Chapter 1,198.
Added 2024-02-09 20:02:29 +0000 UTCA/N: Another chapter tomorrow.
A note about the no-chapter updates since I've received an increased number of complaints over them lately:
I understand it's not fun seeing the sick/no chapter updates. If it's any consolation, there's like two release days I've taken a chapter from my stock for every time I'm forced to make such a post. That's just how it is when you've got recurring migraines.
I'm not writing this to gain pity points or announce a schedule change. I'm comfortably keeping up with the schedule I've set, even if individual chapters occasionally gets finalized a day or two later than planned.
I want everyone to have the right expectations as a supporter. Subscribing to Patreon isn't like getting a Netflix subscription. Not mine at least. There's no team behind me that can jump in when i get sick or something comes up IRL. You're supporting an artist, a one-man show. And while I really do appreciate all of your support, I won't risk my health to ensure on-time delivery on every single chapter.
There will be delays in the future too. I always try to make it up when it happens, and I generally do. If not, know that I tried my best.
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The acrid smell of salt, ash, and desperation was overwhelming. Zac furiously tugged, and the desperate struggle ended with a crunching snap. The raider's grip on Zac's forearm weakened as his final vestiges of life escaped his lips. Zac lay panting on the ground, too tired and weak to even push the corpse off his chest. A tremendous rumble forced his eye open, and he could vaguely see a river of stars sweep the flames away.
"Salvation through slaughter," Zac wheezed as the world faded.
He was back in the waiting room, lying right before the stele. Seals and soot were removed, but the wounds covering his body remained. The weakness was swept away by the rivers of truth and energy. And yet, Zac didn't move for over a minute, his hands shaking as he blankly stared at the ceiling.
Zac had lost count of how many times he'd come as close to death. And yet, the brutal, almost intimate, grapple had shaken him. It was the utter lack of fallbacks, of feeling truly exposed. At that moment, they'd been like beasts wrestling in the mud, caught in a deadly dance where Attributes, Dao, and hidden aces meant nothing. Even his refined technique meant little without the energy and Dao to enable its movements. It had been a brutal brawl where ferocity and experience reigned, and Zac only barely managed to get the upper hand.
Was this the weakness the Eternal Servant referred to? Even frontier cultivators were coddled in a way you wouldn't see back in the day. The path toward the Terminus had become gamified, and there were often safeguards in place to fall back on. Like how the System teleported his whole army across the sector when a Monarch was bearing down on them.
He had carved his path in a way that the scions of the Heartlands wouldn't understand, but even he had benefitted greatly from the System's arrangements. It had even personally intervened to save his life on multiple occasions. There was always that comforting notion in the back of his mind that the System valued his existence and would step in to protect its investment. The ancient cultivators never had that safety net. Each step was a struggle against the Heavens, the Earth, and yourself, and death was a constant companion on their journey.
Zac eventually exhaled and sat up, feeling surprisingly balanced after the surge of fear and adrenaline had settled. The experience had helped unearth an aspect of himself he thought had died years ago. He didn't know exactly what to do with it, but he felt there was something in it that spoke to his Daos of Life and Death and possibly his techniques.
The stele's energy was gradually fading, indicating he needed to leave for the next trial before the one-day deadline was up. Zac tried to glean something from its aura in case it was like the Gates of Rebirth. Zac didn't sense anything he could use, so he turned to inspect the surroundings.
The waiting room wasn't exactly the same as before. There were only four doors upon his return, none of them looking the same as before. Instead, they led to the four remaining trials. The trial stele had also been updated, adding a new time without a name.
Seventeenth place with a time of 3 hours and 34 minutes. It was a respectable yet disappointing number and not what Zac had expected when comparing himself with pre-System cultivators. He couldn't blame the trial difficulty for taking almost twice as long as the top name. The challenge had obviously been adjusted for his level rather than a Peak Hegemon. The final clash was precisely calibrated to his level.
Zac could have shaved off another ten or twenty minutes if he'd known about the seals and their order beforehand, using more of his firepower before it was taken away. Still, it would only have improved his placement with a few spots at best, definitely not enough to enter the top ten. You really couldn't look down on the ancient cultivators.
The experience was both humbling and uplifting. The seventeenth spot was most likely as good as it would get, but Zac was confident in passing at least two more trials after the Pilgrimage of Combat. The only thing that left Zac wary was the lack of an exit.
Zac glanced at the right-most door, whose arch was filled with Faith Energy. Would he really have to step into that trial no matter what, even if passing three was enough to satisfy the Eternal Servant? Was that the real reason the Eternal Servant doubted his chances of survival?
The burns and cuts covering his body were gradually mended over the next hour. Meanwhile, he went over his experience and the lessons he'd learned. Finally ready, Zac turned his attention to the four doors, his gaze eventually stopping at the Pilgrimage of Body. Out of Soul, Heart, and Body, Zac was most confident in his triple-empowered constitution.
The stacked benefits of two constitutions, terrifyingly high Endurance and Vitality, and a full deck of Hidden Nodes made him almost as durable as a Beast King. Zac got to his feet and placed his hand on the stele, adding his name to the ladder before stepping through the gate.
A flicker transported him to a new environment. He was still in a waiting room, though this one looked slightly different. It was a murky, rectangular hall surrounded by rough stone walls, the ceiling only three meters. There were no gates, only crude openings leading into winding hallways. He'd been transported to the middle of a maze, by the looks of it. There was no aura of death, but the gloomy atmosphere made it seem as though he'd been thrown into a guarded crypt.
The teleportation had left him severely weakened, even with his connection to his Draugr half remaining intact. A quick calculation indicated that all attributes from skills, classes, levels, and Daos had been sealed. All his items were gone, replaced by a simple set of pants and tunic. Unsurprisingly, his connection with Haro had been blocked, stopping the free influx of Vigor.
Even then, the situation was better than Zac had expected. This was a test of the body, so all attributes from his constitutions remained. Better yet, the trial considered the attributes from his titles as a part of his body's strength. That had to give him a leg up on the competition.
