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Chapter 781 reaction (Patreon)

Published:
2023-05-13 15:55:34
Imported:
2026-06

Content

Clearly, a lot of people aren't happy about the developments of chapter 781. I'm not going to talk about the chapter and what is to come because I like to let the story speak for itself. I can't control whether people like where I take it or if they trust me to do so well. I'll just say that I hope those who don't care for the development keep an open mind about where the story goes from here.

The real reason I'm posting this isn't to make my own non-reaction to how the chapter is being received. I'm posting it to thank everyone for keeping the discussion civil. So often, when people dislike something passionately, things get heated and then things get mean. I'm seeing the passion, but it's staying focused where it should be: on the story.

Thank you for being an excellent community.

-Shirt

Comments

Mike Stewart

I thought it was great but I’m pretty excited excited to go back and read comments now

Crysus

Keep up the great work 👌🏻 Looking forward to see where you’re taking the new developments

Matt Hosking

Personally speaking, I love it when I have a strong emotional reaction for what you write and to what happens to the characters. It means that you're doing it right my man! These have been some of the best chapters you've ever written and it's work to really be proud of. I can't wait to read what's next.

Bradley W

Thank you for the excellent story sir!

Charl van Niekerk

The chapter was awesome… only upset as I need to wait another few days to read what happens next! Keep it up.

Ethan

I didn’t think it was too far off. Definitely when I read it I had the thought “this’ll make it interesting” But I think you’ll make it work one way or the other ✌🏻🫡

Grayvisc

What’s not to like? You’ve always been able to give us interesting twists and keep the story fresh. Keep it up! Feel free to drop an extra chapter or 3 as reward for us always encouraging ya!

wartgalore

I like the development and how you are handling it. I also like how you made it more impactful by telling us many chapters ago that a certain someone isn't dead forever.

J.F. Lewis

I’m here for the ride, sir. I trust you make it a good one. :)

MikeHawkins

Life doesn't happen because of what will make you happy. I don't want the stories I read to only make me happy. I'm sure it'll lead where it needs to, and I'm excited for the next chapter.

Glitter Rabbit (C)

Honestly, the only thing I dislike about the last chapter is that the deal isn't entirely clear to me in regard to diamond rank and beyond The longer I've thought about it, the more I was fine with it. Especially due to Jason having Shade as his familiar and Shade being a reaper's shadow. It will be interesting for Jason to embody the cycle of life and death, at least in my opinion.

Drifting Narwhal

Didn’t comment yesterday but I’m loving the story and I can’t wait to see where it goes. You’ve created such an incredible world, I have full faith In your decision making process! I can’t wait to see what the repercussions of this decision will be and what the implications of his be power are.

Alternate Universe 42

I thought it was an odd move. It feels out of character in a way. Yet it sets up some crazy possiblities. Remember people lost it after the ending of empire strikes back only to have it become on of the series most important and beloved moments.

Connor

I like the change. I have a feeling he won’t need his resurrections for much longer anyway. Also I have a feeling this will connect him even more to the concept of death than he already is. He’s died a lot of times, as he keeps mentioning. He’s also killed A LOT of things. He has a familiar who is literally the shadow of death. His other two familiars are for the purpose of consuming all life, and assassinating realities (whatever that means). I have a feeling all this connection to the concept of death will lead somewhere and I’m very excited to see where it goes

Ed Soto

I dig it!

Penned

Personally I love this chapter and find the deal interesting from a story telling perspective. If Jason is about to go full transcendant than a limiting factor to his cosmic powers is probably necessary to keep tension up. Is it the best deal ever made? Well, no but he's also getting a miracle out of it.

Michael Madsen

Everyone debating the story while I'm sitting here trying to speed run time with "healthy doses" of NyQuil and get to the next chapter.

Tommy Tsunami

I'd completely forgotten about this so I'm trying to remember basically anything about the context

Jeremy Griggs

Honestly, the development made me extremely happy. I'd been feeling like the story had kind of been spinning it's wheels a bit, though that's mainly my own preconceptions of what was going to happen. With the way Dawn talked about what was coming, I genuinely expected a time jump and us seeing the crew closing in on gold. I like the change as it feels like things are moving forward again. Thank you for all your work!

Allen Wilding

It does seem an odd move but I’ll trust you where it is going. You’ve created a world and story that has kept me captivated through the 8th time listening to them.

Joshua Ward

That was a great author opinion shirt. Thank you for being great!

Ritsu

Honestly same, except I’m not nearly as ‘medicinal’.

Stuart prior

Quick question?? Does his inability to resurrect also include diamond rank?? As all diamond rankers can pretty much come back anyway???

Michael Madsen

Coopy the loonytoons hammer to the brain pan 🤣

Levi Reed

I actually loved yesterday’s chapter, the fact that Jason now respects the natural cycle of life is really interesting. I could see him upholding Deaths will eventually. You’re one of my favorite authors Shirt so keep up the great work!

Zach West

Think I'm only on the 3rd time thru... I got some catching up 2 do

Edmund Betz

Honestly, I'm not here to dictate how the story unravels. I think it's interesting, I am curious about how it affects him at diamond rank though.

J

Gotta trust the method

Carl

I'm super excited about the twist, keeps the story interesting. Just wondering how the pact interacts with the usual diamond rank reconstitution that was discussed previously. If almost all diamond rankers will eventually reform their bodies, does it count as healing or resurrection?

Combat Catharsis

It’s only life. Not like you are getting out of it alive. So Jason just needs to outlive death. Not like Jason has never did the impossible before. I’m hooked anyway.

sherly jean paul

I just want to know want changes are going to happen to his abilities that come from him dying. Negotiations were mades so he could have those abilities.Do they get affected? If so how do are they affected? ls there a chain reaction because of his decision? I just want the rest of the story 😭! Your doing an amazing job Shirt but I really dislike holding on to and seating at the edge of my seat.

