Afterword

Hi, everyone. How are you doing? It’s me. Thanks to you, I got to put out Volume 2.

It’ll probably be July by the time it’s out on store shelves. It was a surprise to hear that, but you know how it is. When I first started publishing Paying to Win in a VRMMO on Shosetsuka ni Narou, it was last July, on the 10th. The first chapter of that was the result of a total snap decision, and less than a year later, I’m publishing my second light novel volume! Amazing! So this is “the power of money”! Though I haven’t paid a single cent for it!

Never mind! Everyone! Let’s talk about the next volume while I’m still excited! Iris/Airi Kakitsubata debuted in this volume. She was a very popular character in the web version. Back when the first volume was announced, the web version readers asked, “What about the evil god? Where’s the evil god?!” over and over again. The evil god refers to Iris.

Evil god Iris. She could appear in a Gamera movie, I bet.

But as you can see, when she first appears, Iris is just an ordinary girl who’s a little bit stubborn. In the future, Iris will experience a number of hardships (primarily due to the young heir), grow a great deal, and eventually become known as “the evil god.” This “growth” is one of the appeals of Iris as a character. I hope you’ll keep watching over her in the future.

Those who haven’t yet read the web version will be like, “Huh? Evil god?” and well, it’s a bit hard to explain, and a bit beyond description, so, well, um...

“Please, just watch how she develops!” is about all I can write. Watch over her!

Another character who makes his debut in the second volume is that bastard, Edward. My design for the Machina race was originally closer to human, or more like simple androids — at least Aigis, if not like Mahoro, you know? But then during one of our discussions, I got very carried away and we kept adding more. I’m personally very satisfied with it, but I’m sure it made a lot of trouble for the illustrator, Kirishima.

Though, the first time I played an MMO, my character was a lot like that. He was a crafter class, too. I guess I just went back to first principles. Though it made a lot of trouble for Kirishima!

Anyway, I really like thinking up “what-ifs.” When it comes to print PtW versus web PtW, I want to play with the chronological order, go over-the-top in more places, and come up with lots of new developments.

Whether we get future installments will depend on the sales numbers, so I’m earnestly working on the plot right now, but I really want to get onto the next development! There’s her, the one who appeared in Volume 1 and has a great role to play, but so far has done barely anything! I really want to put her in the spotlight! And there are so many more characters who have barely appeared in the print version at all! I don’t have concrete plans yet, but I hope you’ll all be waiting with bated breath!

Now, for the long-awaited thank-yous, because I’m almost out of space!

Um, as usual, thank you to Mr. K from the editorial department, who looked after me despite my taking up a lot of his time! And as always, he’s a hottie! May has been a very busy month, hasn’t it? Your tips for toasting the amberjack you brought back from your vacation made it very delicious! Buy one for me again, please!

And Rein Kuwashima, for once again drawing such beautiful, eye-catching drawings! Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule! Please, take care of yourself! And I’m sorry for making trouble for you with Edward after your beloved Iris!

And to everyone at Hobby Japan for printing and proofreading, and to the book sellers! Especially you, the one in Nagoya! I don’t think you realized it, but after the first volume came out, I stalked your third-floor light novel section! Sorry about that!

To everyone who read my story on Shosetsuka ni Narou! I’m going to keep publishing on the web! Just because I’m a pro now doesn’t mean I don’t find writing fun anymore! I’ll pour my heart into both work and my hobby!

And of course, to you, who picked up Volume 2 after Volume 1! Ah, don’t put it back on the shelf! Thank you!

That’s right! Goodbye!