Hello!
This is JB. Typically I would have a new chapter out but this past week has been super busy for me and I haven't been able to create a quality chapter 4 for our heroine Beetle, and so I'm delaying the next chapter a little further along, but don't sweat, Beetle's story will continue and in the interim, have some tidbits about her story and the setting.
Tidbit#1: The Isle of Perdi actually occurs in the same setting as my book "The Emergence" that was linked at the end of Chapter 3, but the connection between the two won't really be made apparent until "The Emergence: Book 2" is released Summer 2025. If you are familiar with that setting and noticed a lack of magic in Beetle's story, I have too, and I'm wondering the best way to introduce the unique magic system into her struggle.
Tidbit#2: Crocodile is a Verdokian! Verdokians are a very aggressive and warlike species from the southern edge of the continent that Perdi floats near. That said, Crocodile is a lot sweeter and kinder than his kin, perhaps he has his reasons, as compassion is a rarity among the scales. Regardless, he is one of the toughest fighters that the Yenellii Arena has to offer, if not from his sheer ability, than from his insurmountable optimism and courage. Mentality is everything, and Crocodile is a champion at positivity.
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Tidbit#3: In Chapter 1, Lady Chiara noted that Beetle has a Farrouxish accent. If you wanted a good example of what that might sound like, think French.
Tidbit#4: I've been working on the setting that Perdi lingers around for many years, and it is my hope that Beetle's story can be your way into the wider world she finds herself in. I truly am thankful for any and all readership and as always, thank you and appreciate you for taking the time to enjoy!
If there is anything you'd like to see in this story or even if you have ideas for really cool gladiatorial battles scenarios, leave some comments, who knows, maybe I can work it in!
See you sooner rather than later,
JB