Rowdy Robby

YOUR story is wonderful. If people don't like it they can write their own. The only problem is it was released on Friday. 3 days to the next chapter. Can't wait to hear Death when Heath get his chance.

Code Reed

My issue was that if the extra lives, we're just going to be thrown away and the ability outright sealed, why even have them in the first place? Why have Jason gain an extra life from that diamond ranker and all those other Messengers if the lives were practically worthless anyway? By context it seems like death would have made the deal without the extra lives anyway, she wanted Jason to stop coming back from the dead, and that required sealing the cause, not the effect. The only thing I can think of that that affected at all, is when he was convincing the bright heart leader to go into his soul space and said he had more than one life to toss around. And that's about it. Practically nothing else would have changed. So it just sort of feels pointless, and pointless things and stories aren't liked. Makes readers feel stupid for wasting time thinking about that element of the story.

Virtual Viking Studio

I like where this is going. The character was starting to feel a little deus ex machina and this solves it nicely while giving room to alot of character progression. I think all that "death has no meaning" might have become a limiting factor in his growth and acting more of a hindrance to his advancement than anything else he was facing. Now every action and consequence has a much deeper impact on him and his friends than before. Good job Travis. This is good writing.

Brent

I like where it's going and I'm really excited to see where you are going with it.

ReadingObsessed

This is my favorite story of all time and I know you'll write a great story. I don't need to trust.

DarthPineapples

I didn't know there was a controversy. Chapter was good for me. Taking away his resurrections takes away a gimmick of dying and just coming back. Gives the feeling of real danger back to the story. Also finding out he could possibly eventually could have given resurrections to others and now that's gone is also for shadowing down the line. I'm hooked

John Findlay

Sorry about them, Shirt. They see what they want to see. That and most can't read between the lines. They haven't realized the tree wasn't bound and the only thing he actually gave up is his friend if he doesn't get to him in time. We'll, that and vampires he was friends with in earth.

R.B. Laser

I felt actually that this development in character is deeply interesting. And as some others mentioned i am sure that you as an author have a good plan and that this is going somewhere really interesting. You know what amazing story you are telling. As a matter of fact i have now read your complete books for the second time in two months and found it just as riveting and fascinating the second time around. You are definitely one of the best writers i have seen in this life and i am devouring lots and lots of stories and books.

Andrew L

Yes let’s all blow bubble up the author! Man this series is a slog at this point

Evander

I'm saving up chapters and this makes me want to go see what the fuss is about. Going to circle back next Friday.

Francisco Rosado

I am really happy about the recent events. There would be no real danger to any crazy risk jason would have taken. He has the reapers buttler as a familiar. I feel it will really align with him and finallt have Shade take the leapt to really join Jake like his other familiars

Kalanaere

But that was one of the issues. This deal stays in place forever, even after Death is gone. That's at least how many it seems interpreted it.

Zachary Bender

I honestly don’t know how I feel about this development. But Shirt you haven’t steered me wrong with this story yet. I’m not going anywhere.

Alex O aka UNO

This universe belongs to you, Shirt. You take the story where you will it, but I’ve seen you regard the thoughts of your fan base time and again. The only way I see this becoming a functional chapter, that remains true to the character you’ve built, is if Jason anticipated this sacrifice prior to making this deal. If there were a flashback to a conversation he had with Shade and his friends down the line laying out the reasoning. I don’t contend that I “know better“ nor do I suggest that I understand the full scope of your intent. Just a humble fan with an opinion, and unfortunately this previous chapter seems VERY out of character for the Jason we’ve all come to love. I do hope to see things come full circle in the chapters to come, however it’s all fair to say my “faith” has been shaken by the previous chapter, and the choices made within. For the time being I, like most in the comments, continue hold the belief in your capabilities, Shirt. I look forward to the clarification and resolution of these stark character deviations down the line.

Redbevrd

Iirc that part of the deal was that if Jason manages to outlive death, he still has to uphold the deal.

Ira White

I've got faith in you shirt. I'm sure what ever you have planned will make it worth it.

Mr Wizard

I immediately started wondering what "severe spiritual backlash" will be like when Jason inevitably has to circumvent the pact to do something else impossible, lol. The story through gold and diamond will be a wild one, I'm sure, but all this nuance with the nature of Jason's existence is also extremely fascinating. Thank you for continuing to tell this story Shirt!

Joanna

Man, you have chosen WISELY! Enjoy when you do

Joanna

He's had a respect for death as a natural part of life all the way back to book two and three when he agreed to 'free' the victims of the vorger in the Order of the Reaper's astral space

Vralnii

Good Sir, I feel that you have communicated your personal thoughts on this matter in a way that is both respectful and transparent. I as one of your readers will endeavor to act in a manner that will reflect gloriously upon both my upbringing and education. You are a skald of rare wit and verve, and it is with great anticipation that I look forward to each chapter your pen and hand does grace us with. While I have no comments on your previous chapter, as I see a character's plotted journey as the writer's privilege; I find I must object to your present comment under it's title as a chapter. Oh the heights of joy that did grip my heart at the notice in my electronic mail that an extra chapter would appear; and then that same heart was gripped by the icy fingers of your so aptly described Mistress of Death at the sight of no new chapter. ......... Okay, I just cannot do more overly polite writing. I always feel like I'm vomiting a thesaurus when I do that. I'm not really upset Shirt; I just needed a present subject for my 'polite objection' gag. Thanks for reading folks, ill be here all week. Now if y'all just knew where here was.

Eleeyah

I think one of the major reasons for the strong reactions was just that it was unexpected. Generally, unexpected twists are great. But some things, people need a chance to actually think about it before it happens. To explore and grasp the finer details and potential consequences.

BloodStorm

I won’t lie i wasn’t happy about it at all. Im also not giving up on the story. Either way im along for the ride so let’s see where this leads.

BloodStorm

I also thought this was a bonus chapter and got excited for a second

freeedr

Nah, it’s all good man. If I wanted a story where everything goes the way I’d write it or expect it, well, I would just write one. Nice little twist imo.

Andrei

I personally don't like this development as I enjoyed the resurrection mechanic where Jason had to accumulate them and then be careful not to lose them all to a strong enemy, which makes for a compelling narrative for a power that's usually fairly boring. That said, this is your story and we're along for the ride, so how the narrative advances remains your decision. Those who don't like it can weire their own fanfiction, which has become even easier nowadays with LLMs.

Joanna

My progress has been very much the same. My initial reaction was kinda outraged, but as I thought about it (and reread the chapter several times) I got more into the idea. Shirt's good at what he does

Travis Holley

The problem is, everyone he knew was about to die. There was only a handful of people he didn't know that wasn't going to die. When you have the option to save everyone you love by sacrificing immortality, it is the ultimate selfless choice

BossBooQ

I didn't read it yet... Now I've got to catch up... BRB

Kevin

Omg. I’m a few chapters behind, but this post only makes me more excited to catch up. What sort of BS could Shirt cook up to get people so upset!?

Charles

I think many of us are just strongly concerned for Jason's survival rate

Andrew Miller

You're good m8. It's important to develop and grow a character. You already justified it in the chapter: Transcendents make pacts to protect their grounds of authority from one another, an agreement not to tread upon one another's domains. This is totally in line with Jason. Plus it's nice to take off the training wheels again!

Writing is BobCharlie

I personally couldn't be happier. The resurrections were fun while they lasted, but this makes everything feel much more meaningful.

PacxDragon

Hadn’t read the chapter yet until after I read this, holy crap.

PluT0NYum

Development happens, people are naturally opposed to change. I'm just happy with the consistent chapters 😌

Blayne Allsen

Wait... Jason IS moving towards a cycle of life and death. He could always take some pointers from Zac (Defiance of the fall)

Zachary Blevins

Yep still think it was stupid Like in a horror movie when one of the secondary characters says, I know the lights don’t work in the basement but I’m gonna go poke around in there. I’ll be right back and we all know what happens. Doesn’t mean I’m gonna quit the book series I mean gosh when you’re several hundred hours into something it’s a bit late not to finish it

Glitter Rabbit (C)

I sadly never managed to get into defiance of the fall because idk. The first audiobook started to bore me a little and then I just stopped :D So, i have absolutely no clue what you are taling about :3

Nathan Orenstein

I like the development. It is completely in character while showing growth at the same time. Sorry that people are being so negative tho. Go write your own books if you want a story to go in a particular direction. otherwise, strap in and just enjoy the ride.

Bill Laskowski

Huge curves from both you and the first defier recently at pretty huge moments in the story, yeah I think we all just got whiplash from them, personally can't wait to see where you go with it.

James Domec

I find it interesting. Him being able to stack up resurrections felt a bit much.

BossBooQ

I dont understand the problem! Jason never cared about dying. He always puts it all on the line, does what needs to be done. I'm looking forward to what happens next. Also just saying What an imaginative cool twist! 😎

BossBooQ

I'm reading that one two but I'm like 25 chapters behind... ugh. Gotta catch up

BossBooQ

I thought it was interesting but ultimately felt that was too easy to last. The sacrifice is only worthy if it's all on the line. Think about the times he has died. He never knew he had a way back

Zach West

Is it me? Or did the description not nullify the Phoenix Star stat.... is it like a cockroach skill that just shifts his minimal health to a stat of ethereal??? It just said coming back from the dead... technically he's not dead...

Zach West

Jason loves loopholes....

BossBooQ

Oooh... never thought of it like that

BossBooQ

Like too easy Lazy Couldn't last Death even said those two lives ain't nothing

Tom Rhyne

You’ve earned the trust that you have a plan, and it’ll turn out interesting and fun. I don’t see getting upset about something I don’t even know the reason for or final outcome of. Keep doing what you do!

Connor

I agree, it’s completely in character for Jason to do this

Connor

He has plot armor. He doesn’t need resurrections

Connor

The interesting thing isn’t if he’s going to die, but how he’s going to avoid it, or perhaps even whatever happens after death. We know death isn’t the end, especially not for a partial spirit being like Jason

Mike

I can't say I'm a fan of it, but I definitely trust you to make this a great development in the story. This series has been amazing and I wouldn't expect you to make a "bad" choice this far into it. Can't wait to see how and where it goes from here!

Stormlock

So here's my take on the situation: Narratively, Jason is obviously immortal to begin with, because the story isn't going to just dump him and follow Gary around instead. As such, I liked the resurrections as a way to have a significant setback through violence even though death is off the table. Or a possibility to use them as bargaining chips or as a suicide attack or whatever. Makes things hard to predict. Without those, we're back to "Welp, if he dies he'll just respawn on his throne with more powers or whatever." That seems like a bad place for us to be, suspense wise. I can no longer meaningfully speculate about any dangers to him because he's now relying entirely on plot armor. The stakes, paradoxically, feel incredibly low now that he's out of chips. As far as the actual deal goes, it seems like a very dumb one. Like, barring immense plot armour, this should come back to bite him in a "Oh no, now billions of people are dead because I can't reverse death on this one hero or whatever" kind of way at some point in the future. He signed a blank check in exchange for a very finite number of lives _maybe_ saved. It also, bizarrely, doesn't explicitly bar him from doing things way more antithetical to Death. Like, he can make undead if he wants. Or make vorgers or rip souls apart or grant immortality to everyone in his realm or whatever. Sure, he had no intention of doing those things, but they'd make for more logical concessions from someone that might live as long and go as crazy as the Builder did. It is, however, entirely in character for Jason to take the deal and for a god to wring whatever they can out of him even when they should be interfering anyways. So it doesn't feel bad or jarring in that sense, it fits the characters just fine. I honestly didn't feel especially peeved about this chapter, I just kind of thought 'Huh, so that's how they got cashed in. Guess next time he dies we find out how astral kings are immortal anyways.'

Connor

Yeah I got so excited when I got the notification for a new post with “chapter” in the title

Connor

Dealing with severe spiritual backlash is kind of his thing

TBONEMAN

I like the development. it increases the suspense because he loses his revives and he improves his weakness against necromancers.

Beau Perrizo

Haven't read it yet and trust you 100%. Thanks for everything.

Connor

Vampires don’t use undeath energy if I remember correctly. They’re infused with life force

Connor

The deal stays in place even after death is gone. He promises to uphold her values even in her absence

EWhite2208

Love ya Shirt, but to be very diplomatic about the whole situation.........fuck all of us readers ;) You tell your story. We will love it no matter what. Even if we say we don't.

Andrew Q Dunckley

Ditto. I'm here as a passenger. You drive and I'll happily munch on my popcorn through every sharp turn, lazy drive, potholes or launch off a cliff. While we may choose to visit it is your story. Keep writing your way.

Kelly

Thank you for your work. Your story and Heath Miller’s audio presentation has been vital to me since I was directed to your work last year. HWFWM has given me a world to escape to when real life becomes overwhelming. Thank you for your efforts; I hope you are able to keep this story going awhile. Or are able to create something new, just as awesome, when ready. Kelly

Kelly

People are just upset that their ideas of what “should” have happened aren’t panning out. This is a growing opportunity for those people, letting go of things that are beyond their control and part of someone else’s creativity. One thing I did kind of expect was Gary doing something like that. So while it was heart wrenching and I hope he comes out of it ok, it didn’t surprise me. Maybe Gary will end up being the first semi-permanent resident of Jason’s soul realm.

Kelly

“I’ll take your lives. Those you have, those you could ever have, and any you could bestow upon others…” (at least I think that was the line) So it sounds like she did. But I don’t know. 😂

Braden Lambert

I’m ready to see what you’re doing with it!

Sebastianos Ionnides

It caught me off guard but it's a cool spin and I'm curious where it goes

Kelly

That’s exactly what I thought when I read it. “Spiritual backlash? That’s it? Well, this won’t last…” 😂

Crookie Gram

I fucking hate death! I am sure that Shirt will do it justice but... Jason agreeing so readily with no input from shade I was like, "what the fuck you doing bro" the rest of the kings are coming for you and in return you say, "ehh who needs more than one life"

Nick

I definitely trust your story telling and I am curious to see where it goes! Personally my money is on Jason breaking a pact because he has to, on the other hand Jason has always been very mature on the not bringing people back from beyond the grave unnecessarily in the past. It's just a very big left turn all of a sudden, like youre setting Jason up as someone who finishes immortals.

Crystal Donak

I never understand half the powers. I have to read it all again. Lol

FreidFaust

Eh I'm not up to date so I cant really speak on it. But as the great Taylor Swift once said, Haters gonna hate, hate, hate

Rabmuk

Jason always sacrifices himself to save others. Astral kings is a future problem. Saving the expedition is a now problem

Richard

Lol people are actually whining about it? Guys you really think shirt is gonna ruin his story? You love this story, have faith in the wordsmith...

drink mer

Its the season for complaining been seeing more of it in the comments for all the authors I'm subscribed to. I personally love seeing all the different opinions people have on how a story is going, but its the people that are trying to be back seat authors demanding how the story should be that get on my nerves a bit.

Patric Peterson

Only thing I didn't like about the last chapter was that massive cliff you left us hanging off of. Keep up the Awesome Work Shirt

SherbertSheep

I like the change and can’t wait for the story to progress. I’m so sorry about all the sourpusses who don’t like the change. One thing though Shirt please can we change the name for the new affliction I can’t get ghost rider out of my head please

Taylor

I look forward to the three days a week I get to escape into the world and story you’ve made for us Shirt. All my support to you my man. Keep up the good work.

Adam Schmidt

I'm new to the idea that fans are able to give ongoing feedback chapter by chapter. Kind of interesting, but please do not let it affect your gameplan. You do you, and write what you want to write. It's what got us all subscribed and on edge to begin with.

Benjamin Mutz

What I saw and agree with some people yesterday, was that once he gets a soul forge he’ll be able to create a prime avatar so he’ll be able to send that out instead of himself to some degree im sure. But I do feel like the deal was a rough one but with this kind of development something’s gotta fill the void.

Nolan Wright

I think it follows his nature. Also I wouldn't doubt changing this was opens up a stronger tie with shade

Hunter Church

I totally agree with you! The only part that drives me crazy is waiting for the next chapter, especially when there is so much happening 🫨

Crookie Gram

And I totally I agree. I mean I don't agree with what Jason is doing not shirt. Shirt has me so hooked that I read these chapters at 0130 my time everytime that they come out...

Gavin

What? Nah fam. Ignore and continue on. Do you. Your writing and approach got us here so continue with the vision.

