“The Chronicles of Zenon” is a long novel series that has reached nearly 30 volumes.

    As the story unfolds, it naturally features a variety of foreshadowing and loose ends, most of which have been resolved by volume 28.

    Until then, critics and readers actively exchanged opinions, discussing the true nature of these plot threads and their meanings.

    They would often compile their theories and share them with newspapers or through discussions, showcasing their deductive skills.

    While this could be considered spoilers, it wasn’t truly so—it was more akin to logical reasoning based on the information available.

    Many such theories turned out to be incorrect.

    For instance, Jackson once proposed a wild theory, and a few agreed with him.

    Of course, there was one real spoiler about Kate personally punishing a fallen cardinal with divine retribution, but that only came about because I provided hints.

    In that sense, the latest spoiler revelation, while shocking, is unlikely to elicit a strong reaction.

    Agreeing with it would mean endorsing its claims, and since it’s such a major spoiler, silence is the best response for now.

    ‘Who would spread something like this?’

    The unexpected spoiler left readers, especially the Jin-Lily couple fans, utterly devastated.

    Given the ending of volume 28 and the revelation that even the World Tree couldn’t escape the demons’ corruption, the situation was bleak.

    To top it off, Jin and Lily do not end up together, and there’s even talk of Zenon killing Jin.

    The problem is identifying the source.

    There’s no trace of who spread such claims.

    The rumors began circulating a few days after the release of volume 28.

    Normally, critics or readers would publish their theories in newspapers, but this wasn’t the case here.

    ‘How could anyone know Zenon would kill Jin? Based on what evidence? The foreshadowing so far doesn’t seem sufficient.’

    Most people dismiss it as nonsense since there’s no apparent reason or motive for Zenon to kill Jin.

    The two trust each other and share a deep bond that transcends their species.

    Hence, the theory has been largely ignored.

    However, as Jin embarks on his quest to find Diabolos’ soul, hidden hints begin to surface.

    The fact that Jin is the biological son of “Gluttony” and his willingness to embrace the darkest sacrifices for Lily’s sake—these elements start to make sense.

    If someone pieced all this together, they deserve praise.

    ‘Or is it just bait for attention?’

    That’s a surprisingly plausible hypothesis.

    There are always people seeking attention, no matter where you go.

    Yet, the mystery remains—no one knows who started these rumors.

    The spread of the rumors is attributed to bards and storytellers, making it impossible to track down the origin.

    Most readers treat it as nonsense, so no immediate action is planned.

    ‘Not being able to do anything about it is the problem,’ I sighed.

    From my perspective, it feels like being cornered.

    If the claims were more logical, the fandom could have split in half.

    Even passionate fans of “The Chronicles of Zenon” wouldn’t be immune to such turmoil.

    While the fanbase is overwhelmingly supportive, divisions could lead to serious consequences.

    For instance, there could be debates between those who view the novel as mere fiction and those who vehemently deny the possibility of Jin and Lily not ending up together.

    My own mother even threatened to “separate flesh from bone” if Jin and Lily don’t unite.

    ‘Progress on events might be delayed.’

    The number of readers invested in the Jin-Lily couple is far greater than I anticipated.

    The tragic and sorrowful nature of their story has garnered a strong following.

    Outwardly, people dismiss the rumor as nonsense, but they can’t help but feel uneasy.

    Whether Zenon kills Jin is less important.

    The bigger issue is that Jin and Lily don’t end up together.

    This unease turns into dread, which then accumulates into doubt.

    Inevitably, that doubt will target me.

    In the worst-case scenario, the fanbase might rally against me.

    ‘The fact that it’s true makes it all the more troublesome.’

    I’d like to clear things up, but since this is the most painstaking twist I’ve crafted, I have to remain tight-lipped.

    While I can handle criticism, the guilt would weigh heavily on me.

    It’s like hearing a spoiler that a cripple is the culprit.

    If it were baseless nonsense, I could’ve debunked it outright, as I did with Jackson’s claims during the freshman welcome event.

    I sighed at the increasingly complex situation.

    I could only hope things would unfold favorably, though life rarely makes things so easy.

    “Um... Senior? Are you feeling unwell?”

    A somber yet clear voice broke my thoughts.

    Looking up, I saw Cherry, with her usual dead-eyed expression, gazing at me with concern.

    Her demeanor was fine, but those lifeless eyes remained unchanged.

    “No, I’m fine. I just had something on my mind.”

    “Are you sure it’s not because of me...?”

    I, too, have been consistently following Cherry’s novel, Red Sunset.

    It aligns perfectly with my tastes.

    Moreover, it includes the familiar trope often seen in romance fantasy—a heroine who tries to shoulder everything alone.

    Resolving this is the male lead’s role and the charm of romance fantasy.

    But before that, Cherry needed to lay the groundwork first.

    “Well... How about pausing the development for now?”

    “Pause... the development?”

    Cherry looked puzzled at my suggestion to halt the storyline.

    I continued explaining without stopping.

    “You’re writing romance, right? The development can progress slowly.

    What’s most important is the relationships and emotions between the characters.

    If you focus on drawing the trees one by one, you’ll naturally create a forest.

    Write in that way.

    After all, the events are caused by the same characters.

    Understand?”

    “Ah... I get it now.”

    “There’s no need to rush. Let it unfold like it seeps gently into the heart.

    But make sure to craft the dialogues to match the characters’ personalities.

    Got it?”

    “Thank you...”

    Cherry smiled softly, her expression calm, and bowed her head slightly.

    Then, she gently embraced Ariel.

    Looking up again, still holding Ariel close, she spoke quietly.

    “Senior Isaac... Can I ask you a favor?”

    “What is it?”

    “I’d like to take a nap with her...”

    “With me?”

    Hearing herself mentioned, Ariel raised her head and looked at Cherry, who glanced at her before turning to me.

    Her dark, sunken eyes carried an indescribable plea.

    I wondered for a moment if Cherry had bewitched her...

    “When I’m with her... it feels like my heart grows warm.”

    “... ...”

    “It’s like, if you fill her up with water, she warms it for you...”

    “Fill her? Warm her?”

    Was this similar to giving a cute kitten to someone with autism?

    Though the effect would likely be stronger.

    I chuckled at the thought.

    As long as it didn’t involve leaving the dormitory, it didn’t matter.

    “Alright. But don’t take her outside. Only here. Got it?”

    “Th-thank you... But where...”

    “Sleep there.”

    I pointed to the bed in the living room.

    It was originally my spot for naps but served just as well for guests.

    Cherry immediately carried Ariel to the bed, seemingly wanting to feel the warmth a bit longer.

    Ariel, too, settled into her arms without a fuss, as if finding her embrace comfortable.

    “So soft.”

    “Ah, no, don’t touch—!”

    “Only allowed for your dad, huh? Why?”

    “H-how did you know?”

    “There’s a way to know everything!”

    Hmm. I’ll have to scold her firmly later.

    I ignored the sounds behind me, pretending not to hear.

    Soon enough, I heard soft breathing, indicating they had quickly fallen asleep.

    ‘Who in the world spread such a rumor?’

    This thought lingered in my mind as a few days passed.

    [The famous adventurers of the Minerva Empire, Jin and Lily, are rumored to be destined to unite...]

    [Growing unease among readers.]

    [Zenon remains silent... Is silence a sign of approval?]

    The situation I hoped wouldn’t arise had begun to surface.