[95] A Series of Good News

"The Deity Creation Plan?"

Upon hearing this somewhat familiar name, Sonoko's expression hinted at confusion.

"Yes, precisely, the Deity Creation Plan."

The middle-aged chief editor nodded in agreement and proceeded to explain thoughtfully.

"Ever since Dengeki Bunko secured Senju Muramasa, the reigning champion of light novels, it not only attracted a surge of new talent submitting their works to Dengeki Bunko but also caused many veteran authors to switch allegiances.

Over the past two years, even Kadokawa has lost thirty of its distinguished authors, not to mention other publishing houses."

"This is the advantage of having a 'Pillar' in the realm of light novels. Presently, Dengeki Bunko commands a staggering 40% market share."

"So, in an effort to reclaim our market share, I, along with a few directors, conceived the 'Deity Creation Plan.'"

"As soon as an author achieves daily sales exceeding 8,000 copies, the publishing house will promptly initiate the 'Deity Creation Plan' with the objective of cultivating a light novel 'Pillar' capable of rivaling Senju Muramasa."

"Consequently, now that Wakamono-sensei has achieved this level of success, our publishing house will spare no effort in providing support."

"I understand now." Grasping the concept of the 'Deity Creation Plan,' Sonoko nodded and then recalled something.

"By the way, Chief Editor, Wakamono-sensei forwarded the manuscript for the fourth volume of 'Sword Art Online' to me last week. I've thoroughly reviewed it, and there are no issues with the text."

"The fourth volume is already completed? So quickly?"

Upon learning that the fourth volume of "Sword Art Online" was finished, the middle-aged chief editor displayed a fair amount of surprise but promptly initiated necessary actions.

"If there are no issues with the text, let's commence preparations for publication without delay. As the buzz surrounding this omnibus volume reaches its zenith, we'll unveil the release of the new volume to elevate it even further."

"By the way, now that the first three volumes are completed, we can also notify the manga department to begin preparations for serialization."

"Manga adaptation? So soon?" Sonoko found it somewhat surprising that, with only three volumes in, a manga adaptation was already in the works.

"Yes, given Wakamono-sensei's exceptional talent, our publishing house aims to offer him top-tier resources in every aspect. Moreover, the present wave of excitement presents an opportune moment for a manga adaptation. With Wakamono-sensei's writing speed, I'm confident we can stay ahead with serialization progress." The middle-aged chief editor radiated even greater confidence than Sonoko, who served as Hachiman's editor.

"Very well, I'll initiate the necessary arrangements immediately."

Seeing that it was advantageous for Hachiman, Sonoko had no reason to decline. She nodded affirmatively and promptly exited the office to deliver the favorable tidings to Hachiman.

...

At 8 PM, inside the Hikigaya residence.

The fourth volume had already been completed, and Hachiman had commenced work on the fifth installment. However, as he revisited the original novels with his enhanced memory, he couldn't help but notice the original author's inclination toward some rather peculiar themes.

Many sections contained elements of NTR, not of the mild variety but rather explicit and explicit in nature. Moreover, the narrative was peppered with numerous bizarre plot twists.

Naturally, he had no intention of incorporating such content into his writing. With his current skills, he could completely reimagine the storyline without deviating from the core framework.

Just as he was preparing to unleash his creativity to overhaul the narrative, his phone rang, and Sonoko's name flashed on the screen.

"Sonoko, what's going on?" He casually inquired as he answered the call.

Sonoko's voice on the other end brimmed with excitement as she spoke, "I'm calling to share some fantastic news with you, and it's not just one piece of good news."

"Good news? Is it about the sales of my new volume?" Hachiman seemed to have a hunch.

"That's one of them," Sonoko chuckled, "But let me share them one by one."

"First and foremost, congratulations, Hachiman..."

"Congratulations? Congratulations for what?"

Hachiman was perplexed, not quite comprehending the reason behind the congratulatory tone.

"Oh, don't rush, let me share the news slowly," Sonoko replied with a touch of playful complaint in her tone.

"Alright, my apologies, go ahead," Hachiman acquiesced with a shrug.

"First of all, congratulations, Hachiman. You've achieved a new record for daily light novel sales."

"The daily sales of 'Sword Art Online' reached 15,600 copies, surpassing the previous record held by Senju Muramasa's 'The Legend of the Phantom Blade' at 10,000 copies."

"15,600 copies!"

Upon hearing this number, even Hachiman was taken aback.

He had anticipated around 5,000 to 6,000 copies on the opening day, even with Kadokawa's robust promotion efforts.

However, the actual figure exceeded his expectations threefold.

"That's correct, it's 15,600 copies, and the publishing house has decided to print an additional 200,000 copies. I now have full confidence that you can reach the ten-million sales mark."

"But don't rush, that's just the first piece of good news," Sonoko continued with excitement.

"Is there more good news?" Hachiman began to feel a sense of anticipation.

"The second piece of good news is that the publishing house is fully implementing the 'Deity Creation Plan' to support you."

"The 'Deity Creation Plan'? What an intriguing name," Hachiman couldn't resist commenting, aware that such "deity creation" plans often led to major disasters in movies.

"The so-called 'Deity Creation Plan' is..." Sonoko proceeded to explain the plan to Hachiman, essentially reiterating what the chief editor had briefed her on earlier.

"So that's how it works." After comprehending her explanation, Hachiman finally grasped the implications.

He could also anticipate the level of support and treatment he would receive from Kadokawa in the future.

"Exactly, there's more. Can you guess what the other piece of good news is, Hachiman?" Sonoko playfully teased, relishing the suspense.

"Come on, Sonoko, don't leave me hanging. Just spill the beans," Hachiman urged.

"Haha, I won't keep you guessing any longer. The third piece of good news is that your fourth volume has already been scheduled for publication."

"So soon? Thank you so much, Sonoko," Hachiman expressed his gratitude genuinely.

He had submitted the fourth volume just last week, and now it was already slated for publication. He knew that Sonoko must have put in significant effort for this to happen.

"Haha, you're welcome. And, Hachiman, your excellence plays a major role in why I'll be getting promoted."

"In that case, congratulations in advance, Sonoko."

Hachiman extended genuine congratulations. If she was getting promoted, it was certainly a reason to celebrate.

"Thanks to you, Hachiman. I should be thanking you," Sonoko Machida reciprocated the sentiment.

"But for now, the publishing house is still building up anticipation. The fourth volume is expected to be published by the end of the month."

"That's perfectly fine. Releasing two volumes in a month is already remarkable."

Indeed, irrespective of one's writing speed, publishing two volumes in a month was a feat many light novel authors aspired to achieve.

But before Hachiman could fully bask in the positive news, Sonoko's voice carried on through the phone.

"And there's one more piece of good news."

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