Chapter 3: The Decision to Film KonoSuba
Re-written date: 5 / 15 / 2025
. . . . . . . . . . .
Once Edward had made up his mind to create anime in this world, there was no turning back. He practically abandoned sleep and food over the next few days, pouring everything he could remember about anime onto paper.
Out of all the isekai series he'd mentally unearthed, he quickly narrowed his focus to two titles.
The first was the legendary Fullmetal Alchemist, and the second was the hilariously chaotic KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!
Fullmetal Alchemist—a masterpiece that held an immovable place in the hearts of anime fans.
Edward was no different. In fact, it was FMA that had pulled him into the world of anime to begin with. Its passionate storytelling, iconic characters, and grand themes had resonated with him deeply.
And with its steampunk aesthetic and themes of alchemy, FMA fit this world like a glove.
He wanted—no, he needed—to bring it to life.
But…
"I still don't know how to create mechanical arms… let alone replicate alchemy with visual effects…"
Not to mention the elaborate set pieces and steampunk machinery. Given the technical limitations of this world, recreating Fullmetal Alchemist was a logistical nightmare.
As much as it pained him, he'd have to shelve the idea for now.
Compared to that, KonoSuba was far more feasible.
Its story took place in a single, relatively ordinary town. It didn't need grand cities, massive kingdoms, or complex magical systems. It was simple. Grounded. Manageable.
Even the characters—Edward already had a few casting ideas in mind.
Taking all this into account, the choice for his first anime adaptation was obvious.
"It has to be KonoSuba."
. . . . . . .
"A live-action anime? A proposal? M-My lord Durin, what are you talking about?! I know we're drowning in debt, but you don't have to drive yourself mad over it!"
Winry's voice trembled with concern as she pointed to the mysterious stack of papers Edward had been slaving over.
"Just… read this first."
Edward gave her a calm, almost mischievous smile as he pushed aside the Fullmetal Alchemist manuscript and opened up the slimmer pile labeled KonoSuba: Project Proposal.
"Tell me what you think."
"Kono…Suba?"
Despite being someone known for her decisiveness, Winry tilted her head in confusion—but didn't hesitate. She took the stack of papers and began to flip through them as instructed.
From the title alone—KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!—it sounded like a messy, disorganized story, with no clear goal.
But that couldn't be further from the truth.
Back in Edward's previous world, KonoSuba had been a mega-hit in the isekai genre—not just for its humor, but for its unforgettable cast of characters.
It was a story about a shut-in gamer named Kazuma Satou, who dies in a freak accident and gets reborn in a fantasy world… but not before dragging the arrogant water goddess Aqua along with him.
From there, he forms a dysfunctional party with:
Kazuma – the "weakest adventurer," who could be brave when it counted but spent most of his time being cowardly, greedy, or just plain lazy.
Aqua – the goddess of water, full of divine flair and charisma… but also unbelievably foolish, prideful, and endlessly troublesome.
Megumin – a crimson-eyed mage with incredible potential, who stubbornly invested all her skill points into one over-the-top spell: Explosion Magic.
Darkness – a noblewoman and crusader who, beneath her proper and elegant facade, turned out to be a full-blown masochist.
These four would go on ridiculous adventures that were more comedic disaster than heroic quest—with just the tiniest touch of heartfelt emotion along the way.
That was KonoSuba.
"This… this party's a total mess…"
Right on cue, Winry raised a skeptical eyebrow as she read the synopsis.
Edward just smiled.
"Keep reading."
Then—
"Pff—ahahahaha!!"
Despite being one of the most serious and composed people Edward knew, Winry couldn't help herself.
She burst out laughing.
Even without any local adaptation or cultural tweaking, the ridiculous antics of KonoSuba's cast were already breaking through.
Watching Winry desperately try to maintain her dignity in front of her master, only to fail miserably as she laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks, Edward couldn't help but smile.
At the same time, he let out a quiet sigh of relief in his heart.
Even though he loved KonoSuba, he'd been worried—worried that something so beloved in his original world might fall flat in this one due to cultural differences.
Many of KonoSuba's jokes relied on modern sensibilities, references, and tropes that only people from his world would get. In a Western fantasy world like this, those same jokes might leave the audience confused or unimpressed.
But now, seeing Winry laughing out loud just from reading the unpolished manuscript, Edward finally felt reassured.
'All right, then… I'm doing it. I'm bringing KonoSuba into this world.'
"This story is so weird… but also really fun! Lord Durin, I didn't know you had a talent for writing! Ah, is Lord Durin planning to become a novelist to pay off the family debt? If you publish this, I think it could be really popular! The royalties alone might help save the Durin Family…"
Winry wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes as she rambled, half-joking and half-hopeful.
Edward, however, just shook his head.
"I'm not cut out to be a novelist. But for the sake of the Durin family, I'll find a way to bring this story to life!"
"Bring it to life…? But you said you weren't going to write a novel?"
Winry blinked in confusion. She couldn't quite wrap her head around how a story could be "brought to life" in any way other than writing it down.
Surely he didn't mean… telling it orally?
"You'll see soon enough. For now," Edward said with a smile, "I need you to help me draft a letter."
"A letter? To where?"
"The Imperial Mage Tower."
"Wha—?!"
The moment she heard the name, Winry froze.
'The Imperial Mage Tower?!'
She stood there stunned, unable to process why that place—of all places—had come up in this conversation.
But under Edward's constant urging, she eventually snapped out of it and rushed to the study, returning a while later with the drafted letter in hand.
Edward took a long moment to gather his thoughts.
Then, sitting down with proper posture, he picked up a pen… and began to write.
. . . . . .
To the Esteemed Miss Helena Eleanor,
Long time no see. I hope this letter finds you well. I heard you've recently made a breakthrough in your fire-elemental magic research—congratulations! If I've done my math right, your graduation must be just around the corner. How enviable.
By the way, have you met the graduation credit requirement for your Elemental Magic degree yet? Have you paid off that huge debt you racked up buying mana crystals like they were candy? Or are you still getting locked in the isolation room for tossing out random Fireballs, Great Fireballs, and Explosive Fireballs during class?
Haha, whatever the case, as someone who once skipped class and caused trouble with you, I genuinely hope you're doing well now.
Do you remember that time—back when we sat at that sketchy grilled meat shop two streets away from the Imperial Mage Tower—and made a promise? We swore to revolutionize the world of magic. That we'd break free from blind obedience to outdated traditions, and let the light of Flames and Magitech Alchemy illuminate the world.
Even now, just thinking about it gets my blood pumping.
...Although, if I remember correctly, you still haven't paid your half of the meal bill from that day.
Of course, I understand someone who only knows how to cast Fireball, Great Fireball, and Explosive Fireball isn't likely to land a stable job, so I won't be suing you over it. Instead, I'm offering you an opportunity.
During the upcoming Tower-wide vacation, come to the southern territory—to the Durin family's castle. I have a project brimming with potential and profit, and I want you to be a part of it.
The starting pay is five gold coins per month, with benefits and insurance. Depending on performance, there's even room for a raise.
I hope to see you soon.
May the light of magic shine upon the world.
—Your former classmate and one-time fellow delinquent,
Edward Durin, Baron