With Chapter IX released, I’m taking a hiatus before continuing the Water Hole arc. The upcoming chapters move toward the arc’s conclusion and involve heavier ecological and behavioral groundwork than earlier sections. I’m stepping back to develop that material fully before posting again.

The project itself is ongoing. The Water Hole arc will resume once it’s ready, followed by a final chapter to complete the current narrative. Thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to read and discuss the project so far — the feedback and interest have been genuinely motivating.