Hi, everyone, long time no see. It’s me, Hiyoko Sumeragi.
I can’t believe it’s here already, Volume 2. The first volume was out in December, and now Volume 2 is out at the end of another December, a year later, just as yet another year is about to begin. Obviously, there must be a pretty important reason for such a long delay between volumes. That goes without saying, right?
Ha, joke’s on you, you fools! I just write slow!
…Okay, not really. A lot did happen! But the instigating factor was still how slow I write! And then one thing after another happened, like dominoes falling over, and the project just kept getting pushed back further and further. Whoops!
In fact, the editor in charge changed twice.
Both times were due to factors outside their control, but in the end, a real legend among editors was kind enough to take their place. Someone whose name everyone knows and who has even helped turn books into anime adaptations. This person had temporarily left light novel editing, but when they decided to pick it up again, I just so happened to be puttering around in the vicinity. What a twist of fate!
In any case, each time the editor changed, the direction of the work took on a new turn, and there was more revision to be done…which was one of the major reasons that publication became so delayed.
However, with so much time to reflect, and after receiving analysis and advice from so many points of view, I think both the series and I, as an author, have grown. In particular, it gave me a chance to rethink what kind of work I want The World Bows Down to be.
In the end, the book really came out the way I wanted, so when all is said and done, I guess being a slow writer worked out for the best this time around.
But that still doesn’t change the fact that I made readers wait for so long. Moving ahead, I plan to pick up the pace. I think I’ve leveled up a little as writer, so I hope you’ll look forward to what’s still to come!
Now then, the main editor is not the only relationship that has changed. The background illustrator for The World Bows Down has changed as well! Our new background illustrator moving forward is Tetta! Tetta, thank you for your vivid, gorgeous illustrations. It suits Jin so well. I hope you don’t mind the hotheaded subtitle (The Dark Lord’s Army Goes Chop). Oh, and don’t worry, everyone. It’s not like the previous background illustrator, mocha, and I parted on bad terms or anything like that!
Mika Pikazo was kind enough to continue as main illustrator. Thank you for the dynamic, amazing character designs once again! And Proto’s thighs in the front insert! I wish I could be double guillotined by those thighs…is something I’m sure that many readers thought. As did I. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I would like to go to one of your solo exhibits one day.
The comic adaptation of The World Bows Down has also kicked off, with Koyuki in charge of planning. She is an amazing manga artist who has done a very skillful job of representing the way this works veers between humor and sincerity. A comic adaptation involves more than just making a manga version of the book, such as adapting expressions in the novel in a way that suits manga or changing the contents in a way that flows naturally within the space of a manga. The method of working information into a novel and into a manga are very different, and although I come from a different field, as a creator, it was a learning experience for me. I always enjoy seeing the proofs—especially the fan-service scenes.
Every time I receive illustrations or manga sheets from the three artists involved, I run around the house like a chicken with my head cut off, releasing little squeals of excitement. No, really, it’s true! (Okay, I’m lying.)
Now then, now then. It’s time to talk about the contents of the book. This time, Jin and Proto played a major role. Although, once you dig down deeper, it was Jin who was the main star. Volume 2 was a story about Jin facing up to her own internal conflicts. In the end, she turned out to be the awkward type. But by discovering her own feelings, she learned to move forward in a more positive manner… Is positive the right word? Well, I suppose, but it’s not the kind of positivity I would want people to imitate!
But I know some people start by reading the afterword first, so that is all I will say about Jin’s story for now.
It may be a slow process, but Homura’s continued to grow, too. Not just in terms of her power, but in character as well. And we learned about an unexpected connection between herself and Jin. Although, I suspect Jin will probably always keep that connection to herself. Either way, the five girls keep growing closer.
In this volume and the last, we learned about Jin’s and Homura’s pasts, but this information is known only to themselves. There is no need for them to tell the others if they don’t want to. The reason they haven’t said anything is because they don’t need to. And they’re both fine with that. They do what they can as friends and comrades. Although they maintain just the right distance from one another, not too close and not too far away, these five girls are connected on a deeper level.
In any case, I’m glad I was able to include some really over-the-top characterization once again. As well as some goofy parodies. Moving forward, I plan to go on writing a hamburger style of work, with over-the-top junk-food characters and a classic story. So stay tuned. Well, I say go on writing, but the future remains uncertain, so I hope you’ll keep rooting for me! Keep getting the word out! I really hope to see this series to the end!
Which is, well, where I’d like to leave this afterword, I suppose. Let’s meet again in Volume 3! In the next volume, we’re going to see the Holy City of Galdorssia in another pinch. But this time, it will be Psycho’s and Tsutsumi’s turn to step up to the plate! I also plan to touch on Homura’s supernatural powers just a teeny tiny bit more and to take a quick peek at the inner circle of the Dark Lord’s army.
In any case, I hope you’re looking forward to Volume 3! I’ll work hard to get it out there!
PS: I’ve now surpassed a thousand hours of play in Apex Legends, but I just can’t seem to get good. I’ve picked up several two thousand damage badges, but I can never pass that… It’s the same in all things, but you can only get so far just by cruising through. It goes without saying, but whether in my hobbies or in my work as a writer, every day demands dedication.