The trial stele was placed in the middle of a small basin, making it look like a fountain. The basin was filled with a shimmering liquid, which felt like a candle holding back the labyrinth's gloom. The liquid emitted a fragrant aroma that left Zac's cells shuddering with desire. Just taking a deep breath of the steam rising from the waters filled him with energy. It was clearly a tonic that could rapidly recover his Vigor, but it was slowly dissipating.
The stele was equally inscrutable as the previous one, its aura only giving a vague hint of the trial's rules. He had to pass before the pond ran out of elixir, relying only on his body. In other words, the trial had already started. Between the limited rest time and being thrown right into the action, the fallback scheme to hide in the waiting room until Ultom was rendered moot.
The arrangement could be part of an overall score where rest time was added to the tally. Or perhaps the Eternal Servant had managed to overhear his earlier discussion and threw a wrench in the plans. It didn't matter much to Zac. The first trial had only left him with surface wounds, and the many restrictions meant his reserves were almost full.
The ladder results didn't give Zac any idea of how difficult the trial was. The entries were graded with points, and Zac had no way of knowing how the points were tallied. The only other clue was six grooves on the stele, the number matching the six pathways. Zac conveyed the situation, agreeing with Ogras's assessment that the trial required him to retrieve a key from each passage.
Zac immediately set out, picking a path at random. Desolate wails filled with hunger emerged from all six corridors the moment he entered the maze, and the gloom seemed to grow deeper. That much couldn't shake Zac's heart, but he did keep a careful pace as he assessed the dangers. Zac peered into the dark tunnels, finding no traps or beasts.
He soon rounded a corner, and the weak light from the starting point was replaced by darkness. The lack of a light source didn't do much to limit Zac's vision as a Hegemon. However, the darkness almost felt like a blanket on his shoulders.
No, not almost.
Zac inspected the gloom, finding no Dao to explain the very real pressure he felt. He did, however, notice specks of dust blending into the darkness. Zac waved his hand, creating a gust in the hallway. It had no effect on the microscopic motes, but that didn't mean they remained unmoving. They were drawn to Zac like moths to the flame.
Suddenly, both [Purity of the Void] and [Immutability of Eoz] came alive, releasing cleansing waves through his body. It was only then Zac realized that hundreds of motes had already snuck into his body without his notice. The two Hidden Nodes working in tandem meant the specks were both considered hostile energy and a curse. And they were resilient.
The Hidden Node's tireless work only managed to cleanse a third of the specks that infiltrated his body before they seeped into his cells. They fused with the golden swirls like parasites and began generating weak ripples. It was no wonder he felt like something was weighing on him.
It wasn't quite a gravitational restriction, but the effect was close. Each added mote felt like a small droplet of lead added to cells. It would be a while before it became a problem, but Zac had only explored a small corner. He might be unable to even move by the time he reached the edge.
It wasn't hard to find the solution. He only needed to rouse his constitution, and the golden hurricanes began grinding down the specks, displaying an efficacy almost matching his Hidden Nodes. It wasn't the vibrant life of his Void Vajra Constitution that cleansed the specks, though. It was Vigor that erased them through mutual destruction.
There were an endless number of racial perks, bloodlines, constitutions, specialty cores, and other things that could strengthen one's body. These advantages could have all kinds of effects, but almost all forms of body tempering and innate advantages would result in higher amounts of Vigor. This was true for Zac long before he awakened his bloodlines and constitutions, where his Draugr side greatly outshone his human half.
In other words, measuring Vigor was a decently equitable way to test one's body. Even those whose body tempering came with attribute advantages instead had an advantage. Zac believed he could carry more than twice as much dust as most trial takers, thanks to his titles, and keep a higher pace.
The hungry wails steadily drew closer. Zac used the sound as a beacon, believing it was the crux to quickly passing the trial. Following the sound led him down paths with the greatest amount of restraining dust, and the density only kept increasing. That didn't mean the side paths were dead ends. Esmeralda posited that all roads lead to the key, with the guarded path being significantly shorter.
This gave the trialtaker options—take the short, difficult route for a better result or take the route with fewer restrictions at the cost of sacrificing time. Some dexterity-based cultivators might even see better results choosing such a strategy. It was an easy choice for Zac, though he began doubting himself after coming face to face with the howling guardian.
The ghost looked just like the unthinking, often malevolent wraiths that could appear in sealed environments. The ghastly figures formed from the Autarch's resentment in the Centurion Lighthouse was one variant. This creature was instead made from the same curse that suffused the labyrinth. Just being in the same corridor flooded his body with sealing dust, to the point Zac had to spend twice as much Vigor as before.
The wraith noticed Zac's presence at the same time, and it released a gleeful howl. Zac almost found the situation funny, wondering if he should be looking for cherries as the wraith hurtled toward him. But it was difficult to laugh, seeing just how much black gunk the creature had accumulated.
The closer they came, the faster the ghost got, and Zac unleashed a powerful punch after confirming he couldn't circumvent or outrun it. It accomplished nothing, but it felt better than just passively letting it pounce.
A flood of darkness entered his body, greedily sapping his strength. The golden swirls turned into a murky brown and were almost forced to a halt from the accumulation. Zac groaned, and his knees almost buckled from the immense weight suddenly tacked onto his body. Zac unleashed his constitution to its fullest, triggering a war between light and darkness throughout his body.
Zac's vast reserves of Vigor were gradually gaining an edge, though it was a pyrrhic victory. Zac took a few stilting steps, feeling as though his muscles and tendons were full of rust. The good news was that the darkness found it harder and harder to squeeze into his cells as his restrictions increased, making it easier for his Hidden Nodes to deal with them.
Eventually, Zac was able to run again, at which point he suppressed his cells and [Immutability of Eoz]. Only [Purity of the Void] kept toiling away. He only had so much Vigor to spend, and the Eoz Hidden Node used it as fuel, too. Meanwhile, [Purity of the Void]only ran on Void Energy, which he had ample reserves of.
The Void Node barely managed to maintain the status quo with the occasional burst of Vigor. Zac still felt like he was carrying a boulder on his shoulders as he reached the maze's depths. It was a small square, looking like an inverted version of his starting point. But instead of a stele and elixir, there was a floating crystal above a basin of roiling darkness.
The crystal was obviously the source of the darkness, and dust so condensed it had become liquid dripped into the pool below. Zac glanced at the waters, feeling something stirring. Another wraith would be born with another twenty minutes or so of the crystal's nourishment.
Zac's bones creaked as he went into a sprint and lunged over the basin, snatching the crystal before landing with a crash. A steady stream of darkness burrowed into his hand, and nothing he did helped stop it. The crystal exhibited a fierce resistance to being taken away. It felt like there was a magnetic pull between it and the pond.
Between the curse and resistance, the journey back became a lesson in suffering and resilience. Zac doggedly put one foot in front of the other until he reached the starting point. He was utterly exhausted, and the sweet aroma from the fountain was delectable enough to almost drive him mad. He hurried over and slotted the crystal in its matching groove.
Zac greedily took a deep swig of the shimmering waters, finding its taste even better than his almost delirious fantasies over the past twenty minutes. A cleansing wave spread through his body, expunging the taint far more effectively than he could on his own. Just as he'd expected, saving his energy by carrying as much restriction as possible on your way back was the way to go.
Meanwhile, a single mouthful had recovered a third of his spent Vigor. Zac took another gulp, estimating the efficacy had decreased by almost ten percent. Repeated use came with diminishing returns. Not to mention, completely recovering one's Vigor this way was impossible, just like eating Soldier pills couldn't replace natural recovery.
In a way, the fountain was part of the test. A high-quality body was like having high affinities. Some could extract more benefits from pills and treasures; others could consume larger quantities before they built up a resistance. Zac had both. A sixth of the trial was over, and less than five percent of the water was lost.
Each round would get harder, and he would probably have to spend some time dealing with the ghosts before the third or fourth round. The wails from the remaining five corridors were noticeably closer, and he had a strong feeling that letting them reach the fountain was a very bad idea. Still, passing was more or less a given.
The question was how he'd measure up to the names on the leaderboard.
Hours later, Zac wobbled out of the hallway, veritably dragging himself into the fountain to slot the final key. He fell into the waters, his body screaming with complaint. He forcibly held onto his fading consciousness, eager to see what score his performance would translate to. The stele's aura rapidly rose after the last crystal was inserted, and Zac felt the water being absorbed by the plaque.
A powerful pulse of cleansing faith burst from the stele, sweeping away all taint in Zac's body before continuing into the labyrinth. The ravenous shrieks that had accompanied him for the whole trial were cut short, but Zac barely spared it a thought as he looked at the stele with disbelief. He'd been mentally prepared his placement would be worse. But to this point, while having access to his titles and [Purity of the Void]?
To think his run only amounted to a 58th placement. How did the top-ranker have a score almost 40% higher than his? More than half the elixir remained when Zac wrapped things up, so the leader must've had around 75%.
Had he missed some aspect of the trial, or had the maniacs at the top bulldozed right through the walls to pick up the pieces at record pace? Or were they simply so strong that the erosion couldn't exhaust their reserves or slow them down? Zac turned to the labyrinth entrances, which had been blocked or replaced with gates to the remaining trials.
Zac was tired, but his competitive spirit burned. Not to mention, he was growing increasingly curious about the facilities outside which had helped raise these monsters.
Comments
I was thinking the same thing. I've supported a few other writers. Not one has been half as consistent
Chris Robey
2024-03-06 00:02:50 +0000 UTCI don’t usually comment but I know how horrible and toxic some of this shit can get so I wanna join the group of people saying it: Your health definitely comes first and if that means I gotta wait, I gotta wait. I mean hell, I’m used to authors I return to once a year. I’m just grateful I can keep up at this pace, and I know how much extra work that is for you. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Kylar
2024-02-28 05:41:06 +0000 UTCU are one of the most consistent & informative I have supported on this platform if people wanna complain they should try supporting others just as good but not as consistent or informative on why an update isn't forthcoming even tho their schedule isn't half as intense as yours
ItWasIDIO!!
2024-02-24 13:27:48 +0000 UTCLol read the AN at the start and all I could think is wtf. Big whoop if you can't get a chapter out on a given day. Patreon is so much better than waiting months or a year + to find out what happens next. How fuckin entitled do you have to be to complain about an author getting sick or having a life? Keep up the good work and stay healthy defier we don't need you pulling a robert Jordan and dying before the story is completed.
Alric
2024-02-23 23:36:57 +0000 UTCPut yourself first, your health is the most important thing. I've been a sub for years and enjoy the amazing story. Don't let some negative and entitled people get you down. From what I see most of your fans understand and have life happen sometimes too. Keep up the great writing your true fans will always be here!
2024-02-19 16:53:49 +0000 UTCAll good. Who complain are free to just wait and read the books wheb they release lol. Health and personal well being comes first.
2024-02-19 06:07:50 +0000 UTCGuess I really did visualize it incorrectly then. Thanks for clarifying. Didnt think of the void angle on how this may actually work either.
Hms
2024-02-12 18:16:55 +0000 UTCAll good man, just do your thing.
2024-02-11 18:16:04 +0000 UTCI get that people are pissed, but have some humanity. I've been a supporter since the 1st 10 chapters and patreon when he came out with it. I've stopped when I felt we were going in circles but why does one need to whine and complain just cut out and come back when you feel like it all quiet like. Don't push your bad vibes on the authors. Inspiration is not easy. Put some respect on their name
TerrestrialOverlord
2024-02-11 16:24:35 +0000 UTCLove you TFD. Haven’t let me down for years.
Loading Error
2024-02-11 10:23:14 +0000 UTCAnyone complaining about a chapter being late can just fuck right off. Does it suck? For sure. But TFD pumps out content at an insane pace compared to other authors. I'm also subscribed to Stormweaver and Dungeon Crawler Carl and they go WEEKS between 1-2 chapters. Y'all need to calm TFD (pun intended).
xlinkedx
2024-02-11 05:32:01 +0000 UTCAnd what happens when he goes back to 1 body? Or when Thea reappears? Harem? I really hope not.
Omy Sadat
2024-02-11 00:47:57 +0000 UTCYeah, I hadn't either. But between the dramatic intro and the communities toxicity towards a valid question, even going as far as to encourage others to unsub? Well I decided to take their advice. I personally don't encourage others to unsub from authors I choose to support as that only hurts the author, but hey, why not lol. I'll just stick to reading them for free via Kindle Unlimited in the future.
Altimar
2024-02-10 18:35:10 +0000 UTCIt is interesting that people will try and use reading comprehension as an insult, while completely ignoring the specificity of the critique lol. I will put it in parentheses to help people understand what the concern is. (Author took a large block of time off to build up a stock of chapters for the stated reason of building up a stockpile in order to have a smoother release schedule for when he is under the weather, but the so far the issue has persisted and people are wondering why that is.)
Altimar
2024-02-10 18:31:53 +0000 UTCI tried to respond to this yesterday, but the post failed. So I’ll try again. I think Zac is missing some fairly obvious potential factors. For example, all of those people ahead of him could have attempted these tests dozens of times—at the very least, as they tiered up. Then there’s the possibility that the training center—like any military training base—has barracks where all of the trainees trade tips and tricks. And then there’s the fact that certain individuals will likely have substantial advantages in certain scenarios. For example, every single person ahead of Zac in the initial test versus all of the fire cultivators might have been water cultivators. Or some type of earth cultivators might have had a huge advantage in the most recent test, passing through walls…or someone who could turn their body to flame, and burn off the motes. Oh…and who knows how many millennia it took to compile those lists? At the same time, he’s probably also right about one thing. The training facilities here are likely pretty awesome.
Jeff McCulley
2024-02-10 18:30:24 +0000 UTCOnly idiots would complain about you not putting out chapters when you are sick or suffering a migraine (which, imho, is just the same as being sick). The majority of us would rather you take the time you need to recover, than to force yourself to push out subpar material that ends up harming the story or needs serious modifications later. Rest. Recuperate. Ignore any losers that whine about it. Return to working when you feel up to it.
Pandamonius
2024-02-10 15:59:43 +0000 UTCPrioritize your physical and mental well-being! We'll be here to support you.
DuskinReview
2024-02-10 15:57:49 +0000 UTCNo
jason m
2024-02-10 15:31:43 +0000 UTCRight? I have never thought about unsubscribing from his Patreon until that intro of his. I will not risk my health???? Then all this hater talk. These people are nuts
jason m
2024-02-10 15:29:48 +0000 UTCI don’t know who is bitching about you being sick, but the overwhelming majority here understand. Don’t worry about it. We appreciate you and your tireless work schedule. Thank you for having this Patreon.
John Balenovich
2024-02-10 14:26:54 +0000 UTCi would always choose quality over quantity. Your work is top tier, and please take all the time you need. You keep me entertained with this amazing story, and anything that would make writing less pleasurable is bad. Take the time you need to recover, keep the series up and amazing until the end, and thank you for being amazing.
Jean
2024-02-10 12:27:17 +0000 UTCBro, wtf?? The compulsions don't involve literally brainwashing and being controlled like a puppet. Certainly, if she knew any serious secrets about zac, she'd be forced to tell them, but that's about it. As long as it doesn't betray the undead empire, the compulsions are barely existent. Besides, he has two bodies now so what's wrong with having catheya for his undead persona while Iz gets his human persona? And we know there's no way TFD would go that route given how popular a character catheya is; especially when she's compared to zacs former romance partner, Thea. I think what will happen, if that in the deal zac hashes out with the primo after he makes off with the treasure in the hollow court will involve removing her compulsions and it sounds like those at peak autarchy and supremacies have their compulsions removed anyways; and given a civil war in the undead empire is about to break out, the primo most certainly won't care about one little D grade with no compulsions if it means he gets a hold of that treasure.
Lex Luther S
2024-02-10 11:37:52 +0000 UTCI can't wait for the honey pot Catheya to betray him and get axed. Iz is the best. Catheya came pre brain washed, so she's all of one command away from going Mata Hari on him... if she hasn't already been from the start.
R. Maxwell Steele
2024-02-10 10:52:33 +0000 UTCYeah 2 factors. The Limitless Empire spanned most of existence. Their recruiting power is off the chart. Most factions might have a few trillion to recruit from. The Limitless Empire likely had a trillion trillion. Their top 1% would shame the top 1% of any other faction just by recruiting power alone. Then you consider a few mellennia of Limitless Empire training and Templar faith boosting. Zac has a few layers of path attuned constitution with 80 years of training. If it wasn't path attuned, and doubled by his draugr half and special bodes, he probably wouldn't compete at all. How much faith boosted constitution training could an Empire elite amass in 2k years? 5k years? They probably wouldn't be as unique and path attuned as Zac but they would have 100x the layers. So his path attuned constitution is strong x3 but a constitution improvement that is only 1% increase repeated enough times over the mellennia would surpass him.
R. Maxwell Steele
2024-02-10 10:48:53 +0000 UTCI think it's a numbers game. Limitless Empire spanned most of existence. Those who got selected were probably 1 in a trillion. Then trained up by the Limitless Empire and boosted by the templar faith. All that training and boosting over a few mellennia would give them time to do way more constitution training that Zac has had the time to do, even if he's doubled his advantages. How many multiples of advantages would they have after 2k years? 5k years?
R. Maxwell Steele
2024-02-10 10:38:35 +0000 UTCI think it's a combo of mellennia to train and a survivor bias. They had an empire than spanned most of existence. So if 1 out of every trillion was stronger than Zac, they had more than enough trillions to recruit from to find those standouts for their elite factions. So ancient cultivators weren't hot shit, but the ones who got selected to come take this trial were insanely out of the ordinary. If you sift through enough sand eventually you'll find a grain of gold. But yeah I do agree that the templar's additionally had trained them up on top of their natural advantages.
R. Maxwell Steele
2024-02-10 10:34:07 +0000 UTCThe connection gives a boost to both sides and aligns their minds. He struggled at first to make independent movements but ended up finding out that the hard part was being close. First it showed him the same things from different angles which was hard to spot out but also he's using void powers to create void of karma and void of space (and probably some more void daos for it all to work). When they are separated each body's brain actually has an easier time controlling the separate body. The separation seems to help him get less wires crossed and makes multitasking easier. It's like if you grew a tail. The extra limb would be rough at first but eventually you'd adapt to it. His evolved mental capacities and two brains can do all that with a whole body. Eventually he can even fight side by side even though that is more draining.
R. Maxwell Steele
2024-02-10 10:27:29 +0000 UTCThere will always be people whining and complaining...👶 even if you never miss a chapter. The haters gonna hate.😎 Keep up the good work.👍 TFTC
2024-02-10 10:04:31 +0000 UTCTake care of yourself. We will get there eventually as long as you stay healthy and enjoy writing 😀
Kharas
2024-02-10 08:59:13 +0000 UTCI have a feeling the people who complain don’t truly understand how debilitating migraines can be. Always prioritise your own health!
2024-02-10 06:23:11 +0000 UTCScrew the complainers. Thanks for the chapter.
Joshua Little
2024-02-10 05:38:14 +0000 UTCWell, that’s not surprising. Resilience should be templar’s main trait after all.
Thenais
2024-02-10 05:30:26 +0000 UTCIs there a Reddit page for specifically defiance of the fall books?
blarper
2024-02-10 05:22:04 +0000 UTCGet well soon man 👍
Jeremy Stohl
2024-02-10 04:28:57 +0000 UTCBro, there are some straight up toxic people in the world. Ignore them.
Douglas Davis
2024-02-10 04:22:00 +0000 UTCI tend to have off the wall ideas, and one hit me the other day that got me laughing. What if the real reason that there is such an OP Servant here is if that second portal Zack didn’t step through leads directly to the Left Imperial Palace—and Instructor’s real role is as the gatekeeper? Lol! That would be SO Zach-like. Kator: “Hey, why did all of the seals just evaporate?” Zac, blushing: “Er, sorry about the contest, y’all, but I already claimed it all.” Well, he probably has a full set of sealbearers there at the ruins with him, right? Oh…and what if, after struggling mightily with the first four trials, Zac gets to the Pilgrimage of Faith, and, contrary to all of our expectations, THAT one is a snap for him? Lol…
Jeff McCulley
2024-02-10 04:04:28 +0000 UTCI suspect that one thing he’s not factoring in—just like the Tribulation Throne—is that A. All of the names on the list have tried this multiple times (if perhaps at different stages of their careers), and B. It’s basically an army camp, and everyone in the barracks shares tips and tricks.
Jeff McCulley
2024-02-10 03:50:35 +0000 UTCBut what are you critiquing an inconsistent schedule due to factors outside of everyone’s control. Thats called complaining because that wont fix anything.
Jett
2024-02-10 03:44:55 +0000 UTCI find myself noting that you don’t seem to be aware of the difference between “excuses” and “reasons”. Not being able to grasp such less than subtle distinctions seems like it explains a great deal . For example, subscribers pay for X number of chapters ahead of Royal Road releases, not X number of total chapters per month. Just because an author is kind enough to post a schedule as a guideline does not mean that he is contractually obligated to keep to it. If he misses a day here on Patreon because of illness, that just means there is no parallel Royal Road post. Thus, still X number of chapters ahead. Does that help?
Jeff McCulley
2024-02-10 03:44:39 +0000 UTCYou are absolutely right about not risking your health in order to maintain such a strict schedule. It might be worth considering taking a few months to a year off, as many authors do, and writing/editing at a more relaxed pace until your stockpile can support such an ambitious schedule. Most of your patreon fans would understand, and more than a few would remain subbed as they have stated. Patreon is definitely the best revenue stream for authors, but again, it isn't worth your health nor the stress.
Altimar
2024-02-10 03:42:08 +0000 UTCI think maybe you have it backwards. He has two brains, but one shared consciousness—and each can function independently, updating when contact is resumed.
Jeff McCulley
2024-02-10 03:29:22 +0000 UTCI'm also in a bad mood today, and will join you in not apologizing. Quite frankly it is frustrating to read "hAtErS gOnNa HaTe" everytime a valid concern is raised. I, and others with valid critiques, spend the same money as everyone else here and are rarely rude to the other members. "The excuses for complaining..." Mate, we aren't the ones making excuses, the author is. As part of the community, we are just voicing our frustrations. If giving feedback at the inconsistent schedule is unwelcome by the author, then by all means, just say so. The community can then make up their minds individually as to whether or not we will remain. And if that is the case and TFD just wants an echo chamber, then so be it. Enjoy being an echo.
Altimar
2024-02-10 02:56:57 +0000 UTCAgreed with most of the posts. I love your work and your production is top tier. Take care of yourself brother. I don’t mind because you put always make it up and over-deliver on the content. Migraines suck, thank you for what you do and tune out the negative drains on society as much as you can. Don’t let the dregs at the bottom bring you down.
James Turner
2024-02-10 02:50:31 +0000 UTCTell them to sit on a cactus
jack axe
2024-02-10 01:01:45 +0000 UTCBothers me that people complain when he misses a day and makes it up during the same week. There's no net loss. Not only creating the best LitRPG series ever, but he's also outproducong nearly every other author. Literally nothing to complain about. If you can't handle it, go read on RR for free. Author deserves the same considerations you would want for yourself.
R. Maxwell Steele
2024-02-10 01:00:50 +0000 UTCTough bosses here huh? I think an overworked artist produces subpar art. Take your reasonable time and stay healthy. Otherwise we wont be getting sh1t...
Omy Sadat
2024-02-10 00:34:36 +0000 UTCAlways prioritize you and your health man! The people who complain don't understand the point of being a Patreon. I don't even like the idea of make up chapters. If you're sick you're sick and should just be missed!
Conor O'Kelly
2024-02-10 00:33:22 +0000 UTCStay healthy TFD, the withdrawal isn’t fun, but we can survive with a little discipline. Haters will hate, but those who respect your work and dedication will always stick around… get well soon.
Kirin
2024-02-10 00:28:22 +0000 UTCVyepti is incredible
Russell Widger
2024-02-10 00:25:07 +0000 UTCPlease take your time coming back.thinking of all this art you make is tough.do your thing first defier.all hail
Peter
2024-02-10 00:09:34 +0000 UTCHaters gonna hate and trolls will complain. Ignore them. Your fans will remain. I personally don't care about your release schedule. Take care of yourself. Don't overstress your creativity. Your the longest standing epic fantasy author I know. Just don't give up on the first Defier please.
2024-02-10 00:08:57 +0000 UTCAgreed, I'd be a little unhappy if we got zero notice but I've been subbed for years and can't think of a single occurrence of us not getting a notification. Of course my view is that that's something generous on TFDs part, not any kind of right on ours
Lucas Gulick
2024-02-09 23:47:06 +0000 UTCPrioritise health every time mate. The rest is just weakness leaving the hive.
Alan Dale
2024-02-09 23:27:52 +0000 UTCZogarth's The Primal Hunter is a 5 day release as well. Great story too.
Kirivina
2024-02-09 23:15:57 +0000 UTCTake care of yourself mate, breaking yourself is not worth it indeed. taking sick days might not be in an official contract with patreon and all.but everyone should have that right.
Jake
2024-02-09 23:15:23 +0000 UTCHealth first mate. People don't like it, they can go elsewhere
Chris Corke
2024-02-09 23:07:40 +0000 UTCTyftc
Jett
2024-02-09 22:51:50 +0000 UTCIm not sorry i wrote this but I’m in a bad mood today
Jett
2024-02-09 22:51:39 +0000 UTCI don’t get why people complain it’s like what do you want him to do suffer through a migraine or sickness for a chapter that he’s probably going to make up later. The excuses for complaining don’t make sense anyway “oh I’m just so disappointed that i didn’t get my daily chapter i have to wait one whole day to get another. Im not saying he should try to work while feeling awful I’m just saying I’m extremely disappointed that he didn’t.”
Jett
2024-02-09 22:50:36 +0000 UTCReread the end of PV goes in to good detail there, but essentially his 1000 lights avatar is what gave his creation energy clone "consciousness" and he controls both bodies cause he is both kinda like 2 brain hemispheres; at least that's how I understand it
Rushin Lad
2024-02-09 22:46:41 +0000 UTCTake the time you need to take care of yourself! Love your work. As an aside, I’m sure you’re up to date but a couple new meds came out for migraines over the last few years and they’re really helpful for some people. Worth chatting with a physician about if you haven’t
Ben
2024-02-09 22:41:42 +0000 UTCReading the comments makes me feel like I'm back in the majority. Nothing to feel bad about, as someone said above, even if you're ill you do still need a break at weekends so be sure to take it. Keep up the great story when you're healthy and happy to do so, when you aren't 99% are more than understanding enough to wait 2 days (just imagine being so impatient you can't wait 2 days for something)
Cain Byrne
2024-02-09 22:32:41 +0000 UTCDon’t worry about the haters! Thanks for the content and take care of yourself
Tartlet
2024-02-09 22:25:24 +0000 UTCI don't think it's about that. I reckon it has to do with time. All those Templers on the leaderboards would have had millennia of time to sure up their foundations and eke out every drop of potential from their bodies. Zac is very impressive for his age at that level, but ultimately looses out to time. None of those hegemon templars would be under 1000 years old (or 10000 i suspect). There was no kill energy back then, so all progess had to be achieved through cultivation (essentially going the slow route). That would give them time to shore up their foundations in all other aspects.
Pascal Kwizera
2024-02-09 22:16:43 +0000 UTCChronic migraines suck. I had a girlfriend who would get them so bad they could cause a form of blindness where she would see all white. I think your production schedule is crazy anyway, so if you need to take a sick day here or there, you’re entitled to it.
James
2024-02-09 22:14:44 +0000 UTCI don’t think there are many writers out there that are able to consistently put out high quality work at the pace TFD does. Not to mention actually take the time to keep everyone updated. I think he feels worse about not being able to give us a chappy than we do about having to wait an extra day and he always makes up for it. So everyone that is complaining, take the pacifier out of your mouth and grow TF up!
Shafan Knight
2024-02-09 22:13:07 +0000 UTCDon't burn out good fiction takes time forget the haters, you're doing way better than Rothfuss or Martin so relax and keep that dao of creativity a flowing
Joe Holman
2024-02-09 22:12:04 +0000 UTCCurious what exactly happens when his two halves are cut off like they had been earlier. I thought he controlled both consciousnesses simultaneously with basically one brain controlling both at the same time. How is it possible that both halves can basically function at the same time independently when they are cut off? This whole two halves things was not something I was on board with when it happened since I couldnt wrap my had around him controlling two different set of lives at the same time and I'm guessing I'm either visualizing the whole thing incorrectly or missed some detail to explain how he functions when the connection is blocked.
Hms
2024-02-09 22:10:03 +0000 UTCJust wanted you to know that I appreciate this story so much that I’d like you to live past the end of it. Take the time you need to get better, keep up your communication (which has been awesome so far), and let the complainers ponder some dao of the cliff!!! ❤️
Rid
2024-02-09 22:08:08 +0000 UTCThe only other Authors I knew who sustained a 5 chapter/week pace were Selkie of Beneath the Dragoneye Moons and Shirtaloon of He Who Fights with Monsters, and both of them have since cut back to 3 chapters a week. I applaud your sustained writing pace TFD, but like everyone else has said, health comes first!
Blayne Allsen
2024-02-09 21:59:59 +0000 UTCI want Dross first!
Jordan Svec
2024-02-09 21:58:52 +0000 UTCDon't end up like the people who write Manga man it's not worth it take care of yourself first. But thanks for the capter today having a shit day and really needed it. Hope your feeling better.
greg belokopitsky
2024-02-09 21:57:40 +0000 UTCI appreciate all of the energy and time you’ve put into the story. Ignore the complainers.
Sanders Benkwith
2024-02-09 21:54:06 +0000 UTCAs a fellow chronic migraine sufferer - yeah they just suck so much. It is infuriating to have your body mess up your own plans all the time.
Michael Flattery
2024-02-09 21:48:35 +0000 UTCAncient cultivators probably had better methods for resisting impurities, because they didn’t have the System grading everything for them. Or there’s a special Templar technique based on the Limitless Emperor’s teachings which most of them knew. Also: “Desolate wails filled with hunger emerged from all six corridors the moment he entered the maze, and the gloom seemed to grow deeper.” Lindon?
Telewyn
2024-02-09 21:42:32 +0000 UTCYour health over uninterrupted posts! Hope you're feeling better, migraines suck
Ryan Davey
2024-02-09 21:27:10 +0000 UTCPeople are ungrateful shits, and need to remember this isn’t the Reddit comment section.
