"How old is the author? Can you really make ten grammar mistakes in a few hundred words?"
"Could the author be a fish that slipped through the net of compulsory education? Damn, what are you writing?"
"Putting aside the author's writing style, at least they know what everyone wants to read. If I didn't know better, I'd think I was on Pixiv."
"A classic plot development. Did the author travel back from twenty years ago? It's making me cringe."
"This made me laugh. The author's skill is not commendable. What kind of wish-fulfillment for a fat otaku is this?"
"Speaking of which, after looking around, I feel that the quality of this year's Newcomer Award is completely lacking. Is the industry going to collapse?"
Negative comments accounted for the absolute majority, and even seemingly positive reviews carried a sarcastic tone. However, below these comments, the account named 'Elf Yamada' engaged in high-intensity interaction, and her words were also very harsh, though her statements revealed the fact that her mental maturity was not very high.
So, another soul-stirring comment appeared next.
"Is the author an elementary school student?"
Elf Yamada commented below.
"So what if I'm an elementary school student? Who says elementary school students can't write novels?"
Then came another string of mocking words.
Seeing this, Hikigaya's mouth curved into a smile.
Without a doubt, this Elf Yamada was the Elf Yamada from his impression, the best-selling author who would later sell millions of copies.
However, she was still an unknown person now, and had not even completed her debut work.
After reading the comments, he even felt a sense of shared misery with her.
Soon, he shook this foolish thought out of his mind.
Even if she was down and out now, she would be a best-selling author in the future.
And himself? Perhaps nothing at all.
"Heh."
He gave a self-deprecating smile.
Just as Hikigaya was about to close the comment section to see if there were any other weaklings in the same situation as him, he suddenly changed his mind and sent a private message.
"Teacher Elf Yamada, I read your novel and think you are very talented. I hope to have the opportunity to communicate with you. If you are interested, please add me. My Line account is..."
In his failed life in his previous life, he realized one clumsy point about himself: he was almost always in a passive position, hardly ever taking the initiative.
Since he decided not to repeat the same mistakes in this life, he had to make corresponding changes.
As a mediocre person, it might be difficult to improve his creative ability and break through solely by himself. Perhaps he could seek help from others.
It is also very common for authors to communicate and improve together.
Even if Elf Yamada's writing style was criticized, as a future best-selling author, she must have something, even if it's just a little bit.
After sending the private message, he secretly glanced at the comment sections of other works and found that everyone seemed to be no different; they were heavily criticized.
Those who debuted at their peak were always a minority; most people had to stumble a few times before they could grow up.
For example, the author currently ranked first this time was an author who had submitted for three years, had not won any awards in the previous few times, but this new work received rave reviews, and the chance of debuting was very high, as long as not too many dark horses appeared in the coming period.
After realizing this, Hikigaya felt much better.
Perhaps he wasn't a genius, but most people weren't either, and they hadn't reached the point where they needed to rely on talent.
So, there's no need to be discouraged. Even if he's a piece of trash, he should burn fiercely!
The boy secretly clenched his fists, making up his mind.
Even through storms, he must press forward, to live this life without regret.
Soon after returning home in the afternoon, Hikigaya received a friend request. After clicking to accept, Elf Yamada immediately sent a message.
"Are you my fan?"
This was the very first sentence, somewhat impatient, causing him to even discern her emotions from it.
Putting himself in her shoes, if he were to receive recognition, he would probably feel very happy too.
However, she clearly misunderstood something.
"Sorry, I'm not your fan."
After he typed this sentence, before he could explain further, her reply quickly arrived.
"Then why did you ask me to add you?"
A question, full of resentment, with a clear difference from her previous attitude.
"This is too real." Hikigaya muttered softly, then continued typing.
"Actually, I'm also a budding author, currently working hard to officially debut my novel. The reason I want to communicate is that I feel we might have some common topics and can improve together."
He expressed himself relatively kindly, but that didn't mean he would receive a friendly response.
"That's a nice idea, but only weaklings choose to flock together, right? And playing chess with a bad player will only make your own skill worse. Why should I improve together with you?"
He fell silent for a moment, wanting to type something, but found he didn't know what to say, his fingers hovering in mid-air.
"However, seeing that you can recognize my potential to definitely become the savior of the light novel world in the future, considering your excellent taste... I will give you this chance today to see if you have the ability to keep up with me. Tell me, what light novels did you write?"
Next, another message was sent.
Although it was an arrogant tone, it also expressed her attitude.
Hikigaya's hands, which had nowhere to rest, suddenly became nimble. He sent the web address of his submitted novel.
At this very moment, his heart inexplicably grew nervous.
What kind of evaluation would she give him?