v1.4.8 (Pre-release Candidate)

🚀 Core & Performance

• Watchdog Crash Fix (\(O(1)\) Math): Eliminated heavy while loops in experience calculation. Stat recalculation is now handled in \(O(1)\) and cached, preventing server tick freezes when receiving massive level bursts (4000+).
• Integer Overflow Fix: Switched experience pooling logic to long with strict bounding, preventing damage from healing players or generating infinite experience at high levels.
• Chunk Culling Fix (Dynamic Fog): Bounded minimum shader fog distance to 16 blocks to prevent visual chunk culling in early gameplay.

⚔️ Gameplay Mechanics

• XP Shield Potion Overhaul:
  • Removed legacy passive shield system. Damage absorption is now tied to the life_xp_challenge:xp_shield potion effect.
  • Added shield_core crafting material.
  • Added brewing recipes:
    • Level I (Awkward + Shield Core): 25% absorption (3:00 / 8:00 with Redstone).
    • Level II (Glowstone Dust): 50% absorption (1:30).
    • Level III (Nether Star): 75% absorption (1:00).
• Origins-Style Preset Selection: First-time joiners are greeted with a mandatory modal GUI to pick their gameplay preset.
• Preset Locking: Applied persistent lifexp_preset_chosen NBT tag to prevent mid-game preset switching once confirmed.
• Modular Presets: Added purist (classic vanilla hardcore) and core_no_streaks profiles.

🎨 Visuals & UI

• HUD Redesign: Replaced legacy text overlay with 10 graphical experience orbs positioned above the hunger bar.
• Dynamic XP Counter Tint: Vanilla experience level numbers now dynamically shift color: Green (<50%), Aquamarine (≥50%), and Gold (100% cap).
• Hover Tooltips: Added extended Shift-click tooltips for all custom utility items across RU, EN, and TR locales.

🛠 Compatibility & Polish

• JEI & EMI Integration: Added full in-game information tabs explaining custom item functions.
• Recipe Fix: Replaced experimental bundles with vanilla Ender Chests in life_bottle crafting.
• YACL Config Cleanup: Stripped deprecated shield options and added toggles for custom fog, HUD bubbles, and preset locking.