A lively discussion about "Malice" erupted on Twitter shortly after its release. It's clear that the works of the author known as "Hachiman" possess strong social themes. As readers finished the book, the online conversation shifted dramatically. Many netizens resisted the urge to spoil the plot and instead began exchanging words of praise for "Malice."
"Even though it's only June, I can confidently say that 'Malice' will be the best book of the year! In just over 100,000 words, it vividly depicts the evil inherent in human nature and is even more chilling than 'Confessions!'" This sentiment came from a reader who had initially questioned whether "Malice" was spending too much time exploring motives. Now, they were convinced.
"While I also think this book is explosive, didn't you pop the champagne a bit too early?" another user pointed out.
"Professional commentary requires the courage to make strong judgments!" replied a third.
"I admit that 'Malice' is an incredible book, but what if—hypothetically—Mr. Hachiman writes another traditional mystery by the end of the year that shocks the mystery genre? How will 'Malice' hold up against that?"
At the recent award ceremony, Hikigaya's remarks were made public on the official website, and all mystery enthusiasts knew Mr. Hachiman was poised to enter the realm of traditional mystery.
"Mr. Hachiman probably only said that for the adults! He would never abandon social reasoning!" a distressed fan of social-style mysteries lamented on Twitter. They couldn't believe that Mr. Hachiman would step outside his comfort zone to venture into traditional mysteries, which already had an established model.
"Watching the social fans' defenses crumble has been quite entertaining, XDDDD."
"I have nothing more to say. This book, 'Malice,' highlights the potential for social reasoning."
In the Department of Mystery Literature at Chiba University, today's discussion topic was less about critique and more about who could praise Mr. Hachiman the most. Even the director and a junior student attended, sitting side by side.
"There may never be another novel like this. Perhaps even Mr. Hachiman himself will struggle to write something similar. He is likely to shift towards traditional mystery." One member expressed their disappointment.
"We were all deceived. From the first conversation between the murderer and the victim, we fell into Mr. Hachiman's clever trap. Now, looking back, there were too many details that misled us." This member had previously done the most analysis, but now realized that their insights had merely played into Mr. Hachiman's expectations.
At this moment, the schoolgirl seated next to the minister spoke up, and no one could ignore her.
"Before you finished reading this book, did you ever feel inferior because of someone else's excellence? Did you ever experience pain due to another's tolerance? Did you ever harbor resentment against someone for feeling pity?"
Everyone exchanged glances; the answer was undoubtedly yes. However, on deeper reflection, this realization felt abnormal. Repaying kindness with resentment isn't typical human behavior.
"These are the true malice of the murderer. Good people should never be targeted, yet they often are. This type of malice is baseless and contrary to human nature, but it is something we have all experienced. Mr. Hachiman's insight is remarkable. Without him, we might not even recognize this malice's existence, yet our actions are often driven by it."
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"I still don't understand, Mother. I just feel scared. I don't understand the murderer's motive," Haruno said, still confused after reading "Malice." It was evening at Yukinoshita's house, and she decided to seek her mother's advice.
"Haruno, it's normal not to understand," Mrs. Yukinoshita replied gently, her expression unchanged. This was a good opportunity to guide her daughter. "Your father once told me a story from his high school days. He met a classmate from the countryside at a cram school. This classmate was very withdrawn and struggled to connect with others. He even spoke rudely to your father. However, your father was willing to befriend him and overlooked his behavior."
Haruno thought her mother was merely highlighting her father's good character.
"Eventually, your father studied with this classmate, but the classmate's learning ability was much better. Soon, the cram school set very different goals for the two of them. Despite that, your father decided to use his precious study time to help the classmate catch up. From the outside, it appeared that they were good friends at the cram school."
Mrs. Yukinoshita took a sip of tea before continuing. "After the college entrance exam, though the rural classmate's grades were still far behind your father's, they were much better than expected. He admitted that he wouldn't have achieved such good results without your father's help. When they parted ways, they shared many heartfelt words. Do you know what the classmate said to your father?"
Haruno, still confused, listened intently, unsure how such an ordinary friendship story might have an unexpected ending.
"He said, 'During the time we spent together, I often felt the urge to kill you. You were the source of all my stress and inferiority. The more you helped me, the more I couldn't forgive myself for my past meanness. But now I've let go of those feelings, and I think I should be honest about my thoughts. You won't think I'm a freak, right?'"
Haruno was stunned. The weight of these words was overwhelming, challenging her understanding and the values she had developed over the years.
"Because it is more difficult to forgive others for being right than for being wrong," Mrs. Yukinoshita concluded.
"When you argue with someone, you know very well that they are wrong. As the one who is right, even if the other person doesn't admit it, you may think they're just being troublesome, making it easier to let it go. But when the positions are reversed and you realize the other person is right, you may feel hate towards them without a clear reason. The more right the other person is, the more your own unreasonable feelings become apparent. This is how malice is born."
Mrs. Yukinoshita looked at Haruno, whose expression was almost frantic. Finally, Haruno spoke slowly, her voice barely audible. "Mom, what happened to that classmate Dad met in high school?"
"He's a very successful man now, and he's still a friend of your father. You even met him as a child during a visit to the shrine. They often talk on the phone."
Haruno was taken aback.
"Haruno," her mother continued, "I hope you understand that human nature is complex and unpredictable. Just like your father's friend, he dares to face his own heart; he can be called a warrior. Most people choose to hide their darker sides, and very few act on those feelings. Those who do become the protagonists of this 'Malice.'"
"Mother, I think I need some time to process all of this. You've convinced me, but the impact is too great for me to just say that I understand it," Haruno finally regained her composure and spoke firmly.
"That's understandable. But Haruno, I didn't expect you to come to me for this. Mr. Hachiman could certainly give you a better answer than I can. If you have more questions, why not ask him directly?"
Haruno blushed at the thought. She wanted to reach out to the junior and discuss it with him, but that would mean admitting she didn't understand his book, which was even more embarrassing for her to acknowledge.
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