I finally hammered out the second chapter. While it didn't hit the ten-thousand-word goal I mentioned yesterday, I truly reached my absolute limit.

Only those who have actually written a novel understand that wrapping things up is an immense workload; the energy required is easily more than double what was needed in the middle and early stages... Even those who haven't written books, having seen so many stories that fizzle out at the end, should have some grasp: every sentence, every paragraph requires agonizing deliberation, making my already slow typing speed even more sluggish.

Eight thousand words, the result of sixteen hours from nine this morning until now—I didn't even eat dinner until after finishing the first chapter. I honestly believe I’ve pushed myself as hard as I can.

Currently, my ranking on the Monthly Ticket chart is ninth in the category. The gap to sixth place is over fifty votes. And the double-voting period ends tomorrow night at midnight. If I can gain just 25 more votes now, I can catch up to those ahead; but once the double period passes, that fifty-vote deficit becomes real. Given that other books certainly won't remain stagnant, catching up from a fifty-vote gap alone is tough. If the distance widens further, fighting for this month will likely be hopeless.

Should I just concede defeat like this?

I refuse to accept it!

Monthly tickets! Monthly tickets! I need monthly tickets!

Can someone give me just a sliver of hope???? (To be continued……RQ