Chapter 208

AFTERWORD Greetings from a very-relieved-that-the-anime-was-broadcast-without-a-hitch-and-is-consequently-burnt-out Myojin Katou. I’m starting to believe that a writer’s second work is quite special to them on a personal level. If your debut work is a success, or if you’re satisfied with the way it turned out, your next creation feels like your second child. However, if you aren’t satisfied with your debut work, then your second one becomes your last chance to crawl out of the pit and make it as a writer. And since I was the latter, this series was literally my messiah. It’s seen my first manga adaptation and my first anime adaptation. When my pipe dream became reality, I was more emotional than I’d ever been in my life. I remember thinking, Thank God I was born. I doubt I’ll ever know a series this important to me for as long as I live. And this special series has come to an end with Volume 10. If I had to express the feeling, I’d say it’s like being at your graduation ceremony. It’s the loneliness of beating your wings and flying off, even though you don’t want to leave, and the sadness of parting with people you don’t want to say good-bye to. And…I really did feel that way at my graduation. I didn’t want to have the cliché “Good riddance, shitheads!” sentiment about it. We’re getting off topic, though. All graduations lead to new things. And I have already started work on my new series while finishing this one. A writer’s third work is like a crossroads. Will the author’s second story become the graduating thesis of their career? Or can they keep going? I intend to work as hard as the new kid who tries to look cool on their first day of high school or college. Lastly, I want to express my gratitude. Thank you to Sao Mizuno-sama for providing such wonderful illustrations all these years. Thousands of words would never be enough to thank you. I’m so genuinely grateful for everything you’ve done. Thank you to my first editor, who worked with me on Volumes 1 through 6. This series wouldn’t have been as strong without your guidance. Thank you. And thank you to my second editor, who’s worked with me from Volume 7 to the end. Sorry for being so high-maintenance, and I hope we get to work together again in the future. Lastly…my eternal gratitude goes to all of you who read this to completion. It is with hope in my heart that we meet again someday as I set down my pen. Myojin Katou