[101] Branching Out [50 PS]

"Come to think of it, the day the protagonist turns dark will probably shock the readers even more, right?"

Given these reasons, the progress on Guilty Crown has been incredibly slow.

It's been over a week, and I've only just finished the second chapter.

On the other hand, for 'WorldEnd', I've already finished four chapters in the same amount of time!

The speed difference is obvious.

"By the way, I also need to fit in the background story for the Sword-Breaker production." And let's not forget Departures - Anata ni Okuru Ai no Uta."

It's a project that can't be left out.

The main point here is that, for now, both of the works I'm handling will take quite some time before they meet the fans.

Since 'WorldEnd' was originally a light novel, it can fill that gap during this waiting period.

Writing light novels is much easier compared to drawing comics.

Even with a basic template, with my speed of typing about 10,000 words an hour (keep in mind, that's typing speed — writing requires thought, it's not just copying!), it would take no more than a week to finish a whole 5-volume series.

Such an easy opportunity should not be missed, right?

With this thought in mind, I made my decision.

'I won't rush drawing the manga today. I'll write the first volume of WorldEnd novel instead.'

I mean, others manage novels, illustrations, and animations all in one go — why not expand my own business with novels? It seems reasonable, right?

As for whether writing a light novel means I won't hold the rights to my manga anymore — well, that's a joke.

Do they really think Shueisha only deals with manga?

Everyone in the ACG industry has a hand in it, with manga being their most successful venture.

With the copyright in one company's hands, I can still do whatever I want with it!

Of course, there's no rush on the light novel for now.

"I'll bring it up with Otosuna-san after the signing event."

After organizing my plans, I picked up my phone, updated my SNS, and then got back to work.

...........

"Is there really no way out?"

The girl crossed her long, supple legs, the sound of her stockings rubbing against each other creating a subtle "sssst" sound.

Her long, dark hair, dazzlingly pale skin, and perfect features — along with legs that could easily steal the attention of any man — were the traits that made her stand out.

But right now, the girl's mood was clearly off.

Anyone could feel the frustration radiating from her.

Not that the woman sitting across from her, Machida Sonoko, who had known her for a year, would need to be told.

Although Machida was also a beauty, dressed in professional attire and looking both elegant and competent, she still couldn't compete with the youthful, energetic aura that radiated from her companion, Kasumigaoka Utaha.

It's like how men might have many requirements for women, but women only need to meet one — 18 years old.

Though, even a bit younger wouldn't be an issue.

Looking at Kasumigaoka, who seemed irritated, Machida sighed, "Although I don't want to sound so absolute, it's the truth. The sales for 'Koisuru Metronome' volume 3 were too low. It's going to be tough to release volume 4."

When she said "tough," it was essentially a decision to cancel the series.

With the current situation, the company couldn't afford to keep pouring resources into promotion.

In fact, the third volume's release didn't use much of those resources either.

With all the newcomers receiving more attention, or newer works that had won awards and had fans eagerly waiting, it made more sense to invest in those, rather than a series with mediocre sales, or even low ones.

As the ever-dedicated Utaha listened, she caught the underlying meaning in her editor's words.

But she wasn't ready to accept it.

She couldn't bear to see her first work end like this.

"But... volume 3 has gotten so many good reviews, and the quality has improved so much!"

Machida was well aware of this, but...

"Shi-chan, you have to understand. If the previous works didn't capture people's attention, readers gave up long ago. How will they know about your improvements if they didn't even see volume 3?"

Machida sighed again, then added, "Look at it from a different angle. Your level of skill right now is already impressive. If you start something new, it might sell like hotcakes!"

"Let's not focus too much on this series, alright?"

Utaha pursed her lips, her gaze shifting away, and she remained silent.

It was as if she was protesting without words.

Machida could see this, but she didn't push further.

Ultimately, this was something Utaha had to come to terms with herself.

No amount of persuasion from others would help.

At that moment, both their phones vibrated at the same time.

Machida, who had no reason to be concerned, instinctively picked up her phone.

Looking at the notification, a surprised expression appeared on her face.

"Signings Event?"

Utaha, turning her head in confusion, asked, "Isn't that pointless? For a no-name author like me?"

She recalled the first volume, when she had just won the company's Silver Award.

They tried to boost the first volume's popularity with a signing event, but it fell flat.

"I'm in an even worse position now than when the first volume was released," she said with a bitter smile.

"Even if I wanted to do a signing event now, the company wouldn't invest any resources."

But Machida, ever the professional, kept her thoughts to herself and instead reassured her with a smile.

"Well, it's not exactly what you're thinking."

"?"

"You know Warriors of Love and Hope-sensei, right? The manga division just found a new talent. They announced a signing event on SNS."

'Warriors of Love and Hope?'

Utaha froze for a moment, then immediately grabbed her phone.

The notification read, "Warriors of Love and Hope just posted a new update."

Without hesitation, she clicked on the link.

After reading it, she nodded thoughtfully, "October 1st, huh?"

"You're following him too?" Machida asked, curious.

Utaha, expressionless, responded, "Isn't it normal to follow someone impressive?"

She didn't mention that she was a fan.

"True enough," Machida agreed.

"But he really is amazing."

"I even cried reading 'Anohana' yesterday."

"I heard he's younger than you and still in high school. What a monster!"

Utaha quietly thought to herself, 'So the rumors were true... and he's only a second-year in high school...?'

"Anyway, you should reconsider my suggestion," Machida said, trying to change the topic.