Friday marked the end of the workweek, and at 8:00 PM, Hachiman, who had been diligently typing away, received a phone call from Machida Sonoko.
"Hachiman, the publishing house has decided to start selling the bound edition of your second and third volumes this weekend," Sonoko said, clearly in high spirits.
"Thank you very much for your help, Sonoko," Hachiman replied with a grateful smile.
He knew that the rapid release of his second volume was largely due to the efforts of his editor, Sonoko.
"Haha, no need to be so polite. This is also thanks to your excellent writing, Hachiman. Otherwise, the publishing house wouldn't be supporting you so enthusiastically," Sonoko laughed from the other end of the line.
"By the way, Sonoko, I've nearly finished writing the fourth volume. I'll send it to you as soon as it's done."
With his writing speed of 10,000 words per day, Hachiman had almost completed the fourth volume in just a few days. Sonoko was momentarily taken aback.
Although she knew he wrote quickly, she had underestimated him. Less than half a month, and he had completed an entire volume. Such speed was truly astonishing.
"Not only are you fast, but the quality is also good, Hachiman. You're truly amazing."
"Don't worry, as long as your content is fine, I guarantee I'll arrange for it to be published as soon as possible."
Hearing her words, Hachiman could almost visualize the scene of her confidently making that promise.
"Haha, then I'll thank you in advance, Sonoko. I'll send it to you as soon as I finish."
"Alright, I'll be waiting for your email, Hachiman. Work hard, and I won't disturb you for now," Sonoko said before hanging up the phone.
"This weekend..."
After hanging up the phone, Hachiman muttered to himself. He then decided to open his blog and post a message.
Hachiman: Exciting News! This weekend marks the release of not one, but two volumes of my "Sword Art Online" series. I can't wait for you all to dive into the latest adventures! Stay tuned for more updates.
Responses from Followers:
Akitan40: Double the excitement! Wakamono-sensei, you're spoiling us! Can't wait to read them both!
Sensei4thWall: Attention all SAO fans! Wakamono-sensei's new volumes are a must-read. My weekend plans are officially sorted!
NunuSD: Wakamono-sensei, your writing is like a game-changer! I'm ready for the epic journey these volumes will take me on!
Asuna_Knight: Kirito, you've outdone yourself again! I've been counting down the days for this release. Let's see what challenges await our heroes!
CornDeliverer: My weekend just got booked! I can't resist a double dose of SAO goodness. Keep up the amazing work, Wakamono-sensei!
YuiForever: Wakamono-sensei, your stories always touch my heart. Can't wait to see how our beloved characters grow in these volumes!
CatDavid: Haha, Wakamono-sensei, your message is a bit late. We've known about your new volume release this weekend on Kadokawa's official blog for a while now!
Sasa: And it doesn't stop there! Bookstores near my house have put up promotional boards, and even in the last two days, they've replaced the train ads with your novel's promotional images.
Toast: You're not telling me the author himself doesn't know, right? That can't be, can it?
As Hachiman read the playful responses from his followers, he found himself taken aback.
Public transportation wasn't something he used regularly, so he remained oblivious to these happenings.
Yet, Hachiman couldn't have anticipated the extent of Kadokawa's dedication in promoting his new volumes. It appeared they were genuinely committed to supporting him wholeheartedly.
With his novels already of high quality and strong backing from the publisher, he couldn't help but believe in their potential for success. A premonition whispered to him that a significant amount of money might be on the horizon.
Just as Hachiman's thoughts wandered into the realm of financial possibilities...
Not too far from his home, thick black smoke began billowing from the Yuigahama residence's kitchen.
*Cough, cough...*
*Cough, cough...*
Amidst a cloud of black smoke, both Mrs. Yuigahama and Yui emerged, their faces smudged with soot.
After hastily turning on the exhaust fan to clear the acrid smoke, mother and daughter exchanged bewildered glances.
"Yui, what on earth happened, dear?" Mrs. Yuigahama finally spoke, her tone tinged with mild reproach.
Slightly wounded by her mother's seemingly accusatory tone, Yui pouted, her sense of injustice evident.
"But Mom, I followed all the steps you taught me. How could this go so wrong?"
Watching her daughter's disheartened expression, Mrs. Yuigahama couldn't help but release a weary sigh.
It was undeniable that her daughter's culinary endeavors were nothing short of chaotic.
Yui had earnestly attempted to follow her mother's cooking instructions, yet somehow, she managed to consistently surprise them both, narrowly avoiding kitchen disasters like the one just now.
One could argue that this was a peculiar talent in its own right.
Mrs. Yuigahama mumbled to herself as she surveyed the disarrayed kitchen.
While her daughter's academic performance might not have been stellar, her domestic skills and culinary abilities were expected to be more proficient. After all, Mrs. Yuigahama had entered married life right after high school, so while she might not have been able to assist Yui much with academics, she possessed adept housekeeping and cooking skills. Why couldn't her somewhat clueless daughter inherit any of those talents?
"Could my daughter, who's such a culinary disaster, end up alone because no one wants her in the end?" Mrs. Yuigahama's heart was filled with a momentary sense of melancholy.
"Mom, should we give it another try?" Yui cautiously suggested, her gaze fixed on the now dissipating black smoke.
"Let's leave it for now. Another attempt, and I'm afraid the neighbors will think our house is on fire and call the fire department." Mrs. Yuigahama responded with a hint of dramatic exasperation.
It's noteworthy that in Japan, the emergency number for fires and medical emergencies is 119. When seeking assistance, it's crucial to clarify whether it's a fire or a medical issue.
"Perhaps you should consider giving up, Yui."
"But Mom, I want to make a bento for Hikki with my own hands," Yui expressed with a touch of frustration.
That was her primary motivation for learning how to cook in the first place. She and Kotonoha had already agreed to take turns preparing bento for Hachiman.
However, when she learned that Kotonoha's bento was made by her own hands, Yui's heart stirred with a hint of emotion.
Sending a bento was one thing, but when it was homemade, as opposed to one made by her mother, it felt different.
Girls often held these unspoken, peculiar feelings of comparison.
If Hachiman ever found out that Yui wanted to cook for him personally, it would surely leave him pale with fear. Although his physical constitution far surpassed that of an ordinary person, whether he could withstand chemical attacks from within his body was another matter entirely.
Compared to the so-called affection, he still believed that staying alive was more important.
"Please, Mom, teach me one more time," Yui pleaded. She wasn't ready to give up yet, as Monday was the day she would be making lunch for Hachiman. She genuinely wanted to make it herself. So, she resorted to her secret weapon, giving her mother a pleading look with eyes resembling a small animal.
"Oh my, I can't resist you, my child. Alright, I promise."
As expected, Mrs. Yuigahama fell for this tactic and eventually agreed.
"Yay, Mom, you're the best!"
Mission accomplished, Yui flashed a victory sign with her right hand.
Her daughter's persistence left Mrs. Yuigahama with no choice. She had to agree, but she also had a condition.
"But let's be clear, we'll skip the other dishes today. I'll start by teaching you how to make rice balls."
"Um... alright," Yui agreed after a moment's thought. Rice balls were better than doing nothing at all.
Mother and daughter reached a consensus, and Mrs. Yuigahama began her culinary lesson once again.