"Really?"
Did the second volume of Madoka Magica finally get a release date?!
Akifumi's eyes lit up.
And it's set for August 1st—such a perfect day!
Given that Madoka Magica was a latecomer to the scene, Akifumi had expected to wait a little longer.
But he never expected that Editor-in-Chief Minano would be so supportive.
Even though Akifumi didn't experience the intense battles of July and August firsthand, the discussions among the authors were enough to show just how fierce the competition was.
During these months, releasing a new volume wasn't just about the author—it was also about the editor's bonus!
Everyone comes from similar backgrounds, so of course, no one is willing to back down.
Typically, works released during these two months would need to be booked two months in advance, and even then, only those with the best results would make the cut.
But Madoka Magica had a strong enough fan base and quality that it was able to jump ahead form the pack.
Without that kind of influence, there's no way this could've happened.
The timing of the release really matters for author.
If a work drops at the beginning of the month, it's often more successful than a mid-month release. Not to mention the "Summer CM"— is a major event for otaku—happening in August.
Plus, with everyone spending money and hanging out with friends during the summer, by the middle of the month, their wallets will be empty, and sales tend to dip.
For regular fans who don't have side jobs, this month is a bittersweet experience.
The excitement comes from knowing a ton of sequels will drop, and there's the Summer CM event to look forward to.
The downside? Even if they scrape together every last bit of cash they have, they might still not be able to buy all the things they want!
"I got it," Akifumi replied.
"Be sure to thank Editor-in-Chief Minano for me."
"Don't worry, just focus on creating a great work. I'll handle the behind-the-scenes stuff for you."
"That really makes me feel at ease…" Akifumi said with a smile.
"Well, of course!" Editor Mihari chuckled. "I've learn a lot during this time, too!"
At that moment, Akifumi casually added, "Of course, it's also thanks to Minano-san being behind you, right?"
"...What do you mean by that?"
"Are you saying I wouldn't be reliable without Minano-san behind me?!"
Akifumi laughed awkwardly.
"I mean, it's just… Minano-san support is essential, right?"
Mihari sighed.
"Anyway, without Minano-san, Madoka Magica wouldn't even be able to release in August! and I wasn't joking about that."
"I didn't think you were," Akifumi replied, amused.
"I'll definitely remember your help, Otosuna-san. Next time, I'll treat you to a big meal."
"Now that's more like it!" Mihari nodded in satisfaction.
"By the way, make sure to announce this news on SNS and to your fans. We'll be doing a simultaneous promotional push on our end."
"Got it."
"By the way, Akifumi-sensei, any interest in holding a book signing event?"
A book signing event in this heat? Even in a mall with air conditioning, it's going to be unbearably hot, right?
He didn't really mind, but if too many fans showed up and the line stretched outside the mall, he'd feel guilty if anyone fainted from the heat!
And besides, this is the final volume of Madoka Magica! The first volume barely got by with a single character death—fans were already sending death threats.
Who knows what might happen with this second volume?
"Well…" Akifumi hesitated. "Isn't it a bit soon for a book signing right after the second volume's release?"
Mihari didn't catch the hint. "Nah, not at all. Actually, we could've held a signing for the first volume, but considering you had school, we didn't push it."
Akifumi sighed. "Let me think about it."
"Sure thing."
Book signings didn't require as much preparation as a book release, so they could pull it off within a few days' notice.
They chatted a bit more before Akifumi ended the call.
Time really flies. It feels like summer just started, but now it's already halfway through.
He opened his phone and checked SNS, where he saw fans eagerly commenting.
"Where has sensei been lately? So quiet."
"I miss last month when there was a new post every day!"
"I'm dying without Madoka Magica from sensei!"
"I can't survive without Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai from sensei!"
"Didn't sensei say that Madoka Magica Volume 2 would be out in August? July is almost over, and we haven't heard anything!"
"Looks like Madoka Magica Volume 2 is getting delayed!"
"That's a lie, it's all a scam!"
Akifumi couldn't help but roll his eyes. These fans, talking nonsense as usual.
Then, he smiled brightly.
"So you want news about Madoka Magica Volume 2, huh? Don't worry, I'll give it to you right now."
His hands moved quickly, and soon a long post appeared. After a quick check, he hit send.
"Hello, everyone! How's your summer going?"
"Did you go out with anyone special? In this scorching heat, did you go to the beach or pool with friends? Or maybe you went on a summer vacation with family?"
"Just thinking about it sounds amazing!"
"Too bad for me—while everyone else is out enjoying their vacation, I'm stuck at home drawing. Otherwise, my editor would come at me with a knife! Shudders"
"I work hard during the school year, and now I can't even relax during summer break. Q_Q"
"But I chose this path, so I guess I'll just have to endure it."
"Anyway, enough with the whining! Here's the big news you've all been waiting for!"
"That's right! Drumroll, please! Madoka Magica Volume 2 is officially will be coming out!!"
"What? Didn't we already say that? Hold on, don't worry—let me reveal the exact date."
"It's coming on the 1st of next month! Isn't that a surprise?"
"Honestly, when I first heard the news, I couldn't believe it either, but it's true! I made my editor confirm it three times—once might've been a mistake, but surely the editor wouldn't get it wrong three times, right?"
"Before I go, I want to give a huge thanks to the two editors who've supported me since the start!"
"And lastly, I'm probably a bit full of myself here, but I'm confident that Madoka Magica Volume 2's story will not disappoint!!"
"Who is Kyubey really? What's their true purpose? What's the fate of Sayaka and Kyoko? What's the real plan of Homura Akemi? And what wish will Madoka make for herself?"
"Oops, I think I might've spoiled too much."
"But hey, if it gets you excited, then it's all good!"
"That's all for now—hope you're as excited as I am! And of course, thanks again for your continued support of my work, including Madoka Magica and Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai! Thank you so much!!"
After hitting send, Akifumi refreshed his page and smiled, seeing the flood of responses from his fans.