"Then I'll go ahead and arrange the upcoming tasks," Machida Sonoko said as she prepared to hang up.
Just then, Hikigaya Hachiman remembered something important.
"Machida-san, um… have we arranged an illustrator yet?"
"You're worried about that? Don't worry. I might not be able to secure a famous industry illustrator for you, but I can help you find a promising newcomer," she replied.
Undoubtedly, an illustrator was extremely important for a light novel. They provided the first impression to readers, much like how attractive people often receive more attention. The adage of "buy the illustrations, get the light novel" held true in the industry.
Especially for novels often labeled as "isekai toilet paper," a good illustrator usually played a major role in their appeal.
Although Hachiman's story leaned more on plot than flashy illustrations, having a good illustrator was never a bad thing.
With the editor's assurance, he finally relaxed.
A few days later, Machida sent him a message.
Machida Sonoko: Hachiman, I've found a promising new illustrator. She's a bit special and wants to keep her personal info private. I haven't met her myself, but as a newcomer, she draws very well. I'll give you her contact info. Just note that you're the author of Summer Time Reflection when you reach out, and see if you two can work together. If it works out, I can sign a contract with her.
Hachiman: Got it.
"So soon?" Hachiman muttered, opening LINE and searching her ID.
An anime-style avatar popped up, and the username read: Erumanga-sensei.
He muttered the name under his breath. What an unexpected twist of fate.
Looking at the profile, he saw nothing else—just a brand-new account. Without overthinking, he sent a friend request, noting his identity.
That evening, the request was accepted.
Hachiman: You're Erumanga-sensei, right?
Eromanga Sensei: No, I don't know anyone by that name. The pen name comes from Erumanga Island in Vanuatu, not "erotic manga."
Alright, that confirms it.
Hachiman: Doesn't matter—it's just a name. What matters is whether you're willing to be the illustrator for Summer Time Reflection.
Eromanga Sensei: Yes, I'd like to.
Hachiman: Can I see some of your work to see if it matches my vision?
Eromanga Sensei: Sure.
Because it was online text chat, the conversation flowed surprisingly smoothly. Soon, she sent several fully colored works. Hachiman, from an amateur perspective, could tell they were very attractive—though he couldn't judge how much better she was than the average person.
Starting a debut with an illustrator like this—aside from someone like Yamada-san who already knew top-tier artists—was truly lucky.
And working with an adorable white-haired loli wasn't exactly a downside either.
Still, Hachiman wanted to be responsible to himself and his work, so he asked carefully:
Hachiman: Are there any drawing limitations? For example, these characters are all small and cute, but a bit too moe.
Eromanga Sensei: I'm not very good at drawing characters with large chests, and battle scenes aren't my strong suit either.
Hachiman: In that case… I might have to decline.
Though reluctant, he typed it out. This debut was too important to risk based on personal preference.
Eromanga Sensei: Please give me a chance! I'll work hard to make up for these weaknesses. If you give me time, I can do it!
Hachiman was surprised by her determination.
Hachiman: Why are you so persistent?
Eromanga Sensei: Because I love illustrating and don't want to miss this opportunity. I want to prove myself. I've also read your work before and wanted to draw your characters myself.
Hachiman: I see…
Eromanga Sensei: Yes.
Hachiman: Alright, you've convinced me. I'll collaborate with you, but I expect you to improve quickly. Time waits for no one—don't let this affect future work.
Eromanga Sensei: I will! Also, I don't know anyone by that name!
Hachiman chuckled, closing the chat.
Why did he agree? Not because she was a cute white-haired loli—cute was useless; his sister Komachi already filled that role.
It was because Erumanga-sensei truly had talent. She could be a huge asset, and even if she kept her flaws, she would likely attract a certain audience. Such an opportunity was too valuable to turn down.
Machida-san contacted him shortly after to acknowledge his decision.
Of course, this meant the official publication would be delayed slightly.
He remained optimistic.
True to their agreement, Erumanga-sensei worked tirelessly to improve. She studied online references to draw scenes she previously struggled with, sending him new illustrations every few days until he was satisfied.
Her dedication impressed Hachiman.
What surprised him even more was her rapid improvement—almost genius-level. Within just three weeks, her battle scenes had gone from bland to dynamic. Characters she could previously only draw as small children gradually gained a variety of body types. She even learned from some borderline reference videos to improve.
Hachiman: How did you improve so quickly? Who taught you?
Eromanga Sensei: Since you want to know… it was my mother. She's a skilled artist, and I asked her to train me rigorously.
Hachiman: I see…
Hachiman reflected thoughtfully, recalling that in a past memory, Sagiri's mother had died in an accident. He silently hoped such misfortune would not repeat itself.