It must be because the end is nearing, and I wasn't stuck on the writing that my state felt so excellent, everything running so smoothly. But with that relaxation came an eruption of physical ailments, sprouting up like bamboo shoots after the rain... Headaches, a cold, rhinitis, pharyngitis—I couldn't even sleep properly, let alone write.

The first two issues were likely due to not adjusting well during the seasonal shift, so they weren't too severe. However, the latter two are genuine accumulations from the last couple of years.

For the sake of writing, I was going through nearly two packs of cigarettes daily. Over that long period, my throat started bothering me last year. Every day, there was this burning sensation, coupled with a feeling of congestion, but it wasn't serious enough for me to pay it much mind.

But when a long-standing problem finally erupts, the consequences are quite grim. The last few days, the fever was so high I couldn't even swallow food; I could only manage liquids.

I am currently in the process of quitting smoking. Of course, quitting cold turkey is impossible. I plan to take it step by step: first reducing from two packs to one, and dropping to half a pack when I’m not writing... The latter is actually easier to achieve, as I barely smoke when I’m not engaged in writing.

Then there's the more serious issue: due to my long-standing habit, it’s incredibly difficult to write without smoking. This current situation will drag my already slow pace down another notch, and I doubt I'll be able to focus properly for the next few days.

So, please allow me two more days—a maximum of three—before I resume updates.

Rest assured, there is no issue with the novel itself. This break is purely for health reasons; there is no writer’s block whatsoever. As soon as my body recovers, I will start updating immediately. Moreover, while I say I’m recuperating, it’s not a major crisis. I’ll just be lying down, watching anime, listening to music, playing games, just letting my mind and body truly relax. So, please don't worry too much.

Finally, I ask for your understanding. RQ