Jesse Artrip

I’ll join in. I see it as a good development. Overall this takes away the “safety net” in the story which brings it to real consequences (realistically for the first time). For those saying he wouldn’t pass his chance to revive his friends, it’s already been made more difficult and Jason doesn’t have an easy revival power (yet). This is actually a full show of faith in his friends that he doesn’t think he needs to do it all himself and that they can do what they have to. His objective was never to be able to constantly revive or revive others but to keep his friends alive. It’s a good development and shows his character arc from Earth being 100% independent to being back on a team and a planet he can rely on (including its Gods). I can’t predict the story but I feel like it’s still going the right direction.

dakota dodson

The only part I didn't like was death saying she could have asked for more. Like really? You're asking for a contract that will likely outlast you by billions of years. What more could you ask for

Dazzoboy

She's the goddess of death, whatever she wanted really, maybe his recipe to the ice cream sandwiches he made in a previous book :P but in all seriousness, I am loving the way this new one is going, at points I dislike where the story is going but then it rewards you later on haha

Jamarr

I'm not against the change on principle, I'm against how flip-floppy it is. First, he had a one-use token, then it was once per rank/grade, then it became unlimited as long as he fought enough gestalts and then it's gone for real this time.

dakota dodson

My problem with it really is just the fact she's taking away a powerset given to him by beings above her. And she's requiring it forever. That's just greedy. It'd be different for me if the contract was until she dies. Which from our perspective of time would be forever. But it's already so much. As for the recipe ideas that's wayyy too far. Like cmon you can't steal a man's dessert recipes

Keven Leigh

Anathema to undeath can be a very strong power and makes up for one of his known weaknesses. Undead generally are immune to disease in most forms of media so it makes sense that jason would be struggle with them. The cost to get those powers are a bit hard to chew on tho. A contract making true death a part of his soul forever. The buffs he has now will likely get further increased at every rank but still coming back from the death is no longer his thing

Alex Schellenberg

Look, so long as Gary makes it through I'll be happy. If he doesn't I'm still finishing this series and any other you decide to make too

Philip Pleiss

Thanks for the message, Shirt. Your quality has been consistently good, so I'm sure the imbalance of the deal and such will make sense as the story progresses. I figured the change was a necessary part of tying the story up as it nears the final stretch. Especially with various hints about how he has been getting played behind the scenes, it probably has something to do with that.

Namorat

I honestly have no opinion. I want Shirt to write his story and in the end I decide if I liked it and if it worked. I will not start second guessing decisions, I never will. Even when I do not like something, I want to see where the author takes things. I absolutely loathe the kind of reader who seems to expect any author to follow their idea of what should happen. It is honestly despicable to me when they actually start complaining and attacking the author. Note, this is not to say that anyone has to agree that any direction is the right one, but to me, they should be behaving better and more respectful and patient to see what is actually happening. One or two chapters really rarely explain what is actually happening, if you ask me.

Lee McLarnan

I will just say that I never understand the new abilities when they are first introduced. Give me another 50 chapters and 2 or more read throughs though, and I'm like "whoa, that's deep". If I was able to understand an author's thinking and writing process I'd be a writer instead of a cliff addict.

Marshall Kelloway

"don't care for the development keep an open mind about where the story goes from here" pretty much EXACTLY describes how I feel. If anything, I'm even MORE interested now, because how will the story shake out now that not only has Jason lost his biggest trump card, he will never be able to use anything like it ever again?

Guuldan

Chapter 781 is in the BS area as far as plot holes go! Him and the red head wiped out a whole zombie incursion on Earth whit his butterflys and he was half dead and exhausted at the time. Now he's a whole level higher and he didn't even try?? Something smells really fishy and that doesn't even get into how a local gods pact can somehow supersedes the pact the Reaper put in place to curtail the Phoenix from continually bringing Jason back from the dead. Those are just the obvious ones and to be honest Jason's butterflies were made for this kind of situation. This chapter makes no sense and doesn't add anything but a plot whole.

Connor

It mentioned that he tried the butterflies. But since the undeath energy in (and around) the undead is being enhanced by the god of undeath it destroys his butterflies before they can even get close

Connor

These aren’t just normal zombies. Not only is there much more than he had to deal with last time. But unlike the ones on earth that were maximum silver but mostly lower rank. These are minimum silver (if I remember correctly) and there’s plenty of golds. They’re also being directly enhanced by the god of undeath. Jason and his people are also completely surrounded and are in an area that messes with and limits their powers. Edit: Also he isn’t a level higher. He was also silver during the zombie outbreak on earth (his butterflies unlocked when Gordon reached silver and he was his last ability to get to silver)

Connor

Also it doesn’t supersede the previous pact with the reaper and the Phoenix. That pact is explicitly about the reaper wanting to prevent him from coming back to life too often, which is the exact same thing that the pact he’s made right now has to do with (just more serious and restrictive) The only thing that really changes from the previous pact is his one time per rank resurrection (plus any extras he can consume), which was an add on from the Phoenix to make the power more palatable and desirable for Jason (since he had to willingly accept the power) and so he has a better chance of getting the job done

Naotsugu97

I did not even realize there was a discussion about anything. It’s an ongoing story that is we’re reading chapter by chapter. Getting perturbed at this point is the same as getting 25% into a new book and complaining about the ending! We don’t know what is coming AFTER this chapter, so take a deep breath and trust in a author who has a track record of excellent writing.

Rabmuk

yeah I really hope this deal is what saves Gary and not that Jason goes down a "these far off restriction I put one myself are already coming true" arc due to Gary dying

Lucubration

This was my issue. The whole resurrection mechanic kept getting fleshed out and built upon, then before it became relevant all that was just crumpled up and tossed in the bin. Like why did we need to keep getting invested in the details of this story mechanic for the author to offhandedly discard it? Could have just kept him without all the 'filling the tank from angel deaths' hijinks and it wouldn't be such a weird diversion. That aside, I'm hoping for something interesting from how this transformation zone develops and still want answers about how this interacts with the 'all diamond-rankers are near-impossible to actually end' quirk.

Terry McAllister

I've come back to reread this chapter 5 times and I think it's great. I like this change, having buckets of lives feels cheap, and unnecessary after becoming immortal. Also we had that snippet of an astral king endlessly resurrection people and I didn't like the idea of Jason having that power. Swapping that for anti undead, at this moment, seems ideal.

