I'm sure you will have guessed what this'll be about from the title, but I'm very likely discontinuing this story. This past day of being sick has kind of soberred me up and given me some time to just sit and think, so here's the fruit of that endeavor

I've a few reasons, all of them mistakes that I've made throughout the past year. First off, since this is my very first real story, I went into it with a grand journey in mind, multiple arcs, all that stuff. In fact this forest arc was planned to just be a training arc before getting into the meat of the story. I began to realize how unrealistic this was, and I ran out of steam pretty quickly.

On top of that, I've just sort of lost interest in isekai and high fantasy in general. My interests are a fickle thing, and I'll no doubt rekindle my love for the genre, but as of now I can't bring myself to have fun writing something I'm no longer interested in.

And finally, maybe most importantly, life's getting real busy. I'm enterring my senior year and things are really starting to ramp up. It's all for the better of course, but this leaves me with less time to myself. I'll still definitely write, but doing it on a schedule has become more stress than it is hobby.

Now that I've gotten all the boring administrative stuff out the way, let me get to the part that I really want to say.

I'm EXTREMELY grateful to y'all that've read until this point. The fact that you've found enjoyment in the story has brought me through some really tough times, and your suggestions/criticisms have taught me more than you'd think. Your comments in particular have helped to liven up life, those little morsels of conversation really kept my going this past year, so thanks to y'all that have been consistently leaving comments (you know who you are).

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I went through a stage where I felt obligated and frustrated writing this story. I just kinda felt like I had to keep writing, or else I would've wasted so many hours on this story. But I kind of just came to a point where I realized that I'd learnt so much, and interacted with so many readers that to call this story a waste would be, well, a waste.

Crazed rambling aside, thanks for wading though it all. Still though, I'd like to give Malt and the rest somewhat of an ending, so there's a chance I'll push out an impromptu semi-ending at some point. It may take me months to find the motivation, and it may only be for myself, but this story and its characters really have given me so much that I'd like to give back at least that much.

Thanks again massively to y'all, I know I kind of just sprung this one you. It truly has been a euphoric ride that's brought me much a sense of reward, and I hope you all got something out of it as well.

I hope this isn't a goodbye, and it likely won't be if you're still interested in my writing. I'll likely drop some short stories here and there on this account as I still very much enjoy writing about other settings, though it won't be nearly as frequent, or of the same genre.

That's about all, but I want to send you off the same way I usually do.

If you've any comments, concerns, or anything whatsoever, I'll be replying to them all down below. Thanks for reading all these months, and I wish you the absolute best of luck in your life enddeavors from here on out.

Thank you kindly once again, and see y'all at some point in the future :) - Fish