Afterword [Volume End]

Hello, and thank you for reading through the second volume of EPGM. Unlike with the first volume, this one featured some significant changes from it's original counterpart. Though the core of Season 2 remained largely the same, there were notable differences, namely with how elements from Season 3 were woven into it. Originally, Season 2 and Season 3 were known as Season 2 Part 1 and Season 2 Part 2, respectively, so it's fitting they're together at last again in this volume. 

Speaking of Season 3, aside from the ending bits, and core plotline of the conspiracy to get rid of Daria, everything else has been removed or rewritten. To further elaborate, the original featured Ai in Himi's role along with all the SPCMs, save for Himitsudono, being brainwashed by Michiko. I didn't like that as I felt it seemed a bit wonky and messed up the flow of the story too much. As such, a few games that featured Mimoko having one-on-one matches with the likes of Doraaki and Tenju were cut, as was a game between Tenju and Ai, where Tenju attempted to save Taira from Michiko's brainwashing, only to fail. 

In the original, Taira was also killed, but there it felt more forced. As her death plays a central role in Tenju's whole character development, I felt she needed to die here in the revisions as well, thus, I retooled the fight that was originally between Mimoko and Elijah for her. This also increased hatability for Haruki which was a plus. 

As for Mizuse, though she died in the original, here I felt it would feel to forced to kill her off. As a result, this might effect future volumes as now with Mizuse living, some things will need to be changed for sure. Not like I mind as Mizuse is easily one of the characters I enjoy writing. 

Finally, let's talk a bit about Volume 3. Unlike this volume, it won't start immediately where this volume leaves off. Rather, it'll start a few days after with everyone enjoying the beach. Many new characters will make their debut here, as will many different chess variants. Red Reaper will also play a central role in things. Speaking of the chess, Volume 3 will contain the most chess action yet in the series, to if the games are your favorite thing about this series, you're going to love Volume 3. Thank you all for reading, and look forward to Volume 3.