As she entered the conference room, Haruno Yukinoshita braced herself and sat down. She had originally planned to walk in with confidence and pride, but she had gotten carried away in conversation just moments ago.
And it wasn't just any conversation—she had been talking too excitedly, too loudly. Worse yet, Chief Editor Hiratsuka had happened to walk right past her at that exact moment. There was no doubt in her mind: every single word had been heard, clear as day.
I didn't make her mad… right? Haruno nervously recalled the moment, trying to gauge the damage. But all she remembered was Hiratsuka giving her a brief, amused glance before simply calling out, as she always did, "Meeting time!"
"Yukinoshita-Chief, you've really made a name for yourself again," Ai Kagami, seated beside her, struggled to hold back laughter, barely suppressing her giggles.
"I feel like I should start writing my will… Ai, if I 'voluntarily' resign in a few days, don't worry about me. I won't be going home. I'll just pack my things and run off to become Izumi-sensei's personal assistant."
"Oh, come on. Can you stop obsessing over being Izumi-sensei's assistant already? It almost sounds like you have ulterior motives for getting yourself fired," Ai teased. "Hiratsuka isn't the petty type. She probably brushed off your comment as just another one of your jokes. She's way too busy to be worrying about something so trivial."
Ai waved her hand dismissively, as if to tell Haruno to let it go. By now, the entire editorial department knew about her running gag of wanting to be Izumi Ki's assistant.
But light novel authors weren't like manga artists. Most didn't even need assistants. And even if they did—what could an assistant possibly help with?
Proofreading for typos?
Once all the editors had taken their seats, Chief Editor Hiratsuka cleared her throat and began the meeting.
"Ahem. Originally, I had planned to hold this meeting on Friday. After all, everyone's time is valuable, and too many meetings just hurt efficiency and progress. But given what's happened between last Friday and yesterday, I'm sure you're all already aware of the situation. So, I'll skip the long-winded explanations.
"To get straight to the point—Izumi Ki's Sword Art Online has surpassed 70,000 copies sold in just three days.
"And just now, while a certain editor was busy being 'enthusiastic,' Sword Art Online Volume 1 sold another 9,810 copies, officially climbing from the #2 spot to #1 on the bestseller list.
"No wonder she's acting so smug. When your one and only assigned author is performing at an absolutely terrifying level, selling more in a single day than some editors' entire roster of authors combined—well, I suppose you do have the right to be proud."
Hiratsuka's words drew laughter from the editors, as the newly coined nickname 'Mad Haruno' had already spread across the entire department.
Haruno, meanwhile, ducked her head even lower than before, inwardly cursing herself. Why do I always run my mouth like this?!
Oh god, please don't let this affect the resources allocated to Sword Art Online! If I screw this up, even if I offer my entire life to support Kotomi, I'll never be able to atone for this sin! Haruno panicked internally.
Hiratsuka glanced at Haruno, who looked like she was about to crawl into a hole, and let out a small chuckle.
"Alright, that's enough. I'm a very tolerant person—I wouldn't get worked up over something so minor. You can all be as proud as you want. In fact, I like a little arrogance. Competition keeps the editorial department fresh and dynamic rather than stagnant.
"Now, onto the first topic of today's meeting—commending Editor Yukinoshita. I'm sure everyone remembers how, not long ago, she requested that Sword Art Online's initial print run be increased to 100,000 copies. Right?"
"As it turns out, she was absolutely right. If she hadn't insisted on pushing for a 100,000-copy initial print run, our stock would've been wiped out in less than a day after launch."
The room filled with murmurs and discussions. Most of the editors had thought printing 100,000 copies for a newcomer's book was sheer insanity.
But now? Looking at the numbers, if they had stuck with the original 30,000 copies, they wouldn't have lasted a single day—let alone three. The demand for Sword Art Online was simply overwhelming.
Meanwhile, they compared this to their own authors. If a new volume sold 10,000 copies in its first month, that was considered a huge success. That kind of performance would guarantee a sizable bonus in next month's paycheck, and editors would take their authors out for celebratory meals.
But Haruno's author, Izumi Ki?
It wasn't 10,000 copies in a month—it was 70,000 copies in three days!
Seven times the standard benchmark!
By today, they expected the total to exceed 80,000 copies.
This level of sales was downright terrifying.
Not just within Dengeki Bunko—
Not just within Japan's light novel industry—
No light novel had ever seen numbers like this before.
According to the warehouse reports, Dengeki Bunko had also received a few overseas orders for Sword Art Online Volume 1.
The quantity wasn't huge, just a simple 500 copies—but even that was unprecedented.
"Sword Art Online has proven itself to have immense commercial value. We need to begin preparations for reprinting Volume 1 and setting up the release schedule for Volume 2.
"By New Year's, if sales remain strong—or even increase—we'll initiate an IP adaptation plan for Sword Art Online.
"That means everything—audiobooks, a manga adaptation, and an anime adaptation—will all be lined up.
"And since the post-New Year funding cycle will bring in fresh investments, I'm setting aside this amount from our budget to produce the first season of the anime."
Hiratsuka held up six fingers.
The entire editorial team understood.
With Sword Art Online's record-breaking numbers, there was no longer any doubt about its potential.
Investing this heavily into a single anime project would definitely make Dengeki's upper management break out in a cold sweat.
No one could predict the future. But for some reason, every single person in that meeting room felt it—
If Sword Art Online's anime adaptation succeeded, it wouldn't just boost the novel.
It could elevate Dengeki Bunko to an entirely new level.
After declaring her ambitious vision, Hiratsuka turned toward Haruno.
"Haruno, have Izumi-sensei take some time to rest. We want her to be in top shape to start working on Volume 2."
"Uh… about that…" Haruno hesitated.
"What? Does she need a longer break? That could be tricky, but given her sales numbers, she does call the shots here. How long does she need? I'll make the executive decision—if it's within six months, we'll work around it."
Realizing the misunderstanding, Haruno quickly waved her hands.
"No, no, that's not it! Izumi-sensei didn't request any extra time off. It's just that…"
She clicked open a folder on her laptop, revealing neatly organized outlines and manuscripts.
"Last night, Izumi-sensei sent me several outlines and drafts. She wanted me to find time to proofread them. With this morning's meeting, I almost forgot to mention it."
"As of now… she's already written up to Volume 6."
The moment those words left Haruno's mouth—
A bomb went off in the conference room.
"Huh?!"
"No way!"
"What kind of insane writing machine is this?!"
"This has to be a joke…"
"I'm so jealous. I've been chasing down one of my veteran authors for a manuscript for two years, and I still haven't gotten it!"
Yuko Hiratsuka raised her hand, signaling for everyone to quiet down. The previously buzzing conference room gradually settled into silence.
"Haruno... are you absolutely sure you're not exaggerating?"
Hiratsuka had known Haruno since she was young. She was talented, intelligent, and growing into a striking woman—but she also had a tendency to embellish her words.
However, instead of laughing it off as a joke, as Hiratsuka had expected, Haruno responded with complete seriousness:
"I'm certain. She really has written up to Volume 6. I've already proofread through the latter half of Volume 3. When Izumi-sensei sent the manuscripts via email this morning, she also included a note: The first draft of Volume 7 is already halfway done, and the outline for Volume 8 is complete. Additionally, I have a new book concept in mind and am considering whether to submit it to Dengeki Bunko."
"We have to secure Izumi Ki's next book!"
The moment Hiratsuka heard about the new project, she instinctively blurted out her demand without hesitation.
Dengeki Bunko signed books, not authors. Even though Sword Art Online was under contract with Dengeki, that didn't mean Izumi's next work would automatically follow. If they weren't careful, she could easily take her next book elsewhere.
With Sword Art Online's sales making waves across the industry, every other publishing house—especially their rival Kadokawa Bunko—was undoubtedly scheming ways to lure Izumi away. Their competitors' eyes were practically glowing green with envy.
Realizing that she had shouted impulsively, Hiratsuka took a deep breath, composing herself before continuing:
"Since Izumi-sensei has this much backlog and writes at an incredible pace, we should give her the freedom to explore a new project. Writing only one series for an extended period can lead to creative stagnation—it's important for an author to challenge themselves with fresh ideas. Did she mention the title of the new book?"
