This isn't a chapter—just a post to clear a few things up.
I know the last two chapters stirred up some confusion, and honestly, I get it. I rushed into a major drama arc a bit too early, and I take full responsibility for that. It was a mistake, and I appreciate the feedback. I'm learning, and I'll do better moving forward.
That said, I want to address a specific point that's really been bothering me: the claim that Mateo is a reincarnated character.
Let me be clear—he's not. I've gone back through the earlier chapters carefully, especially the revised versions, and I genuinely don't think I've ever written or implied that he's someone reborn from a past life. Mateo is an original character, created to exist in the main continuity—our universe. He's a 17-year-old boy, both physically and mentally. That's it. No hidden past lives. No reincarnation twist.
Now, as for the comments saying "trolls online wouldn't blame him" or "that kind of hate wouldn't happen"—I have to respectfully disagree. Just go search "Yamal" on X (Twitter), or look at what young players go through online. The hate is real. The unfair blame is real. This part of Mateo's story, sadly, mirrors reality.
Back to the main point—I hear you. I moved too quickly with the drama, and I appreciate those who called it out. I'm dialing it back, and I'll let the story—and Mateo's journey—breathe more.
And one final thing: Mateo is a kid. He's 17 years old. He's not perfect, and he has a lot of growing to do—as a player and as a person. That's the point. This is a coming-of-age story, not a story of someone who has it all figured out.
Thanks for sticking with me. And again—thank you for the feedback. I'm listening, and I'll keep improving.