[Removed for Amazon] Quest Academy: Book 4 (Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15)
Added 2024-08-05 20:41:10 +0000 UTCHey Everyone,
I had a lot of catching-up to do this week which is why I'm late. So, you've asked a lot about release schedules going forward. I'm going to tentatively say Mondays from now on. Expect chapters on Mondays. :)
Now, I'll be heading to DragonCon at the end of the month, and I'll more than likely either be late or early with chapters. That shouldn't impact the Mondays of 12th, 19th and 26th. Just maybe expect a deadzone in between the 26th and the 2nd of September as I'll be too drunk to string sentences together. Chapters will likely be at the tail end of that week or the following Monday, the 9th of September.
Also, edits are due in on the 11th of August, so it might only be 3 or so Chapters next Monday, depending on how much I'm crying throughout the editing process. Please pray for me and wish me luck <3
Also, thank you all for the wonderful support and comments. There were a few comments about inconsistencies about Petro's behaviour and Sal. I'll look into that and see what's going on, but thanks for highlighting it. Also also, another comment asked if they were overstepping in asking about my descriptive scenes... you're never overstepping, but I can't always commit to adding more within certain scenes. I may just add them in naturally over the course of future chapters though, so thanks for highlighting. :)
As for these chapters... can't wait to see what you think, and to see what you think of a certain character that's messaging Sal. :)
Brian
Comments
I dont know if I like the whole Shade ordeal. Sal and Petro com of a little too childish maybe? And Shade a little to simple. Feel a little telanovela
Inger Lise
2025-02-09 20:43:36 +0000 UTCTypo at the very end, one „of“ needs to be removed
Thomas Kleinschmidt
2024-10-16 18:09:51 +0000 UTCI'm not a programmer myself but I know a little bit about the topic. In chapter 14, the sentence that says hundreds of lines of text should probably be updated to say thousands, at the least. A machine as complex and capable as the one he is planning would likely require tens of thousands of lines of code, if not maybe into a couple of million. He's essentially creating a semi autonomous crafting quasi AI that can integrate traditional mechanical mechanisms, lasers and 3d printing with weird essence shenanigans. And it's possible for it to learn new crafting recipes on the fly, so it would need the ability to craft its own scripts to make stuff that wasn't programmed by Sal.
Joseph Thibodeau
2024-10-09 20:02:16 +0000 UTCAgreed. Chapter 15 feels wrong because of it. The entirety of the interactions between Sal and Fabi in it is off.
ShadowOfHavoc
2024-10-06 21:43:26 +0000 UTCWhilst I really enjoy this series. I really dislike how irreverent Sal is to other crafters. He says he wants to help Supports but then he goes out of his way to try and replace them with automated vending machines. Why?
ShadowOfHavoc
2024-10-06 16:42:19 +0000 UTCI live in EST and have, on average, noticed chapters can be released anywhere from 5-8 pm. However, there have been occasions they are out early in the afternoon. Sorry it’s not a lot of help.
Dawn Zeleznik
2024-08-17 14:15:35 +0000 UTCThat might require peering into the author's mind, which could be a scary thing to do...
Unwired Rob
2024-08-13 16:24:32 +0000 UTCI fully agree on that and not just because there is no way upgrade would not have told here about sal with him having "fixed" her ability she currently cant use at all but also because they are both confirmed members of the Savior class with him first in his year and here first or second in the third year ranking if i remember that right.
Frilas Gilneas
2024-08-12 20:22:52 +0000 UTCMy first thought when reading the texts from Fabi is that she seems to be unaware of who Sal is, other than him being a previous customer. (Does she really remember the names of ALL her customers?) Which is odd considering that Anna and (especially) Upgrade are her best friends. Then, she sends him a refund- which is VERY odd, because she must be in Jez’s third year Administration class and he doesn’t seem like the “refund” type of guy. Therefore, she must know exactly who he is and is now slowly reeling him in. I say this because if she previously knew about him, she could have texted “Sal! It’s great to finally connect with you. I’ve heard so much about you! Why don’t we meet at the cantina and discuss why you’re so interested in essence programming.” But instead she’s playing it very cool. Or, I’m full of shit and Fabi is COMPLETELY clueless- kind of like Sal. I mean, this knucklehead has been at Quest for a full Semester and he still hasn’t divined that Ms. Kahn “LOVES” him. (I can’t be the only reader that finds this an endless source of frustration).
