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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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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