บท 3: [3] Contract achived
Shiki left his apartment and walked to the subway station, enjoying the cityscape of Tokyo.
The skyscrapers and buildings stood around him, and the lively activity of the city surrounded him. People rushed through the sidewalks, and the colors of the ads and shop windows brought the streets to life.
Shiki, after investigating his options for a while with his omniscient book [Rasiel], decided to publish "his" light novel at the Kadokawa publishing house.
In his past life, this publishing house was one of the most influential publishers in Japan, known for its extensive catalog that includes manga, light novels, magazines, and more. In the field of light novels, it published novels such as:
The Rising of the Shield Hero, Sword Art Online, The Irregular at Magic High School, among others.
Kadokawa in his past life was known for its ability to adapt its light novels into anime and other media, and it had a great impact on the popularization of this format both in Japan and internationally.
"Well, in this world it is just as popular, and it's heading in the same direction, only with different novels and authors," Shiki murmured to himself as he took a seat on the subway.
He looked out the window of the car, seeing the city sliding by in a mixture of lights and shadows.
'According to the Omniscience of [Rasiel], this publishing house is quite good. This publisher is looking for new talents and works that could capture the public's attention at the right time. With To Aru Majutsu no Index, there should be no problem to start publishing my novel,' Shiki thought to himself as he settled into the comfortable seat of the train.
As the train advanced, Shiki plunged into his thoughts.
His thoughts were nothing serious, only ideas of how to use his abilities in his daily life. For example, with [Haniel], he can use a skill called [Change of Form], which allows him to transform into any person or being.
Shiki's transformation skills using this Angel are capable of almost perfectly copying the personalities of those into whom he transforms. It also has the ability to copy the natural abilities of those he transforms into, such as talents and inner powers.
Shiki wants to use this ability of [Haniel] to become a famous chef and gain his talent in that profession—in other words, he wants to eat delicious food by taking the form of an expert chef.
Add to that [Rasiel]; Shiki would simply look in the Omniscient Book to learn how to prepare the most delicious food in the world, and there would be the answer.
Yes, it's a pretty idiotic way to use his powers, but in his opinion, it's worth it.
Shiki left his random thoughts when he saw that his train was beginning to slow down, a sign that he had reached his destination. He looked out the window and looked at the cityscape.
He got up from the seat, adjusting his bag with the folder that contained the manuscript of his novel and his laptop.
When leaving the train, he looked around, noticing the modern architecture and the colorful billboards that announced the latest editorial novelties.
He crossed the street and went to the building of the publishing house. The structure was tall and elegant, with large windows that reflected the blue sky.
Shiki entered the building and found a reception, where a charming girl of about 20 years old attended him.
The receptionist didn't show any strange reaction when she saw a young man like Shiki; she just thought he was cute and handsome. And she wondered if the teenager in front of her had Chuunibyou (many Chuunibyou use an eye patch to look cool).
If Shiki knew that this receptionist was thinking that he was a Chuunibyou just for using an eye patch, he would be speechless.
But the lady kept her thoughts to herself. In the world of light novels, young authors who achieved fame from the beginning were not uncommon.
"Hello, are you here to publish or to meet an acquaintance?" The lady at the reception asked with a professional smile.
"I'm here to publish my light novel," Shiki replied.
"Very well, wait in room number 4. Just go straight down this corridor and turn left. I will notify the office immediately. If there is an editor available, they will meet you there in a short time. Good luck with getting your work published," said the receptionist and guided Shiki.
"Thank you," Shiki gave her a grateful smile. Although he was very sure that his novel would be accepted because it was quite good, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous since he had never had this type of meeting.
Shiki, after thanking the receptionist, went to room number 4.
After walking down the hallway, Shiki arrived at the door of room number 4, entered, and found a simple but cozy room, with a table in the center and comfortable chairs around. He sat on one of them.
Shiki's gaze went through the glass of the waiting room, giving him a clear view of the opposite side. The staff of the editorial department seemed absorbed in their work tasks.
'I'll probably have to wait here bored for a while,' Shiki thought to himself as he entertained himself watching the workers bustle about.
With these thoughts in mind, Shiki took his laptop out of his backpack and started playing some games to pass the time.
— — —
Time had passed slowly for Shiki as he waited, immersed in his game. The soft light of the screen illuminated his face, but soon something else caught his attention.
The door of the waiting room opened with a whisper, revealing a woman of elegant stature. Her dark blue hair, cut just above her shoulders, swayed slightly with each step.
Her eyes, as light blue as the sky at dawn, radiated confidence and professionalism. She wore an impeccable office suit that accentuated her slender and mature figure.
"I apologize for the wait. My name is Machida Sonoko, the editor assigned to your project," she said, addressing Shiki as she took a seat in front of him.
(A/N: Machida Sonoko is a character from the anime: Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata or Saekano).
"No problem. Thank you for taking the time to review my manuscript in your busy schedule. By the way, my name is Suzuki Shiki," Shiki replied as he closed his laptop and paid attention to the woman in front of him.
'But... really, what's going on with women in this world? They are very beautiful...' the boy couldn't help but think to himself while observing the beauty of the mature woman in front of him.
"Thank you for understanding. Would you like to have a drink?" Machida Sonoko asked with a smile.
"Water if it's not a nuisance," Shiki replied.
"No problem." Machida poured a glass of water with precise movements, then prepared a coffee for herself before turning her attention completely to Shiki.
"Can I call you by your first name directly? Or do you prefer me to call you by your last name?" Machida asked.