Dr. Jeff

For gods’ sake, I’m 781 chapters into the story. I love it. I love the twists & turns. I trust that the path will be fun and entertaining. I don’t know what the ramifications of this chapter will be and what unexpected shifts will happen. I love that. I’ve read enough predictable story lines, Shirt, you’re not predictable! Thank You.

Brendan O'Sullivan

Keep up the good work Shirt, thanks for sharing the story with us and not being perturbed! 🙏🏻😁

Supremagorious

I'm looking forward to see where it goes. Though it does fill me with anxiety which is an unpleasant feeling but that it's able to do that is a good thing.

TheRaptorOfHermes

Keep up the good work Shirt! There will always be people who will be dissatisfied... But as long you are happy that's all that matters.

Beardo

Throughout this story there are lots of things I would have done differently. But that's the thing, it's not my story, it's your story, and I've enjoyed reading it all this time. Go where you want with it, I don't think where youre taking us is so far off the beaten road that the story I enjoy becomes one I don't.

Eric M

I will honestly be crushed if Gary dies, but I have faith in your process. As well as you represent them, I know you love your characters too. But Clive and Gary should be untouchable... 😂

Tooshar

My biggest issue, is essentially death is ignoring her principle character to specifically screw over Jason, she should be hopping at a chance to take on undeath, yet here she is doing a massively one sided deal to screw someone over, for absolutely minimal benefit to Jason, considering the whole bit with purity/deceit, how sure are we that it was actually death. And Jason is saying, all of a sudden how great the gods have treated him? He has been and will be for the foreseeable future a pawn for most of them, it will be decades or centuries till they have to treat him with more care. At the end of the day they could reopen Jason's soul portal and all re enter it, including the tree/soul forge with minimal loss, biggest thing would be getting to the second group, but doable? With a shadow step through shade, then simply evac the city, there's no overriding reason to stay and fight, yet they are? Send some diamond rankers to be useful for once

Cameron Taylor

Well that is ominous. I better read it in case I am assuming even worse than it is.

Cameron Taylor

Ok, every bit as bad as I expected. But I had already put my complaint about how bad that would be as a forced plot device in the chapter before. Such a shame. Maybe the story can recover from this bizarre railroading. Maybe not. Certainly it's enough that book 10 unredeemably ruined. Such a big idiot ball to force on Jason, against his established personality just to introduce a needless nerf.

Cameron Taylor

Yep. Why did they even introduce the Resurrection thing in the first place?

Cameron Taylor

I would be impressed if Shirt ruined his story. To achieve that he would first have to redeem it only to drag it down again. You of course don't have to share that perspective. But it's not a matter of "having faith" when it is something that has already occurred. Shirtaloon has enough competence as a writer to be aware that he is doing something drastic enough that it would ruin the story for a subset of people and decided it was worth it. That's ok. Let the subset own their own disappointment. They don't need to delude themselves with "faith". Just decide whether it is is still a net worthwhile story to them personally.

Cameron Taylor

Cliff? People felt some degree of suspense or tension after that chapter?

Cameron Taylor

Yeah... it's almost telling the world to go screw itself. He is going to commit suicide by cop by making irresponsible deals with a lightweight transcendent for a sidequest. Then he can let the world burn while still deluding himself that he is trying to do the right thing.

Cameron Taylor

Defier was a curve ball narratively. Ie. It introduced a plot twist to justify switching to a multiple MC POV switching story rather than a single MC. This twist was more... directly messing with the character inside the story. I'm not sure which is more annoying.

Cameron Taylor

Could have made a better story just by leaving the Resurrections out of it in the first place. He never actually used the Resurrection accruing system. In effect he just gets resurrected by a deus ex machina arbitrarily when convenient and whatever supposed system is behind it is largely irrelevant.

Cameron Taylor

It would be kind of a satisfying twist if Jason did just die. He makes these bad choices when the fate of the planet is on the line. It would be a fitting moral for bad choices to produce a predictably bad outcome. Then give an epilogue of the world phoenix patching the universe together the hard way with a less benign proxy.

BossBooQ

Oooh Kelly never considered that. I really like that direction. Thanks for sharing your ideas 💡

Alex Reed

I agree. I was thrilled with the chapter because it leans into Jason's willingness to go all the way to do what needs done. This story has flawlessly executed pacing, suspense, and appeal for 781 chapters, so please, keep it coming!

BossBooQ

I never considered not having a discussion with Shade However Shade does speak up is something really important needs to be said. Remember when he actually called him Jason? No... I think that it's telling that Shade didn't jump in. They'll discuss it later after they get their soul forge and are watching all the friends and survivors at the celebration BBQ

BossBooQ

Oooo interesting perspective. 🤔 I like the thought

BossBooQ

I have the same sediment!

Sean C Jackson

well she did say this was something he would never agree to once he had the power to endlessly bring people back from the dead.

Sean C Jackson

most of the gods Jason has interacted with have treated him fairly well considering that they are gods and he is still a puny mortal.

Crookie Gram

Yeah. What if it was actually Collin? So Collin made a deal with the literal devil... just saying. PLOT TWIST!

Code Reed

I think that guy has more than earned a few extra lives. And it's not like he didn't expect to REALLY die on a few of those times he died. He's been risking his life since day one. It's not like he asked to be resurrected. You think he wouldn't have as much of an emotional toll if he had extra lives? If he has to use them, there's a good chance at least a few of his friends died to. That would floor him. If anything the added stress of living on as the last survivor is probably more terrifying than dying to him.

Connor

Especially considering his constant blasphemy and disrespect. The gods are treating him basically like a peer at this point. And even early they were pretty friendly, like Hero and Knowledge with his first ever interactions with them

Connor

Shade specifically mentioned that using his shadow teleport through shade in this location would be a bad idea. All dimensional effects are messed up in their location, hence why they’re stuck. And he can’t open the portal again, they specifically had to do a massive ritual to allow it to happen in an already very controlled environment

Cameron Taylor

People aren't complaining about the ending. They are complaining about somewhere in the middle of book ten. People are allowed to dislike something that drastically subverts what they want in a book. Much like some people will abandon a book because there is a rape scene or a harem forms. Some progression fantasy readers will abandon a book that frivolously railroads in power or character regression.

Cameron Taylor

It just reverts to relying on plot armor instead of real consequences if Jason fucks up. He went from maybe dying and losing a life and whatever mess that comes with that to... he just will live till (at least near the) end no matter what idiotic choices he makes. Or not, his status when it comes to dying and Resurrection flip flops back and forth on a whim so his actual powers barely have any meaning in this regard.

Naotsugu97

“Certainly it's enough that book 10 unredeemably ruined.” Really?! You know what the author is going to write and the direction the plot is going to take? Please, enlighten the rest of us so we don’t have to be in suspense.

Krubidu der Starke

Mate.. Whether we/I like this development or not you do you :D This story is yours to tell and ours to enjoy (or not). I for instance trust you wholeheartedly and look forward to what is to come. Keep up the good work Shirt!

Jesse Artrip

It’s a long way off but it’s important to remember that it says he can heal from extreme damage as long as it’s not true death, and what will Collin be able to repair at diamond?

Jyhden Bean

I saw that there was a post and thought wow another chapter 😂 Shirt you are doing well with your books and to see that people are like wow a surprise is a testament to your talent in writing

McKinley Gould

Shirt please take no offense I love your story! And the worlds you have been building. I was fine with the chapter. I’m sure it will make more sense eventually. I am somewhat afraid the book is feeling to much like Robert Jordan and many other modern authors who just park a story in a holding pattern and keep it going in circles instead of bringing it home. 10’s of thousands or bad guys would just wipe the floor with the defenders. They have a few gold tankers and the rest silver, it’s just kind silly. I expected him to do some kind of hero move die and come back with a new power like he has several times before…. The plot is kinda stagnating.

Danielle Kemmer

I read Friday’s chapter and I instantly spotted a “table-flip” moment. Jim butcher is notorious for these and I can’t wait to see how this “hobbling” moment will evolve. We have seen these happen in this series multiple times and I am on tenterhooks waiting for the next chapter. My husband only reads the books and not the patreon chapters and he said this is the exact reason he only reads the completed books because it is too hard on his chill otherwise.

Cameron Taylor

Dresden literally getting killed was less of a table flip moment than this. The closest thing would be taking away Dresden's hellfire. But that was a coherent, well developed progression to a power that existed for a reason then was moved on from with a natural development. Dresden has no instances of just doing the hokey pokey with powers for the heck of it without even using the powers while they exist and while having the MC act out of character and foolishly to make it happen.

Trevor Mallow

Just wanted to drop a word of encouragement for you to keep to the story you want to tell. I'm reading a book written by Travis Deverell, not some butthurt people in the Patreon comments section. I, as others have stated, am looking forward to where this development leads and what effect it has on Jason's progression to gold and diamond. I'm betting on nearly skipping all of gold rank as Allayeth has already alluded to the fact Jason would probably have an easy transition.

Zach West

Just pretty sure the World Phoenixs got it covered with some sort of authority... she gave him that power... it can't just be taken away because it's inconvenient for the planets death god... they don't have the authority to supercede the Astral Beings... I definitely think Shade should of said something... but we will see where it goes ... Monday come hither!!!

Danielle Kemmer

dresden being backed into a corner and making bad decisions is a constant throughout the series. Him lying with a broken back and agreeing to be the Winter Knight knowing what it does to a person comes to mind. Then trying to off himself and screwing over his apprentice inevitably drawing her into the fae court as well is another table-flip. I have still enjoyed the story but jim butcher does not allow a chapter by chapter read so I appreciate that he who fights with monsters has made some reverse courses that one only sees with writing a serial. Jason not going after the American network branch reality cores after Anna from the Australian network tees him up is a great example. I hope that Jason finds a loophole or just transcends this issue eventually (cause I like my heroes to kick ass, chew bubblegum, and take wallets) but honestly if it means he might have to care about not dying like most characters that is ok too.

Brandon Walker

I don't like the direction, but I totally trust you and am mostly just frustrated trying to figure out how you are going to twist it to surprise us

Kelly

That’s the thing—Death can’t “just take” anything away. But anything that is Jason’s can be given up by him. He still technically has that ability, but their pact has sealed them. He can use them, but the pact will greatly damage his soul. Which is what I kinda see happening. 😂

Wei Tung

Preference is to have Jason keep reviving but either way I continue enjoy reading the story.

Tooshar

They did a ritual once already to open the portal, and considering that seemed much easier than the current ritual, combined with one for shade porting? I think he's just manufacturing an issue where there really isn't one, because at this point, if Jason dies, so do all the bright hearts in his soul realm if he can't ressurect

Jake

I am simply a passenger in your world, your the driver and I have to trust the direction.

Graythan

I’ve read alot of books, fiction, fantasy, LITRPG. My favorites are always the ones with the characters who scoff at fate, making their own way, and going against the “powers that be” like Jason does. Travis I have to tell you, this is probably the most well written series I’ve ever had the privilege of reading. No author, and no book series (no matter how good) has ever kept me this hooked for this long. And I just wanted to say thank you, you’re a phenomenal writer.

Connor

I’m not sure what you’re alluding to with the second paragraph. “Hokey Pokey with his powers for the heck of it without using the powers”?? Firstly, he’s used the revival a few times, as he mentions he dies quite a lot. Also it’s very in character for Jason to do this. He’s always the self sacrifice type of character. Also I have a feeling he’ll soon be a true astral king and won’t need his revivals anymore anyway. The only thing I find somewhat foolish about how Jason was acting, was him not consulting with Shade.

