Chapter 8: Collection Go Brrrrrr

David woke up the next day and did something that every single novel author or mangaka in this world does early in the morning:

1)Switching on their mobile phone.

2)Going to the site they publish at or the application. In David's case, it was the Shonen Jump app.

3)Opening up the author's statistical section to take a look at how your work had done.

Shadow Realm

Chapters: Two

Views – 24,329/Collections – 3,598/Ad Revenue – 60 dollars.

Lying on his bed in dark blue-colored joggers and an orange shirt, David couldn't help but rub his eyes to confirm that he didn't misread the numbers.

David - "Three thousand five hundred and ninety-eight collection? No, there must be something wrong with my eyes."

David rubbed his eyes again but seeing the same result, he was even more flabbergasted.

David - "I swear it was at seven hundred something when I last checked it on my date with Emily. "

"That would mean my collection has not doubled but damn it, what would be the word?"

David, who had fully sat upright in his bed at this point, is seen thinking about the word.

"Uuhh, I think it was quadruple? No, that's not it. Was it quintuple, then?"

David, who had slowly started drifting off topic, was soon brought back to his senses by his alarm clock going off on his Fruity 14 mobile phone (Certain Fruit Company Undisclosed.)

David - "Damn, I sure go off on too many tangents. Anyways where was I?"

The scene suddenly changes, and a young man is seen sitting in a dark room typing away on his laptop.

It was the author who was writing about David's daily life while stalking David through a crystal ball.

Author - "Oh my, it's starting to be self-aware."

The author then took out what looked like a brush and then dipped it in what looked like water in a pallet. Then painted an F over the glowing crystal ball.

Author - "That should make you more focused."

David instantly got more focused and said, "Anyway, this is not good news. If the manga keeps growing like this, it would..."

David suddenly recalled the challenge system he found yesterday.

David - "I guess it isn't all that bad. I will activate the challenge mission ahead of time and take 100k in one fellow swoop."

David, who was stressed out, instantly relaxed and got out of bed to start his daily routine.

Half an hour passed by.

Ava (Mom) – "David, breakfast is ready. Hurry up."

Currently doing his hair in front of a mirror, David replied," I will be right there. Give me a sec."

David then exited his room and headed towards the living room, where the dining table was located.

David – "So what's on the menu today, chef?"

Ava – "Well, we have pancakes and maple syrup."

David then sat in front of his plate and thanked his mom before digging into his breakfast.

After having breakfast, David got into his dad's car, which meant today his dad was dropping him to college.

Adam (father) – "So, how is the university? Is it fun?"

David – "Yeah."

Adam – "So, have you guys started publishing yet?"

David – "As a matter of fact, we have."

Adam – "Oh, why didn't you tell me?"

David – "Well, I probably forgot to, is all."

Adam – "How can you forget such a thing?"

David – " It just feels a bit weird, you know, knowing that my father would be reading my manga."

Adam was visibly hurt but replied, "Fine, I just wanted to support my son, is all, but if you feel that it would be weird for a father to read his own son's work, then I won't mention it again."

David – "Don't be like that, dad. It is called Shadow Realm and is available on Shonen Jump."

Adam– "You are publishing on Shonen Jump? No wonder you didn't want to tell me. Did the teacher not warn you not to publish there?"

David – "They did, but…."

Adam – "What but? Do you know how many people I know tried to make it on Shonen Jump but failed miserably? It even left a dent in their resume."

David – "It is my first manga, so I wanted a challenge."

Adam – "A challenge, you say? Life isn't some game, David. Every decision you make in life has a consequence."

"Publishing your first manga on Shonen Jump is a waste of time as the audience is big, but they don't like to jump to other manga sites."

"They don't need to due to the vast amount of good content already available on Shonen Jump."

"Any audience you gather on Jump is going to be useful only on Jump."

David – "Dad, I don't plan on migrating from Shonen Jump in the future."

Adam – "Huh, don't give me that. How will you grow your audience if you don't go to another site? What am I sending you to uni for? Did they teach you nothing?"

David – "Dad, it is simple. I believe I am a genius and will break out on jump itself." (Lies)

Adam – "Okay, Mr. genius tell me, how many chapters have you published so far?"

David – "Two."

Adam – "How many views does your manga have?"

David – "Twenty-four or five thousand."

Adam – "That might sound like a lot, but how many of these people have collected your manga?"

David – "Three thousand six hundred."

Adam – "See, that's what I am talking about, only three thousand…."

Adam suddenly stopped speaking as he finally comprehended what David had just replied.

Astonished, Adam couldn't help but turn his head towards David and ask, "Did you just say three thousand six hundred."

The car suddenly started going out of Adam's control and swaying towards the left, causing the vehicle behind to honk at this sudden lane change without a signal.

David – " Dad, please keep your eyes on the road."

Adam - "Um, yes."

The car was quiet for a while before Adam spoke again, "You still haven't replied to my question."

David – "Yes, dad, you heard it correctly. I have a 3.6k collection."

Adam – "With only two chapters and a competitive platform like Shonen Jump? "

David – "Yes, dad on Jump."

Adam – "Well, I guess I owe you an apology for doubting your genius."

David – "No need, dad."

Adam – "No, I am sorry, but you have to understand that I was only worried about you. "

David – "I know, dad."

Author Note: I know it has been a while, but I am back. However, this novel, like the Pokémon and Marvel one, won't have a fixed update for the first week before, but I will post a new schedule once I have it decided.