"Sigh."
Watching the other person's back as she left the train, Nishikino Maki's excited expression from before drooped again.
Although she had been happy to speak freely about light novel content earlier, the idea of finally mustering the courage to ask for contact information had lost its timing.
After all, her goal was Otonokizaka Academy, which was an all-girls high school and not nearby. She couldn't imagine having an easy chance to meet again in the future.
So, if she got his contact information, couldn't they chat online?
Although online conversations weren't as convenient, being able to contact him at all was a good thing.
"It's fine, there are still six months. There will be opportunities, no need to rush..."
Nishikino Maki muttered to herself.
The new semester, after a period of busyness, settled into a stable, uneventful routine.
At school, apart from occasionally chatting with Eriri and the other two, Izumi Chihiro didn't leave any deep impressions.
Time came to mid-September.
Volume 3 of "Re:zero - Starting Life In Another World" was completed.
The content of this volume revolved around the true origin of the curse, and the beginning of protagonist Natsuki Subaru truly embarking on his path of salvation (conquering).
The true core, of course, was the lovely maid Rem, whose background was revealed to help readers understand why Rem in a certain loop made the decisions she did, thereby 'whitewashing' the character of Rem in the readers' hearts and allowing her to become a truly charming character in the eyes of the audience, rather than just a pretty face or a 'flower vase' character.
If you just give everything away casually, why not read light novels of the 'bulldozer' type?
That has no soul.
However, this still depends on the character development. The so-called 'whitewashing' also requires literary skill and plot design. If it's not well-developed, it will backfire, making her an even more disliked character.
"Of course, this no longer poses a challenge for me."
Izumi Chihiro's expression was confident as he pressed the last spacebar.
He was so proficient now, even more so than Kitahara Haruki.
Although his personal abilities were gradually stabilizing, he understood that this was a process of accumulating experience, something that could not be rushed.
But even so, looking at the light novel industry, his writing skills were already close to a superior level.
After all, there's a significant difference between light novels and traditional literary works. Not everyone has the foundation or talent of Nayuta, Senju Muramasa, or Kasumigaoka Utaha.
Just like in manga, the concept and plot design of a story are more important than the drawing or writing skill. Additionally, the writing style requirements for this type of work subtly differ from traditional literature; elegant language and clear environmental descriptions aren't necessarily effective.
Otherwise, there wouldn't be so few people making money in the light novel industry.
As for update speed, that's his more obvious advantage. For others, four volumes a year is normal, but he can be much faster.
"Haaah~"
He stood up and stretched, when suddenly his phone on the table buzzed with a message notification.
It was from his apprentice.
"It's finally begun, Gokou Rori's trial."
Izumi Chihiro glanced at the message, a smile on his face.
A few days later.
Izumi Chihiro went to Takasago Bookstore, of course, to show a little care for his apprentice.
"Izumi-kun, you're here."
Takasago Tomoe greeted him with a warm smile, walking quickly towards him.
"Takasago-san, where are the latest new releases?"
He asked directly.
"Over here."
Takasago Tomoe pointed to a seemingly unremarkable work nearby.
Izumi Chihiro scanned the shelves and picked up a light novel from an inconspicuous corner.
The book's cover featured a medieval anime-style witch riding a magic staff, with the title "Magical Girl Illya."
Hmm? That name sounds familiar?
Of course, it wasn't the original story. If he had to describe it, it was a combination of "The Journey of Elaina" and "Magical Girl Illya."
"Several magical girl light novels have appeared recently, but most of them have failed. They imitate others but don't grasp the essence, and the homogenization feels severe. I haven't read this one yet... But Izumi-kun, it looks like you specifically came to find this work. Have you already checked it out in advance?"
Seeing this, Takasago Tomoe couldn't help but be curious.
"Something like that."
He nodded, "After all, for a teacher not to be optimistic about his own apprentice would be too disheartening."
"Apprentice? Oh?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Takasago Tomoe's eyes.
"Takasago-san, I'm heading back now."
Before she could ask further, Izumi Chihiro turned and left.
"Gokou Rori? Could it be another beautiful girl author?"
Takasago Tomoe turned and picked up another light novel, glanced at the author's name, and couldn't help but wonder.
If it weren't for Izumi, a normal person would probably think the author deliberately chose such a pen name to attract attention, as beautiful girl authors are practically an endangered species, with only a handful confirmed.
But according to her understanding...
"Izumi-kun's popularity with women... it's quite possible that the person lives up to the name."
Takasago Tomoe nodded in agreement.
It's worth mentioning that Gokou Rori was the author name that Gokou Rori asked him to choose.
At the time, he had a bit of a mischievous streak, so he chose that name. He wondered what kind of expression Gokou Rori would have when she saw it.
That would be very interesting.
...
"Ni-san, what's that in your hand?"
As he entered the living room, he bumped into Sagiri coming downstairs.
"A novel I just bought."
He replied.
"You only bought one? Something's fishy...!"
Sagiri's eyes narrowed suspiciously. She ran over, and after glancing at the title, immediately lost interest.
"Another magical girl? Ni-san's bandwagon work? It's completely uninteresting; most people get canceled after one or two volumes..."
She said this because light novels with the magical girl theme were quite rare before "puella magi madoka magica" became famous, but afterward, many appeared, a large portion of which were bandwagon works trying to cash in, though most didn't fare well...
Those who imitated directly with high expectations but low ability often wrote protagonists into tragic circumstances just for the sake of being dark and gritty, only to be heavily criticized by readers and then canceled. The smarter ones would use similar names to piggyback on popularity and then write their own stories, which was enough to get by.
"I believe this work will be completed normally."
Izumi Chihiro stated confidently.
"Hmm?"
Sagiri's eyes flickered with curiosity, awaiting her brother's next words.
"After all, this is an apprentice I've taught...!"
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💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter