The day after finalizing the agreement with Machida Sonoko, Akifumi received a confirmation from her.
"WorldEnd" would be released on the 11th.
It was a hassle-free resolution to a task that could have been quite complicated, and Akifumi couldn't help but admire her ability to move quickly and decisively!
As for how she managed to make it happen, that wasn't something Akifumi had to worry about.
Soon after, both sides had successfully signed the contract.
Akifumi also cooperated by posting a new update on his social media to promote the upcoming project.
"Honestly, both of my ongoing series are already finished, so why do I feel like I'm posting updates more frequently than ever?! I must be imagining it, right?!"
"Coughs Anyway, enough rambling! Let's get to the main point!"
"First of all, I want to express my deepest thanks to all the fans who came to my signing event yesterday. I want to say once again, from the bottom of my heart: Thank you so much!! It's because of your support that I am where I am today, and I firmly believe that!"
"I also have to apologize to those of you who couldn't get into the store. Your enthusiasm was beyond what I expected! Neither I nor my editor imagined there would be so many people at the event."
"We failed to make sure everyone had a good time, and that's on us. If we ever hold another event like this... though it probably won't happen in the short term... we will make sure to learn from this experience and do better so that every fan leaves satisfied!"
"That's enough about yesterday, let me share some new updates with you all."
"I know some of you were hoping for new details about my upcoming work, but sorry, that's not the case right now."
"The next big thing is that I'll be the illustrator for the light novel 'WorldEnd'?"
"Although both I and the author, Shadow-sensei, are new to this, I've already read his work, and it's fantastic! If you're into light novels, give it a try! I hope you all enjoy it!"
"By the way, the release date for the novel is October 11th. This will be my first time working as an illustrator, and I put a lot of effort into drawing the characters. I really hope you all like what I've done!"
"Also, the Madoka Magica anime will be airing on the 6th of this month! Be sure to tune in!"
"That's all for now! When there's news about the manga, I'll be sure to let you know right here first!"
"As always, thank you so much for your continued support!"
After posting the update, Akifumi couldn't help but smile at the positive responses from fans.
"First! Tears!!!"
"I was so happy to be at the event yesterday! It was amazing to meet such a handsome and kind author!!"
"I'll definitely come to the next signing event!"
"Don't feel bad, sensei! I was just late, so I didn't get in! I'm so sad, though!!"
"The gift from sensei was so interesting, the Madoka Magica figure was so cute!"
"Huh? Are you serious? The gift? I don't think it's interesting at all!"
"I almost forgot, but using the Madoka Magica figure just made me remember that scene!"
"Using? What the heck?"
"Oh, you didn't notice? The gift sensei gave was actually a USB drive! If you pull off Mami's head, you can use it. Guess I'll be using this special version for our upcoming lecture!"
"??"
"Wait, is this the one product sensei had a hand in designing?"
"Everyone, isn't your focus a bit off? 'WorldEnd' light novel comes out on the 11th! It has sensei's illustrations in it, you know?"
"Who cares about that! Not every newbie is as great as our sensei!"
"So you're not going to buy it?"
"No, what I mean is, I've mentally prepared to buy a bunch of toilet paper!"
"No problem, I'd pay for the sensei's illustrations alone!"
"I've been following the Madoka Magica anime release for ages, sensei, no need to worry!"
"Right! Manga and anime are two completely different experiences, I'm really looking forward to the voice actors' performances!"
"By the pace of the manga, we'll get to that scene by the third episode of the anime. I can't wait to see the reactions of the anime-only fans!"
"I'm different though! I already told my best friend, Madoka Magica is so heartwarming and healing, totally unlike any other magical girl series, and he HAS to read it! He HAS to read all the way through chapter 3!!"
"Are you guys monsters?! But I love it!! You should try harder! Get more people to join!"
"I feel sorry for your friend... he's lucky to have a friend like you!"
"Are you sure it's not depressing?"
Looking at all these comments, Akifumi nodded with satisfaction.
While the conversation may have veered off a bit, at least it got back on track later.
WorldEnd might not have sparked much discussion yet, but judging by the fan responses, it's clear they'd buy it even if it were a toilet paper roll.
And really, how could they not take a quick peek at the content after paying for it?
Still, those of you pulling friends into the Madoka Magica fandom... Don't you feel guilty about it?!
Do you have any conscience at all?
Oh well, as long as you're happy!
Over the weekend, after a signing event and a day spent at home drawing manga, the days were almost over.
At 10 p.m., just as Akifumi was about to rest, his phone suddenly rang.
Seeing the caller ID, he was a little surprised.
He answered with a calm tone.
"Hey, did you finally remember you have a kid here in Tokyo?"
The person on the other end didn't answer right away and paused for two seconds before speaking.
"Ahem."
"Mu-chan, it's not like that!" Akifumi Ye's voice sounded a little embarrassed. "We're always thinking about you!"
It was clear from the brief pause that someone else had picked up the call.
"Oh."
Akifumi responded with a flat tone: "The last time you called was on my birthday. How long has it been since then?"
"!!"
Akifumi Ye immediately shut down, then sincerely apologized, "Sorry!"
"It's not that we didn't want to call, we just figured you had your own life..."
"Stop, stop, stop. Doesn't that sound a bit fake? We're not in some foreign country. Just get to the point."
"Oh, so you're only calling because you need something?" Akifumi didn't hesitate to say.
"Do we really come across like that?!"
"Yes!"
"The last time you called was for my birthday, and before that, you had me pick up some antiques for you in Osaka. Need me to keep going?"
Hearing Akifumi list off everything, Akifumi Ye felt his scalp tingle. He turned to his wife, Akifumi Nakui, with a desperate look.
She nonchalantly avoided eye contact and muttered, "I just boiled some water outside... It should be ready now. I'll go get it."