After reading the chapter 11-12 intermission I have to say I really appreciated the drama and danger. Sure it was a bit intense, but I've played much darker. I agree that with this 2020 summer I can understand wanting to dial it back though. Still, good job! I felt a bit betrayed to have the MC face some level of consequences after the chill opening, but it got me very invested. I especially appreciate the plot device of the watch only having strong trance-like effects after multiple uses, but the MC and important characters are all included in that. (On that note I feel the use on the bartender was a bit plot-holey) I look forward to seeing how it ends!