"Haha, you saw through me! That's right, I'm drawing a big picture, but I will bring him in."
Akane Kosaka admitted it quite frankly, without a hint of embarrassment on her face, leaving both girls speechless—she hadn't even achieved it yet, but was still acting so arrogant!
The woman's expression slowly sobered, and she said in a decisive tone:
"He is the true core of this project. No matter what the cost, I will make him write this story."
This different level of importance and treatment made them fall silent. However, if the subject was Kiyono, they had no complaints.
For a moment, Eriri felt quite emotional. That guy's progress was simply too fast. Fortunately, she had the foresight to secure the illustrator's position in advance; otherwise, she might have even lost her place by Kiyono's side.
"May I ask a question… Why would such a project come to us?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha raised her eyes, her voice very low. She was well aware of her own abilities.
"Normally, it wouldn't be your turn, but I think you two have good compatibility with Kiyono." Akane Kosaka began pouring a second drink.
—So we're just accessories to that guy, huh?!
"That being said, your current skill level is clearly not enough."
Akane Kosaka's voice was straightforward. The two subconsciously opened their mouths, their pride making them want to retort, but in the end, they said nothing.
The woman finished her second drink by herself, then slammed the glass down with a thud, staring intently at Eriri across from her.
"Kashiwagi Eri, I want you to draw something of a higher caliber than the illustrations for the first volume of Death God."
"I… how could I possibly achieve that level in such a short time?"
Stared at by those deep eyes, Eriri felt an inexplicable panic, averted her gaze, and whispered.
That time, she didn't know if it was the marvelous new inspiration brought by Kiyono or the urgent deadline. Under the double pressure and inspiration, she performed at an extraordinary level. Afterwards, she tried to replicate it, but she could never find that feeling again, and the second volume was subtly criticized by Kiyono.
Was this because… she had wasted too much time with her childhood friend? Or was she too relaxed?
"You can do it."
Akane Kosaka spoke as if stating a fact, every word carrying an undeniable force.
"Because…"
She picked up a kraft paper bag from the tatami mat beside her, pulled out a sketchbook, and lazily handed it to Eriri.
"Your current drawing skills are indeed mature and very good, but they are far from stunning. You still have room for improvement."
Akane Kosaka's voice was like a devil's, drilling straight into one's heart. Eriri nervously swallowed, picked up the sketchbook from the table, and slowly opened it.
—
Those were drawings just like hers.
To be precise, they were drawings using the same techniques as hers—light, color, shape. At first glance, she thought she was looking at her own work.
People say painting is creation, not imitation, but that is art. At most, they were currently just commercial creations, and commerce doesn't care that much. Most players can't even distinguish the subtle differences; skill alone is enough.
Eriri felt hot sweat on her back. Of course, she knew she wasn't particularly outstanding on this path, but occasionally—truly only occasionally—she would feel a little smug, thinking she was really amazing, and if she put her full effort into it, she might even be able to compete with talented peers. She knew this was a fantasy, but…
But when the cruel reality was laid bare before her, her heart still trembled and shook violently.
These were works she considered her personal peak.
Moreover, she had years more practice than others, never slacking off.
Even so, she was easily imitated.
She didn't feel angry about being imitated, because she knew Akane Kosaka wouldn't use these drawings for commercial purposes. The other party was merely using this to make her recognize herself.
Yes, she did recognize it. She was only at this level now.
She thought of Kiyono. Would such a scene also appear for Kiyono in the future? Just thinking of that made her feel like her blood was freezing.
This, she absolutely would not lose.
Eriri gritted her teeth.
"Think about it carefully. If you want to improve, be prepared to dedicate yourself entirely. If you can't do that, you can only leave this cruel battlefield," Akane Kosaka said lazily.
When they walked out of the high-end hotel, the sky was already tinged with crimson, and the refreshing evening breeze slightly blew away some of the inner confusion.
Eriri and Kasumigaoka Utaha walked idly by the river, their mood quite peculiar.
The joy of being valued and invited by a big company, the displeasure of being looked down upon, the worry about their own abilities, the confusion of not seeing the road ahead… These emotions mixed together, making the world before them seem different, their senses clearer, and the world revolving around them.
This must be what it feels like to face a major life choice, they thought.
Although still students, both had entered the world of work in their own ways and earned money, which made them somewhat more mature than their peers in this regard.
Kasumigaoka Utaha moved her beautiful long legs, stood by the river, looked at the high-rise buildings and the sunset across the way, and gently smoothed her long black hair.
"Sawamura, what do you think?"
They used to be rivals who argued and disliked each other, but at the same time, they admired each other's work. Now, Eriri didn't know why she no longer confronted her, and their relationship had inexplicably improved significantly.
"That woman is very annoying." The blonde girl leaned against the railing and let out a heavy huff.
That's true. Kasumigaoka Utaha, for once, shared the same opinion as this loser. Although Akane Kosaka hadn't done anything excessive to them, her condescending attitude was infuriating to watch.
"Moreover, I don't think Kiyono will necessarily agree to her. You absolutely must not be deceived by the casual lies of such an unscrupulous producer," Eriri added.
"Not necessarily… What if Kiyono-senpai is willing to write the script for this game?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha noticed the hidden meaning in the girl's words and turned her head to look at her.
Eriri stared at the quietly flowing river, silent for a moment, her voice as brilliant as the sunset.
"That's Realm Chronicles! A popular work that has been thriving for years. Even many people at our school have played it, and we can actually participate in the creation of a new work…"
The best game.
And the most beloved author.
She wanted to improve her drawing skills.
So—
"I want to participate with him."
The river reflected shimmering light.
"I see. It's rare for you not to be tsundere."
Kasumigaoka Utaha smiled slightly. In fact, her thoughts were the same as Eriri's; she couldn't lie to herself, but…
"If we withdraw, what will happen to Tomoya's club?"
Akane Kosaka's requirement was to devote all their efforts to this work, abandoning everything else except their necessary careers, and Tomoya Aki's club was among them.
Kasumigaoka Utaha was a very rational girl. She understood very well what this choice represented—the disappointment of the boy she liked, and losing the time they spent together.
Eriri lowered her head, gripping the railing with one hand. Perhaps having experienced similar things, images from the past suddenly flashed through her mind.
What should she do?
She thought many things had changed, but her current feelings were so similar to back then.
In a trance, she once again stood at this crossroads.
However, this time the situation was completely different. Their club was not officially established; it was more like a playful endeavor, so…
So, the two were different, she thought. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
But a lie said ten thousand times can't become truth. She vaguely understood that if she said those words to her childhood friend, perhaps this long-standing relationship would truly lead to a point of no return.
Eriri gave her answer.
"Anyway, his club just started not long ago, and the main heroine hasn't even arrived… I–I will also try my best to help him complete the game."
Kasumigaoka Utaha quietly gazed at the blonde girl who had turned her head, sighing inwardly. It seemed she couldn't make this girl make the right choice.
"If you don't find a way to correct your habit of burying your head in the sand at critical moments, you will surely regret it later."
Under the soft glow of the desk lamp, Kiyono held a paintbrush, diligently moving stroke by stroke towards his ideal. On the blank canvas, a vivid, smiling girl gradually appeared.
"Something like this, I guess."
Kiyono blew on the paper, satisfied. After two days of practice, he could clearly feel that his drawing level had risen again.
He wanted to become a master painter!
Then, while he was grinding painting experience, he received a call from his editor.
"What, you said an older, mature, and sexy Big Sister is very interested in my good looks and wants to meet me privately?"
—Simply put, it's a business meeting with a publishing house, right?
He skillfully translated his editor's words.
Although with his status and achievements he could basically refuse, since the editor had come to him, Kiyono didn't decline. After all, his editor usually helped him solve a lot of problems.
However, even with mental preparation, when he saw the Big Sister herself, his mouth twitched.
Kiyono stood in front of the hotel. He looked up, and the woman who appeared at the entrance had plump, long legs and a sharp, incisive demeanor. It was Akane Kosaka, whom he had met once before.
She was indeed a Big Sister, just a drunk Big Sister.
Akane Kosaka allowed the young man to scrutinize her, then smiled, placed her right hand on her chest, and bowed slightly to him with elegant grace:
"Kiyono-sensei, I've been waiting for you for a long time."
—One wonders what the two girls, who had just endured a blizzard of cold treatment, would think if they saw this scene.
Kiyono also didn't expect this arrogant woman to personally come out to greet him, and his mood was subtly complex for a moment.
"Miss Kosaka, didn't we exchange contact information last time? Why go to the trouble of contacting my editor?" Kiyono followed behind her.
"Business collaborations are always unavoidable with publishing houses." Akane Kosaka looked back at him. "Also, my real name is Kosaka Akane. You can just call me by my first name."
The two arrived at the Japanese-style room, and Kosaka Akane personally brewed him a cup of tea.
"Miss Kosaka, may I ask what you wanted to see me about?" Kiyono took a sip of tea and got straight to the point.
"I've come to invite Sensei to participate in the strongest game I've conceived."
Kosaka Akane sat up straight, cutting to the chase with swift efficiency.
"As long as you are willing to write this story with me, I will do whatever you want."
She handed over a stack of documents, her eyes filled with an almost stubborn focus. Her posture made one suspect that even if Kiyono said, I want to open a harem in your company!, she would reply without hesitation, Between sixteen and twenty years old, standard bust-waist-hip measurements—do you need to confirm them now?
"Miss Kosaka is too intense."
Kiyono quipped, then opened the proposal with interest.
After a long while, he gently put down the papers.
"Kiyono-sensei, what do you think?" Akane Kosaka stared intently at him.
"Classic Japanese fantasy, I quite enjoy playing them." Kiyono mused. "But I'm sorry, I might not have time for games."
This kind of large-scale game that requires teamwork is not like individual creation; there are strict requirements in all aspects. He didn't lack this money, nor the fame that games bring. He'd rather use this time to improve his drawing skills.
"If Kiyono-sensei has any concerns, please feel free to bring them up."
Akane Kosaka wasn't discouraged by a single refusal, but she couldn't help feeling a little frustrated—if Kiyono were just a light novel author, she could be bolder, but his literary halo was simply too difficult to deal with.
If she went too far, a few words from those old fogeys, and perhaps the game company wouldn't have any problems, but the person in charge of this game project would definitely be replaced, and they would respectfully apologize to the young man in front of them.
"Game production requires staying in the company's dedicated studio, right? I don't want to be too far from home. Secondly, the time span is too long, requiring nearly a year of commitment." Kiyono found a reason that was hard to refuse.
"So, you think you can handle this script, right?"
The woman smiled and said without hesitation, "You don't have to go to the company. I will try my best to have others cooperate with you. If you are willing to work harder, it will definitely not delay your literary and light novel creations."
Although Akane Kosaka's reputation in the industry was poor, she was indeed very decisive. As long as it was for the quality of the creation, she could abandon everything.
She was completely serious.
Kiyono raised an eyebrow, unable to resist asking:
"Miss Kosaka, why are you so fixated on me? There should be other authors in the industry with better achievements than me."
"Because of 'talent'!" Her pupils burst forth with dazzling fire.
"Only your brushwork can perfectly, no, even exceed my expectations. If a producer is compared to a swordsman and a creator is a sword, then you are that sharpest Kusanagi sword. I want you."