đ We've reached 100 chapters! Don't forget to drop your Power Stones!
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Most of the following days repeated the process of today. After the convention ended, both felt utterly exhausted.
However, this exhaustion was rewarded. The purchased works would satisfy their needs for a while, so they wouldn't have to worry about being bored during their free time.
After enjoying themselves for a period, Izumi Chihiro finally completed the second volume of puella magi madoka magica in his spare time.
A new era of magical girl was about to begin.
This would be the most painful day in magical girl history.
The plot of the second volume of "puella magi madoka magica" is extremely important; it marks the true beginning of the work's tonal shift, transforming it from a seemingly normal magical girl story into something entirely different.
In his memories of his past life, there was a famous scene that remained unforgettable and enduring.
He only managed to watch the entire anime later, after seeing recommendations from netizens and mentally preparing himself, so he couldn't imagine the feelings of people who were following the series at the time when they saw that scene.
However, now he had the opportunity to see the reactions of readers who would be reading this part of the story for the first time.
Actually, he had already seen it, in a way.
When he showed it to Sagiri earlier, Sagiri also looked at him with a blank expression, and after a long time, she said incredulously, "Ni-san, you're an incredible person! You actually wrote this!"
His sister was completely stunned.
Before, she had thought Mami Tomoe was a very important character, who would become Madoka's mentor and friend in the future, but she never expected her to 'die before achieving success.' She didn't even get to see Madoka become a magical girl before she was gone! And in such a cruel way, with her head cut off!
It was utterly ridiculous!
Similarly, this afternoon, after Machida Sonoko finished reviewing the second volume, she came to chat with him with a very complex feeling.
"Izumi-sensei, I didn't think so before; I just thought everyone's 'Old Thief' nickname was just teasing. I thought all those plots were quite reasonable and had no problems... But after reading the content of this volume, I've come to deeply agree with the nickname 'Old Thief'!"
The professional OL beauty said with deep conviction.
"Ms. Sonoko, I'm not just writing nonsense; there's a logical framework I've set up for all of this! Moreover, in battles and such, sacrifices are inevitable. No one can always be lucky, and being a magical girl doesn't mean she has an invincible setting."
Izumi Chihiro's expression was calm.
"Heh, I'm just expressing a slight dissatisfaction as a fan with the plot Izumi-sensei has written. As an editor, of course, I will always support Izumi-sensei's ideas... Frankly, as an editor, I naturally hope the author can write exciting plots. Although this might cause controversy, after reading this volume, I believe readers will not only not give up following it but will become even more engrossed."
Machida Sonoko propped her chin with one hand and said with a half-smile.
As an editor, her professional perspective on issues was different from that of ordinary readers, and she was quite excited about such content.
Such a plot was very novel, and it made her anticipate that Izumi-sensei's "puella magi madoka magica" might even lead a new trend.
After discussion, the remaining work process had nothing to do with him; he just needed to wait for the release date.
To be honest, his mood at this moment was also very excited, much more so than when the first volume was released.
Because, it was genuinely quite interesting.
His lips couldn't help but curve upwards when he thought of the readers' expressions at that time.
...
Midsummer had passed, and the weather began to gradually cool.
However, the long-awaited readers were still in high spirits.
Today was the release day of the second volume of "puella magi madoka magica," and it would also be the most somber day in the history of magical girls!
"Drip-drop... drip-drop..."
The weather was uncooperative; dark clouds gathered early in the morning, and before long, a light rain began to fall.
"Ah, why is it raining so early today! I've been waiting for so long!"
"It feels like it rains more in autumn... But why now? It's really annoying."
"Oh no, oh no, if we keep queuing, we'll probably get completely soaked! Everyone who comes later will probably have umbrellas, and we'll definitely be laughed at by those guys."
This made the people queuing at the front feel very frustrated. They had originally planned to come early to get a good spot, but instead, their clothes got wet, and it didn't look like the rain would end anytime soon. Becoming a drowned rat was also expected.
Although these people complained verbally, they had no intention of moving from their spots. After all, they had worked hard to secure these places, and if they gave up now, wouldn't those few hours of waiting be in vain?
They certainly didn't think everyone would specially save a spot for them to come back and cut in line after getting an umbrella.
Soon enough, just as they expected, latecomers arrived with umbrellas and began to mock those who were already soaked at the front.
"Hahaha, look at you guys, coming so early, only to end up so disheveled. It's really hilarious."
"Why don't you give up quickly? Otherwise, if you get rained on a bit longer, you'll be completely soaked and could easily catch a cold, which would affect your work."
"Come on, come on, let's switch spots. I can lend you my umbrella."
"Looks like you guys have bad luck~ Next time, remember not to be so overly competitive."
They saw an opportunity and prepared to use it to force the people queuing at the front to leave, so they could move forward and get their hands on the second volume of "puella magi madoka magica" earlier.
"Heh heh, no matter the weather, I won't give up my spot to you. Don't even dream about it!"
The person who suddenly spoke also represented the attitude of those at the front.
Both sides fell into a silent standoff.
Time passed bit by bit, and the extent of their wetness increased. To divert their attention from their current predicament, they began to discuss the plot.
"I'm curious, what do you all think of 'puella magi madoka magica'?"
"What else? It's just average, I guess. I feel like the character settings in magical girl works are all pretty much the same, so there's nothing new."
"I don't think much of it either. After reading the first volume that day, I was actually a bit disappointed."
"Then why are you all so enthusiastic? Why did you run over so early?"
"It's simple, because I'm a loyal fan of Izumi-sensei! Although I became a fan of Izumi-sensei because of 'demon slayer,' I soon went from being a work fan to an author fan... There are very few authors I admire, so I came."
"Why even ask? Of course, it's because I trust Izumi-sensei's ability. Although 'demon slayer' was full of heart-wrenching moments and truly moved me, as for this magical girl work, I also believe Izumi-sensei will definitely write with his true heart and won't disappoint everyone!"
"I agree with your point of view. Old... Izumi-sensei is definitely not a simple person!"
"It seems everyone has the same idea! By the way, were you just about to say... Old Thief?"
"You misunderstood, how could that be? I'm a loyal fan of Izumi-sensei, how could I use a derogatory nickname!"
"Actually, it's not a derogatory nickname. But everyone calling him 'Old Thief' online and 'sensei' in real life is really funny."
At this, everyone suddenly burst into laughter, completely ignoring the cold raindrops falling on their faces.
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