Admittedly, even among the top three creators, there are still differences in skill!
Although Izumi Masamune is already one of the most famous light novel authors today, his reputation is no less than that of many past masters. However, compared to the two ahead of him, who are ahead of their time, there is still a gap. To say he needs guidance is not an overstatement.
It's just that while this is logically sound, humans are more emotional beings, especially women.
"In my eyes, Chihiro's Demon Slayer is the reason I create, and it is the best light novel in the world. The subsequent works are also like this, so they have no flaws whatsoever."
Senju Muramasa's face showed a faint smile, as if thinking of all things beautiful in the world, and then added, "Hmm, in my heart."
Her words were very emotionally intelligent.
Just like a first love is an existence that lasts for eternity at first sight, Izumi Masamune's works hold an extraordinary significance for her, so her conclusion is understandable and more acceptable to others.
This was true for Senju Muramasa, and even more so for Kani Nayuta.
Her obsession with Izumi Chihiro was beyond anyone's imagination.
"My senior has no real flaws in my mind, so my senior's creations, whether in terms of concept, writing, or plot, all move my heart… I can't! If I analyze them closely, I'll get wet."
With her hands pressed to her heart, Kani Nayuta's eyes sparkled with infatuation.
She casually dropped a lewd joke, but it wasn't the first time, so everyone was accustomed to her behavior.
"Sly, too sly! You two are too biased! Didn't we agree to give sharp critiques?"
Yamada Elf was the first to express her dissatisfaction.
"Then, does Yamada have any other opinions?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha curled her lips and said upon seeing this.
"There is indeed nothing perfect in the world. I also want to hear Miss Elf's opinion, if… it's reasonable."
Izumi Chihiro said with a smile.
While Nayuta and Senju Muramasa's evaluations made him happy, they didn't offer much practical value.
"There's one very obvious thing. You've been called 'Old Thief' for so long, don't you have any self-awareness?"
Yamada Elf pointed at him, her face flushed with anger.
"Oh, it's still about that."
Izumi Chihiro sighed faintly, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"I thought Miss Elf might offer some constructive criticism. How boring."
Kasumigaoka Utaha snorted.
"This is just part of the author's writing style, a tendency in his style, a characteristic. It's not a flaw, it's like Miss Elf herself enjoys lewd jokes."
Gokou Ruri said out of the blue.
"You… why are you all ganging up on me?!"
Yamada Elf choked, then changed the subject.
Oh, right, I forgot everyone here is his fangirl!
"Actually, neither my senior, nor Senju Muramasa and I, really need advice anymore. We can inherently understand what we lack."
Kani Nayuta smoothed things over again.
This was also true. For example, his own flaws were only shortcomings compared to theirs. Compared to the industry, he was already quite skilled and could see the direction for improvement.
"If there's no good advice to give, then what's there to talk about?!"
Yamada Elf pouted.
"Let me think… let's treat it as an essay appreciation!"
Kani Nayuta mused.
Yamada Elf looked a bit confused.
"Ah, I forgot, Miss Elf only has an elementary school education."
Kani Nayuta acted as if she had 'just remembered'.
"…Nayuta, you're not much better than me!"
Yamada Elf retorted stubbornly.
"I'm always a little better than Miss Elf."
Kani Nayuta engaged her.
"Hahaha…"
This classic 'cultural hierarchy' dialogue amused everyone.
Back to the main topic.
Since no suggestions were being made, it turned into an appreciation. Finding flaws became finding excellent writing points. For the original author, this was useless except for bragging, but for others, it was a place to gain experience.
Plots that everyone enjoys reading always have commonalities. Writing skill can only be considered a bonus; a suitable plot can completely help them achieve a high basic score!
Some stories, even if the author's writing skill is poor and it's clearly a newcomer's work, still make you want to keep reading. This shows that an interesting or logical plot structure is also a direction for improvement.
The work they chose to appreciate was puella magi madoka magica. Compared to the rawness of his debut work, this piece was better for discussion, and since they were all girls, their acceptance of magical girl themes was also higher.
Here, everyone asked questions they were very interested in.
For example.
"Teacher, why did you design Mami to be sacrificed? And with such a morbid death… What's the difference from the Flame Pillar's death?"
The one who asked this question was, of course, the newest disciple, Gokou Ruri.
The others, except for Yamada Elf, had more or less considered this question in their hearts and come up with answers.
"Although both involve a senior's sacrifice, Mami's death and the Flame Pillar's death are quite different. One is a more traditional trope used to motivate the protagonist, while the other sets the tone of the work, providing a shocking twist effect…"
After listening, Izumi Chihiro explained.
The others also mentally checked their answers and gained their own insights.
Afterward, the others also raised questions.
"I say, I can't be the only one answering, can I? You all should also express your opinions! This isn't a Q&A session!"
Izumi Chihiro suddenly said.
This was a discussion conference, it couldn't become his solo act.
Kani Nayuta and Senju Muramasa became more talkative, coming to different conclusions from their own perspectives, which made the discussion conference lively and added new brilliance.
After discussing puella magi madoka magica, everyone was still not satisfied, because this work was too topical, and at one point, it was even flamed for being a 'dark fairy tale'.
Although Kani Nayuta's silver season and Senju Muramasa's fantasy demon blade chronicles were both rare good works, neither of them was as controversial.
"Next up is Nayuta's silver season."
Izumi Chihiro's words perked them up.
"When I first saw the manuscript Nayuta gave me, I was so moved that I cried. It was so wonderfully written and so touching!"
He praised her without reservation.
"Really? Senior!"
Kani Nayuta happily stood up directly.
"Of course it's true."
Izumi Chihiro said with certainty.
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💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter