As a short manga for the Newcomer Award, it naturally couldn't include so many characters; this was just preparation for a potential long-term serialization later on.
With her experience and under the guidance of editor Iida Ayano, Mashiro would naturally not make such a mistake.
And with Mashiro's drawing skill, just a competent beginning would be enough to meet the requirements for a successful debut in the top few of the Newcomer Award.
So, did Mashiro really achieve it?
Izumi Chihiro wondered, and looked further down.
Next was the beginning of the story.
"Not bad," he commented after finishing it.
Admittedly, the storytelling of this manga hadn't reached a very interesting level, but it was still decent.
The most important thing was that the character expressions and paneling were clearly much more natural, unlike before where it was completely confusing, and readers simply didn't understand what story Mashiro wanted to tell.
It could barely be considered passing.
It was a significant improvement from the last time, a sign of potential. Coupled with her already unparalleled drawing skills, even without the Newcomer Award, it would be enough to move the editor-in-chief to decide on a long-term serialization.
After waiting a few seconds without a reply, he turned his head and saw a relieved smile on the girl's face.
This made him a little puzzled.
Could it be that Mashiro's earlier nonchalant demeanor was actually an act?
Was she actually under a lot of pressure?
No, no, Mashiro shouldn't have any feelings about such things, right?
For a moment, he doubted his own judgment.
"Next, we can put it on the website. The second half of the Newcomer Award has officially begun. This time, Mashiro, you should be able to achieve your wish and successfully debut!"
He looked momentarily dazed, then continued.
Mashiro remained expressionless, a faint glimmer passing through her slightly phoenix-like eyes, as she murmured, "Manga artist…"
Suddenly, the girl's body went limp and she collapsed onto the large bed nearby.
"Hmm?"
Izumi Chihiro's heart skipped a beat. He quickly left his seat and rushed over to check on her.
"It seems she pulled another all-nighter drawing…"
Up close, he noticed Mashiro's faint dark circles under her eyes, and this possibility came to mind.
Although he had told her many times.
But for a creator, sometimes when inspiration strikes, even if you want to stop, you can't.
He could understand Mashiro, so he didn't want to criticize her further on this matter.
It was nothing major, just something to be mindful of normally.
Before preparing to leave, he glanced back at Mashiro's peculiar sleeping posture. After a moment's thought, he stopped, turned back, took off the girl's slippers, and gently adjusted her beautiful posture.
Only then did he leave the room.
With Mashiro re-entering the Newcomer Award, he couldn't just sit idle either.
After a period of leisure, he also had to start getting busy with his own work.
It wasn't very urgent. At his current update speed, it wouldn't take long to finish. As long as he wanted to squeeze out time on weekdays, it was completely sufficient.
At the same time, Yamada Elf's new work was about to be released.
"Hehehe, Chihiro, today is an important day, do you know?"
Miss Elf deliberately brought this up beside him.
"Is it? It's just an ordinary summer day."
He deliberately pretended not to know.
Yamada Elf wasn't so foolish as to think he truly didn't know.
"Hmph hmph hmph, you can't fool me this time! This is the release day of the work I collaborated on with Eromanga-sensei, and also the day a great work that will influence the future of the industry is born. How could you not know about such an important day!"
Yamada Elf snorted several times, looking as if she had'seen right through him'.
"Now that you mention it, I think I remember. There was such a thing… but as for the latter, I really didn't know."
Izumi Chihiro gently shook his head.
"The future will prove it!"
Yamada Elf remained full of confidence.
He really wanted to ask, who gave her the courage?
Dozens of seconds passed.
No one spoke, and the two exchanged glances again, the atmosphere inexplicably awkward.
"Um…!"
Yamada Elf hesitated before saying, "I'm missing someone… No, Chihiro, could you come with me to buy books?"
She was about to habitually act tsundere, but then she remembered that she had seemingly expressed her feelings earlier, so being more direct seemed appropriate. Thus, the words slipped out, the blush on her face showing that she was still a little shy about such a direct invitation.
"Buy books? That's fine."
Izumi Chihiro nodded.
"Although your work, Elf, doesn't have much collection value, with Sagiri's illustrations, then it's necessary."
He spoke bluntly.
"I'm happy you praise Eromanga-sensei, but belittling my work is unacceptable! Don't think I won't grow! After three days apart, one should look at a scholar with new eyes!"
Yamada Elf clenched her fist and swung it forward.
"Is that so? Then I'm somewhat looking forward to it."
His expression changed slightly.
…
["Eromanga-sensei actually drew illustrations for Yamada Elf's work. Could there be some unspeakable secret behind this?"]
["Hehe, Eromanga-sensei, who has been with Old Thief for so long and never taken on other work, actually went to work for someone else. Isn't this a form of NTR?!"]
["Why the change in illustrator? Wasn't Elmi-sensei drawing quite well before?"]
["My Elmi-sensei!!!"]
["What do you know? An illustrator's job is inherently leisurely; taking on more work is quite normal."]
["Theoretically speaking, Yamada Elf-sensei's work is very suitable for Eromanga-sensei's style. I wonder how high their compatibility is?"]
["Wuwuwu, Old Thief got NTR'd! Huh? No, I shouldn't cry, I should be happy! This is great!"]
["Justice served! Old Thief was cuckolded! Hmm, this author's style, hehehe… no wonder!"]
["New work is here. I hope Eromanga-sensei can take on Elmi's responsibility."]
["Izumi Old Thief: Does love really disappear?]
[Eromanga-sensei: Sorry, I already have someone else outside.]
[Yamada Elf: Give up! From now on, Eromanga-sensei is mine!"]
Online, the news of Sagiri becoming the illustrator for Yamada Elf's new work actually caused a small stir. Due to Izumi Masamune's fame, Eromanga-sensei's attention naturally grew, and people came to witness the spectacle.
Emotional disputes, love-hate entanglements—these are things the general public loves to see. Although the truth might not be as complicated as everyone imagines, this desire for entertainment has always existed in human society.
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💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter