When I first put pen to paper, or more accurately, fingers to keyboard, to bring the world of the Scourge Wars to life, I could hardly have imagined the incredible journey I was embarking on. A journey that was not only mine but shared with each and every one of you. A journey where realms were formed, battles were fought, and villains rose from the shadows. To everyone who has been a part of this adventure by reading and supporting the series, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

But every story, like life, evolves (heh).

While I adored writing the Scourge Wars, I began to feel the weight of certain creative constraints over time. Specifically, the LitRPG genre's rules and the way I relied heavily on game mechanics. In reflection, I've come to believe that, at times, I leaned too much on these mechanics, potentially at the expense of richer, more profound storytelling.

Don't get me wrong, LitRPG has been an exciting playground full of endless possibilities. But as I grew as a writer, I felt an innate desire to pivot, to take a step towards a genre that has always resonated with my creative passion: science fiction.

Science fiction, for me, is a limitless expanse, a genre that allows the exploration of deep philosophical questions, speculations about humanity's future, and the intricate dance between technology and morality. It's where my passion and interest truly lie. You can see this in the Scourge Wars—the way that each evolution was based on real science and genuine depictions of politics and battle.

In a moment of serendipity, the worlds of Scourge Wars began to blend, in my mind's eye, with the universe of the Apex Archives. Merging these two series into a shared universe became an exciting prospect, one that promises richer lore, more intricate plotlines, and characters whose destinies are even more intertwined.

But it wasn't just my passion for science fiction that prompted this change. While rewarding, writing in the LitRPG genre also comes with its challenges. The pace at which new releases are expected can be overwhelming. Readers of this genre are voracious, always hungry for the next installment, and as a writer, it's a lot of pressure to constantly feed that appetite. Over time, this pace can lead to creative burnout, making it challenging to produce quality content that both the writer and the reader can be proud of.

So, it's with a mixture of nostalgia, excitement, and hope that I've decided to rewrite the Scourge Wars series. This new direction will bring it into a shared universe with the Apex Archives and allow me to explore deeper, more nuanced storytelling and fully immerse myself in the genre I love most.

I’m working on the first book of the Apex Archives. It’s been such a fun project that I’m already thinking of multiple spin-off series. I want to write about the intrepid Wardens who act as the special forces of my faction. It would be interesting to explore the Sisters of the Apex Order, something like clandestine nuns. I even want to rewrite The System Envoy and watch as Aidan Steele brings the Apex Order to alien civilizations. And, of course, there’s the Scourge. I wrote Jonathan Slate as a villain, and I would love to see the Scourge spread across the universe and become a feared and implacable enemy.

To those who have been with me from the start, I hope you'll continue on this journey. To new readers, welcome to a universe where the lines between technology, humanity, and destiny blur. The next chapter is being written, and I can't wait to share it with all of you.

Best regards,

D.W. Belfield