CHAPTER 3

According to the System's description, Manga Ability was divided into five distinct levels: Lv.1 (Beginner), Lv.2 (Intermediate), Lv.3 (Proficient), Lv.4 (Expert), and Lv.5 (World-Class). The leap between each level was apparently enormous. Most professional manga artists likely operated around the Lv.3 stage, with only a rare few ever reaching Lv.4. As for Lv.5... anyone achieving that level could rightfully be called a god within the industry.

The "Manga Work Draw Chance" was equally crucial. Even though Lin Yu had consumed vast amounts of manga in his past life, no one could possibly claim to remember every single plot point and detail perfectly. Even the original creators would likely forget details if asked to redraw their work from scratch. However, the System stated that any manga work obtained through a draw would have its entire contents perfectly imprinted onto Lin Yu's memory – every detail, every panel, nothing missing. For Lin Yu, who had already been contemplating becoming a "cultural plagiarist," this was a massive advantage.

Having grasped the basics, Lin Yu didn't hesitate. He immediately chose to use the "Manga Work Draw Chance." He was eager to see what his first official manga work in this world would be. If he drew something like Naruto or One Piece, his path to success would be practically guaranteed.

[Ding! Consume Manga Work Draw Chance x1 to draw a manga work? (Y/N)]

'Yes!' Lin Yu confirmed resolutely, his heart beating a little faster.

Following his command, a dazzlingly colorful prize wheel materialized on the System panel in his mind. It was divided into countless small segments, each filled with manga titles. In just a fleeting glance, Lin Yu recognized many familiar names: Detective Conan, Bleach, One Piece, Demon Slayer... Each one held immense appeal. But the draw was random; he had no control.

The wheel appeared and immediately began to spin, faster and faster, until the titles blurred into an indistinguishable whirl of color. Lin Yu watched with bated breath as the wheel gradually started to slow, the blurred segments resolving back into distinct titles. His heart felt like it was on a rollercoaster as the pointer ticked past series after series... (While Japan produced masterpieces, there were plenty of terrible manga too. If his very first work turned out to be some obscure flop... that would be incredibly frustrating.)

Fortunately, when the wheel finally clicked to a complete stop, Lin Yu looked at where the pointer had landed and couldn't help but break into a wide, relieved grin. It rested squarely on a title accompanied by artwork with a distinct, charming shojo aesthetic.

[Ding! Congratulations Host! Obtained Manga Work: *Cardcaptor Sakura*.]

As the confirmation echoed in his mind, a flood of images flashed through his consciousness. The entire story of Cardcaptor Sakura, from beginning to end, unfolded clearly in his head. Every detail, perfectly recalled. For a series that felt like a somewhat distant memory, Lin Yu was incredibly satisfied.

While Cardcaptor Sakura's fame might not quite reach the colossal levels of the "Big Three" shonen epics or ubiquitous mainstays like Crayon Shin-chan, there was no denying its impact during its original run was phenomenal. Its merchandise and manga sales were incredibly impressive (Sakura was once jokingly called the "most profitable little girl" in the industry). All this attested to its immense popularity. Among the vast array of titles on that wheel, Cardcaptor Sakura was definitely a top-tier pick, far from some failed series.

"Well, that's certainly a pleasant surprise," Lin Yu murmured with a satisfied smile. (If the wheel had landed on something like Boruto or some other notoriously disappointing work, he might have truly despaired.) Fortunately, fate seemed to be smiling upon him. Not only had he received a System, but it had granted him an excellent starting point.

Finished with his initial exploration of the System, and seeing that the lunch break was mostly over, Lin Yu headed back towards the classroom. (If he weren't still physically a child, he would have been sorely tempted to skip the rest of the school day, buy supplies, and immediately start "copying" – no, creating.) The allure of reaching the pinnacle of life definitely held more appeal than elementary school lessons.

Back in the classroom, most students were chatting or resting. Lin Yu returned to his seat and, ignoring the others, took out a notebook and pencil, beginning to plan his next steps. To start creating manga seriously, he needed time and the proper tools. Due to the time period, digital tools like drawing tablets didn't exist yet. Manga creation meant relying entirely on traditional hand-drawing techniques, which required a vast array of supplies: various pens, drawing instruments, coloring tools, specific paper types, screentones, craft knives... The list went on, easily encompassing fifteen or twenty different essential items. Gathering these would be a simple errand for an adult, but for Lin Yu, currently an elementary school student, it presented a significant hurdle.

'Hmm, getting the tools is manageable, I suppose,' Lin Yu thought, idly sketching as his mind worked. 'The bigger question is, what exactly am I capable of achieving with my current [Manga Skill Lv.1]...'

Just then, Shizuka's voice sounded from the desk in front of him. "Classmate Lin Yu?"