Dr. Chaos
2024-08-12 19:44:49 +0000 UTCDoes anyone know what time the chapters are released I keep checking and it makes me so sad every time it’s not there
Basic
2024-08-12 18:13:39 +0000 UTCI wonder if "... he didn't dare close his eyes unless he missed something" in the last paragraph of Chap 15 should actually be "he didn't dare close his eyes lest he miss something", as I can't imagine why he would want to close his eyes if he missed something.
Janet Beane
2024-08-11 16:38:04 +0000 UTCChapter 15. I really really want fabi to be gay. I just think it would be hilarious if sal gets a crush on her and then destiny's prophecy/joke gets brought up and fabi laughs because their marriage cant be true.
Sean Shivers
2024-08-11 02:52:38 +0000 UTCChapter 13. There's a serious danger of handicapping other crafters. If he's got vending machines and evolutionary runes on everything i worry that there is no economic incentive to buy low level items from crafters... which is a vital step to training high level crafters.
Sean Shivers
2024-08-11 02:27:15 +0000 UTCChapter 12 gauss says hes buying the armor for h8s daughter because she's a first year... but if she's at the academy they arent allowed to take outside help... is this a first year graduate or something?
Sean Shivers
2024-08-11 02:13:42 +0000 UTCIt would depend on if she has been messaging him and he's not responding. Otherwise, she knows he is home to craft, spend time with his family and work on convincing them to back his Guild. She wouldn't be expecting him to message her first.
Sam
2024-08-10 21:56:35 +0000 UTCWell maybe 😃
Alteron
2024-08-10 13:19:15 +0000 UTCBecause he has ignored her and has gone dark crafting again.
The Foolish One
2024-08-09 05:05:50 +0000 UTCR Steele. I've been rereading these chapters today and I see what you're saying. Automating the ability to craft equipment and armor directly undermines the work in book 2. Alot has gone into setting up a way for quest academy crafters to earn a place at the school with crafting basic armor sets for the school. They have the option to do other projects after they meet a small quota. With a armor assembly machine in place what's to keep them from just buying the raw materials with cash instead of Q-cred and using the machine to do the work for them? I think what's been programed so far would still work for the elixir vending machine but it might screw alot of 1st year crafters as it's being setup now. The suggestion of hiring crafters to operate the machines might work I guess. Just not sure about the details.
Chris Hoopes
2024-08-08 17:44:37 +0000 UTCAre demons other civilizations biological machines, made to fight mana incursions. Some versions are creatures they have lost control over, others made to conquer.
Alteron
2024-08-08 17:09:27 +0000 UTCWhy is she going to kill Sal?
Alteron
2024-08-08 17:04:17 +0000 UTCSal has put Fabi on a pretty high pedestal for as often as he has drastically changed Divinity's predictions. He hasn't talked to any of his friends in a while either... Wonder what new changes await.
mark el
2024-08-08 13:37:52 +0000 UTCDivinity is going to kill Sal. He better learn from his dad and send a shops worth of flowers.
The Foolish One
2024-08-08 09:21:24 +0000 UTCI can honestly say, the crafting chapters are always my favorite. Sure the action stuff and slice of life stuff are great, but I feel like the crafting sections are written so well! I will never be disappointed by a crafting chapter. I'm not quite sure why, but I love how he just gets lost in his thoughts and goes on autopilot when he's crafting.
Rosario Grasso
2024-08-07 13:27:14 +0000 UTCIs Myth Mark items made with Myths machine?
Alteron
2024-08-07 13:26:09 +0000 UTCI would assume so, it was a joke don’t worry. I’m voting for Divinity!
Sye Olmstead
2024-08-07 03:26:46 +0000 UTCThank you very much for the chapters. I was wondering though is there a way we can get a 11- 15 or 16-20 bundle file instead of just individual chapter files? Thank you.
