Tokyo Soft Rice King.

"Yes, that's fine."

"Actually, what I really want to ask is, Kuroba-kun, how long did it take you to create this work?"

"About a week."

"A week?! You mean the time spent writing the main text?"

So fast!

This is too fast!

Writing one chapter a week is considered fast, how could he possibly finish a whole book in a week!

"No, I mean, from conceiving the novel, writing the outline, writing the main text, and the time spent on typesetting, it all added up to about a week."

"what?!"

Mori Keima was so excited that he slammed his hand on the table and stood up. Realizing that this would affect other guests, he forcibly suppressed his excitement and sat down again, asking incredulously.

"Kuroba-kun, you're not lying to me, are you? You really created this work from scratch and only spent a week on it!"

I've won the lottery!

This is more than just a supernova, it's practically a miniature universe!

"Yes... uh, was it too fast?"

"Speed? You're more than just fast! You're like the Flash! I've been an editor for so long and I've never seen an author as fast as you!"

Fast is not a good word to describe a man... but Kuroba Akira also felt that he was indeed surprisingly fast this time.

However, to avoid Mori Keima thinking that he could always be this fast, Kuroba Akira offered an explanation.

"But please don't misunderstand. I don't only write novels after school. I also write novels during class. You could say that this week, I've spent all my time except for eating and sleeping on writing this novel, which is why I'm able to do it at this speed... Plus, this time I had a burst of inspiration and performed exceptionally well, which is why I was able to finish this volume in a week. I probably won't be able to do it at this speed again."

"That's fast too! It's like whoosh...too fast! Kuroba-kun, don't you ever hit a creative block?"

"Of course there are. For example, after I finished writing the prologue, I was very troubled about how to develop the story... But, how should I put it, as long as I think of an idea that can be used to develop the plot, the subsequent development will naturally come to mind."

"I see... It seems you read quite a few light novels, don't you, Kuroba-kun?"

"Yes, I've seen a lot."

That makes sense; this young man didn't rely on talent for his livelihood, but rather entered the creative field after accumulating solid reading experience.

However, even if you read a lot, it doesn't necessarily mean you can write a good work. So how did he develop his control over the content of light novels?

Mori Keima became increasingly curious about the young man in front of him.

"Is this your first work, Kuroba-kun? Have you submitted it to other publishers before?"

"This is the first one I've published. I didn't submit it to any other publishers because I felt that other publishers might not accept a newcomer like me with zero experience. So I decided on Hurricane Library from the very beginning."

"I see... You're interested in our company's tendency to give newcomers opportunities, aren't you?"

"Yes."

He even considered the choice of publisher; it's clear he was aiming for publication from the very beginning.

"Alright, then I only have one question left... Kuroba-kun, what do you think is most important for an author?"

Chapter 116 The Outcome is Decided

This is actually a question that Mori Keima himself wanted to ask.

Kuroba Akira's writing speed had convinced him that this was an author he had to acquire, no matter the cost.

As for whether there was any exaggeration in his words, we can confirm it by looking at the speed of subsequent manuscript production.

Even if he can't publish a volume a week, writing one volume a month would be considered super fast. On the contrary, the publishing house would not be able to keep up with his production speed.

He was just a little curious about why Kuroba Akira, who was so young yet so unusually experienced, had started writing light novels.

The conclusion can be drawn from Kuroba Akira's subsequent answer.

"It's sales volume, isn't it?"

Mori Keima's eyes lit up instantly, and he continued to press for more information.

"Oh? Why do you think that, Kuroba-kun?"

"That's basic... If you can't even afford to eat, how can you write a novel?"

"...! Haha... That's right! It's the basics! This is the basics!"

Keima Mori curled the corners of his mouth. He had asked many authors the same question so far, but the answers he received left him slightly disappointed, because they were all "standard answers" about creation, such as "inspiration," "characters," and "setting."

Because those authors have never been able to shake off the halo of being 'authors', regarding creation as a sacred thing, and have never considered such a 'vulgar' issue as making a living.

However, in the modern literary world, sales are the top priority, followed by the author's personal self-expression.

No matter how well a work is written, if it can't be sold, the author won't be able to make a living.

Keima Mori believes that it is the responsibility and obligation of an editor to enable authors to make a living with their writing.

There's nothing shameful about it. Famous painters also promoted their works everywhere before they became famous, and they wanted to sell all of their works together.

If we can't sell them, we won't have anything to eat!

The value of a work is bestowed by people!

Time will wash away mediocre works and leave behind those that can withstand the test of time.

Even if it becomes a mediocre work, as long as it can bring the author temporary wealth, it has value.

In this way, the author can proudly say: I have earned enough money to support myself through my own work!

I don't need to rely on any other means to make a living; being an author is my only profession!

Mori Keima felt that he had finally found an author who could recognize reality and whose thoughts were in sync with his own, but what Kuroba Akira said next shocked him even more.

"Hmm... but just saying sales figures seems a bit unrealistic, doesn't it? Let's put it another way. The most important thing should be 'increasing sales,' and the means to increase sales are manga adaptations and anime productions."

"The value of light novels lies in IP development, from novels to comics and animation, and then to physical merchandise. It would be even more impressive if they could be adapted into games, forming a top-down industrial chain. Finally, it would return to the original novel, and then the IP could be widely recognized."

"In this way, even mediocre works can be crowned with the glorious title of 'masterpiece' with the boost of super popularity. For the author, isn't this the greatest success?"

Actually, the correct name should be 'Wall of Masterpieces'.

Although the plot, themes, and settings are all commonplace, the anime adaptation of a certain light novel became a bestseller simply because it was a harem mecha anime that sold fanservice, and it once became a yardstick for judging market popularity.

Mori Keima covered his eyes, and a joyful sound escaped from the corners of his mouth, which he could no longer suppress.

"Haha... Kuroba-kun, I really... really like you so much."

Only someone with extensive experience could offer such a seasoned and insightful perspective on the industry…

He really understands it. Not that he's particularly good at writing, but he really understands what light novels are all about.

In his presence, readers are no different from being completely naked!

They've been completely outmaneuvered!

"I'm glad you're satisfied. It seems we can continue our collaboration for a long time. This is just one of my ideas; I have many more interesting works to come up with!"

"Based solely on your answer just now, I can be certain that what you said is completely trustworthy."

"Well, after all, I don't consider myself an author, just a businessman who sells interesting content, so I do have some experience in how to sell products."

"Well done! What a fine businessman!"

This shared set of values ​​felt like a powerful telepathic connection, almost like a new type.

This led Mori Keima to extend an unprecedented invitation to the author.

"Kuroba-kun, would you be interested in working at our Hurricane Bunko after graduation? I can personally train you..."

He genuinely felt it would be a shame if his relationship with Kuroba Akira remained merely that of editor and author, so for the first time, he had the idea of ​​cultivating a successor.

"Not interested."

However, Kuroba Akira's incredibly quick refusal surprised Mori Keima once again.

Those who refused were also decisive!

Kuroba Akira also felt that it was a bit impolite to refuse like that, since the other party seemed to really appreciate him, so he added an explanation.

"Um, Editor Mori, I hope you don't misunderstand. It's not that I'm not interested in being an editor, but rather that I'm not interested in the job itself."

"Hehe... I see. No wonder you've come to write novels. As long as you can produce best-selling works, you can just lie back and wait for the royalties to come in... Your goal is to take a break from work, right?"

These words brought a smile to Kuroba Akira's face.

Oh? You're quite knowledgeable too, aren't you? You figured out my ultimate goal right away?

"Yes, I want to live an easy life."

“Very good. I believe you have the ability to achieve this. As long as you write two or three best-selling works, financial freedom is not out of reach.”

"I accept your good words."

"Alright, although I personally feel a little regretful, I still extend a sincere invitation to you, Kuroba-kun, on behalf of Hurricane Bunko. Please do not hesitate to become a resident author of our company."

Mori Keima extended his hand again, and Kuroba Akira took the opportunity of this handshake to observe the talent in his right hand.

"Requesting Manuscript B"

This editor's real talent is chasing up manuscripts!

What an amazing talent!

It's a nightmare for the author!

"Then I'll go back and start working on the publishing contract, and then we'll discuss the royalties and other related matters... Kuroba-kun, do you have any other requests?"

"Yes, um, regarding the illustrator, can I choose the illustrator myself?"

"Oh? You already have an illustrator you like? That's no problem. You can freely choose any illustrator who is willing to contribute to our Hurricane Library."

“I didn’t mean to choose from active professional illustrators, but to ask an acquaintance to draw the illustrations for my novel. She is not a professional illustrator at the moment.”

"Well... I don't think I need to remind you. You should also know very well what the quality of illustrations means for light novels."

"I know, but I already have someone in mind. Once the illustrations are produced, I'll send them to you for review. If you don't think they're up to standard, then we'll use your illustrations. Is that alright?"

Although I haven't collaborated with Aizono Moe yet, she was the catalyst for Kuroba Akira's decision to create a light novel, so I should at least reserve a spot for her first.