"You can call me by my first name, no problem." Shiki answered, but he couldn't help but wonder why he had a last name when he was an orphan.
(A/N: It would look weird if you didn't have it, at least in my opinion. I wouldn't like to call him 'Shiki without a last name').
"So, Shiki-kun, let's not waste time and get straight to work. Can you show me your manuscript?"
Shiki felt a little strange when they called him 'kun' since in his past life he was not Japanese, but he inwardly denied it and moved those thoughts aside.
Shiki nodded and took the manuscript out of his backpack and handed it to her.
Machida looked at it briefly before reading in a low voice.
"'To Aru Majutsu no Index'... an action novel, science fiction, and magic?"
With a sparkle in her eyes, Machida wasted no time on formalities and immersed herself in reading. As she moved through the pages, her expression became more and more concentrated.
"Magic and science coexisting..."
"Esper... a city where many people with supernatural and powerful abilities coexist..." she murmured to herself, while each line trapped her more in the complex plot.
With each line that Machida read, she became more absorbed in the narrative, the characters, and the world-building. It was evident that this manuscript, given to her by the boy with the eye patch, left a great impact.
'This is wonderful; it doesn't look like a beginner's work. This boy is very talented!' Machida thought to herself.
Approximately an hour later, Machida Sonoko set the manuscript on the table and turned her attention to Shiki.
"Your work is quite impressive, and there is no problem to start publishing it," Machida said as she took a sip of coffee, carefully evaluating each word.
"Everything is of a high level: your writing, the original and captivating plot, the characters full of charisma... The supernatural ability of the protagonist is simple but extremely effective and striking. It is a great start to the story."
"Thank you for the compliments." Shiki, with his thick skin, accepted the compliments, but inside, he was a little embarrassed and felt a little guilty. He set those thoughts aside for the time being as he continued with the conversation.
"So, Editor Machida, can you sign my work?" Shiki asked.
"Of course! Cough, I mean you have a lot of talent, this manuscript doesn't look like something made by a beginner. Kadokawa won't miss such an excellent work with so much potential. Please wait a few moments. Prepare the contract immediately," Machida replied with a smile and then got up to prepare the contract.
Shiki, inside, was jumping for joy; his lips rose slightly, giving his face a half-smile.
Shiki was left alone in the waiting room again while the editor, Machida, was preparing the contract.
Not long after, Machida Sonoko returned to the waiting room with a contract in her hand, then sat down and handed the contract to Shiki.
"Okay, here's the contract. Take your time to review it," said Machida Sonoko.
Shiki took a look at the contract. In short, he would receive 18% of the sales fees, which he considered quite a lot.
According to [Rasiel], new writers at the beginning of their careers receive about 12% of the fees.
That they gave him 18% of the fees is fantastic and great; it must be taken into account that a web novel is not the same as a physical novel. In terms of printing and advertising, the bookstores take significant risks, and for Shiki, a new author, to receive 18% of the fees means that they see a lot of potential in his novel.
In addition, both would retain copyright. Therefore, if the light novel adopts other formats such as manga and anime later in the future, he would receive a portion of the profits once again.
After reading the contract and being satisfied, both found no problems, so he took his pen and signed his name, then handed the contract to Machida.
"Congratulations on signing the contract, but now you have to decide which pseudonym you are going to use. Of course, you can use your real name," Machida said.
"A pseudonym? Hmmm," Shiki thought for a few seconds before deciding on the name of a character he liked a lot in his past life.
"Then I will choose 'Emiya.'"
"Emiya? Well, it sounds good," Machida replied.
After talking for a while, Machida invited Shiki to lunch to celebrate the signing of his contract. For Shiki, who has not eaten anything for four days, this invitation was like the gift he always wanted for Christmas, so obviously he accepted instantly.
After having lunch and talking for a while with his new editor and saying goodbye, Shiki went to his house.
Shiki didn't want to take the subway again to go home, so he went to the first nearest deserted place he found.
"Are you serious about the public bathroom? Well, it doesn't matter," Shiki murmured as he walked to the small cubicle.
He ensured that there was no one around and, with a quick look to make sure of privacy, he raised his hand with a fluid movement and 'seized' the space.
"Michael... Rātaibu," Shiki whispered, invoking the power of his angel.
Around him, the air began to distort, and a spatial crack slowly opened, revealing a purple vortex, similar to a miniature black hole.
The light and shadows twisted around the phenomenon, creating a spectacle of dark and bright colors.
Without wasting time, Shiki slid through the crack. A slight pull enveloped him, and the world faded into a whirlwind of distant lights and sounds.
Moments later, he appeared in the living room of his apartment. The spatial crack behind him closed gently, leaving only a slight ripple in the air.
Shiki used the [Rātaibu-Unlocking] ability of the Angel [Michael] to open a hole in 'space.'
'As expected from the Angel who can unlock the very fabric of space-time to reach any place he wants,' he thought to himself.
(A/N: If you want to know how their abilities work, you can read about it in the auxiliary volume where I explain it best).
"Well, everything went well," Shiki said as he dropped on the couch.
"But the problem is that I will not be paid for at least 3 weeks because the novel, as is obvious, has not yet been published and sold." Shiki sank on the couch while getting depressed.
"At least they invited me to lunch today... it was delicious..."
Shiki closed his eyes as he sank into the land of dreams.
In the land of dreams, he found himself in a country where food was an endless feast.
— — —
(A/N: I tried to correct the spelling errors with a page. How about now? Are there still many errors? Remember that I don't speak English, so I can't know).
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