Shannon Bryce
2024-08-06 23:07:17 +0000 UTCVery nice to read chapters, especially the designing frenzy really hit the spot. Sadly, it is also one of the things to point out: putting “Mytcrafter + Perfect” into auto mode to explain what is happening sounds amazing, especially with the addition of the elixir. However, to point out the issue, none of his skills can do any of the things he is currently doing. Mytcrafter cannot create something new from scratch, including blueprints; this was a big topic multiple times before. And now, not only did it create something he has no idea about, it was even able to “automatically” look up the specific information he would need to know without any prior knowledge. A simple skill + elixir doesn’t do that, and if that was the case, he would be building that elixir machine so he has elixirs anytime first. The second thing to point out is, while 2 weeks of mama being angry makes for a great read to emphasize her mood, that also means that he has been home for around 4 weeks now at least. Book 3 started with so many time skips in the first week that he actually worked for months, and if I remember right, he has a 1-month break + 1 month early leave, so half of that is now gone with the burio event happening in 2 weeks or so, and he has prepared nothing for that.
Frilas Gilneas
2024-08-06 19:31:50 +0000 UTCI kinda have to agree that 2 weeks is too long for Sal to just do a few knives.. I kinda imagine him catching up on commissions.. learning more about real estate.. making new uniforms.. having a meeting about rare raw materials to make his mom a tracker or even going through the storage units and leaving upgrades surprises for his parents to find when he goes to school…. You can write it later.. it does not have to have a lot of detail.. but now everyone is curious. Have a fun trip!!
Heather Herren
2024-08-06 18:37:01 +0000 UTCIt sounds like program coding for the operating system is done. The stuff he's learning now is Essence Coding. They say that runes are a simplistic form of essence coding so this is going to help him learn how to make his own advanced runic arrays or automate adding complex runes during production.
Chris Hoopes
2024-08-06 15:32:36 +0000 UTCIam kind of hoping Upgrade makes a suprise visit and find Sal by this crafting perversing monstrosity
Lumpenhans
2024-08-06 11:12:13 +0000 UTCDivinity also has..... plausible issues with romantic relationships due to her power. That kind of connection can get muddy fast when you see a few dozen future versions of your partner daily that they never do.
michael pigott
2024-08-06 08:50:44 +0000 UTCIf he kidnapped Blathnaid, I think it would be the Hunter's association that comes down on him, not Sal. But it would be fun. I do worry about his little weapon vending machine (probably with an evolutionarh rune, or even programming combinations that surpass an evolutionary rune). How is that not going to cater the demand for crafters? Seems like would make it impossible to get work, putting 9/10 crafters out of business. That's one way to swoop in and hire all the crafters for cheap, but seems too nefarious for Sal. Maybe he can program the machines to work with various crafter skill weaves. Make it so any crafter that steps up to one of these weapon kiosk gets the same sorts of assistance that he gets from mythcrafter? Maybe he can put a high enough royalty on each weapon that he can afford to pay all the world's crafters? Seems a bit rough.
R. Maxwell Steele
2024-08-06 08:14:46 +0000 UTCI think assembly lines work best when a machine does one trick and then another machine does another trick, add panel, add screw. I figured some of these machines that are refining materials could be sectioned first, and those that are controlling essence need sectioned next, but many of these parts probably need to work concurrently. Or at the very least concurrent operation opens up for synergies and emergent properties. For example what if you could add essence programming to a raw material that improves the way it refines?
R. Maxwell Steele
2024-08-06 07:56:17 +0000 UTCI think Divinity is the red herring. She's the Hermione that everyone thinks will end up with Harry, but ultimately if she wanted him she would already have him. Just depends on if you believe men and women can stay just friends.
R. Maxwell Steele
2024-08-06 07:47:16 +0000 UTCI don't think learning coding is a project that ever finishes.
R. Maxwell Steele
2024-08-06 07:41:07 +0000 UTCHopefully Fabi and Divinity have enough self worth that they don't accept being collected like objects.
R. Maxwell Steele
2024-08-06 07:39:50 +0000 UTCUhuh. I never said she was.
Maakolo
2024-08-06 07:38:49 +0000 UTCThe good thing about getting chapters today on Tuesday is there is one day less to wait for the chapters next Monday.
Koral
2024-08-06 06:19:46 +0000 UTCI’m happy Fabi is being introduced and they’re finally having contact. But I’m fan of Sal and Divinity ending up together, they got some growing up to do still but it’s more realistic to me. Or go the harem route and you don’t have to pick either lol
Sye Olmstead
2024-08-06 03:20:27 +0000 UTCSooo had he finished coding or not? Because it read like he finished coding then went back and learnt how to code so he wouldn’t have to rely on his abilities in the future. Which is kinda ass backwards way of doing things.