J Holmes

I appreciate the way you're handling the criticism. It's your story to do with as you please. I don't really get the knee jerk reactions hating it; it seemed in line with how you've written your characters to me. Looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

Krubidu der Starke

Yikes there's a reason this answer has 0 likes... What a bad take. You have a right to your own opinion. But please keep in mind it's just that: YOUR very much subjective take. If you don't enjoy reading it anymore then no one us forcing you to. But as for me and probably the biggest part of the community we don't share your views and are keen to see what Shirt has in store for the story.

Connor

He’s on the brink of becoming a true astral king. And I feel like once he gets his soul forge he won’t need his resurrections anymore

Connor

Cameron, if you really hate the change so much why are you still here. You clearly like the story enough to pay for patreon. So either keep reading, or leave but don’t try to ruin it for everyone else with your whining about how the story isn’t how you want it to be

Connor

Bro if you hate the change so much just leave. You clearly like the story enough to pay for patreon. So either keep reading, or leave. But no one wants to see you continually whining about how things aren’t going the way you want them to. Also your comment has zero likes so clearly no one agrees with you.

Richard

Right, and he's replying to almost anyone that had anything positive to say, pathetic...

Connor

I wouldnt mind too much if he actually had something to say. Bu he doesn’t have anything constructive to say or any actual reasons other than him just not liking the idea

glen perry

Me like chapter. Author good storyteller. Words make cave brain think big thoughts. Story take caveman on journey. Me want more. Grunt with joy. Keep writing, author! Me waiting for next chapter like hungry wolf waits for prey.

urbanfound

I like the development because now Jason has some first hand experience with soul engineering. it's a given that he will get the soul forge, and need to learn to shape a soul. the problem was how will he get that experience. changing the mark on the messangers in his soul realm was insignificant compared to this. this should help him learn to undo the modified vampirism curse from earlier books.

Connor

I never even thought about all the experience Jason just got with soul engendering. That’s another huge benefit he got from the deal just peripherally

Erik Tainio Lagusson

While i didn't like the chapter, it is one plot path among many, and i still like the story. I like almost everything else about the story, so not that much have changed....and there will be cheat or loophole :)

Matt Turner

While I don't love the sacrifice. I have LARGE amounts of faith you have a great reason for it. Please don't let the feedback cause a change in the overall plot

Jmc mc

Narrativley speaking this makes sense, any fight where Jason can do the thing he sacrificed, is basically a mirage chamber fight and we know how he feels about those

Jan Salomon

I personally like the last chapter. It ressorts the stakes so that He can fall in mortal danger again

Mike Davis

I thought 781 was great! Not only are there now real things at stake in the short-term, Jason has something new to overcome long-term. Great job, Shirt!!

Killinger Ryan

Death is necessary as nothing and no one live forever. God's, Astral beings, and the universe itself will all die eventually. Literally doesn't change the course of the story as I don't see Jason ever ACTUALLY dying.

Reaperess

While I am one of the people who dislike the loss of the ability, that doesnt mean i dislike what he got. It's one of those deals where i probably wasnt going to be happy either way. That being said, I'm in no way not trusting you or the process. You've never let me down before, and i trust you to have reasons for it and to do a good job with it :) I have faith in you

Ligeia

I read a lot more of the comments on 781 than I often do, and I can't think of a single comment that was nasty and personal. You not only are a quality writer, Shirt, you have a quality readership. I honestly don't think I've seen a comment thread with 100% on-topic comments since I started online in 1991! Now I can't wait to see how this carries through!

Michael

Love the fast pull, fantastic idea and story as always

Nicholas Donovan

The controversy comes from what it means if/when Jason gets to diamond and cannot self resurect like every other diamond ranker, has a bunch of brightheart elementals in his soul space (that he cannot let out at the moment, are all innocent, and will die if he does), and is about to set off a reality bomb and deal with a gold rank transformation zone

Logen Felxon

It's hard to reign in the plausible power of the main character. This was one of the three ways I was thinking you would do it that wasn't another 'portal' incident that fucked up his soul worse. Anyhue, people might not like the changes you pull your characters through, but you're the author. You decide where the stories you wanna tell goes. I trust your craftmanship when it comes to storybeats and the flow of the story. I'de love it if this story ended on a none-pyric victory beat though.

Stuart T

My problem isn't the loss of revives. I have 2 problems. 1st, he doesn't know what he bought. 2nd, it's a deal that lasts forever with a being that won't last forever. If he tweaked the deal so that he was told what the miracle would be (no need to tell us readers but tell Jason) and that the no revives only lasted as long as Palimustus and its god of death. THAT I can get behind. The price is ,functionally, the same but feels like Jason actually bargained for a better deal.

Austin Caudill

Yeah unfortunately I'm gonna have to end my subscription over this. I didn't even realize it was still active actually. But from my perspective there's zero chance that Jason as depicted throughout the entire story would have taken that deal. It's a terrible deal. It makes.it drastically more likely that he permanently loses people and he wouldn't go for it. On top of that there were options that weren't even attempted. He could have tried to bargain the gift from the healer, tried to bargain with a less-hostile god, used his astral gate and damn the consequences (which is something he's done before, and he would be drastically more likely to do that if truly pushed a corner than whatever the fuck that was.) More things even. These options weren't even explored or considered. On the list of 'best to worst options" the deal was the worst option and something the character would be vehemently against as well. Why did you immediately skip plans A-Y and go with Z? Because you wanted to shoehorn this in here. I don't even understand the griping of ressurections removing tension, just kill him more often then. But unless this is straight up retconned I can no longer support this story or recommend it to others, and I've been a patron for nearly the entire length of the story, and recommended it to countless others. I will be cancelling my subscription now.

Will Banning

Why would Jason give up his revives when he's sporting a bunch of innocent people in his soul? This seems poorly thought through. Jason is smarter than this and definitely doesn't make deals with gods like this. Did you do this just to build suspense?