Redemption Arc 112
Added 2026-02-12 06:51:00 +0000 UTCComments
This world used to be a game, and many of the game mechanics still seem to hold sway over the way the world works. I wonder if the bond or romance mechanics still work as they did in game? If so, it feels like Lucian has been losing out on opportunities for affection points with Aurelia. Last chapter, with the snow spell, and this chapter, with refusing to take Aurelia's side over Miriam's. Of course, these could just be failed attempts by Aurelia to manipulate Lucian, no underlying game mechanics involved. But if there is some sort of 'affection point system' involved, and this game doesn't do false bonds or romance routes, messing up these moments could actually be important. After all, their existence implies that making Aurelia a true ally is a real option. And who knows what could happen if her bond gets too low? It would be funny to see Lucian realize this at some point, and start reluctantly buying Aurelia gifts or taking her out on dates, to try and grind her affection score back up.
Michael Vonica
2026-02-13 01:35:45 +0000 UTCThe funny thing fantasy stories is they take all these lines that you shouldn’t cross - ends justify the means, for the greater good type stuff - and then place them within a context where it’s such extreme circumstances that an exception to the rule might be justified! The right to self determination is very important. What might be an example of when there’s something more important? How about an extinction level threat that you have by far the most future knowledge of of anyone on the planet?
sparkc
2026-02-12 16:45:47 +0000 UTCThis chapter is *considerably* better than the last one. Dialogue flows nicely. Lucians anxiety shows wonderfully. The interaction with Aurelia is just cute. I liked how Ruth got portrayed as well. The tension is increasing again! Ruth, and the other advisors, suffer a lot from "not enough screen time" syndrom. I can't care about them because few of them has been given time to shine, and that's shown clearly in this scene. Still, if the chapter preceeding this was a 2/5 because of all the many flaws in it, this is a return to form with a strong 4/5. Hope you give the previous chapter another go-over for the Royal Road publication, because it stands out even more as a sore point now :).
Swinter
2026-02-12 15:44:25 +0000 UTCTrusting a kitsune to rule over anything is a strong choice...
TheLunaticCo
2026-02-12 14:50:27 +0000 UTCLucian: I'm gonna to do what's called a pro gamer move. I endorse the Windviews. Windview polling immediately drops ten points.
Michael Vonica
2026-02-12 13:28:57 +0000 UTCTy for the chapter! 🫡
Jake
2026-02-12 08:36:17 +0000 UTCI hope nobody imitates US foreign politics, in any world. That being said, if his interference is leaking dirty secrets he should do so, and do so for every candidate, because giving people the truth enables them to really make their own decisions (again, in contrast to the US, who do not have a good track record in giving their population access to the truth, as recently evidenced by bipartisan efforts to block and censor the release of certain files on an affluent dead Israeli-American dual citizen and his many friends).
Lloyd
2026-02-12 08:33:21 +0000 UTCive always thought dogs should be in charge of us evil humans... aurelia has my vote
Jodrod
2026-02-12 07:23:33 +0000 UTCC'mon Lucian. Channel the spirit of Uncle Sam! These savages can't be trusted to make their own decisions!
Andrew Fox
2026-02-12 07:22:45 +0000 UTCReally curious about what emails Lucian is going to leak!
Robert Jang
2026-02-12 07:13:10 +0000 UTCRig the elections, come on do it :}
Saddy Storm
2026-02-12 07:11:38 +0000 UTC
