"Rem is weak, so she will definitely rely on others."
The blue-haired girl pressed her hand to her chest, a certain emotion stirring within her.
"...What's wrong with that? I'm also weak and stupid, with fierce eyes and no sense of atmosphere, but I've still managed to live until now by expecting help from others and relying on them. We just need to rely on each other to move forward."
Natsuki Subaru said with a sincere expression.
"You're possessed."
Rem smiled through her tears, the drops falling from her eyes impossible to wipe away.
Because she was deeply moved by his words.
Natsuki Subaru stopped speaking, extended his right hand, and comforted the girl.
At times like this, quiet companionship is the best approach.
...
The third volume ends here. Undoubtedly, this volume was entirely Rem's stage; other characters were relegated to supporting roles. It can be said that this volume was dedicated to enriching this one character. If it hadn't been written well, it would certainly have received severe criticism. But conversely, if written well, it would create a highly popular character, perhaps even the first truly popular character in the series.
Although Emilia's personality is very cute and her appearance is very beautiful, with countless people identifying her as the new wife, there hasn't been a more detailed exclusive chapter describing her. Only a few dialogues have brought this character to life.
Therefore, it is foreseeable that Rem's popularity will surpass that of other characters for some time to come.
Many new book reviews immediately appeared online.
["The suffering volume is finally over. When will the suffering fourth volume arrive?"]
["The atmosphere is rendered quite well, Old Thief. This aspect has that familiar taste. The damage and pain in the loops, leading to eventual salvation—it's not just saving people, but saving a heart. Is this also the core of 'love and hope'?"]
["Rem, I'm directly crying, crying..."]
["This also explains the real reason Natsuki Subaru was beaten to death before! And the Witch's scent... it turns out they were all influencing each other."]
["Rem in the last scene was truly heartwarming! I've decided! From now on, I'm a Rem fan! Rem is the best in the world!"]
["I also want a maid like that..."]
["Emilia, let go. Rem will be sad if she sees."]
["You've all defected? I don't care, I'll always love Emilia! Wasn't the lap pillow scene also very touching? And Emilia with a wife-like hairstyle is gentle and virtuous, she's the best choice for everyday life."]
["I understand this. It's like a corporate slave who's worked all day, returning home with a tired body, and his wife gently unties his tie and softly says, 'Welcome home, you look tired from work? Go rest for a bit, I'll prepare dinner'... It's that kind of feeling."]
["What are you thinking?! Are you projecting the 3D world onto the 2D world? What's the use of being gentle and virtuous? It's not cute at all!"]
...
A pair of small feet in sheer white stockings were swinging up and down. The girl's tender body was sprawled on the bed, her hands quickly pressing buttons, controlling the plane in her handheld game to swiftly dodge incoming bullets.
In bullet-hell games like this, the later stages demand higher concentration from the player. Even for a hardcore player like her, she fell in the second-to-last level.
"Is this even meant for humans to play? I've been playing for half a year and still can't clear it... The people who cleared it before are really perverts!"
Yamada Elf mumbled, expressing her displeasure after her plane exploded.
Then, she put down her handheld console.
Because the game was too draining, she needed to rest before continuing.
Just then, she looked up at her childhood friend, who was at the computer desk.
"What's this? You're reading that person's novel again! Ermi, didn't we agree? We were going to finish the illustration work first. What you're doing is completely an act of betrayal..."
Yamada Elf's frustration from failing the game instantly erupted, and she began to accuse the other person.
"Hmm? How dare you accuse me! Elf, haven't you been slacking off all this time? You haven't even finished all your own work, what's the use of you rushing me? I can't just conjure it up for you out of thin air."
Ermi's temper flared upon hearing Elf's address for her.
"Ah? But it was like that before..."
Yamada Elf's voice weakened.
"Now is not like before! Didn't you make a grand declaration before, saying you wanted to surpass Izumi-sensei? At your current pace, you probably won't be able to do it in a lifetime! After all, under similarly stable conditions, Izumi-sensei updates faster than you and performs better..."
Ermi said passionately.
"There's nothing I can do about that... It's not something you can just surpass because you want to. You have to give me some time..."
Yamada Elf lowered her head, her words not matching her true feelings.
"There's plenty of time. After all, Elf, you haven't been in school for a long time. If you put the time you spend playing games into studying novels, for example, learning from Izumi-sensei's character development, whether it's Rem or Homura Akemi from before, even if you learn just a little, you wouldn't have so few character fans for your works online..."
Ermi's gaze became serious.
"Izumi... Izumi... Izumi... So annoying! I don't want to hear that name at all! Who wants to learn from that guy? Wouldn't that just be admitting defeat?"
Yamada Elf felt flustered, covered her ears with her hands, and ran out of the room.
Ermi stared blankly, watching her run out, but did not choose to chase after her.
This was probably the most serious argument they had ever had, but she didn't regret it, because, strictly speaking, it was very beneficial for Yamada Elf to recognize herself early, rather than regret it someday.
She could understand Yamada Elf; gaming was life, writing was a hobby, but this hobby was gradually becoming indispensable.
"Yamada Elf, you once said you wanted to become the savior of the light novel world and create the ultimate light novel. Then try to prove it to me. Can your light novels be more interesting? Can they surpass Izumi-sensei?"
Ermi murmured to herself.
In her eyes, there was no distinction between good and bad, only 'interesting' works and 'more interesting' works, so she had always been full of anticipation.
"Hmph! Ermi looks down on me too! This is truly disrespectful! What's so difficult about surpassing a mere Izumi Old Thief! In the future, I will definitely create the best works and defeat Izumi-sensei in one fell swoop… and even Senju Muramasa and Kani Nayuta!"
Yamada Elf rushed downstairs, clenching her small fists at the thought of the recent disdain, her heart more resolute than ever.
---
💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter