Chapter 3: The Manga Creator Summit.
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Kaoru Kagami sat at his desk, the invitation email from the Manga Creator's Summit still glowing on his laptop screen. He had spent hours rehearsing his grand response, complete with poses and dramatic proclamations, but something in him stopped short. This was no ordinary event. It wasn't just for his fans it was a stage where mangakas, famous and rising alike, converged.
"But most importantly, it was a chance to charm the ladies... Typical.." (From Narrator)
Kaoru stood up, adjusted his tie (which he never wore but now seemed like the time), and practiced his smoldering gaze in the mirror.
"Behold, the enigmatic Erebus Kyrielight mysterious, talented, and now... irresistibly charismatic."
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Scene 1 Action!: Aya's Intervention
Aya Takahashi walked into Kaoru's studio as he finished his fiftieth practice smirk. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of him in an unusually sharp blazer, his cape nowhere to be found.
"Who are you, and what have you done with Kagami?" she asked, folding her arms.
Kaoru turned, exuding what he imagined was a cool, composed demeanor. "Ah, Takahashi-dono. Today, you see not the eccentric artist but the refined genius ready to conquer the world."
Aya blinked. "Refined genius? You tripped over a chair yesterday."
Ignoring her jab, Kaoru straightened his blazer. "I've decided to tone down my usual flair for the summit. It's not just about showing off my work; it's about making connections, impressing peers..." He smirked. "...and perhaps catching the attention of a certain demographic."
Aya stared at him, unamused. "You mean women.."
Kaoru coughed. "It's all part of the bigger picture! An artist must cultivate mystique, and what better way than to..."
"Stop. Please." Aya rubbed her temples. "Just don't embarrass yourself. Or me. Remember, you're representing your career, not auditioning for a rom-com."
Kaoru grinned. "A rom-com? Brilliant idea! Perhaps I'll pitch that next!"
Aya groaned..
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Scene 2 Action!: The Summit Begins.
The Manga Creator's Summit was held in a sprawling convention center, with banners of famous series adorning the walls. As Kaoru walked in, he caught sight of some of the industry's biggest names.
"That's Sora Miyamoto," Aya whispered, nudging him. "The creator of Dreams of Eternity. His series sold over 50 million copies."
Kaoru nodded, keeping his cool. "Impressive, but I'm sure he doesn't have an attack name as cool as Abyssal Flame Technique."
Aya ignored him and gestured toward a group of women chatting nearby. "And there's Hana Yukimura, the queen of shoujo manga. Every one of her works has been adapted into anime."
Kaoru's heart skipped a beat. "Hana Yukimura? Her art style is the pinnacle of elegance... and her eyes..." He straightened his tie. "Do you think she's noticed me yet?"
Aya rolled her eyes. "She probably thinks you're lost."
"Definitely Jealous." (Narrator)
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Scene 3 Action!!: Meeting the Legends
Kaoru was ushered to his panel, where several other mangakas were already seated. To his left was Hiroshi Tanaka, known for gritty seinen thrillers, and to his right was Mari Aikawa, a bubbly creator of comedic slice-of-life stories.
"Hey there!" Mari said, waving. "You must be Erebus Kyrielight! I love Shadow Empress Ragnarok! It's so intense!"
Kaoru's calm façade nearly cracked. "Thank you, Mari-dono. Your work, Kitty Café Adventures, is equally inspiring."
Mari giggled. "You're so formal! Lighten up!"
Hiroshi smirked. "Formal, huh? I heard you're the guy who names his attacks like he's in a Dragon **** spinoff."
Kaoru cleared his throat. "The Abyssal Flame Technique is an artistic expression, not just a name."
The panel discussion began, with each mangaka sharing insights about their creative process. Kaoru maintained his calm, offering thoughtful answers and resisting the urge to launch into chuunibyo mode.
"And finally, Erebus Kyrielight," the moderator said. "What inspires your unique blend of fantasy and drama?"
Kaoru leaned into the microphone, his voice steady. "Every panel is a reflection of the worlds I imagine. My goal is to transport readers into realms where emotions run deep, battles mean something, and even the smallest decisions shape destinies. Manga is more than art it's life on paper."
The audience applauded, and Aya, watching from the crowd, allowed herself a small, proud smile.
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Scene 4 Action!: Fan Encounters and Flirtation.
After the panel, Kaoru found himself swarmed by fans. He signed autographs, posed for pictures, and kept his chuunibyo tendencies in check mostly.
"Erebus-sensei!" a young woman gushed. "Your work saved me during a really hard time. I just wanted to say thank you!"
Kaoru placed a hand on his heart. "It is I who should thank you, fair maiden, for allowing my stories to reach your heart."
Aya groaned audibly from nearby. Could it be jealousy..? "Obviously." (Narrator)
Later, he spotted Hana Yukimura herself at the snack table. Summoning all his courage, Kaoru approached her.
"Hana-dono," he said, bowing slightly. "Your work has been a great inspiration to me."
Hana turned, smiling warmly. "Oh? And here I thought you were Erebus Kyrielight, the mysterious creator who's taken the industry by storm."
Kaoru blinked. "You've... heard of me?"
"Of course." Hana tilted her head. "Your dramatic flair is hard to miss."
Aya, watching from afar, shook her head. "He's hopeless."
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End Of Chapter Three.
(All Credits of References I've made is given to the authors who made these amazing mangas, light novels.)