And with that, we've arrived at the end of the first volume of The Heavenly Empress' Assassin / THEA! It's also high time that I reveal the name of this past volume, as well as that of the next one: The first one is called 'Genesis' and the second one 'Advent'.
I... uh, I know that those do have biblical implications, but it's more of a coincidence that I ended up choosing them. They just were too perfectly fitting not to use!
Thanks a lot for sticking with my story until this point, your kind comments and support really mean a lot. Writing this much–the equivalent of around five to six average-length novels–in such a short time (approximately six months) is far more draining than I ever expected, so knowing that you get some enjoyment out of my work is a powerful motivator.
Nonetheless, I still have to apologize for not always being able to keep up my upload schedule. I was too sick to write anything at all for about three weeks (once for a week, then another time for two weeks) during the past half a year. It's definitely because I overburdened myself–and I feel like I've settled on a far less strenuous pace now, so I should be fine.
I can promise you that there are many more exciting events waiting to unfold in front of your eyes, in the future of THEA! With time, blood, sweat and tears, I'll continue to refine my writing, therefore it'll only improve in quality in the long run. If you've enjoyed my writing style until now, then you're surely in for a treat~
Still, I do have to mention one thing, although it makes me uncomfortable to do so: I am in desperate need of financial support if I want to continue writing this story until its eventual conclusion many years down the road. Just like all of us, unfortunately, I need money to survive. And so far, I do not earn even remotely enough to sustain myself.
As you've no doubt noticed, my upload schedule is not nearly as regular as I'd want it to be. It's mostly because I have to take care of too many matters that will allow me to earn a bit of coin to put food on the table.
That is where my Patreon comes in–if you do have some spare income and would like to support me on this literary journey, I'd be extremely grateful to you! Even if it's just very little, we all know a certain saying: A mosquito's leg is still meat. Or... many a little makes a mickle. Every single contribution meaningfully helps.
To my two Patreon members: Thank you so much for all of your support! Honestly, I've felt guilty for not having enough advance chapters ready for you all–but you're still there. Genuinely and sincerely, thank you!
In the coming weeks and months, I plan to finally have all of the advance chapters ready–and perhaps even special, exclusive ones–but those are still in the initial planning phase, so I won't talk about them too much now~
Oh, were you not aware of that before? Yeah, by supporting me on Patreon, you can read ahead! For now, there is not enough there for you to really sink your teeth into, but a couple of chapters are already available. Be patient, and you'll eventually have a LOT more to look forward to!
... so, all of those preceding paragraphs... were they just about trying to get some money so that I can survive? Was I practically begging on my knees? Yes. To quote a certain character–if you know, you know: "I'm begging you! Begging you like the beggiest beggar in all of begdom!"
Jokes aside, and looking at everything from a more realistic point of view: Yes, I do need help, else I cannot continue writing THEA for long. If you like this story (I mean, you've stuck with it until now...) and you can spare a few bucks, then I'd be very grateful for your aid. But even if monetary support isn't in the cards for you, writing a review, leaving comments, and sharing this story with others will go a long way!
Lastly, I also have published the first volume–well, the prologue volume–of a novel series of mine, before going on to write this web novel. If you'd like to check it out, you can find it on Amazon under the name of 'Reincarnation Cycle's Unfortunate Bug'! It's available in e-book, paperback and hardcover format~
I haven't yet had the financial resources to be able to afford to publish a second volume and continue that story–cover art isn't cheap...
Speaking of novel covers: One for this story is in the works! I can't yet tell when it will be finished, but expect it in the next few months \o/
And with that, my rambling is now over. Thanks for coming to my TED talk.
A number of advance chapters are on the way, and I'll eventually make the Patreon experience far more rewarding. I'll just need some time (and help) ^^'
To all of you: Stay safe out there, and may you have a wonderful day, week, month and even year whenever you read this! It's been my honour to provide you with chapters to enjoy, and I'll hopefully be able to continue doing so.
- Shiro