This volume is finally finished, and I'm exhausted from writing it. In terms of length, this is the longest volume so far. Each previous volume was generally kept to around 150,000 characters, except for the last volume of the Previous Era, which was a bit longer, but not as lengthy as this one.
However, despite its length, from a plot perspective, I even feel there are still significant omissions. In other words, if I were to really let loose and write out the plot of this volume, it would only be longer. It's currently fifty chapters, but I feel if I wrote it in detail, it could even reach one hundred chapters.
For example, in the original detailed outline, Kallen's first escape was supposed to be a successful escape from Kolosten. Michael would have taken her to the Elysian Realm to train.
After understanding a part of this world's truth, she would continue to try and lead the populace to resist Schicksal, ultimately failing and being captured. This would have been a much deeper despair for Kallen herself, rather than her current portrayal, which seems even more fragile than in the original work.
The problem is, there's no way to expand on it. If this were an original work, it wouldn't be impossible. But this is fanfiction, after all. With Kallen as the main perspective, and separated from Otto, I don't think she could sustain the readers' anticipation for an eighty-chapter plotline. Of course, my own writing ability is also a factor here.
All things considered, I chose to relatively compress Kallen's storyline. But Kallen wasn't the only one who suffered because of this; Eleanor and Su, whose characters were supposed to be further developed in those extra fifty chapters, were also victims. There's no going back now, so this is how it has to be.
The two interlude chapters in this volume, titled "The Eve of Advent," refer to both the advent of the Herrscher of the Void and Michael's advent—the outcome of the battle five hundred years ago was Michael being sealed on the cross by his own weapon, and Kevin being cast into the Sea of Quanta. As for whether someone was holding back again, who knows.
But the next volume will not cover the Second Honkai Eruption.
Many people have already told me that the recent plot has been somewhat lengthy. This is also what I fear most when writing the Current Era storyline. In the Previous Era, where there was only a rough outline, I had a lot of room for creativity. But for the Current Era, with its relatively complete plot, I'd be criticized whether I follow the plot or not.
And most importantly, the time span of the Current Era's plot is much larger than that of the Previous Era. It can be roughly divided into four stages: 1475-1497, 1999-2000, 2000-2016, and 2016-Final Chapter.
If I were to write all four of these time periods, it would be far, far too long. And... I also want to see Ely sooner. So, choosing a transitional period before 2016 and then jumping directly to the game's plot is the best option. But unfortunately, both the medieval period and the Second Honkai Eruption are very important plot points.
For the 1475-1497 period, even without considering Otto's issues, Hua's problems would still need to be resolved. Hua being backstabbed by her seven disciples and Kallen's break with Schicksal happened at almost the same time. Having already interfered with Hua's fate, there's no reason not to get involved in Kallen's problems.
And once involved in matters concerning Schicksal, it's inevitable that Michael and Kevin would meet, and a battle would be unavoidable.
Relatively speaking, the Second Honkai Eruption certainly needs to be written in detail. But if it were truly expanded upon, since Michael is the protagonist, it would inevitably turn into Hua, under duress, hitting Michael with Fenghuang Down's First Rated Output again, and then Michael (possessing Sirin) fighting Kevin (possessing Siegfried). This way, the underlying conflict wouldn't change from this volume and would foreseeably exist in later chapters, making it hard to avoid reader fatigue.
So, I've been struggling with this for the past few days. The detailed outline for the Second Honkai Eruption was already written, but in the end, I chose not to write it, not to expand on it. Some content might be released later through Sirin's or other characters' flashbacks. As for the life and death of the relevant personnel... Er... There's really nothing to struggle with, right? Sirin's outcome is predetermined, unless you can accept a Honkai Impact 3rd without Kiana. Besides, her actions weren't "correct" either.
However, the next volume won't jump directly to the start of the main story. The time skip would be too large, and there are still some unresolved issues (Seele). So, I'll use the next volume as another transition.
But, due to my terminal-stage obsessive-compulsive disorder (lol, "cancer" is a common slang for severe OCD in Chinese internet lingo), because the previous two consecutive volumes exceeded the average of 150,000 characters, this next volume will definitely be written a bit shorter (doge face)...
And then... and then, I'm taking a day off tomorrow, the 7th, to rest (this map of the State of Yan is long enough now, right?)
(Translator's Note: "The map of the State of Yan is long enough" is a Chinese idiom meaning a plan is about to be revealed or an excuse for a delay is sufficient. Here, it's a playful way of saying the excuse for taking a day off is valid.)
Coincidentally, I imagine many of you precious readers will be taking the college entrance exams tomorrow, so you won't be tortured by my cliffhangers...
Ahem, cough, cough! No, I mean, everyone taking the college entrance exams should relax a bit. It's really just another ordinary test. It's just a fork in the road of your destiny, not a place that decides life, death, or status.
I remember back then, I was quite nervous during mock exams, but when it came to the actual college entrance exam, right up until the last subject was finished and I'd used the restroom, only then did I feel like something had ended and something new was beginning. I didn't feel nervous at all otherwise.
In short, everyone just focus on answering the questions. If you can't answer something, you can't answer it.
Just make sure you get right everything you know how to do and can do. I won't wish for everyone to perform exceptionally, only that every reader taking the college entrance exam tomorrow can achieve their true potential, and not lose points on any questions they are capable of doing.
Good luck!