Chương 18: Final chapter :(

To my only follower, Hello my gentle companion. What a journey we've been on, me and you. It had its lows. It had deeper lows. It had some slight highs that then plummeted down to even greater lows. Not so much a roller coaster as much as falling face-first down a flight of stairs. I wrote this story as a way to vent some mild frustrations in the way I perceived the market for Royal Road, WebNovel, and other such sites.

Perhaps you noticed the subtle, almost minute jabs I took at some of the conventions of litRPGs, Isekais, and cultivation stories. You seem very smart and have exceptional taste, so you very likely did. But like I said in the story bio, I could only continue until I was stopped by the man... and the final plot twist I offer you, my dear follower, is this: I was the man all along. And I have decided to end this charade of a parody. In part, it's because I want to focus on my other work.

In part, it's because we're out of steps for making Mac and Cheese. In part, it's because I'm out of jokes and the bit is getting old. But really, dear follower, it's better for both of us if this didn't go on for too long anyway. Because the simple fact is, this story was not made out of love, but of hate. Spite. Anger. It was a creation with poison in its very DNA.

And while there are valid reasons to feel frustrated with the litRPG genre and the ways that it's come to dominate the site and the attention of so many people, the simple fact is, anything made of spite is going to be less inherently worthwhile than something made out of love. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. I'm not going to pretend it's entirely a high-minded affair.

If I had gotten hundreds of followers and dozens of comments, I would have probably invested more energy and time into this. That's not to say I don't appreciate you, dear follower, but humans are social animals and we are slaves to those external pressures. But sitting here now, penning this final chapter, I'm left to believe that it's a blessing this didn't get any traction or attention.

Because regardless of it had one follower or a million, it would still be true that this story doesn't deserve to keep being told. It's just easier to cut loose when it's just me and you, my friend. I don't know what compelled you to follow this little fiction. But I assure you, on this big, wide internet, there are funnier people telling better stories, parodies made with love as well as cunning, and motivated, talented writers trying their best to carve out a space for themselves.

You, my friend, have a bountiful feast of fiction before you. I was always but a morsel, and there's no need to morn my leaving your plate. Take care, dear follower. May your horizons always be beautiful, and your sun ever shining. Enjoy that Mac and Cheese.