Over the past month, the novel was placed on hiatus for a simple and deliberate reason: preparation.
Rather than continuing on a chapter-by-chapter basis, I chose to pause public updates and focus on building the next arc properly. During this time, I worked on outlining and writing multiple chapters in advance, refining long-term plot threads, and ensuring narrative consistency moving forward. This approach allows the story to progress with stability instead of interruption.
Thank you to everyone who continued reading, checking in, and supporting the novel during this break. Your patience made it possible to step back without pressure and focus on strengthening the structure of what comes next. That decision was made out of respect for the story and for the readers who have stayed with it.
The upcoming arc marks a shift in direction.
The earlier portions of the novel focused on foundation—introducing the world, its power systems, and the position Ren occupies within it. The next arc moves beyond establishment and begins testing the consequences of Ren's existence on a wider scale.
This arc is titled the Assassination Arc.
Its core idea emerged during the hiatus while working through the aftermath of the Sigil's arrival in the Realm of Wings. That event did not simply affect the realms already known to the world. It also disturbed the existence of realms that had remained hidden—realms whose records were erased, lost, or deliberately removed from history long ago.
After the appearance of the Sigil, these forgotten realms began to surface once more.
Their emergence is not public. Their return is not announced. Instead, they observe from the shadows, aware that the balance they relied upon has shifted. The reappearance of the Sigil acts as confirmation that forces once thought sealed or irrelevant are active again.
In response, these hidden realms form a secret alliance.
Rather than confronting the world openly, they choose a quieter solution—one that avoids open war and leaves no trace of their involvement. Their conclusion is simple: if the anomaly is removed early, the future can be controlled.
That anomaly is Ren.
The Assassination Arc is built around this premise. It does not revolve around large-scale battles or public declarations, but around secrecy, calculation, and silent conflict. Information becomes a weapon. Movement is restricted. Intentions are concealed. Every action taken by both sides carries weight, even when it goes unnoticed by the wider world.
This arc required more preparation than previous ones because of its structure. Multiple perspectives, hidden motivations, and delayed revelations needed to be planned carefully to avoid contradictions or rushed developments. That is why several chapters were written and outlined during the hiatus rather than released individually.
The pacing of the story will change slightly as a result. Events will connect more tightly, and consequences will carry forward across chapters instead of resolving immediately. This arc is designed to unfold gradually, revealing its full scope over time rather than all at once.
With this preparation complete, I'm ready to resume updates.
The Rise Of The Shadow Sovereign: The Reign Begins will return with a new chapter scheduled for release on February 1st, 2026.
If final polishing requires additional time to maintain consistency, the release may move to February 6th, 2026.
This window exists solely to ensure quality and alignment with the arc's structure.
Thank you again for staying with the novel during this pause. Your patience allowed this arc to be built with intention rather than compromise. I look forward to continuing the story with a more stable and continuous release moving forward.
— The Fool