Chapter 32: Competition

Kenji Tanaka wasn't the only one who thought the same. As mentioned before, the popularity of "Edgerunners" has been increasing.

After all, "Edgerunners" is published in "Manga World Gogo", a renowned manga magazine. Only 17 manga are available for publication in this magazine.

These 17 manga are selected from hundreds of submitted works,

so, as expected, they have attracted the attention of fans.

And one of them has directly addressed the promoter:

"By the way, Sakura, isn't the semester ending?" Ren blinked and asked, "Don't you need to prepare for exams, write final papers, etc.?"

It's late May and about to start June.

At this time, university students are about to take exams and enjoy holidays.

Sakura was stunned for a moment, but quickly reacted and said sadly: "You don't have to change the subject like that."

Ren, a little embarrassed, laughed awkwardly.

Then he made way for Sakura.

"Pochita~".

Sakura interacted with Pochita as soon as possible, hugged her, and sat on the living room sofa.

"Why have you come to see me suddenly?" Ren continued to ask.

Sakura smiled and replied: "Don't worry, I won't get angry because you wrote one of your manga characters to death."

"Isn't it normal for manga to write some characters to death?"

She was very calm; after all, she was also an old hand in the second dimension.

Perhaps others don't know that Sakura, a fair, rich, and beautiful woman who looks like a winner, is actually an old hand in the second dimension.

And in the evolution of manga to date, there are quite a few manga where the female protagonist dies.

Not to mention that only a supporting character dies.

Leaving aside manga, novels, film, television, and other art forms, character death plots are numerous.

It's just that...

Ren's plot, which plans the death of supporting characters without any preparation, is somewhat unexpected.

However, Sakura had already seen the original plot of the death of older brothers Maine and Dolio, so she wasn't saddened by the death of a mere Kiwi.

"On the contrary, I really like your work, Ren-san. "Edgerunners" is a really good story...", Sakura said.

"But I still hope Lucy survives with David."

She looked at Ren with some expectation and said:

"David is too miserable... If Lucy also died, what's the point of David living?"

Especially in recent episodes of "Edgerunners", Ren drew many plots between David and Lucy.

Manga fans, including Sakura, fell deeply in love with this character.

So Sakura still hopes that Lucy, the female protagonist, survives.

Ren's eyes suddenly widened, he patted his chest and said: "Don't worry, Lucy will definitely live!"

"That's great...", Sakura said with a smile.

"By the way, we have a dinner next weekend, you can come with us."

But at that moment, Sakura suddenly said:

"Huh?"

Ren blinked.

"Sato-san, "Psychic Warlock" ranked 12th in this week's reader popularity survey. Congratulations!"

"12th?" Yusuke Sato felt a little dissatisfied upon hearing the voice coming from the phone.

Because his popularity had dropped... one spot this time.

He was one of the contestants for Akatsuki Magazine's newcomer grand prize, and his pseudonym was Itchy Mouse.

Since the launch of "Psychic Warlock" in Akatsuki Magazine, its popularity had never been in the top ten.

Not even once.

If it were like that, it would be fine.

His popularity ranked 11th, which should be the first place among new works in this Akatsuki newcomer grand prize.

However, there was a newcomer like him who had surpassed him in popularity surveys in recent weeks and had even entered the top 10 several times.

"Hiroshi, tell me, what's the popularity ranking of "Edgerunners" this week?"

Yusuke Sato asked reluctantly.

He had always watched "Edgerunners". Its exquisite drawing technique and its setting, so advanced it could be described as insane, made even his competitor deeply engrossed.

Is it really a work that a beginner can draw? Yusuke Sato recalled his work "The Psychic Warlock" and suddenly felt ashamed.

"The Psychic Warlock" is the first work he decided to create by himself. He worked as a mangaka assistant for eight years and is confident that his experience is enough.

And this time, he will officially debut in the manga industry with his extensive experience and earn the title of "Rookie King" to become famous!

Therefore, his setting system in "The Psychic Warlock" is also gradual, and the plot direction has always adhered to the "kingly" style. In short, there's nothing new.

It's just an ordinary work that imitates the works of his predecessors, plus some of his own creations...

It's completely incomparable to the imaginative and refreshing work of "Edgerunners".

However, in the latest episode of "Edgerunners", Kiwi's exit generated certain expectations for him.

What if... readers decide not to vote for "Edgerunners" due to Kiwi's sudden and strange death?

However, the editor's apologetic voice came from the other end of the phone: "I'm sorry, this time "Edgerunners" is in seventh place in popularity..."

Yusuke Sato's heart instantly sank: "It's fine... I know..."

"However, Sato-san, we still have a chance. The voting for the Grand Prize won't start for another three months. As long as you keep drawing good plots, we still have a chance to turn defeat into victory..."

The editor's words made Yusuke Sato smile bitterly.

In the current situation, does he really have a chance? But...

"Alright, I'll do my best."

Yusuke Sato took a deep breath and said to the phone: "Then please teach me more, Hiroshi, and please fix the plot problems in the future."

"Okay! I'll work hard too!"

After hanging up, Yusuke Sato's gaze sharpened.

He worked as a manga assistant for eight years before creating his first work.

He's thirty now. How many opportunities does he have left in life to become famous? This time he's determined to win!

After all... the champion of this manga competition for newcomers will have priority to serialize their next long work with the company, and their work will also have the opportunity to be produced into animation.

As for the one million yen bonus, it's nothing.

So, no matter what, he must give his all!