There are only three chapters left in the current volume. Since I plan to start my increased release schedule with the new arc, I'm going to take my break today. I know people enjoy it when they can read a bunch of chapters in a new world back to back, so, rather than have my break in the middle of the transition, I felt it would be best to do so now. This volume will be completely wrapped up tomorrow, and, after a small intermission on Saturday, we'll be in the 'final' Record.
Due to its significance, the final Record will have around a thousand or so chapters, most of which I intend to release before next May. After that, the novel will shift to a short-story format in the epilogue, mainly focused on expanding the verse(meta-knowledge), and following the adventures of Vahn's children through various Records. As an example, one of the confirmed mini-arcs will follow Vana's journey as a 'Guardian of Magical Beasts'. You can think of her as having a similar role as Newt Scamander, rescuing various endangered creatures from quite a number of Records. Another example will follow Francis Drake(Grand Rider) as she journeys through the Record of One Piece, effectively becoming a Yonko.
I know there have been multiple requests regarding various Records, and, while it might not be possible to send Vahn there, that doesn't mean others are unable to venture out and have their own journey. If there are Records that the community is eager to see, I have no problems writing a short-story related to them. Depending on their popularity, those same short stories might be expanded upon as official spinoffs. To that end, feel free to let me know if you have any ideas, and, so long as it doesn't just sound 'wrong', I will add it to the list.
On that final note, I know there are a bunch of people who have been over-eager to see the Highschool DxD Record represented in EPIC. Though I'm still working on the outline, I intend to have someone like Kamiya visit instead of Vahn. The basic premise at this time is that he will become the benefactor of the Youkai Faction. If the readers would rather see the canon plot recycled, however, I can probably come up with a version that involves attending the actual High School.
Well, let me know what you guys and gals think. EPIC might be nothing more than a practice project, but I have come to enjoy writing quite a bit. Rather, at this point, it is safe to say I have developed something of a passion for it. I can't even imagine not writing anymore, so, as long as I have the means to continue, I intend to keep doing so into the far future. I know some of you will eventually lose interest, but, for those who have stayed this long, and those who will walk this path alongside me in the future, know that I am eternally grateful for this journey we are sharing together.
Take care of yourselves,
Einlion