Robert Smart
2024-08-06 02:46:25 +0000 UTCI agree. Two weeks without notable work done doesn’t fit his MO. Besides the daggers does he put together more gear for a final auction ? You built up his relationship with his parents, his wanting to be in Silver Sanctuary, buy property there and Petro promised more gear and then nothing? A bit disappointed that you didn’t develop this aspect. I am happy that we hear something about Fabi. Also the new ability to basically program.
Tom Maxey
2024-08-06 01:41:23 +0000 UTCSounds like he made the other 9 daggers during that two week period as well as working on potential blueprints for the elixir machine.
Sam
2024-08-06 01:31:08 +0000 UTCThank you for the chapters. They were a real treat to read. This got long. The auction was perfect. I literally loved every second of it. Petro was definitely on point. I appreciated the office scene after the auction. The tone change between floor auction and office is well handled. I do agree with Jacob S about the 2 week thing. It's a little jarring to go through so much in a short time and then go 2 weeks with just 10 identical daggers to show for it. Sal probably did that in 1 or 2 days. 10 daggers over 14 days sounds like slacking off compared to the drug induced insanity that he gets up to for the following week. His manic crafting fuges are a mixed bag for me. On the one hand they read like pure dopamine where we see dreams becoming reality. It's beautiful. On the other hand Sal also looks like a near Junky lost in a state of complete hyper fixation and obsession. It's frightening. It doesnt look like Sal realizes he's created an environment where he can lose himself like he has. I think he's doing this at home because he knows no one will let him do it at Quest Academy. I think Upgrade gave him a scolding for being too unfocused in his crafting. Maybe after a few weeks of seeing him like this uninterrupted his parents need to do the exact opposite and force him to be less hyper focused. I like that he slows down and spends time on learning how to craft and do it right. It feels like Fabi is being set up to be his anchor. Something that helps him stay grounded and in the moment. That's usually Divinity job. I'm really glad this isn't a harem series but it sure could be very easily. Okay I'm going to throw out some outrageous speculation and then wrap this up. Shade is gonna kidnap Blathneid. Shade is gonna "do his homework" and figure out Myth is Blathneid. That dumbass is then gonna brag to Sal's dad about taking his golden goose. Sal is gonna rain hell upon his petty small time ass and get her back.
Chris Hoopes
2024-08-06 01:23:26 +0000 UTCThere were several people willing to dump several hundred thousand dollars just to spite him, he personally pissed off Myth, is HIGHLY likely to get Sakura poached from him and has the Reavers encroaching HARD on his guild neiche.... dudes in for a BAD time and it's entirely deserved.
michael pigott
2024-08-06 01:12:00 +0000 UTCI love how much shade gets thrown at Shade. It's so satisfying.
Colton Horton
2024-08-06 00:49:31 +0000 UTCSal was never “with” Divinity, they are just really good friends. Sal has much more in common with Fabi. Both girls will probably end up joining Sal’s guild.
Ron Blondeau
2024-08-06 00:34:57 +0000 UTCI think this Operating System he's building will be able to use potion recipes just as readily as armor recipes.
Chris Hoopes
2024-08-06 00:16:14 +0000 UTCSo, essence programming has the potential to become highly efficient and customisable enchantment. Also, is this setting up a love rivalry between Fabi and Divinity? Divinity is the one that the reader feels closer to and empathises with more while I'm guessing Fabi will be the "perfect" girl. I feel like the entire set-up is for him to end up with Divinity, and her telling him his future with Fabi will have doomed the relationship.
Maakolo
2024-08-06 00:07:05 +0000 UTCChapter 14 page 4, "His hand wasn't going to be to take it." Should this be "His hand wasn't going to be able to take it."?
Kerradeph
2024-08-05 23:42:21 +0000 UTCThank you for the chapters. Half expected someone from the Academy to show up and drag Sal out of the workshop..:-D. Can’t wait for the next ones!!
Heather Herren
2024-08-05 23:29:14 +0000 UTCAlso, have the characters really never learned the concept of assembly lines? Why does everything have to be a vending machine?
