The internet was buzzing, maintaining its undiminished popularity, which was a rare thing to see. After all, once a work enters its explosive phase, it can easily go downhill if there aren't good opportunities.
Despite her busy schedule, Eriri still made time to read this volume's story.
"Rem! My Rem! At least her sacrifice wasn't in vain."
"Echidna, hmph, that kind of character reminds me of that woman, it's really annoying."
"This memory in the trial…"
"He's as amazing as ever, Chihiro… But I'm not bad either. My ranking has gradually climbed to the top five, and although it's only a shojo weekly, for a newcomer, it's a very fast ascent."
She gradually put down the book, muttering to herself.
She no longer felt anxious about her popularity being lower than her childhood friend's, because what she cared more about now was another problem, her lifelong rival… Shiina Mashiro!
"First place is confirmed, and it's almost time for Mashiro's official serialization. Using school idols, which have been popular in recent years, as a theme, is truly prescient. But are you that confident, Chihiro? Can Mashiro really handle a work of this theme now?"
The blonde twin-tailed girl murmured to herself.
Although Mashiro was indeed very talented, it had actually been proven that even an invincible genius could encounter problems that troubled them.
This kind of idol manga theme with a nine-member group obviously couldn't go in a romance direction. At most, it would have a slight yuri feel, and the main theme would definitely still be about struggle and growth.
She highly doubted Mashiro could draw such a story.
But if she could already handle it, then that would truly be a terrifying thing.
In fact, Eriri had already mentally prepared herself for that possibility.
"That person, no matter how much you overestimate her, it's reasonable."
This sentence was both resentment and acknowledgment.
Because countless people had experienced it firsthand.
What still limited Mashiro was the flow of emotions and her understanding of the world. If these problems were solved, Mashiro's manga would definitely surpass everyone else!
This was the unreasonable, despair-inducing talent!
When would that moment arrive? Or would it never arrive?
Eriri didn't want to pin her hopes on that elusive fate; she could only go all out, improve her creative ability, and draw more interesting manga.
…
Weekend, dusk.
"Beep…"
"Hello, Ms. Iida? Why are you calling me?"
"Ah, Mashiro's phone is unreachable, so I called you. Please tell her to prepare for a long-term serialization! She's about to make her official debut!"
"I understand, I'll tell her."
Izumi Chihiro hung up the phone, a relieved smile on his lips, then entered Mashiro's room.
The girl was hugging a Madoka pillow, curled up like a cat on the bed, her long hair disheveled, her chest gently rising and falling as she breathed softly.
Although her sleeping posture was still a bit ungraceful, he was already very satisfied that she hadn't rolled off the bed like before.
"Mashiro, time to wake up."
He stepped forward and reminded her.
Mashiro slowly opened her captivating phoenix eyes, rubbed them, and calmly said: "Is it morning already?"
"No, you fell asleep in the afternoon. It might be because you've been too tired lately."
Izumi Chihiro could easily tell.
Mashiro spent all day catching up on the supplementary materials needed for drawing manga, and it was possible for her to lose track of time and get engrossed in it.
"I see."
Mashiro's expression was calm.
"Oh, by the way, Miss Ayano called you just now, but you didn't answer, so she called me instead. She asked me to tell you… Mashiro, you're about to make your official debut!"
As he said this, his tone became excited.
Mashiro was stunned, her expressionless face immediately changed.
"Drip… drip…"
Tears flowed uncontrollably, instantly reddening her eyes.
"Why is this happening? It should be something to be happy about, but the tears just won't stop flowing…"
Mashiro couldn't understand this situation.
"Because Mashiro worked hard, truly and genuinely worked hard, instead of relying on talent to overcome this obstacle, solving difficulties she had never experienced before. The joy of her achievement naturally exceeded the normal level, so this is called… tears of joy."
Izumi Chihiro extended his right hand, placed it on her head, and gently stroked it, answering her question.
Mashiro looked up, her eyes sparkling with tears, bright and moving.
However, he wasn't paying attention to how beautiful her eyes were, but rather pondering the Silver-haired Girl's current state…
It seemed like she had come to some realization?
That evening, Izumi held a celebration feast.
Although it was called a celebration feast, in reality, it was just a bit more lavish than a normal dinner.
"Nayuta and Muramasa don't have the good fortune to enjoy this delicious food. Ultimately… I am different from them!"
Yamada Elf said, with her hands on her hips.
"That's because Miss Elf is a neighbor, and she can also be a laborer… Oh no, an assistant cook. Ni-san must be thinking of using her for free."
Sagiri mercilessly exposed everything from the side.
"Wuwuwu…"
The one making sarcastic remarks was her favorite Eromanga Sensei. Yamada Elf could only stand in the wind in disarray, like a defeated dog.
Once everyone was seated, he hosted the event.
"Tonight's dinner is a celebration feast for Mashiro's successful debut. Let's all wish her well!"
"I hope Sister Mashiro can become a super manga artist soon!"
"I hope Mashiro can create manga that is even more captivating than your oil paintings! Being the best in the world is nothing to you!"
Sagiri and Yamada Elf cooperated well with their blessings.
At this moment, Mashiro didn't know what kind of expression to show.
"Mashiro, do you have anything you'd like to say?"
He guided the Silver-haired Girl.
"I hope I can draw manga that satisfies everyone and create stories that everyone won't forget, just like Chihiro."
Mashiro's thoughts were very simple and pure.
This was also one of the reasons for her strength.
"Is that so? That won't be so easy, especially the latter for Mashiro."
Izumi Chihiro's gaze sharpened.
"I won't give up."
A certain emotion was hidden within Mashiro's calm voice.
Hearing this, his gaze was momentarily stunned, then he said, "That is indeed your style, Mashiro."
"Alright, alright, stop talking! I'm about to starve to death!"
Yamada Elf couldn't bear to watch any longer and interrupted their conversation.
"Got it."
Izumi Chihiro answered her perfunctorily, then said loudly, "Everyone, let's eat."
"I'm eating!"
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💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter