'Isn't it true that everyone except me has a connection with this guy?'
Yamada Elf frowned.
'But that's normal, after all, it's this guy's social network.'
She comforted herself in her mind.
After gaining a superficial understanding of the others, everyone's attitudes subtly changed.
'Alright, next, let's all share our writing experiences. For example, I'm very good at researching completely nude beautiful girl characters. I already have a clear grasp of what plots excite my servants.'
Yamada Elf raised her finger, feeling quite pleased with herself.
The others couldn't help but want to roll their eyes at her.
None of the people present were that type of author, so they felt a sense of'scorn.' However, adhering to the principle of an exchange meeting, everyone still wanted to learn about that so-called experience. Who knows when it might come in handy?
After all, plots involving beautiful girl characters selling their bodies were indeed undeniably useful.
Gokou Ruri listened most attentively. Unlike the others, her own talent was far from enough, so she felt it was necessary to adapt the experience of such a best-selling author.
For works featuring beautiful girls, having these selling points is quite normal, isn't it?
Yamada Elf continued to share her experiences, and the others occasionally offered their opinions.
"Oh, and when describing it, it's even better with suitable illustrations."
She said the truth with a smile.
"With Eromanga Sensei, my new work will definitely be even better."
Saying this, she looked forward to the upcoming future.
Next, it was the turn of the others to speak.
Everyone has their own strengths; for example, Senju Muramasa's depictions of passionate battles and their details, Kani Nayuta's delicate expression of emotions, or his unique and innovative ideas—all of these gave others completely different feelings.
These are things that are difficult to accumulate through self-reflection and understanding alone, but in communication, even if not fully comprehended, at least a vague outline can be grasped for personal realization.
This period could be said to be the most harmonious time today; everyone, as light novel authors, treated it seriously and had no intention of holding back.
"These people are truly amazing! As expected, they are my strongest rivals in the future! It would be too boring otherwise."
Yamada Elf was quite shocked.
Even with her confidence, she had to admit one thing: these people… have something special!
It would indeed be quite challenging to surpass them.
"I can only say… I have benefited greatly."
Gokou Ruri let out a long sigh.
"Scumbag-kun's insights are exceptional, Senju Muramasa is talented, Kani Nayuta is extraordinarily agile—is this the gap between me and them?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha bit her lip lightly, her gaze fixed as she spoke.
Her current understanding and perception of light novels were more than just a notch below theirs; from the perspective of talent, was she truly inferior to these people?
Admitting this was indeed a bit troubling for her, who had always been proud and confident, but after understanding so far, she finally deeply realized where the difference lay—it wasn't in accumulated sales, but in other aspects.
The exchange ended, and everyone left with a newfound understanding.
As the saying goes, every thought has its value; even Kani Nayuta, Senju Muramasa, and he carefully sorted through their thoughts and gained much.
The atmosphere was cold for a while, and it was getting colder.
Everyone's gaze gradually converged.
"It's getting late; everyone should wash up and go to bed."
Izumi Chihiro suddenly realized something and stood up.
"Hmph, trying to escape?"
Yamada Elf immediately blocked his path, her expression smug.
"Izumi Masamune-sensei, the most important part hasn't started yet; how can such an important person like you leave so easily?"
A pair of soft hands suddenly pressed on his shoulders from behind, Kasumigaoka Utaha's teasing voice rang in his ear, and a sweet fragrance wafted over.
"Senpai, it's too late to run away now."
Kani Nayuta's small hands were clasped together, showing a apologetic expression, indicating that she was also powerless.
Senju Muramasa looked at the moonlight outside the window, also looking helpless.
"Sensei, let's begin today's execution session!"
Gokou Ruri clapped her hands, her smile revealing her dark nature even more.
"Hahaha, I thought you were joking…"
Izumi Chihiro chuckled twice, pretending to be foolish.
"I'm serious."
Yamada Elf smiled even more brightly, "This is everyone's consensus."
His smile froze.
These people have really teamed up!
"Sorry, Ni-san."
Sagiri quietly hid to the side, apologizing profusely.
This time, even his younger sister couldn't stand by him.
It seemed he couldn't escape his fate of being sacrificed.
With his path blocked, he had no choice but to sit back down, maintaining his composure on the surface.
The executioner was Kasumigaoka Utaha.
"So, where should I begin? Speaking of which, Scumbag-kun has committed such grave sins, yet he hasn't been tied up, which gives me a headache. How should he be punished? How should he be made to take responsibility? What kind of situation should he be put in? Say something, Scumbag-kun."
She licked the corner of her mouth, speaking in a relentless tone.
This way of speaking was completely imitating the Serpent Hashira, and it felt strangely fitting, as if the characters in the novel were truly interrogating the author.
Because they had seen it, everyone present realized this, and so a strange sense of amusement naturally arose.
"Even if you say that… I don't think I have any problems."
His eyes flashed, and he said seriously.
"As expected, you're completely unaware, aren't you? Do you know how much distress Sensei's creations have brought us? Do you know how many young girls have shed tears for you at night, feeling joy and sorrow because of you?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha continued to speak in a serious manner.
"Is it that exaggerated?"
He hesitated for a moment.
"Of course it is!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha's expression was furious.
"Sadness, pain, unwillingness—you've hurt too many young girls' hearts, so today you shall face this karmic retribution. I shall represent justice and judge you; prepare yourself!"
She had completely immersed herself in the role.
No, she was completely expressing her own emotions!
Izumi Chihiro suddenly understood.
Weren't the circle of girls around him part of it?
"So, Izumi-sensei, have you realized? The helpless sacrifices of the various Hashira-level swordsmen, Mami Tomoe's tragic fate, Homura Akemi's hatred of separation, Natsuki Subaru's pain of reincarnation… Why did you arrange such plotlines for us! The cries of these characters, their unwilling shouts in their hearts, have you heard them? Old Thief!!!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha yelled, kneeling before him and tugging at his collar, her expression so crazed it didn't seem like acting.
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💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter