Hi there, this is dbS.
Unfortunately, there won't be a 2nd chapter this week (this hopefully won't be a regular feature). I wanted to use this time instead to talk:
1) Because I feel that this is a good place to mark the end of New Frontier’s (NF's) prologue. I think most of the themes in the book have been introduced:
* The cruelty of the citadel and Zac's complicated desire for revenge.
* Portal technology.
* Humanity's limited lifespan.
* Lots of mentions/mysteries to explore in future arcs: the system, the path of transcendence, Captain Sunderland's powers, Penelope's powers, the Nexus, blu-flo, the Goddess, power orbs, riftwalkers, Zac's invisibility, propaganda machines, immediate relief of stress/negativity.
I am very excited to explore what each of these means in future chapters.
2nd and more pertinent reason) Let's set some boundaries and expectations. Life unfortunately has limited the amount of time I can dedicate to escapism and explore the world of New Frontier. To you as the reader, this means small, slower releases. For now, we'll continue with 2 chapters every week, but if that needs to change, eg sick/exams/assignments/theses, I'll let you know in advance that I'm going on hiatus.
To those who have still followed this novel despite the slow story progression, thank you so much for your support. For the reasons above, NF can only be a hobby/love project rather than a business. I initially startedwriting this for myself, but then decided to publish this publicly as a challenge to step up my writing game, so it's exciting and humbling to see the views increase with every post.
This is a Royal Road novel. Ultimately there's going to be isekai and litRPG tropes, but even then I recognise that the world of New Frontier is not pleasant nor fun to read right now. It's dark, and as I continue writing, I'm certain that the story will move in directions that typical Royal Roaders won't appreciate. If that's not your cup of tea, maybe NF isn't the right novel for you. Maybe it's too graphic (that space scene in chapter 2, am I right?), maybe the themes are too dystopian: gore, torture, subliminal propaganda, mindless human army.
Where to from here? Forget intergalactic politics, this story focuses on Zac. I want Zac to figure out what it means to have 3 years left to live before he starts dying. What it means to live as an alien to the society that created him. To be treated as a slave. To have no support. No protection. No rights. No recognised residency. AND He can't escape (because of reasons I'll explain later). And I definitely want to explore what it means to be compliant to a dystopian society. How far will Zac and his friends close their eyes and bend before enough is enough?
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
In spite of all this, I actually don't want Zac to grow up too quickly. He's a young man, and he deserves to be able to experience life as a young man before it's too late: explore his youth, learn about romance, build a relationship with a significant other, and learn to lead them in such a stuffed up world.
So what will Zac do with his time? Will he fall, defeated? Will he give up and live the rest of his life in submission? Will he rise and challenge the authorities? Will he transcend humanity? Keep reading to find out ;)
3) I love the world of NF for it's complexities, and I hope you can too. If there are things I can do better for you, let me know. Maybe I struggle with pacing, or my characters are too one dimensional, or there's not enough action, etc. Maybe you want more PenelopexJerric. Post a comment or a longer review. I read everything obsessively and take negative feedback personally, lol just kidding. I really appreciate all feedback. But don't get me wrong, I would prefer an organic 1-3 star review with honest words and productive criticism rather than a 1 star troll or a glowing 5 star review that reinforces bad habits as an author.
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Still with me?
Let's have some fun and talk about non-canon things.
[https://i.imgur.com/zVJ36sW.png]
This was one of the initial designs of the default recruit suit. I knew I wanted something dark, skin tight, but wasn't sure on what type of material. To me this felt more like leather or cotton (or spandex!) and didn't feel strong enough to protect a human on an intergalactic battlefield. In the end I settled on something more heavy duty.
[https://i.imgur.com/BWNPW7i.png]
In the same non-canon style, I initially envisioned Penelope to be this Femme Fatale who was incredibly good at martial arts. I felt she had this: "the last thing you'll see is my beautiful body before I shuck you like an oyster" sort of energy. I mean she could still be this incredible person, but now she's got a desk job and traded her battle suit for a lab coat.
[https://i.imgur.com/7OGXou7.png]
This was the initial design of the battle suit as seen on the front cover of the story.
[https://i.imgur.com/DBfStSA.png]
This was an earlier design of the battle armour for recruits but it felt a little too medieval and restrictive for a futuristic city. I still kept the idea of enhanced plate armour, and you'll see the final result in an upcoming chapter. FYI, the front cover is a different armour.
[https://i.imgur.com/ruKd3ha.png]
And to finish off, imagine an alternate universe where recruits wear ostrich pillows and dance to Stayin' Alive.
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Still here? Wow, thanks again for reading. I'll see you next week when we start the next mini arc: Surviving the Planetary Outpost!
Here's concept art for the mini arc:
[https://i.imgur.com/ZDMl2xL.jpg]
Kah-ching! Our bald heroes gear up and rug up to survive the threats of a foreign planet.