And so the time had come.
Author had taken a bit of extra time to make sure the showdown was of good quality, and this also allowed him to milk some of the Rizzmaster merchandise which was on sale on the website, including the Original Sound Track which was available on Bandcampé, Spotifié and many major streaming platforms!
This was of course thanks to the esteemed readers' support and powerstones, which had enabled him to upgrade his instant noodle and cardboard box life instead to enjoying some noodles and soup of better quality, as well as a tent, so that he could now write even when it was raining without having to worry about his cardboard box getting soggy.
Many of the kind audience immediately empathized with Author's pitiful conditions and chucked him some powerstones, as they knew that effort was never wasted and this would result in better writing quality!
And yet there were others, as always, who were less impressed.
"Absolute nonsense!" Pep-Z guy scoffed. "There's no way an Author of this exceptional quality would be forced to languish in such living conditions, destitute in the doldrums, barely scraping together a sustenance…"
"Moreover, isn't he just padding the word count again?!"
Author maintained a calm demeanor, taking a moment to reply to these valid points…
"Thank you… Pep-Z guy." Author addressed Pep-Z guy as such ostensibly because everyone already knew him by that name, although in truth, it was in fact because he couldn't be bothered to give him an actual name at this point.
This would consequently cause many intelligent and curious-minded folks to stay up at night wondering - and cause a rethink in just what exactly names in general actually represented - for years to come, but as always, this would be a story for a later chapter…! ✨
"These are all valid points." Author said smoothly, subtly self-complimenting himself in a roundabout manner.
"But let me ask you. Are power stones themselves, real?"
"I say the answer is yes, and so, your thoughts, Intentions and support are real and very valued ✨"
"H-Humph." Pep-Z guy's ears went a bit pink, taken aback by Author's acknowledgement.
"I-I see. I suppose it could be as you say."
"Moreover, would you like some noodles? You're welcome to share some in my tent, if you'd like to come over after a chapter or so."
"R-Really?!?!" Pep-Z guy gasped at the meet and greet opportunity, but then quickly composed himself, trying it play it cool.
"Ahem… that is to say… thanks, yes… uhm, I-I may have some time after a few chapters or so…"
Maybe Author wasn't so bad after all…
Author grinned. "But it'll cost ya!!! Three powerstones per visit!!!!!"
"I-I take it all back!!! Author is a scoundrel and a fiend!!! Don't support this guy!!!!"
____
Meanwhile, the interlude to the interlude had gone on for long enough.
Perhaps a less scrupulous Author may have dragged it out for even longer, but the Author of Rizzmaster knew that he couldn't do that to his wonderful and esteemed readers.
He had heard the tale regarding a legendary reader known as Reader4Lyfe, who once read a webnovel for 10782 chapters, sinking moneybag after moneybag of coins of chapter unlocks in order to continue it, until that fateful day came, when he made to swipe, his card declined, and broke, coinless, he had expired, depleted, penniless, destitute, due to exhaustion…
and it still had not finished the first arc?!!?!
In the Heavens, one of the Patron Saints of Webnovels, Saint (St) Comé Pleté nodded in approval.
He had always aimed to complete webnovels he started, and currently, he was urging Author on!
"No matter what, Finish the story!!!"
At the same time, in the Hells below, one of the Patron "Taints" of Webnovels, Taint (Tt) Cliff Hangér rubbed his hands in glee.
"Leave them hanging… forever…!!!"
Author had considered which road he wanted to take…
On one hand, he did want to complete the story in a timely manner.
But on the other hand, if it truly was ongoing and of high quality… then surely that Webnovel also could be considered a truly epic masterpiece, one that grew up alongside its esteemed readers, sharing wonderful moments of life and laughter together?!
This was the joy of reading.
Both things could be possible.
And either way, in order to find out how the story ended, or just to enjoy the ride…
The power was in your fingertips, unlimited possibilities of imagination and Adventure… all at the turn of the next page…
"…"
___