Huge Props for your ambition, with the amount of work you have to put in a new chapter, it's insane that you basically rework portions of the previous one with each update.
Adressing the Fights and the system behind it. I don't know if I'm in the minority with this opinion but I never had a problem with it's "simplicity" it was bascially a replacement for a "I win" or a "I lose" button and I don't have the slightest problem with it, because the outcome of these battles are far more interesting to me than the battle itself.
The Card Game idea fits in really well and is awesome, do you got a fitting name for it in the meantime?
If I get to choose which one in the Academy gets to play it would be Sydhanna or the Dean ;)
These Devlogs are really interesting but, somehow I'm glad you didn't post devlogs earlier , so the wait isn't so unbearable with an end in sight :D
Also are you planning to make a Playthrough after the next update? I seemingly tried everything, but there are still some scenes I'm missing, I hope I'm not the only one. haha
Looking forward to the next one and Happy working!
PS: The Bard is cute, I hope we're gonna be able to make her sing ;)