Afterword to Volume Two.

As I typed the word "End" once again, Volume Two came to a close.

It was a little disappointing that I had to make a trip to the hospital and couldn't post at noon. It ended up being much later than planned.

Everyone has been worried about Natie, so here's a brief update on the test results: four X-rays were taken—of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and both knees—and I was prescribed oral and topical medication.

The worst problem wasn't with my spine, which was what Natie had worried about, but with my neck. That came as a surprise.

The doctor's orders were to get plenty of rest and avoid overexertion. I also had to stop all my current forms of exercise and switch to swimming.

As soon as I left the hospital, I went straight to the nearest heated pool and bought an annual membership.

From now on, for the sake of my health and the quality of the book, Natie needs to get a little more rest. I'll still post four chapters a day, but bonus chapters may not come as quickly. I hope you'll understand.

That's the health report. Now, on to the important stuff.

First, let's talk about the numbers. Volume Two did quite well, reaching the premium tier, and our little community has grown. We've even set up a reader group.

Your support is what keeps Natie writing every day.

Some of you will surely remember my promise to post bonus chapters based on the average subscription count. Natie hasn't forgotten; it's been on my mind all along.

But lately, I've been unable to manage it, no matter how much I wanted to. All I can do is apologize again.

I truly want to post extra chapters.

But I don't have the energy, and my