"Is it really that fast?"
Machida Sonoko pondered his words for a moment, then answered firmly.
"Yes, it's fast!"
"For a light novel, it usually takes around three months to fully tap into the potential of a work and convert its fans."
"If we release the second volume on November 1st, some of the potential left in the earlier volumes will be missed."
"The most important thing is that such a fast release pace isn't very wallet-friendly for readers."
"As a result, the sales might actually be lower than the first volume."
"So, I'd appreciate it if you could reconsider."
Akifumi thought for a moment, then replied, "Machida, I don't think these are problems."
"Even if we maximize the potential and peak the readers' expectations, a work can't always maintain its initial sales."
"For the fans who really love this story, I believe they'll find a way to buy the next volume, no matter how tight their budget is."
"On the other hand, only fans who are on the fence will hesitate."
"Yes, this quick pace might lower sales to some extent, but it could also keep the enthusiasm high for those who are passionate about it."
"Besides, isn't the most important thing the quality of the work itself?"
"As long as the quality is guaranteed, short-term sales don't matter much."
And the most important point:
"Once 'WorldEnd' has enough volumes, I can finally release the manga version."
"The light novel will provide a foundation for the manga's release, and in return, the manga will boost the light novel's sales. The final sales could even exceed our expectations!"
"..."
Machida Sonoko was silent for a while, then sighed with a wry smile, "I'm really losing to you, Akifumi-sensei."
This strategy does have a significant chance of working.
But there's still considerable risk involved.
However...
"Since you're so confident, I guess I'll go along with you."
Akifumi smiled, "Thank you for your support, Machida-san."
"I'll send you the content for the second volume by email shortly."
"Should we start preparing for the second volume?"
"Akifumi-sensei, you really are confident!" Machida said with genuine admiration.
Usually, it would take most authors 10 to 20 days just to revise the manuscript after finishing it.
But Akifumi didn't seem to have any of those concerns.
"Well, from my perspective, I feel like the second volume is already good enough."
Akifumi couldn't exactly say that he had just followed the usual publishing template, could he?
After hanging up, Akifumi immediately sent the manuscript to Machida.
It was already late, so he wasn't going to wait for a reply.
He spent a bit more time on his illustrations, then washed up and went to bed.
The next morning, he received a reply from Machida as expected.
"The content is fine. I'll go talk to the editor-in-chief today to make sure the second volume releases on November 1st."
"You've just been busy, and now you're giving me more work? You owe me a few big meals!"
Akifumi smiled and quickly replied, "Thanks, Machida-san. But I can see that you're visibly happy—are you sure you're not the one treating me to dinner?"
Maybe it was as she said: she was tired but happy.
After all, bonuses in the editorial world are closely tied to a work's success!
A successful project means more money for the editor too.
It was still early, around 6:30 AM.
Machida had probably not woken up yet, so Akifumi didn't expect any further responses.
After a quick wash-up, Akifumi put on his workout clothes and headed out to begin his daily exercise.
"Wow, tomorrow's already October 20th!"
Time really flew—"Madoka Magica" was about to air its third episode.
"I can't wait!"
He was excited not just for the episode itself, but also for the fans' reactions.
October 20th.
In Tanaka's class:
"Hey, Tanaka, are you sure 'Madoka Magica' is as amazing as you say?"
"The characters are cute, sure, but it feels like just another magical girl show. The main character hasn't even transformed yet—it's starting to feel a bit dull."
"Even my mom's been giving me weird looks, probably wondering why I suddenly started watching a show aimed at little girls."
Tanaka responded nonchalantly:
"I think no matter what I say, it's better if you just watch it and experience it for yourselves, right?"
"Anyway, the third episode airs tonight. Watch it first and decide if you like it."
"True enough."
"Well, we've watched two episodes, so hopefully the third one has some big twist."
"But I'm mentally preparing myself for disappointment."
"By the way, which character do you like the most?"
"Of course, it's Mami-senpai! Mature, elegant, and well-endowed!"
"Huh? Well-endowed?"
"Her age, of course!"
"No need to explain, we get it."
As the group continued discussing, Tanaka smiled.
Beneath the table, his hand silently pulled out a figurine of Mami-senpai.
'Click.'
He removed the figurine's "cap" and quietly put it back in place, his eyes darkening.
"Tonight... it begins."
As the time drew near, comments on Akifumi's SNS account began pouring in.
"It's probably tonight! What should I do? I'm kind of scared to watch!"
"Mami-senpai: There's nothing left to fear now!!"
"What's there to be scared of? I'm already looking forward to screaming and crying during this episode!"
"?? Are you a devil? You should record it and share it with the boys!"
"Good things shouldn't be kept to yourself, everyone wants to see!"
"Can't wait to see my girlfriend's reaction."
"My girlfriend?? Didn't we all agree to stay single? Who quietly turned into a traitor?"
"..."
Before long, the discussion drifted off-topic, but the general buzz was still focused on what the animation fans, who knew nothing about "Madoka Magica," would think after watching the third episode.