Telewyn
2024-02-09 21:26:39 +0000 UTCNo complaints here, like you said your health is a priority over our entertainment!
Cullen Bunner
2024-02-09 21:24:23 +0000 UTCYou always keep to your scheduled monthly chapter quota. You're one of the most consistent, high quality authors in the subscription writing space that I've seen. I have no idea why anyone is complaining at all. If anything feel free to take even more time if you need it, you don't always have to put up a weekend chapter just because you take a sick day.
Sam Williams
2024-02-09 21:24:21 +0000 UTCHealth comes first. No complaints from me Thanks for the chappy, hope the migraines calm down soon
Tommy
2024-02-09 21:14:07 +0000 UTCNo stress m8 try not to listen to the complainers. Reasonable people understand when things happen and it throws off plans or schedules. Just do your best 💪
Michael
2024-02-09 21:13:04 +0000 UTCHealth first always! Migraines are horrible and in my case I was lucky to get great acupuncture and even chiropractic care and that really helped. There’s a sense of entitlement for increasing number of people. Please tune them out. Thanks for all your creativity and constant hard work. It’s incredible what you are able to do. Thank you!
Zizawah
2024-02-09 21:11:35 +0000 UTCScrew the complainers, health company first. Also, genuinely curious how Zac's body came so far behind as well.
BelligerentGnu
2024-02-09 21:11:30 +0000 UTCRespectfully if your complaining please stfu, bro putting out peak fiction every weak it’s Ight have some breaks
Malcolm Gray
2024-02-09 21:09:49 +0000 UTCMeh. At the end of the day Zac is a frontier elite with comparatively limited access to resources and training. He’s not even a cultivator and has limited ability to manipulate Dao laws. The void stuff seems like his main unique advantage and he’s only barely beginning to integrate that into his path and still lacks any real understanding of it. Him having lots of room to grow seems reasonable.
Draega
2024-02-09 21:06:12 +0000 UTCYou’re ability to churn out chapters at the rate you do is without compare and for whoever is complaining you need to stop…I’d like to see you try and post as consistently with as large of a following as TFD and see how consistent you can be. TFD take however long you need since the healthier you are the more chapters we’ll get in the long run.
Monk
2024-02-09 21:02:54 +0000 UTCPeace and Blessings man, do what you gotta when you gotta. No shame in taking care of yourself. TFTC!
Marcus Adams
2024-02-09 21:01:55 +0000 UTCYou do write an addicting story, so it's sort of your fault people complain. Just make it worse and nobody will complain about late chapters. But seriously, thank you for the story.
Porter
2024-02-09 21:00:59 +0000 UTCNo worries man, five chapters a week is an insane production speed! I can't think of a single other author that's even close. Some of these folks just need to dial back their entitlement a little bit.
Tim Faulkner
2024-02-09 20:54:27 +0000 UTCOh as a test or motivation? Maybe, but I could believe they're real. Interesting thought though
Malakal
2024-02-09 20:53:34 +0000 UTCNo worries. Migraines are horrific. Self care is health care.
Cook Bach
2024-02-09 20:53:21 +0000 UTCI for 1 am more than happy to wait for chapter releases For 2 have you considered going to a bi-weekly 10ch dump or a monthly 20ch? Although you couldn't cliff us as often like that
Rushin Lad
2024-02-09 20:53:08 +0000 UTCThanks for the chapter!
Angelazreal1
2024-02-09 20:51:09 +0000 UTCHey, you do you! I suffer similarly with my head so I understand trying to power through reading or writing usually just ends up back firing and making things worse. I follow a few different people on here and your the only one who hasn't had to take a long break in the middle of releases or drastically drop their releases without warning due to burnoutor other issues, I'll be honest it's always disheartening when it happens we love what you do so we always want it as soon as we can but at the end of the day we all pay here because we want to support you and get the chapters early. If that means we have to take a step back and appreciate the work you do to produce all of this we should, personally I'd like to help but its not really something I can do other than support the decisions you make so you're still able to produce the story we love. If we can't give you a days rest when your ill it's us who should feel the backlash and be ashamed not you, you put in the effort to still release the chapter the same week even if it isn't the 'right' day and that's something I think should be appreciated not something we should criticise! I know this is a bit of a long one and it's mainly to the other readers but its the best thank you for your effort I could think of
Bri
2024-02-09 20:50:34 +0000 UTCPut your health first. I'm surprised people are complaining about this because compared to other Patreon's you are one of the best because you keep us updated on what's going on immediately and you even do make up chapters on Saturday and Sunday if you miss those chapters. Especially with your schedule of five chapters a week. while other Patreons might just stop for a whole three weeks and don't give an explanation on what going on while maybe doing two chapters a week. so as far as i can see your doing a good job.
Terror
2024-02-09 20:47:52 +0000 UTCIt's possible. But I think it's a bit of a numbers game. The Limitless Empire was around for a loooong time. There are bound to be standouts that were better than Zac in particular areas.
Merc715
2024-02-09 20:47:37 +0000 UTCI really appreciate it that you let us know something is up and what the plan is. I've had other patreons that would just go radio silent and you don't know if they're ever coming back until they do. Life happens, take care of yourself and all that. You're definitely one of the most consistent authors I follow and when something comes up you let us know, it's totally professional and I appreciate it.
Peter
2024-02-09 20:46:29 +0000 UTCYou could always look at it this way, your writing and story telling is so good that people are addicted to the thrill and emotional attachments you provide. Mentally releasing endorphins and other chemicals. By withholding the daily “fix” some people are going into chemical withdraw. Apparently some of us are addicts to your creativity. So not only are you a writer but also a dealer of mental chemicals.
Will Mill
2024-02-09 20:45:14 +0000 UTCAnyone think there’s a chance the placement numbers aren’t actually true?
Palmer Evans
2024-02-09 20:36:42 +0000 UTCScrew the people who complain about shit like this, you’re insanely consistent.