Sloth
2024-08-05 23:29:11 +0000 UTCThe 2 week gloss over in chapter 13 is rather jarring. Sal isn’t the kind of character that does nothing with 2 weeks of time. Perhaps the story should have him crafting for the auction during that time? Honestly, this is kind of a problem with the story so far, in that a lot has happened in a very short amount of time and thus it makes wasted time incongruous with the rest of the story. It also characterizes Sal as rather frantic, when the last 3 books simply could have been spread out over a year, maybe even 2. It would make Sals discoveries more realistic and give more flexibility to his characterization
Sloth
2024-08-05 23:26:45 +0000 UTCGreat chapters! Keep them coming. 🙂
Tim Walloch
2024-08-05 23:22:42 +0000 UTCYeeeeess. Got my fix!!! Consumed these so fast. Yay for Sal's future wife!!!
Charles Gillentine
2024-08-05 23:06:54 +0000 UTCSuper awesome chapters! I can't wait another week I'm excited to see what happens next!
Aaron edison
2024-08-05 22:53:48 +0000 UTCHonestly, I'm not a huge fan of big crowds. I go to these events because my other author friends tend to go there, too. Who knows though, maybe in the future :)
James Northman
2024-08-05 22:44:14 +0000 UTCI’m excited to see where he takes the programming. Obviously this will help a lot with the drone but when integrated with the dungeon core ai it could grow immensely and he could do so much! Just worried that he is going to run out of workshop room at home now and still hasn’t made the drink machine!! He needs to find out about doing the dew!!
Kenneth Darlin
2024-08-05 22:36:59 +0000 UTCNot where I expected to go, but great. His parents continue to be fun. Not the character introduction I would expect, but perfect in this situation. I’m trying not to give spoilers. 🤯 Thanks so much for your work. I’ve recommended this series to several friends. Also, I can’t wait until Upgrade hears about his latest project.
Dawn Zeleznik
2024-08-05 22:33:34 +0000 UTCIt was over too soon!
LitLeveler
2024-08-05 22:32:10 +0000 UTCOkay, I can go back into cryo sleep until the next chapters are ready....... :P
Joanne Hans
2024-08-05 22:30:58 +0000 UTCHave you tried NYCC? I know they have author's booths and I've seen a few web novel people on there.
Talos
2024-08-05 22:27:40 +0000 UTCI know the feeling. I kinda felt like a junkie looking for a fix with the way I kept checking for chapters.
Keith
2024-08-05 22:15:41 +0000 UTCDon't be silly, you're completely fine. I've grown a lot since my Royal Road days where I felt so guilty for wait times that I'd upload crap chapters. I only put them up when I'm happy with them now. :)
James Northman
2024-08-05 22:03:35 +0000 UTCThanks for the chapters! If you ever decide to punish your arteries and come to Momo con in ATL be sure go to the Vortex for burgers and drinks! I’ll buy you a round.
Naotsugu97
2024-08-05 21:51:11 +0000 UTCSorry to here they have not realized your talent yet. I don't make it out to the westin that often, but if I do I will keep an eye out for you.
Nomad
2024-08-05 21:42:47 +0000 UTCDon't worry about it. I was, actually, just being pushy and trying to get you to release some chapters. I apologize. I was desperate.
C
2024-08-05 21:42:42 +0000 UTCThanks for the fun chapters
Alteron
2024-08-05 21:33:30 +0000 UTCLove the new chapters. I don't know why the UGA are backing the Delvers. Shade needs to be monster food. I am a bit concerned about possible exploitation of Sal's abilities. Need to set up his quild asap.
Ron Blondeau
2024-08-05 21:31:20 +0000 UTCIf you ever come to Texas, Fanexpo is the biggest one around here. I'd definitely be there for an autograph and picture.
Charles Gillentine
2024-08-05 21:13:26 +0000 UTCFun chapters! Sal needs to be locked into one of those rooms that Rust used in book one so he can't access essence, given relaxation medication and made to have a day off
Thomas Todd
2024-08-05 21:06:48 +0000 UTCNope, they've rejected me two years in a row for Professional Status. So, I'm just going to be lurking around the Westin Bar. Come say hello if you see me. :)
James Northman
2024-08-05 20:59:35 +0000 UTCLove the chapters! Looking forward to the next ones.
Aidan Zimmerman
2024-08-05 20:57:17 +0000 UTCAre you going to be on any panels at Dragoncon or just enjoying? I attend every year.
Nomad
2024-08-05 20:55:05 +0000 UTC
