Fact Check: Is TBATE novel finished?

Is TBATE Novel Finished?

The claim in question is whether "The Beginning After the End" (TBATE), a popular web novel by TurtleMe, has been completed. This inquiry arises amidst various updates regarding the novel's status, particularly concerning its final arc and publication schedule.

What We Know

Current Status of the Novel: According to multiple sources, "The Beginning After the End" is currently on hiatus. TurtleMe announced that the novel would take a break in June 2025 to prepare for its final arc, indicating that the story is not yet finished [1][3].
Planned Return Date: TurtleMe has communicated through his Substack that the return of the novel was initially planned for July 5, 2025, but has been postponed to July 19, 2025. This delay is attributed to the need for additional editing of Volume 11 and preparations for the concluding volume [2].
Chapter Releases: As of now, the latest chapter available was released on June 2, 2025, and there are a total of 526 chapters published so far [4].
Illustrator Departure: There have been reports of the illustrator, Fuyuki23, leaving the project due to compensation issues, which may have impacted the production timeline [5].
Community Sentiment: The community's response to the novel's status and the anime adaptation has been mixed, with some expressing support for TurtleMe's decision to take a break due to burnout [3].

Analysis

The sources consulted provide a mix of information regarding the completion status of TBATE.

Source Reliability:
- Gamerant [1] and FandomWire [3] are generally reputable outlets that cover entertainment news, but they may have biases in their reporting based on the interests of their audience.
- TurtleMe's Substack [2] is a primary source directly from the author, which typically offers the most accurate updates, though it may reflect the author's perspective and priorities.
- OtakuKart [5] and The Escapist [6] provide analysis and summaries of the situation but may not have direct ties to the author or the publication process, which could affect their insights.
- WebNovel [7] and Fandom [8] serve as platforms for readers and fans, which may lead to unverified claims or opinions being presented as facts.
Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, particularly those that are fan-driven or community-based, may have inherent biases that could color their reporting. For instance, discussions around the anime adaptation's reception may influence how the novel's status is portrayed.
Methodology and Evidence: The evidence presented primarily comes from announcements and updates from the author and associated platforms. While these are credible, they do not provide a comprehensive view of the production challenges or community dynamics that could affect the novel's completion.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful?

To further clarify the status of TBATE, additional information that could be beneficial includes:

Detailed timelines from TurtleMe regarding the completion of the final arc and any potential future delays.
Insights from the illustrator or other contributors regarding their involvement and any challenges faced during production.
Community feedback or surveys that reflect reader sentiment about the novel's pacing and quality, particularly in light of the anime adaptation.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "The Beginning After the End" (TBATE) is finished is false. Evidence indicates that the novel is currently on hiatus, with TurtleMe announcing a break to prepare for the final arc, which has not yet been completed. The planned return date has been postponed, further confirming that the story remains unfinished.

It is important to note that while the primary sources, including TurtleMe's Substack, provide direct updates from the author, they may not encompass all factors influencing the novel's completion, such as production challenges or community dynamics. Additionally, the departure of the illustrator could potentially impact the timeline for the final arc.

Readers should remain aware of the limitations in the available evidence and the potential biases present in various reporting sources. As always, it is advisable to critically evaluate information and seek out multiple perspectives to form a well-rounded understanding of the situation.