"She said she's already decided on the title. As for the character designs, the outline for Volume 1, and the first draft—she'll begin working on those later. Oh, and one more thing—Izumi-sensei specifically requested that Hanayui-sensei be the illustrator."
"The illustrator request isn't an issue," Hiratsuka nodded, immediately agreeing.
Typically, authors didn't have much say in choosing their illustrators—but exceptions were made for special cases. And Izumi Ki?
She was an exceptional case.
As Dengeki's chief editor, Hiratsuka had to be the first to firmly secure this golden goose.
If Izumi wanted a dedicated artist for all her works? Granted.
From now on, Hanayui-sensei would handle all of Izumi Ki's illustrations, designs, and cover art.
And when Sword Art Online got its anime adaptation? Hanayui would be brought on as an art supervisor.
Haruno quickly scanned the email Izumi had sent her earlier that morning and read aloud the title of the new project:
"Izumi-sensei's new book is titled Redo of Healer. The genre is fantasy, isekai, reincarnation, revenge, and harem."
The conference room fell silent for a brief moment before erupting into discussion.
"Oh, so it's a fantasy isekai story? Makes sense—it's a mainstream genre. Even if the premise sounds familiar, with Izumi Ki's skills, she'll definitely bring a unique and engaging twist to it!"
"I honestly thought her next book would stay within the game-themed setting. The world-building and mechanics in Sword Art Online were so innovative—it would have been interesting to see her push that even further in another game-based novel."
"Coming up with a setting and world-building even more exciting than SAO? That's a bit too much to ask. If an author can create something like that once in their lifetime, it's already enough to boast about forever."
"I love fantasy light novels. Ever since I was a kid, I've enjoyed stories about brave warriors and dragons. Redo of Healer, huh? I'm definitely going to read it once Izumi Ki completes Volume 1."
"'Healer'—so it's about a character akin to a priest or support-type role? A light novel with a healer as the protagonist sounds fascinating. The story must be serious, thought-provoking, and a grand, tragic tale of heroism!"
"That sounds about right."
Finally, Yuko Hiratsuka made a firm decision:
"Tell Izumi-sensei that Dengeki Bunko would love to work with her on this new project. Once she finishes Volume 1 of Redo of Healer, she should send it over immediately. As long as the quality is solid, we're offering her a guaranteed A-rank contract."
"How about an S-rank for Ki—I mean, Izumi-sensei?" Haruno gathered her courage and pushed for the best possible deal.
"No. S-rank contracts are reserved for light novels that achieve phenomenon-level success. She's not there yet."
Hiratsuka's words sounded strict, but everyone in the room could tell—she was fully determined to promote Izumi Ki to an S-rank contract. Dengeki needed to keep her.
The only problem? Sword Art Online had only released Volume 1. If they promoted her too soon, people would gossip—speculating whether Izumi had special connections to receive such favorable treatment.
But there was a simple way to justify an S-rank contract—an anime adaptation.
And Hiratsuka had just announced that she planned to pour a massive budget into making Sword Art Online's first season.
The implication? Clear as day.
Many editors in the room silently came to the same conclusion: It's only a matter of time before Dengeki Bunko gets a new S-rank author.
And at this rate… Haruno just might become editor-in-chief after all.
Meanwhile, at Sobu High School—
"Yukino, can I borrow your homework to copy?"
"You… forgot to do your homework? Kotomi, you're literally the top student in the entire grade."
"Eh-heh-heh… I was a bit busy this weekend and totally forgot." Kotomi scratched the back of her head awkwardly.
She had spent her entire weekend sneaking around different bookstores, observing customers. Her homework? Completely slipped her mind.
But besides her unfinished homework, she felt like she was forgetting something else…
What was it…?
She couldn't remember.
Oh well. No use overthinking it. Finishing homework came first.
...
Back in Kotomi's bedroom…
Her suitcase still sat untouched in the corner.
Despite the fact that she was supposed to leave for Kyoto tomorrow, it remained completely empty.
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