"Hmm? An alternate world setting? It doesn't seem to suit Izumi-sensei, does it? After all, those kinds of stories all look the same, and they're too vulgar."
Usami Suzune frowned.
Because she often read light novels when she had nothing to do in the Literary Club, she had a certain understanding of light novels, which led to her making such a comment.
On the bookshelf in the club, there wasn't a single work about transmigration or reincarnation to another world.
"Genre is not a limitation."
Senju Muramasa gently shook her head.
"You're right, Izumi-sensei loves to go against the usual tropes. His alternate world work might also be very different from others'."
Usami Suzune suddenly thought.
No one expected "puella magi madoka magica" to be written the way it is now, right?
The scene where the senior's head was severed is still a trauma for many...
So, genre is genre. How it will be written still depends on the author's skill.
"Hmm, it's so dark already. Should we sleep together tonight, Kohana?"
Usami Suzune turned off her phone, glanced at the night outside the window, and asked.
"Whatever."
Senju Muramasa replied distractedly.
Although she said that, as a fan, she was actually a little worried.
...
The most talked-about aspect of this live stream was, of course, the relationships between these three authors. Readers were making all sorts of speculations, leading to endless arguments and even forming 'factions'.
Many people even jokingly called it the real-life version of ""White Album"."
In addition, the revelation of information about the new work also caused a strong reaction afterwards.
["Huh? Writing a cliché alternate world transmigration novel? Old Thief, you're starting to slack off, aren't you?"]
["I'm splitting apart like Madoka Kaname.jpg."]
["What's the deal, are you going to make easy money?"]
["Old Thief, you're not going to learn that 'reincarnate into another world to become a hero' trope, are you?"]
["Old Thief, don't go bad! Even if you want to write an alternate world story, why not look at the idea I found for you—'About My Reincarnation into Another World Where I Couldn't Become Strong and Ended Up Becoming a Light Novel Author Again~!' Don't you think that's interesting?"]
["It's not that I don't believe in Old Thief's ability, it's just that it's a waste of your talent, Old Thief. Can't you think of something else? A romance slice-of-life would be fine. Didn't you write '"White Album"' pretty well?"]
["The dignified Izumi Masamune, a rising star, has also fallen."]
["No toilet paper! No toilet paper! OK?"]
["I have to admit, alternate world works are easy money. Just add some awesome skill or talent, then interact with beautiful girls, stomp on weaker opponents, and add an illustrator who can draw cute girls... I can only say, anyone can do it!"]
["Don't worry! Trust the Old Thief! He is our pride! The savior of the industry!"]
...
Online, a huge wave surged.
In reality, it was calm as ever.
Everything was still proceeding in an orderly fashion.
Everyone's comments could not influence his decision.
Regarding this matter, the people around him understood even better.
"Good morning, Nishikino."
"Hello, Izumi-kun and Sawamura Student."
It was another day on the way to school, and the three met again on the train.
"Chihiro, are you really planning to write an 'otherworld' story next? It's not going to be one of those, is it? Like, the hero challenges the demon king, and in the end, all his companions die, leaving him to live out the rest of his life alone and miserable? If it's like that, it's too cliché, don't disgust me!"
Eriri didn't shy away from Nishikino Maki and got straight to the point.
She had woken up very early today, hiding near Izumi to create this 'chance encounter,' and she didn't want to waste any extra time on it. Moreover, in their eyes, Nishikino wasn't a complete stranger, even if they weren't very close.
"Eriri, can you stop making malicious conjectures before anything even happens? Look at what you're saying, am I that kind of person? Can I even write an ending like that?"
Izumi Chihiro raised an eyebrow.
"You are."
Eriri looked at him sideways, then replied earnestly.
You've given me PTSD, understand?
"If that's the case, then there's nothing more to say."
Izumi Chihiro suddenly sighed, "Eriri, you still don't understand, your perspective is truly too shallow."
"Chihiro, what do you mean! How dare you say my perspective is shallow? You have a death wish!"
Eriri reached out her right hand, pinched a soft spot, and, showing her little fangs, said angrily.
"Hiss..."
Izumi Chihiro took a sharp breath.
...
Beside them, Nishikino Maki, who had been listening to their conversation the whole time, had flickering eyes. She had been observing them out of the corner of her eye,
massaging her hair with one hand, seemingly full of curiosity.
"Is Izumi-kun starting a new work?"
Of course, she understood their conversation because, due to that accidental discovery, she knew that Izumi-kun was Izumi Masamune.
So, out of a little curiosity, she decided to see what a middle school student like him could do to become a popular light novel author with millions of sales.
After all, she had even tried playing a game like "White Album", let alone a light novel?
It's just like the picture books she read as a child, isn't it!
With this thought, the girl convinced herself and started reading.
It was fine until she read it, but once she did, she was shocked.
She read through the first volume in a daze, but the second volume truly confused her.
Such a charming senior was actually cut off?
That's too bizarre!
But it also seemed quite exciting.
The girl, who had long been in a monotonous tutoring life with no social interaction, suddenly became interested and followed it until the end.
However, every time she finished reading a new volume, she had some questions, and although the author was right in front of her, for some dignity in her heart, she couldn't bring herself to ask. Over time, it built up into an internal injury.
She didn't expect to hear them discussing light novel issues this time, and it instantly reignited a storm in her heart.
And this time it was content for a new book, which made it even more curious!
"Eriri."
"What do you want?"
"Let go of me."
"No, I won't!"
"Don't think I can't deal with you!"
Izumi Chihiro's gaze changed, and he implemented an equal retaliation.
"So ticklish, so ticklish... Stop it, you idiot! Ah, so ticklish... I get it, I get it, can't I just let go!"
"Weak and loves to play, huh!"
Eriri, a mere Eriri, was quickly defeated by the tickle attack and leaned back against the chair, looking dejected.
Nishikino Maki offered no comment on this.
This childlike scuffle actually aligned with her long-standing assessment of the two.
Suddenly, Izumi Chihiro turned his head.
"Nishikino, you seem to want to say something?"
His words made her heart tighten.
---
💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter