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Chapter 43
Now that the second volume of "Attack on Titan" had been completed, Lucien D. Blackthorn felt a mix of relief and urgency. His editor, Iida Ayano, shared the same feeling. She was eager to see the new chapters published swiftly to build on the momentum.
According to the current serialization schedule, it would be a full month before the second volume hit the pages of Weekly Manga Jump. That lag made Ayano nervous. Lucien's health had been deteriorating rapidly. He didn't have time to waste.
That worry nagged at Ayano. If anything happened to Lucien before the next issue was released, she would never forgive herself. Though she was a professional editor, her concern wasn't just professional—it was deeply personal.
Of course, there were selfish motivations, too. Ayano knew that speeding up the serialization of "Attack on Titan" would bolster its rising popularity. She believed deeply in the manga's success and wanted it to explode in the market.
The editor's success rode on the success of the author. Their fates were linked.
"Strike while the iron is hot?" Lucien asked, puzzled, his voice still hoarse from fatigue.
Ayano met his eyes directly. "Yes. I don't want a masterpiece like yours buried by delays. If you're okay with it, we'd like to release two chapters in one issue."
Lucien's eyes lit up. The idea thrilled him. He had planned to ask the same, but hearing it from Ayano confirmed his instinct.
"I'd be happy to," he said without hesitation.
Ayano gave him a warm smile. "Great. Let me report this to Editor-in-Chief Funao. Just wait a moment."
She stepped out into the hallway, pulling out her phone. Lucien leaned back on the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling.
Soon she returned, looking triumphant. "Funao-san approved it. Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 will be serialized together. We'll continue Chapter 2 next week as planned, but from the following week, it's a double feature."
Lucien nodded. "Understood. I'll get started on Volume 3."
Ayano hesitated before speaking again. "I know this is taking a toll on you. Creating manga is exhausting. That's why I'm going to assign an assistant to you."
Lucien blinked. "An assistant? But I'm still a newcomer..."
"It's fine. We've had an influx of editor interns lately, and they're not very busy. It's only fair we use that help to lighten your load."
Lucien chuckled softly. "If that's how you feel, I'll accept. Thank you, Ayano-san."
"You deserve it. For the next few days, rest. I'll have an assistant deliver professional sketchbooks, ink pens, and tools. You'll just need to focus on the storyboard and plot—line art and backgrounds will be handled by the assistant."
"I appreciate it."
Ayano gave him a small bow before leaving with the finalized draft of Volume 2.
Lucien leaned back into his pillow, exhausted but satisfied. He closed his eyes and summoned the familiar blue screen of his system panel.
---
[Host: Lucien D. Blackthorn]
[Remaining life: 9 days]
[Health: 7/100 (Can stay conscious for 2 extra hours daily)]
[Note: First volume of "Slam Dunk" has been published successfully. Reward pending.]
Despite his grim condition, Lucien had found a rhythm. At his current pace, he could complete a volume every week—enough to extend his life just a little longer. Every second was precious.
He dismissed the panel, mind already moving to the next project.
"There's still time before the next 'Attack on Titan' volume is due. I'll push 'Slam Dunk' forward. We need to get to the exciting parts quickly."
He smiled faintly. The National High School Basketball Tournament was right around the corner.
Though basketball wasn't as dominant in Japan as baseball or soccer, it still had its fans—especially among students. Lucien believed he could ride the tournament's popularity to push "Slam Dunk" nationwide.
---
Later that evening, Eriri Spencer Sawamura, better known in the doujin world by her pen name Eri Kashiwagi, uploaded the latest episode of "Slam Dunk" to her social media account.
Since the story hadn't yet reached its emotional climax, many early readers had dropped off. The comment section had fewer update requests than usual.
But Eriri noticed something encouraging: because the latest issue of Weekly Manga Jump had published Lucien's second volume of "Attack on Titan," his online fanbase was growing rapidly.
Fans had already started forming discussion groups and forums to analyze his work.
---
[User A: "Attack on Titan" looks so much better in the magazine!]
[User B: Of course. Digital scans don't compare. The printed edition uses high-resolution DPI and premium ink. The artwork really shines.]
[User C: Are you a pro? That's detailed info.]
[User B: Not really, just a tired magazine staffer.]
[User D: Whale's 'Slam Dunk' just updated! Anyone read it yet?]
[User E: I liked it, though it's not as impactful as 'Titan.']
[User F: Different genres, different goals.]
[User G: I think it's awesome.]
Opinions were mixed. Sports manga naturally had a smaller niche compared to dark fantasy, but Lucien's work was slowly finding its audience.
Eriri didn't dwell on the critiques. She shut her laptop, practiced drawing for an hour, then took a shower and worked on her school assignments.
Before bed, she scrolled through social media on her phone. One notification from Weekly Shonen Magazine's official account caught her eye—and instantly raised her blood pressure.
Her hand gripped the phone tightly.
Something had happened. And it was serious.
--
(To be continued in Chapter 44)
(A/N)=Same extra chapter per 200 power stone and also this concludes one extra chapter for giving me 200 power stone