Afterword

Before writing this work, I was actually writing a story about space.

But as I was combing through research, I realized something.

The universe is…really big.

My core stats are basically on the level of your average armadillo. For me to finish a story about space would take forever, so I put that novel aside.

But the deadline for GA Bunko imprint was looming! What was I to do? In that moment, I saw a little note scribbled at the edge of the page: a country villager who was overpowered in the big city…

Since my greatest strength is decisiveness, I knew then that I could write a book based on that concept. Incidentally, my greatest weakness is poor judgment.

Hoping for nothing more than to make people laugh and remember my name, I wrote a book and sent it in.

And that submission was Suppose a Kid from the Last Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town.

Everyone told me it was a really long title, but I never expected to win an award! I just wanted to get noticed. Hence the long title. I never spared a thought for what might happen in later volumes.

I’m very grateful to find myself writing Volume 3.

My first novel, Butt-Naked Berserk Shimamura? I’d thought up five volumes’ worth of plot. World annihilation. Storylines where the main character’s mind and nether regions are rocked by his personal justice and the views of those around him. A dramatic reveal when his own little sister discovers his true identity.

“Sorry. Your brother’s a butt-naked berserker,” Shimamura admits, stripping before his sister for the first time.

Yeah, I guess no one would buy that. Commercially or morally.

At any rate, I’m Toshio Satou. The pressure’s been getting to me lately, and my hair has been falling out, giving me a very punk rock look.

I would like to start with some words of gratitude.

My illustrator, Nao Watanuki—thank you for the beautiful art once again! Selen looks so lovely on the cover, it reminded me she’s actually one of the series’ heroines.

All my editors, everyone on the business end of things, proofreaders, designers—I can never thank you enough.

To my local dermatologist, thank you for the wonderful medicine. My hair came back! I might start losing it again in three or four months. I suppose we’ll meet again then.

And now for some updates.

There’s going to be a manga adaption of this series! It’s scheduled to start at the end up September in Gangan GA.

Hajime Fusemachi will be handling the art. That’s the same person who adapted Kazuma Kamachi’s all-star novel, A Certain Magical Heavy Zashiki-Warashi Deals With a Simple Killer Princess’ Marriage Circumstances. Long titles may be a part of their destiny.

I’ve already seen the roughs, and the artist’s care for the story and dialogue is beyond incredible. I’m truly honored. Thank you so much!

…When I was first told about the adaption, my reaction was “Oh?” Like when a discrepancy between a ledger and an account is too large, it actually makes your mind get very calm. Same phenomenon. Like, there must be some mistake. I assumed they’d meant that call for someone else. Until very recently.

When I got sent the roughs, I was so surprised, I fell over. Maybe that’s when all my hair fell out. I have the mental fortitude of a sunfish.

Dear readers, I hope you will enjoy seeing the adorable designs Noa Watanuki created brought to life by the hands of Hajime Fusemachi.

I am truly blessed. Even if this costs me my hair, I am satisfied. Every time I take a bow, people will be surprised by the patchy bald spots, but I remain happy.

In conclusion, I’d like to thank every reader who picks up this book.

I would be overjoyed to see you again in Volume 4—and I’m thrilled I can even say that.

TOSHIO SATOU