James Faulkner
2024-02-09 20:36:35 +0000 UTCYep I’m extremely happy with this Patreon having been a subscriber for around 8 months. I think 95% of subscribers feel the same way - this story is frankly fantastic given the fast pace of writing (5 chapters per week)
Palmer Evans
2024-02-09 20:35:12 +0000 UTCYou are amazing and do a fabulous job with your story. <3
The Lost Pages
2024-02-09 20:34:42 +0000 UTCHealth over all definitely take care of yourself over everything else. Feel better!
Bradley Anderson
2024-02-09 20:33:55 +0000 UTCWe're just glad you're feeling better TFD, you gotta take care of you
Chewbacchus
2024-02-09 20:33:36 +0000 UTCThank you for the chapter! Common sense and compassionate understanding fled the world awhile ago.
2024-02-09 20:30:23 +0000 UTCKeep healthy and thanks for the chapter!
brennon Petersen
2024-02-09 20:29:31 +0000 UTCThe reason why I have stayed subbed to your Patreon is precisely because of how consistent you upload and how honest you are when you need to take a personal day. Fuck the haters
Craig
2024-02-09 20:27:40 +0000 UTCDon't worry about it dude most people are chill it's always a vocal minority that poke and prode for reactions and what's a few subs worth Vs your health be that mental or physical, keep up the great work! And thanks for getting me in to litrpg it's been a game changer
martin smith
2024-02-09 20:27:39 +0000 UTCI'm fine with some delays ect as long as we're given a heads up which you're really good at. I've got no complaints about what's happening although I do hunger for more chapters like Zac does for treasure
Thomas Todd
2024-02-09 20:23:54 +0000 UTCBro the Templars are down right monsters. I truly wonder what training zac will go through to ascend to their levels and one day reach 1st place on all the steles. He really will become a monster on another level beyond even kator at that point. Likely beyond even Iz. Speaking of the future missus, wonder how she'd do on these trials. Quite curious indeed. As for being late, it is what it is. Eventually the chs will drop and most often than not even an editing day will have a ch drop if he misses a day. Honestly, it is true we're paying for his services, but at only 10$, I'm not really gonna be out here demanding the ch drop even when he's ill or has a migraine. I would have a bit more gripes if the price was more than 25$ a month but at 10$ I really can't be motivated enough to complain about a missed ch.
Lex Luther S
2024-02-09 20:22:34 +0000 UTCI can't believe people are complaining about your sick messages. As disappointing as it can be to not get a chapter because something crops up IRL stuff happens. I for one am extremely grateful that you take the time to keep us updated when something happens. There was another creator who I was supporting who disappeared for five months without a single word on their patreon for all I knew they had died and the story was never going to continue. Luckily their page is set up as per release and not per month support because of not I would have dropped them for the lack of communication. While at the same time I had a different creator who was taking a hiatus for a couple months for medical reasons due to a recurring condition that nothing can be done about but I at no point was considering dropping my monthly support because they were taking the time every week or so give updates until they started feeling guilty about their lack of content and halted things on their end. The point of this ramble is you shouldn't feel guilty about putting IRL first especially when it comes to your health and anyone who tries to make you should is an entitled and impatient jerk that needs to learn how to have empathy for others.
MyseriousMage
2024-02-09 20:19:42 +0000 UTCHey man, I don't usually comment but long time reader who just wants to say thank you. You could take 6 months off and I would come right back. Keep it up man, never enjoyed the story more.
Alex Martin
2024-02-09 20:17:42 +0000 UTCBig facts
Bilal Williams
2024-02-09 20:15:49 +0000 UTCTake care of yourself we are in this for the long haul
Bilal Williams
2024-02-09 20:15:30 +0000 UTCI have subscribed to a few different authors on here. You are by far the most consistent and most honest and I greatly appreciate it. No worries from me and keep up the engrossing story telling.
Jonathan Giffin
2024-02-09 20:14:52 +0000 UTCSorry about your recurrent migraines, that is seriously debilitating for those who don't have friends/family the suffer from it. Fwiw, you should talk to your doc about some of the new meds. Changed my uncle's life!
2024-02-09 20:13:40 +0000 UTCDont listen to the complainers. Take care of yourself first. Those of us that care would rather you continue to be able to make this story in good health that get a chapter every day of the week at a specific time. Not to mention I dont know of another creator committing to putting out a chapter 5 days a week. As always thanks for the chapter!
2024-02-09 20:10:30 +0000 UTCYou do great work and deserve to take sick days off. I don't get people complaining even if their dissapointed
David
2024-02-09 20:09:50 +0000 UTCnah TFD take your time those who complain always have the loudest voices
D3
2024-02-09 20:08:53 +0000 UTCThank you for the chapters! Your health comes first. Keep doing what you are doing, I love DOTF. 🙏🏻
Berry McCockiner
2024-02-09 20:08:46 +0000 UTCDo not fret over any missed days. We are with you whether it is 5 days a week for chapters or not
Ken Kennedy
2024-02-09 20:08:21 +0000 UTCI think take all the time you need, your way more consitant with releases than others on here and always communicate any no chapters etc as soon as possible. To be honest i am quite surprised your managing what would be in my opinion quite an ambitious schedule. Any ways rant over, keep doing what your doing :).
Anton
2024-02-09 20:08:16 +0000 UTCTake care of yourself, please. We prefer you healthy so you can tell the story you want, rather than whatever story you have to. I can't imagine any complainer thought about what'd happen if the story were to end abruptly, for any reason.
Jazzlovr
2024-02-09 20:07:18 +0000 UTCNo sweat. Keep doing what you do and thanks for all the hard work. Getting sick and having health issues crop up is shitty, but that’s part of life. I’ll keep voting for your success with patron dollars. Be well!
Chris
2024-02-09 20:07:15 +0000 UTCI’ve been a subscriber for a pretty long time. I honestly can’t think of a time when you didn’t provide a makeup chapter when something unexpected pops up. The vast majority of other authors I follow just skip them entirely if they need. I hope you feel better soon and don’t get too bummed out by other comments.
Apiris
2024-02-09 20:06:30 +0000 UTCHealth comes first. Always.
Mayron Júnior
2024-02-09 20:06:12 +0000 UTCKeep yourself healthy, and ignore the whiners.
JJ Bb
2024-02-09 20:05:24 +0000 UTC
