MonkeyZero - Yes, as stated on the main post, the game (aka monster hunts) starts after chapter 4 as that makes sense in the story. Unfortunately, you missed that! Also, this entire project, currently around 3000 scenes and 300,000 words, will be done likely by June in its entirety. Therefore, you needn't wait that long. It will have a story mode, which will work as you describe (linear), and this game mode that you have access to here with stats, items, inventory, buffs, debuffs, random monster fights and so on. Again, though, you made a quick judgment call, I am afraid to say.
That said, I am happy to hear that you enjoy my renders. Do not expect to see a plethora of animations as I am but one man creating all these- I think it's up to around 3000 renders for this one so far, and as onemight expect that is quite time consuming, so I try to find a balance between quality and quantity.
I am also glad you like my writing, as I am an author, so that's great to hear! Thanks for the well-meant feedback, it is very appreciated!