So-called registration, at its core, was the Special Safety Department's way of cataloging all ability users in order to maintain public order. That way, if anyone ever broke the law, they could quickly identify the culprit.
The registration process turned out to be surprisingly simple. Kobayashi came along too.
When she finally received the [Interdimensional Dangerous Creature Permit], she let out a breath of relief, only for her face to fall again almost immediately.
"Mmm… how am I supposed to explain this to that bald guy tomorrow…" she muttered gloomily.
Sato glanced at the cheerful Tohru next to him and couldn't help but make a strange face.
And with that, the number of dangerous entities living in Aoyama Apartments increased once again.
Since Hiratsuka-sensei had already called in his absence, Sato decided to take the afternoon off to rest at home and do some planning for the website.
The site had already made a name for itself in the light novel world, but expanding across the whole ACG (Anime-Comics-Games) sector would still take time.
Manga was a key part of that.
"Once manga is launched, we can start testing a pay-per-view model online but that's definitely going to clash with traditional publishing…"
"Thankfully, the site hasn't dealt with manga yet, so there won't be too much backlash, however… what about the publishing houses?"
Sato frowned in thought.
If the site could host manga, it could also host light novels digitally, which would be direct competition. The big publishers surely wouldn't ignore this.
If a conflict broke out between the digital platform and the traditional publishing houses, how should he handle it?
"That's going to be a big problem."
Sato leaned back in his chair, gazing out into the distance.
He might end up in conflict with the very publishers he had good relations with. But at the same time, smaller or mid-sized publishers might see it as an opportunity.
Online sales would inevitably impact physical book performance. Large publishers would hate that. But the small ones, surviving between the cracks, wouldn't have the luxury to care. What the big publishers couldn't do, they would fight for.
Maybe it was time to build relationships with those smaller players.
Still, he'd have to take things step by step.
Thinking of this, Sato suddenly remembered his editor. With a spark of inspiration, he picked up his phone and made a call.
Fujikawa Shoten.
One of the biggest publishing houses in all of Japan, Fujikawa was home to countless brilliant authors, and just as many hardworking editors. The editorial office bustled with activity, filled with the chatter of stressed-out professionals.
"Hello? Is this Hirakawa? Your series got axed. Start planning the next one."
"Nooo, editor-sama, don't…!" Click.
"Ijirou! I'm begging you, bro! When are you turning in that draft? Three days? Fine! If it's not in by then, I'm coming to your house!"
Click… "Bastard! He hung up on me?!"
"Hello, your manuscript still doesn't meet our signing standards…"
"..."
Watching the chaos, Machida Sonoko took a deep breath. Clearly, there were a lot of headaches in the room today.
She used to sit at one of those desks herself, buried in work.
Now…
Glancing at the "Deputy Editor" plaque on her desk, she smiled.
Then her phone rang.
She looked at the caller ID, raised an eyebrow, and answered in a dry tone:
"Well, if it isn't Miyabi-sensei himself. What brings the big shot to call me today?"
Sato leaned back in his chair and chuckled, "Editor-sama, don't joke. I'm nowhere near as busy as you."
"Ha!"
Sonoko snorted. "If you're so free, then send me Volume 13 already."
"I'll send it over shortly."
"…Wait, you finished it?!"
She was genuinely surprised.
"What? Not satisfied, Editor-sama?"
"Of course I am! You're my ticket to a raise!"
"Wow. So shameless."
"You're one to talk, still just a high schooler."
"I'm in high school now, not middle school anymore!"
"Oh, congratulations, then. You've officially evolved from 'genius middle school author' to 'genius high school author'…"
They bantered for a while before Sonoko finally sobered up with a groan.
"Alright, down to business. I've got a pile of work waiting."
"Fair. I've found another promising talent. Interested?"
Sonoko's eyes lit up.
Every recommendation from Sato had turned out to be a gem. After polishing their skills on his website, they were practically debut-ready. A surefire credit on her record.
In fact, most of Fujikawa's rising stars, like Kasumi Utako-sensei and Kunimitsu Shidou-sensei had been introduced by Sato. [1]
"Of course I'm interested! Got the info?"
"I'll send it now."
Sato tapped at his computer and forwarded her a file.
Sonoko quickly sat down, opened the file, and started reading.
"…Oh? Another middle schooler?"
She was slightly surprised. Middle schoolers were getting too powerful these days.
Besides Sato, several other teen prodigies in Fujikawa and other publishers were already selling in the millions.
"Dark fantasy tone… a bit chuuni… could work well for an 'Isekai Demon Lord' series."
She skimmed part of the writing and stroked her chin.
"There's definite potential. But we'll need a full-length manuscript first. If that goes well, we can offer a contract."
"As for the signing bonus, same rule as always. We base it on the first volume's sales."
"Got it. I'll arrange a meeting with her soon."
As things wrapped up, Sato let out a sigh of relief. He gazed at the name on the screen, lost in thought.
---
[1] - Utako - Utaha's pen name and Kunimitsu Shidou from Eromanga-sensei (Male).