["The protagonist is written like a clown, so pathetic… But if I, someone who has never even killed a chicken, were to go there, I might not even be as good as him, I might just pee my pants (lol)."]
["He's disliked but still clings to her, poor Natsuki Subaru is played by Emilia (facepalm cry.jpg), isn't this a form of PUA?"]
[''don't be a hater, the protagonist just fell in love with Emilia at first sight and doesn't want his future wife to perish… Ah, it's just lust at first sight, then never mind."]
["That person, is he drawing a girl but insisting it's a boy? But even if it's a boy, I can do it, hehehe…"]
["Emilia: Some things can't be understood without saying them… Natsuki Subaru: I want to say them too! But the Old Thief won't allow it!"]
["I really want to rest my head on Rem's lap, I'd be willing to die for it~"]
["Rem's words already count as a confession, boo hoo hoo… But if he restarts, it's gone."]
["Mami Tomoe: Your way of dying is truly baffling, isn't it? (like this.jpg)."]
["The Sloth Archbishop, also a symbol of one of the Seven Deadly Sins, could he be related to the other witches…?"]
["you're actually seriously discussing the plot, how rare. The comment section is full of weirdos now. You should join a chat group, everyone is chatting furiously in there."]
["Old Thief, you're really slothful, slothful, slothful, slothful, slothful, slothful, slothful, slothful, slothful, slothful, slothful, slothful, slothful! (distorted expression, frenzied look), I command you to update immediately!"]
["After reading this volume, what can I say, it's just okay. Although it seems very cruel, I feel like I've gotten used to it… Not really used to it, I'm currently thinking of scenes from the Madoka anime."]
["With the protagonist's current appearance, could he perhaps become the Arrogance Archbishop? If he still has the chance, it seems quite fitting."]
["Compared to the appeal that 'Re:zero - Starting Life In Another World' brings me, I still prefer Madoka a bit more! Am I fickle? No, it's just that the anime is more captivating!"]
["Ha, the anime is about to air, isn't the Old Thief going to say something?"]
After glancing at the comment section, Izumi Chihiro knew where Sagiri's statement came from.
Although this volume's performance was no less impressive than before, it still couldn't compare to the deep-rooted Madoka fans' anticipation for the anime's broadcast.
Of course, this excitement was only temporary, as for some, it was already a familiar plot. Although the anime's presentation would be different, the pleasure they sought was essentially the same.
Except for a few iconic scenes, he believed everyone's attention would once again shift to the light novel "Re:zero - Starting Life In Another World".
However, regarding the Madoka anime broadcast, besides forwarding the news of the anime adaptation at the beginning, he hadn't said much else, appearing quite indifferent.
So he thought for a moment and posted a 'confidential' tweet.
["I've already received the sample for the first episode, and I should say it lives up to expectations! I'm very satisfied with the character's animation style, the music, and the voice actors' performances. Thank you to all the teachers for your dedicated collaboration, and I hope for similar performances in the future…!"]
["Finally caught the Old Thief! It's been X months since your last post, just so you know!"]
["Since the Old Thief said so, it seems the quality is guaranteed!"]
["It's great that it wasn't horribly animated! Such a high-quality original work deserves a high-quality anime, otherwise it would be a waste of talent."]
["Tsk tsk tsk, is the Old Thief finally becoming an anime adaptation author? It feels like watching my own child grow up!"]
["are you taking advantage? Oh, the Old Thief isn't even in high school yet. By age, it wouldn't be wrong for him to call me uncle."]
… …
Waking up the next day.
"You guys are going off-topic!"
Izumi Chihiro rubbed his forehead.
Besides these playful netizens, several familiar friends also received the news and offered their congratulations below.
Everyone's praise was so enthusiastic that even he occasionally had the illusion of floating to the heavens.
However, every time he asked Sonoko about the annual sales rankings, he would calm down again.
He was just higher than others, and an anime adaptation was quite normal for an author of his stature.
He had previously heard the news of "fantasy demon blade chronicles" being animated, scheduled for April. The delay was actually because the production company hadn't been able to contact Senju Muramasa, which caused the holdup.
The production company taking over was a leading company in the industry, and its future resurgence in popularity was foreseeable. By then, it would be around the time Senju Muramasa officially entered the realm of 'light novel master'.
As for Nayuta's "silver season", he hadn't heard any news of an anime adaptation and was a bit curious. After inquiring, he learned that Nayuta herself had refused an anime adaptation because she felt it wasn't very suitable for animation.
However, the stage play for "silver season" had already become famous, and there were even rumors of a live-action movie.
This was indeed true.
Izumi Chihiro confirmed its authenticity with her.
So, animation itself is nothing to be proud of.
What matters is what animation can bring to oneself.
If Madoka becomes a huge hit, can it generate enough momentum to boost his sales to a level comparable to theirs?
"Difficult!"
Izumi Chihiro shook his head.
This is a rather abstruse question, but judging from previous examples, animation's boost to light novels won't be overly significant, and no light novel has ever risen to a national level.
He doesn't hope for such a possibility.
But.
"It's good to close the gap a little."
He smiled faintly.
Day after day passed.
The day of the anime broadcast gradually drew nearer.
"Just to be sure, I'll confirm, Izumi, Madoka is airing tonight, right?"
After class, Takasago Tomoe leaned over, gently clapping her hands.
Of course, she knew this; she was just looking for a timely topic to chat about.
A bit of appropriate cunning makes a girl seem more adorable.
"Yes, but it's a late-night slot."
Izumi Chihiro nodded.
"Late-night slot… staying up late is a girl's enemy."
Takasago Tomoe hesitated, then added, "But since it's such a memorable day, I'll stay up late to watch the first episode live!"
"It's just watching an anime, you're talking as if you've made a huge decision."
Eriri strolled over from the side, appearing out of nowhere, and scoffed.
---
💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter