Chapter 116: 117. Explain the Setting

117. Explain the Setting

Explain the Setting

About pacing: since the main plot hasn’t started yet and we’re still in the early escape phase—from Jiang City to the Ring Orbital, with the Dark Tide chasing behind—readers can see from the timeline of events that many happen within a single day, even just a few hours. So before reaching the Ring Orbital, it’s essentially a massive survival hunt; the pace can’t slow down. It wouldn’t make sense to spend an hour walking through daylight, then rest for two or three days—that would feel jarring. This is why I’m clarifying: the plot will reach Yubei City around Chapter 130, and the Spaceport by Chapter 150.

The earlier chapters are merely the prelude to escaping the night; the main plot hasn’t truly begun, and the world’s lore hasn’t been fully revealed yet. Later, there will be more time, more space for the train and the protagonist’s growth and development.

About supporting characters: as above, due to pacing, I can’t introduce too many too fast. The cast won’t be all-female later on.

About abilities: the protagonist’s mechanical ability requires blueprints, materials, and sufficient mechanical crafting rank—anyone who’s played building games understands this. Many ask why he doesn’t just build armor, turrets, or combine things directly. That’s unrealistic. Right now, alone, he can only sketch simple designs: shields, doors, cold weapons. Someone without blueprints or design skills couldn’t draw a chip architecture from scratch, nor could he modify an existing blueprint. He’s just a college student; he doesn’t master materials, electrical systems, chip architecture, or mechanical structures—they’re too broad.

Also, the early version of the Mechanical Heart doesn’t have electronic intrusion capabilities—like hacking computers or AIs. That falls under the domain of the Hyperbrain. Such mechanics will be expanded later.

About supernatural elements: this novel has no true supernatural direction. The tone won’t shift abruptly. The Red-Dressed Woman is a sudden event, not tied to ghost-story tropes. Later, it will be revealed as part of the Night’s lore.

About illustrations: some are AI-generated, some are sourced online. I prefer using images to spark imagination—like the Ring Orbital, strange entities, mechs, and machinery. I’m not trying to scare readers with ghostly images; it’s for immersion. Some scenes feel stronger with visuals. Since readers have suggested it, I’ll add more female illustrations going forward.

Finally, to cut to the chase: please support with monthly votes and subscriptions. I’m currently maintaining 3 chapters of 6,000+ words per update. I actually write 8,000–10,000 words daily, but I adjust daily output due to pacing and detail concerns, so I don’t publish too fast. Once I accumulate enough drafts, I’ll resume 10,000-word bursts.

Thank you to all supporting readers.

(End of Chapter)