Hello, dear readers.
Before you dive deeper into this novel, allow me to share a few important notes and reminders. I hope this helps clarify the story's direction, writing style, and avoid any confusion or mismatched expectations.
One thing to always keep in mind: the purpose of reading is to bring us from not knowing to knowing.
If you're reading only to fulfill specific expectations, then what you're truly doing is searching for something that simply matches your tastes—not opening yourself to what the story wants to show.
If your goal is pure entertainment, that's completely fine. But please remember: if a story doesn't meet your personal entertainment standards, it doesn't necessarily mean the story is bad—it may simply mean this story isn't the right fit for you at the moment.
As the author, I don't expect everyone to love this work. But I deeply appreciate every reader who chooses to approach it with an open mind.
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This is the very first novel I've ever written. I humbly ask for your understanding if you find some rough patches or imperfections. I'm continuously learning and striving to improve with each chapter. As long as the story is readable and makes sense, I consider that a solid start. Constructive feedback is always welcome.
The plot centers around a main character with many secrets. These mysteries will be revealed gradually, not all at once.
The story shifts between slice-of-life and fantasy-action arcs. Sometimes it's calm and peaceful, and other times it's filled with battles or intense moments. This is an intentional structure, not a loss of direction. So don't be surprised if the tone or pace changes between chapters—it's part of how the world and its characters are meant to evolve.
In the early parts of the story, many characters are inspired by Indonesian culture—including their names, traditions, speech styles, and daily life. These elements may feel unfamiliar to global readers, but I hope they bring a sense of uniqueness and help this story stand out with its own identity.
The world of this novel is a modified version of Earth—about three times larger, with similar geography but different place names. There are two main dimensions: The human world and The world of the djinn. (You can read more about this in the auxiliary chapter titled Worldsetting). The MC lives a double life—as a switched-at-birth son in a powerful elite family in the human world, and as a mysterious, magically gifted figure in the other realm.
The story has a slow pace at times, especially during slice-of-life segments. But these moments are not fillers—they're foundational scenes that will emotionally connect to future developments.
Some readers might say this feels like The Eminence in Shadow because of the OP MC and his secret black-clad team. I understand the comparison, but I assure you—this is not a rip-off. While certain vibes may be similar, the story direction and intent are very different.
There is no instant revenge trope here. If you dislike slow-burn storytelling or plot-heavy structures, you may find this challenging. And that's okay—please don't force yourself and end up frustrated.
This novel is not meant to stress you out. It's okay to walk away if it's not the right fit. No hard feelings.
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Addressing readers who only read 20+ chapters:
Is the world normal, and does the MC use magic or aura?
This is briefly explained in the auxiliary, but in short, the world is not as simple as it seems. Magic does exist, but it has largely been forgotten due to the advancement of technology.
MC doesn't care about anything?
MC actually cares about many things—just in a rational and measured way. The fact that he stays is already proof that he is trying to care about his biological family.
Or maybe… "doesn't care about anything" means the MC should be reactive to every disturbance?
The MC here is already depicted as being reactive and fighting back when necessary and appropriate. He is not the typical "barbaric" MC who explodes at the slightest provocation. Sometimes his actions may not produce the outcome readers want, but isn't that more realistic? Just because we fight for something doesn't mean we will always get the result we want.
Some readers said they read up to chapter 22, where in fact in that chapter the MC does resist injustice. Once again, the outcome may not match what you expected.
Perhaps some would prefer a pattern where the MC is attacked, fights back, and the outcome always matches the reader's expectations. In this story, the MC is bullied at times, but he is not portrayed as a punching bag—sometimes he fights back, sometimes he doesn't care. Why should he care about every little provocation? Wouldn't that be odd?
Why does he stay there despite injustice, even though he's OP? He could leave without any problem.
Since some readers only read 20+ chapters, I understand their view, but the hints and explanations are already present in the story. The MC is not the type to run away whenever there's a problem. He is depicted as someone who tries to struggle and adapt. However, he is still learning how to struggle in the context of his family—he has lived outside for 17 years and has no experience as the child of a wealthy family. Based on the story's timeline, even by chapter 22, only a few in-story weeks have passed. So the MC is still trying.
And perhaps some readers might prefer a story where the MC, when faced with a problem, leaves or destroys it, or at least a fast-paced story even if there is early struggle. Unfortunately, this novel is a bit more slow-paced.
MC is a powerful mage but does not use magic to prove himself for unknown reasons, even though clearly his family doesn't want him?
First, his family is not depicted as not wanting him; some may not, but the ones in authority still give him space. Even if the MC left in the first 20 chapters, they would still look for him because he is 17 years old and their biological child. Many reasons and drama could be built from this plot if I wanted to use it. Unfortunately, using that plot in the first 20+ chapters would ruin the general picture I planned.
Second, because some readers only read 20+ chapters, I understand why they concluded that the reason he stays and does not prove himself with magic is unknown. What I consider an 'answer' to that question has already been published in the following chapters. And I don't mind if they stop by that chapter and make their conclusion based on only 20+ chapters. Stopping there might even be better for them.
Is this a forced plot?
This point is subjective, and anyone is free to hold that opinion. I provide the story, tropes, themes, drama, and action. If after 20+ chapters they feel everything is too forced, that's fine. But as the author—and trying to be unbiased—I personally see the plot as still natural. Perhaps because I know the entire story, I can say that with confidence, haha.
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This novel is still a work in progress. I'm growing as a writer and trying my best to deliver something meaningful.
All feedback—positive or critical—is greatly appreciated. It helps me improve not only this novel but also any future works I may write.
Thank you so much for giving this story a try. I hope you enjoy the journey, one chapter at a time.
Warm regards,
The Author
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