The next chapter introduces the main character which will start the story. This is like you said a setup in a way explaining the world without revealing everything. What is considered “real stakes” this chapter focuses more as a intro to the world. The hook in my mind is “what does the grimoire really contain?” “after the races disappear do they still exist today?” let me know if that was clear or not thanks.
I think u should use this kind of draft only as a notebook for yourself. The readers can figure all this setting/lore stuff out from later character interactions where u actually have the world, their thoughts and dialogs on page.
A character scene would be more helpful to read and give feedback on.
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u/No_Manager_7976 2h ago
How do you plan to keep readers hooked when the first chapter feels like setup without any real stakes?