The order of manga in Shiratori Publishing's manga magazine is determined by the ranking of each issue. The works at the front are either those that have become widely popular after being animated, or brand-new, powerful works.
Because it was a new work, part of the magazine's cover would still be used for promotion, as readers of the magazine might not necessarily be aware of the Newcomer Award.
After getting the magazine, Shiina Mafuyu immediately flipped to the back and found the first chapter of Mashiro's serialized work, "We are μ's (Muse)".
The official title of the serialized manga was, of course, decided after consulting with the nine μ's (Muse) goddesses. This way, both sides could benefit from the synergy.
"The drawing is truly excellent, as expected of Mashiro!"
Shiina Mafuyu first noticed the artwork, exclaiming in admiration, and then focused on the content of the manga itself.
The plot of the first chapter itself couldn't be too explosive, so even with this aesthetic appeal, it was only a mediocre completion, a barely satisfactory performance.
This didn't quite fit the meaning represented by the name 'Shiina Mashiro', yet it seemed reasonable.
Shiina Mafuyu could also understand this situation. Given her position as a good friend, she didn't mince words: "The artwork is very good, and the paneling is more like a manga. Mashiro, you've made great progress in this area. As for the story content, nothing much can be seen yet; one chapter is indeed too short…"
"So, it's not particularly outstanding?"
Mashiro wasn't disappointed by this evaluation; she had already anticipated it, and Chihiro had mentioned it to her before.
"It's alright. New works have a grace period before potential cancellation, so there's no need to rush into a 'supernatural development'. As long as you stick to the plan you've set, Mashiro, you're sure to gain and grow."
Izumi Chihiro was optimistic about this.
This emotion also infected Mashiro.
"Hmm, μ's (Muse)'s story has just begun, it won't end so soon."
She nodded in agreement.
On the other side.
The members of μ's (Muse) were also concerned about this manga created with them as prototypes.
"Damn it! Why am I not in it! Nico is clearly the cutest!"
Yazawa Nico thumped the table and grumbled.
"Because it's only the first chapter, it's not yet time for Nico-senpai to appear. Clearly, the main character of the story is Honoka."
Nishikino Maki said out of the blue.
"Eh, is it me?"
Kousaka Honoka scratched the back of her head, looking bewildered.
"Because Honoka has always been our backbone, meow~"
"This setting is indeed reasonable."
"Nico, I'm the heroine, right!"
"Nico-senpai, stop being so narcissistic."
"Honoka, let's keep working hard!"
"Alright, everyone, it's training time! While manga definitely boosts popularity, to achieve our goals, it's most important to improve our own strength!"
"Yeah!"
...
Eriri also bought the latest manga magazine immediately, mainly to check the current creative trends, and carefully read everyone's works.
Naturally, Mashiro's creation also caught her eye.
"Shiina, you won't be that lucky every time."
She muttered to herself.
Time passed, and several weeks flew by in a blink.
A few chapters were already enough for Mashiro to complete a certain development. Thanks to the prototype, she saved a lot of explanation, which made her creation, though still appearing naive, gradually gain'soul'.
Eriri's ranking did not improve, because the further one goes, the greater the pressure. Even if she felt she was constantly improving, it was still very difficult to surpass the top few, unless there was an opportunity to ride the wave, like a live-action adaptation or an anime adaptation.
For most works, the anime adaptation effect exists and is incredibly powerful.
So recently, she was still busy with her own work, unable to attend to other matters.
"Ah-choo~"
Eriri suddenly sneezed, pulled her clothes tighter, and said, "So cold!"
Looking out the window again, the cold wind was howling.
The girl suddenly realized that the season of "White Album" had arrived again.
Only this time, it was colder than in previous years.
Her eyes flickered with a strange light.
Was such effort truly worth it?
...
Starting in December, the weather had become extremely cold, probably only those high school girls could stubbornly continue to go to school in short skirts and bare legs.
Only girls like Eriri and Kasumigaoka Utaha, who habitually wore over-the-knee socks or tights, could escape the torment.
Two months had passed, and the ninth volume of Re:zero - Starting Life In Another World was about to be released.
This perseverance was commendable.
Naturally, those around him were also affected, especially Eriri and Mashiro, who were completely engrossed in manga, reaching the extreme of internal competition, completing weekly updates by themselves, even while attending school.
Besides them, the performance of others compared to industry professionals was also excellent.
For example, Kasumigaoka Utaha Sensei, who asked him to meet her upstairs this afternoon, spent an average of three months creating one volume, which was also astonishing.
"Is this... going to end?"
Izumi Chihiro looked at the beginning of this volume's story and already had a premonition.
"Yes, that's about enough. Seven volumes is just right for a romance novel."
Kasumigaoka Utaha looked up at the endless clear sky and continued.
"Speaking of which, the fact that love metronome could be written for so long is also thanks to Teacher. If it weren't for Teacher, I probably wouldn't have been able to reach a normal conclusion, at least not the me back then."
"Teacher, how should I repay you? Should I turn you into my private plaything, or train you into a loyal dog that only serves me? Or perhaps..."
The corners of her mouth curved up.
"Thanks, I don't need any of that."
He flatly refused, "I'm not a masochist!"
"I see, Scumbag-kun is actually a sadist, as expected of Scumbag-kun. You must have fantasized about whipping a delicate girl like me with a long whip, right! How scary!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha leaned back, clutching her chest with a horrified expression.
"Senpai, you have a great talent for acting. Why don't you learn to cook with me?"
Izumi Chihiro replied without batting an eye, showing no signs of panic.
Ever since they became close, he had grown accustomed to her sharp tongue and teasing.
"Do these two things you mentioned have anything in common?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha's expression was normal, turning into a curious baby again.
"Nothing, just kidding around."
He said, closing his laptop, then turned his head.
The two of them continued to discuss the novel.
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💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter