipTeaser

  So, it's been a tough year for various reasons. Getting banned from Royal Road after a hate campaign really knocked me back, to be ho. It's not that I set about being baeically I broke RR's ToS with Hinata, but... the way they spoke to me iicket was incredibly upsetting.

  And this was after a spate of identical hateful reviews, so sadly the reasons are clear. I worried we'd lose SH too as one of the reviews followed me here, but fortuhat never happened, and I'm very grateful to those readers who followed me from RR to SH, even if we did lose quite a number.

  But when one door closes... another door opens. Some of the HaremLit authors vinced me to start publishing on Amazon/KU... and it did seem a way of getting readers to repce the lost ones, with some cash as an added bonus. It also struck me as a good way to do the editing I kept putting off, and make the promised .epubs...

  Of course, as this year has been ass, Amazon then promptly banned me too lol. In the end I had to go to the CEO to get unbanned, and it was a few very stressful weeks. This really killed book 1's unentum, and book 2's unch was... tragically bad, almost ically so...

  Holy, I retty down at this point. Fortunately, the man, the myth, the legend, JJ Bookerson (Do check out Bonded Summoner and Soul Knight if you get a ce, it's definitely in an OAT fan's wheelhouse) posted a great review o/Facebook, which gave me a surge of momentum. This carried me into book 3 and 4, and while by any ercial sense, we're a flop, and we're definitely in the lowest perf bracket in terms of haremlit releases, we do seem to be slowly gaining a little momentum, and I'm no longer ashamed by the numbers...

  We've also gone from nobody but JJ mentioning OAT in the relevas to actually getting reended by fans, a 4 seperate mentions in the best book of the year thread on /haremfantasynovels so that was very encing progress!

  In terms of the story, this year dropping to 3 chapters a week proved neccesary due to all the stuff going on. It's a blow, but we've ploughed on, and fortuhe chapter length has increased on average, so it's closer to 4 chapters of the old length tent. We couldn't quite close out Arc 10, but we're in the climax any day now, so... getting there....

  We've had some big events, like Mount Atago, useon and more... so that was nice.

  Sadly... in a personal life front (spoilers for those who don't want to read doom and gloom, which is uandable, most of you are here to read...)

  SpoilerMy father became ill around the time all the Amazon shit was going down. This escated rapidly... and... yesterday he was diagnosed with multiple terminal cers, with life expecy of three months, maybe less. Obviously I don't feel great about this. My mother's trying to hold things together, but it's hard for her. I've briefly touched on this in discord, I'm not looking for sympathy, but would like some uanding if chappies get deyed or we have lean weeks, as... this is not a greatly fun situation.

  [colpse][colpse]A year's pns/hopes/dreams

  SpoilerBearing in mind the personal life situation above... there may be lean periods, but OAT will plough forwards as much as possible. Arc 10 should finish early in the year, and while I doubt very much we'll get to the end of Act 2, we should be close. There's two smaller, focussed arcs after this one, and one big o.

  Release wise, book 5 is half-edited, and I o finish it soo amazo my ass lol. Then the pn is to release 6, 7 and 8, c the rest of Act 1, in Feb/Mar/Apr. Then I'll be releasing a fanbook with 20 neters, c some iing fshbacks to pre-story, some side stories people have requested, and some fun lewds. It'll also have character bio's/glossary/buildings/skills/csses that occoured in act 1, and I've thought of humorus in-character ways to discuss them. It's a bit harder work, but should make it a more fun book than just a referemnce guide with some bonus chappies. It'll help with the wiki too lol. Yes, we have a wiki!

  Speaking of lewds, finally the degee chappies will be making their published appearances, starting from book 5. They'll also be avaible on the discord, should you be a webnovel only reader. I doubt they'll fall afoul of amazon's policies, but if any do, I'll release them to the discord when we reach the books they're in.

  In terms of other matters... right now, due to the personal matters, stuff like this is backburnered... but loerm, might be time to start a patreon. This will NOT be at the expense of casual readers though. I io get back to 5/week (or maybe 4, if they tio be longer chappies on average than when I was doing 5/week) once we're caught up with the book releases towards the middle of the year and I'm spendiime editic.

  But... patreon money, loathe as I am to rihe fans, lol, could be used for matters that are out of reach due to our lowly performance, such as entig a publisher for audiobooks for example, etting some proper art for covers/etc. or advertising costs. If I was to do this, I'd expect people would want a healthy advance of chapters to justify it, so... nht now, but... it's on sideration. If there's anything you re would be patreon worthy, I'm always up for ideas.

  So yeah, we'll always be releasing for free here on SH (unless we get banned lol) and in the discord you find... other... stuff if you're uo use KU for example *wink* But I do appreciate everyone's support, and if you did use KU/buy on amazon, remember to at least rate, aer yet, review the books, makes a huge differeo the algorhythm, trust me!

  So, year... plough towards the climax of Act 2, with more battles, romanumbers-go-up and crafting ahead...

  https://disc/4dm5WrHsHD

  On Astral Tides Wiki

  Hopefully this year will be less full of stress and I get more done... we'll see, I guess, but I hope to see you all with me on the tinuing journey of Akio and crew!

  [colpse]