Hi, readers. Gavius here.

I apologize for the fact that this is not a new chapter as many of you may have hoped, but due to some unfortunate circumstances I realized there are some matters that must be clarified.

As you may know, I am not the author of this Danmachi fic. This fact has been stated ever since the notes of the first chapter, and I will repeat it here for those of you who haven't read the notes so far. The true owner and author of the story called "Is it Wrong to Try to Stay the Farthest Away from the Dungeon?" is another writer who goes by the name Serafeim on this site, who is actually a friend of mine. The two of us are from the same Country (the same town even, to be completely honest) and we've known each other for years by now.

Serafeim decided to write his own story after reading my fanfictions, and I am the one who encouraged him to try it out at first. However, while the two of us did share a lot of ideas and tips during the upbringing of this story, I am not involved in the writing process. I am merely publishing Serafeim's story on my account because he asked me to, and because he didn't want to create an account of his own after his previous one went through a lot of issues. Therefore, while this story is indeed a collaboration between me and Serafeim – I helped him a bit with the beta-reading of the chapters and the writing style he used – I am not the mastermind behind the plot or the one who actually writes the fic. I just publish the chapters as soon as the author sends them to me. Nothing more, nothing less.

That being said, as you may have noticed, it has been a very long time since the last time this fic has been updated.

During these last few months, I have received a lot of DMs and messages about this story and its continuation, so I talked to my friend and asked him if I could write this small update here to explain the situation to you guys. We both thought it necessary, because so many people liked Serafeim's story, and this fact alone used to bring him a lot of joy in real life. I can honestly say that, because I saw it with my own eyes.

To be short, I asked Serafeim if I could notify you all about his situation, and he was ok with it. Some of you may already know it, since I did admit the truth to some readers who kept sending me DMs about this story (with the author's permission, of course), but now I can say it officially to everyone, since my friend has given me permission to do it.

The reason for the story's hiatus is that Serafeim has recently been through a family loss. A very… unexpected and close one, at that. And as his friend and a person who stood by his side during this delicate period all I can say is that… he didn't take it well. Which is completely understandable. The loss of a close family member is something that cannot be explained with words, regardless of whether it is expected or not, and it hurts so much that there are no words for it. Just staying by my friend's side during this terrible period has been excruciating for me, and that is only a fraction of the heartbreak and helplessness that Serafeim is going through right now… so please try to understand his situation, and not to pressure him with requests for the story to keep going or something like that. I just want to let you know that my friend is going through a hard time, and thus he cannot focus on writing for now.

That's all I'm gonna say about it, and please do not ask me about this matter with DMs, reviews or personal texts. This matter is private and far too personal for Serafeim and me, and we both wish to keep it that way.

I can assure you, however, that my friend does not wish to abandon this story. He has told me many times in the past few days that he would sincerely love to try to return on the site and resume his writing for the story; but so far he hasn't found he strength and the will to do so yet. He's still struggling in a lot of ways, so please do not pressure him. He will return one day, but he needs time. He has the right to take all the time he needs, and that is completely fine. As his friend, all I care about is his well-being, and I couldn't care less if this story remains untouched for months, years or even decades… when he'll find the strength to come back, I will support him again, as I have done since the beginning.

Still, we've decided to publish this small update because you guys have the right to know the truth too. The story has been on hiatus for a long time, and both me and Serafeim felt the need to explain why. Especially after your countless DMs and the constant support you have shown towards Serafeim and his story. That is why I am posting this today, with the author's permission. My friend has always felt extremely happy and flattered by your reactions to his story during the previous months, and now, despite all the struggle he is going through, he felt like it was right to share the truth with you guys. That is the only reason behind this update.

Thus: now you guys know. The story is on hiatus for now. It could remain like this for days, months, years… there is no way to know. That's all I can say. It is the truth, after all. The only thing that matters to me is my friend, so this fact does not bother me in the slightest, but you guys had the right to know, so here we are.

I hope you guys can understand my friend's situation, and give him your silent support in your own way. I can assure you that Serafeim does come back to look back at his story and the reviews every now and then, just as he always read your comments and tips in the past… and he was extremely happy to do so. Hopefully he will come back one day, and I'll keep supporting him in real life for as long as I can. The story can stay like this forever, for all I care. Real life issues take priority over anything else, and his recovery and well-being are the most important things right now. I just hope you guys can understand this.

I have nothing more to say. There is no need for more.

I hope you can support my friend in your own way. Trust me, even just a silent thought or prayer in your heart would be enough for him. That is all I can ask you.

See you next time, guys. Both me and Serafeim wish you the best.