The Stonehearted Knight

I thought it would be nice to share a few things and trivia about volume 1, now that I have finished writing it. I don't intend to have major spoilers but read at your own risk.

I wish to make one thing clear. I started this novel on a whim but now intend to finish it. I have had days where I flatline zero readers, which can be frustrating but I enjoy my own novel so much that I don't wish to stop writing it. So, one day, this will be completed. My only hope is to receive support and feedback.

GENERAL

Volume 1 introduces the main character, Hex Darkenmane, the world, the power system, and the ranks. It even goes as far as letting almost all ranks appear and battle. I kept the high-rank battles brief and vague to give myself some leeway later in the story.

Volume 1 plays in a small town but the stakes are as high as they can get. Some of the major characters of the whole story are introduced in this volume. Some will disappear while others are supposed to keep appearing till the end of the story.

Volume 1 is supposed to set the goals for the MC. Contrary to the average WN novel, the MC doesn't dream of the peak from the start. He is a simple boy (is he though?) whose dreams are limited by the experience in the town. His dreams and goals will evolve as the story progresses.

Volume 1 is how I wished to balance web novels and traditional novels. There are a lot of twists and turns, an open ending, and a promise for bigger things while still finishing some of the conflicts and having quite a few battles.

Volume 1 does allude to some romance and some might see hints of possible harem. The novel isn't focused on either. Things will happen in the background but neither of these two is the novel's main focus. It depends on the wants of the readers.

VOLUME 1 TRIVIA:

The names are chosen and grouped as carefully as I was able to;

The merchant union members have names related to currencies or other financial terms. For example, Sterling Poundershire (Pound Sterling), Rubiales (Rubles), Dolaire (Dollar), Moneiwell (money well);

The power system is neither hard nor soft; it's somewhere in between. I explain some things, but not everything;

The ranking system is almost completely given. This isn't a story where we will keep adding ranks infinitely.

RANKS

Humans: Squire - Knight - Refined Knight - Transformed Knight - Enlightened Knight

Others: Demon - Fiend - Disaster - Calamity - Devil - Sin - Taboo

FACTIONS

- Dawnbringers: An organization unwilling to accept the limits set by Heaven.

- Templars: Loyal followers and guardians of Heaven's will.

- Paladins: Overseeing the order and justice of the world. Mostly filled with soldiers, nobles, and royals.

- Warlords: Warriors who like to fight. Even if there is no reason to.