diff --git a/common/src/main/java/eu/midnightdust/lib/config/MidnightConfig.java b/common/src/main/java/eu/midnightdust/lib/config/MidnightConfig.java
index 7010451..1d56dd4 100755
--- a/common/src/main/java/eu/midnightdust/lib/config/MidnightConfig.java
+++ b/common/src/main/java/eu/midnightdust/lib/config/MidnightConfig.java
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ public abstract class MidnightConfig {
         entries.values().forEach(info -> {
             if (info.field != null && info.entry != null) {
                 try {
-                    info.value = info.field.get(null);
+                    info.value = info.field.get(null) == null ? info.defaultValue : info.field.get(null);
                     info.tempValue = info.toTemporaryValue();
                     info.updateConditions();
                 } catch (IllegalAccessException ignored) {}
diff --git a/gradle.properties b/gradle.properties
index edbb6e4..ec4dbed 100644
--- a/gradle.properties
+++ b/gradle.properties
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ yarn_mappings=1.21.6+build.1
 enabled_platforms=fabric,neoforge
 
 archives_base_name=midnightlib
-mod_version=1.7.5
+mod_version=1.7.6-rc.1
 maven_group=eu.midnightdust
 release_type=release
 curseforge_id=488090