Aight, here we are once again.
This chapter is all about sharing what went through my head while writing Volume 2, giving you a sneak peek of what's coming next, and answering a few questions I've seen (or that I imagine some of you might be asking).
Reflections on Volume 2
Honestly? This volume was tough.
It's a lot easier to write when the main cast from the original series—like Tang San or even Tang Yuehua—is involved. But this arc? It was fully OC territory. Byakko isn't really explored in Soul Land 1, and the God of Evil gets barely a mention. So I had to build everything from scratch.
That said, I feel like the timeline and progression stayed pretty coherent. Here's how I structured it in my mind while writing:
Arrival at Heaven Dou -> Life in the city -> Betrayal -> Birth of Siegfried and inheritance of Jashin's divinity -> Time skip to bring him up to Spirit Elder and mature him -> Near-death experience and bond with Byakko -> Final test of resolve -> Departure from the forest
It might seem chaotic on paper, but I think it worked out. I'm not 100% satisfied with the quality of every chapter—I know I still have a long way to go—but I am proud of the direction I'm taking this story. That's enough for now, and I'll keep working to improve.
Some Quick Info
The MC will eventually have 25 self-created skills.
Yeah, it's a lot—but hear me out:
10 based on Fafnir (Fairy tail Dragon Slayer inspired)
10 based on his halberd (Originals with inspiration from Demon Slayer and Ushiwakamaru from Fate. Also, I want to name them the wondering tales of something similar to Ushiwakamaru's phantasm so name suggestions would be appreciated. I was thinking The Wondering Tales of Stormy Skies as a direct opposite to clear sky but if anyone has a better idea, I'll take it.)
5 based on movement or physical enhancement
All of them will be listed and explained in the Auxiliary Chapter, so you can check back there for details as they're revealed.
Also, for those who caught the MC referring to Er Ming and Da Ming as the rulers of the Star Dou Forest—yes, that was intentional. Remember, the MC only knows the canon from SL1, so he isn't aware of the fierce beasts or their hierarchy yet. Just a subtle little worldbuilding nod.
Q&A Time
Harem or No Harem?
Still undecided. So I'm spoiling just a little to help you guys give input.
SPOILER WARNING!!!
If I go the single love interest route:→ The MC will face a major tragic event at the end of the story.
If I go the harem route:→ He'll get a happy ending with only two female leads (no more), and they've already been chosen.
I'll let you guys weigh in. Would you rather see a story with emotional weight and tragedy, or one where the MC gets a happy ending after all his suffering?
What's his attitude toward Shrek Academy and Tang San?
He doesn't hate the entire sect—but he does hate those who schemed against him.
He doesn't hate Tang San personally, but he will steal his opportunities if they benefit him. No mercy, no guilt. Expect some interesting conflict there since Tang San and the other members of Shrek become close quickly.
Will his Spirit Rings and Spirit Bones change?
Yes. Through divine trials and other means (to be revealed in future volumes), his current configuration will evolve—so don't get too attached to the current setup. Big things are coming.
What's Coming in Volume 3
-Key reunions with people from his past
-His arrival at Shrek Academy
-Stealing opportunities meant for Tang San
-Meeting more of the main cast
-Showcasing how much the MC has truly changed
Final Words
I'd love to hear your feedback, especially on the fight scenes. Those were the hardest for me to write as someone still pretty new to this.
Thank you all so much for reading and sticking with me. I hope you enjoyed this volume, and I can't wait to share more in the next.
See you in Volume 3: The Return.
— 7_SINS