["I feel like it's so bland, without much fluctuation… Although there were indeed two battles, there wasn't much excitement. Of course, the plot itself isn't problematic."]
["I've seen too many opening plots like this. It feels like a very clichéd writing style, without any special highlights. I thought the Old Thief was going to come up with something new, but it seems surprisingly normal."]
["Isn't that how magical girl stories are? A cute pet for a contract, becoming a magical girl, having a senior, teammates with different personalities… But there's still something a bit different: Madoka, as the protagonist, didn't immediately become a magical girl to kick off the plot. This is the most incomprehensible move."]
["I predict that there's definitely some unspeakable secret between Homura Akemi and Madoka! After all, Madoka dreamed of Homura Akemi, and Homura Akemi doesn't want Madoka to become a magical girl. There must be some connection!"]
["The magical girl story the Old Thief is writing… could it be aiming for an anime adaptation? Even if sales aren't high, the difficulty of animating it is much simpler compared to other anime."]
["What is the Old Thief planning? After reading "demon slayer," I saw through the Old Thief's intentions. This guy would never write such a bland plot; he's definitely going to bring some excitement. Let's wait and see!"]
["It's alright, the first volume. While there weren't any surprises, there was nothing to be disappointed about either. Even for Eromanga Sensei's illustrations, it's worth it, and the plot hasn't fully unfolded yet, has it? Let's trust the Old Thief!"]
For most readers, the first volume of "puella magi madoka magica" was, to put it mildly, passable.
The author, Izumi Masamune, used simple and efficient descriptions to portray the ongoing plot of the first section, and the battles involving magical girl Mami Tomoe were written with great elegance.
However, even so, because foreshadowing had to be laid, many of the earlier plot points couldn't be directly revealed, so even without any brain-teasing elements, many readers felt a bit confused.
Eromanga Sensei's illustrations, on the other hand, were as consistently excellent as ever. The important characters were all vividly drawn, making it easy for people to fall in love with these magical girls just from their appearance.
"Tch, boring~ What is Chihiro writing? This is too cliché! And he wants to become a light novel master with this? He should keep dreaming!"
Eriri tossed the book onto her large bed, pouting.
Her standards were higher than most; such a plot simply couldn't satisfy her appetite.
Of course, it wasn't completely unacceptable.
She also felt that her 'malicious' childhood friend must be planning something.
Even if not now, something would definitely happen later.
Otherwise, writing such an unoriginal plot would certainly not lead to a significant increase in sales compared to his debut work.
"Senior, what are you pondering? If I'm not mistaken, the next volume should have an exciting development, but the direction is a bit hard to guess, Senior's thoughts…"
While reading, Kani Nayuta had already noticed several places where her senior laid groundwork, and she also sensed something from the direction of the story.
Unfortunately, since she wasn't a mind reader of Izumi Chihiro, nor could she predict the future, she could only guess at what interesting plot points would unfold.
For example, that guy named Kyubey, she had already anticipated that he was very likely not a good thing!
This was a very bold guess; almost no one could have predicted it at this point.
Or perhaps it was a matter of personal preference, she had sided with Homura Akemi from the start.
"Speaking of which, it's been a while since I've seen Senior! Always holed up at home playing games and watching anime, it seems I've really become a genuine shut-in."
Kani Nayuta twirled a strand of her hair, feeling its oiliness, and muttered to herself.
Although her current life was pretty good, with almost complete freedom of time, doing whatever she wanted, it was indeed something salarymen would envy. But the only drawback was that it was easy to become lazy…
Once she got lazy, it was easy to gain weight and also to procrastinate.
But there was nothing she could do. She couldn't just go to school to find him, and as for asking Senior to come out and chat…
Who are you? You're just someone who was helped; what right do you have to make demands?
She also knew that Senior was indeed very busy. Besides attending school, he had to work on light novels. His free time was already limited, and if she were to disturb him again, that would truly be irrational.
Only when Senior was willing to give out his address and indicate that he had free time could she go visit; otherwise, it would only disturb Senior's normal life.
...
"Kohana, going out to buy that kid's light novel again?"
Seeing his daughter, Senju Muramasa, dressed in a kimono and holding a cloth pouch for money, come before him, Umezono Rintaro immediately understood.
"Mm."
The girl nodded gently.
"Actually, there's no need to go so far. You could have someone bring it to you, couldn't you?"
Umezono Rintaro said.
"It's not the same."
Senju Muramasa shook her head.
"I see. Well then, go ahead, and be careful on your way."
Umezono Rintaro understood.
The meaning was different.
Something handled by another person versus something obtained directly by oneself—the meaning of the two was completely different.
Senju Muramasa walking such a long way to the bookstore each time was also an expression of her feelings.
Going there and back took more than half an hour.
When Senju Muramasa returned home, the sun was at its hottest, and the scorching temperature made her forehead sweat.
But her eyes were still resolute; after wiping away the sweat, she stepped through the threshold of her home.
She eagerly sat down and opened the long-awaited new work.
However, after reading it, her brow furrowed.
Even she couldn't clearly see Izumi Masamune's true intentions, only vaguely sensing that the senior in the next volume might be a crucial point.
As for Madoka's inability to become a magical girl, she was also very curious.
"What is Sensei thinking? Such an unconventional beginning must be part of some plan, right?"
Unlike most people's judgments, even without the filter, Senju Muramasa still believed this was a very special beginning, and the plot structure was definitely very different from other magical girl-themed works.
Therefore, the direction of the plot's development was worth scrutinizing.
"It seems Madoka's deadline for becoming a magical girl will likely be delayed. Sensei doesn't seem to be in a hurry to complete this step, which, logically, shouldn't be necessary..."
Thinking of this, Senju Muramasa's eyes suddenly widened.
Could it be that something would go wrong with Madoka becoming a magical girl!?