"Not bad, Kasumi-sensei. Although your novel is a relatively niche yuri story, the emotions are very delicate, and the plot arrangement is quite refreshing. Your writing skills are also very impressive." After skimming through the manuscript in her hand, Ayame Kagurazaka showed an admiring smile.
Even before reading the manuscript of the first volume, Ayame Kagurazaka already knew Utaha Kasumigaoka's pen name.
And after reading it, she had internally decided to sign this talented author to Dengeki Bunko. She didn't want to miss such a promising newcomer, so she directly addressed her as "sensei" during their conversation.
Hearing Ayame's praise for her novel, a happy smile appeared on Utaha Kasumigaoka's face.
"Thank you. So, about the publishing contract?"
"Approved. On behalf of Dengeki Bunko, I welcome you, Kasumi-sensei!" Ayame set down the manuscript and extended her right hand with a smile.
After a light handshake, Ayame continued, "Kasumi-sensei, do you already have an illustrator arranged? If not, we can assign one for your novel."
"No need. The illustrations for volume one are already prepared. I'll send them to you later."
"Oh? May I ask which artist created them?" Ayame asked curiously.
"Eri Kashiwagi-sensei. Have you heard of her?" Utaha Kasumigaoka replied with a smile.
She knew Eriri had sold her manga at doujin events in this world but wasn't sure how well-known she had become in the otaku community here.
"What?! It's Eri Kashiwagi-sensei?!"
A look of shock appeared on Ayame Kagurazaka's face, drawing the attention of all three girls.
Megumi Kato, who had been quiet beside Utaha, suddenly spoke up: "Judging by Miss Kagurazaka's reaction, it seems that pen name is already quite famous in the industry?"
"Of course. The two manga volumes Eri Kashiwagi-sensei sold at the recent Winter Comiket were absolutely amazing."
"Although only 100 copies were sold, scans of those two works have already spread all over the internet in just a few days."
"It's just a pity that there's only volume one. Readers are all eagerly waiting for when Eri Kashiwagi-sensei will release the next volume."
"Our editorial department has also been trying to get in touch with her, but we haven't been able to make contact."
At this point, a trace of regret appeared on Ayame's face.
After Dengeki Bunko realized the commercial value of Eriri's two manga works, they tried to find her through various channels and eventually learned that she had a connection to Mrs. Izumi.
However, out of respect for Eriri, Mrs. Izumi didn't disclose her contact information to them.
That's why Dengeki Bunko had been unable to reach Eriri.
From Ayame's lengthy explanation, the three girls now understood just how famous Eriri had become in this world.
"Ooh! That's so like her. Amazing as always," Yuzuru Hanyu said excitedly, as if she were the one being praised.
Utaha Kasumigaoka and Megumi Kato both smiled in delight as well, and their reactions confirmed something in Ayame Kagurazaka's mind.
"I didn't expect you, Kasumi-sensei, to be acquainted with Eri Kashiwagi-sensei. Would it be possible for you to help us get in touch with her?" Ayame looked at the three of them expectantly.
"Miss Kagurazaka, there's no need to rush. When Eri Kashiwagi-sensei is ready to release volume two, she'll naturally come forward," Utaha Kasumigaoka said calmly.
Hearing this, Ayame Kagurazaka could only nod helplessly. "Alright."
After that, Yuzuru Hanyu also successfully passed the signing process, and both she and Utaha Kasumigaoka became authors under Ayame Kagurazaka's wing.
By the time the three of them exited the Dengeki Bunko building, it was already past eleven o'clock.
They didn't return to the Saekano world right away and instead strolled leisurely through Tokyo in the Oreimo world.
Meanwhile, Arifureta and the others had also crossed over into the Oreimo world through the gate.
Just like Kasumigaoka and her group, their first stop upon arriving in this world was to greet Ruri at her home.
Hinata and Tamaki were overjoyed at the arrival of Reina, Sakura, and the other little girls.
...
Soon, more than a week had passed, and Eriri had already thoroughly analyzed the structure of the "Gate" a week ago and had successfully replicated an identical one.
Over the following days, she sequentially connected the Saekano world with the worlds of Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest, Overlord, Akame ga Kill!, GATE: Thus the JSDF Fought There!, Mieruko-chan, Ascendance of a Bookworm, Demon Slayer, High School DxD, Saki, One Punch Man, Campione!, Sword Art Online, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, Redo of Healer, Classroom of the Elite, Black Bullet, Highschool of the Dead, No Game No Life, Gabriel DropOut, One Piece, as well as the custom world she created for the martial arts tournament where mermaids live.
Eriri even cleared out a space in the villa's courtyard specifically to install these world-connecting gates. Each gate had a floating label above it, written in pink energy, indicating the name of the world it led to.
With these gates, the methods Eriri had left on Shirahoshi and Hancock to ensure contact had become mostly symbolic. She had granted both of them access to all the gates, allowing them to travel directly to the Saekano world.
Remia, Myu, and Shea could now return to visit their people and old friends whenever they liked, without relying on Eriri to open a world portal for them.
The same went for the lolis, though Eriri had not yet told Hardy—who was still immersed in her training—about the gates. She planned to wait until Hardy met her goals before informing her.
As for Gabriel, she completely ignored the gates and had no intention of going back to inform Vignette, her sister Zelel, or anyone else.
She didn't want her relaxing, lazy lifestyle to be discovered by her sister.
As for the remaining worlds not yet connected, Eriri planned to link them up gradually as she visited them.
And now, for the first time in half a year, Eriri returned to the world of DanMachi.
Her main purpose this time was to purchase a property there to house the world gate.
Originally, Riveria had suggested placing the gate in the Loki Familia base, but for various reasons, Eriri declined the offer. She instead planned to buy a house elsewhere in Orario.
The fastest way to make money in Orario was to sell magic stones and rare materials—things that Eriri could easily acquire.
Half a year had passed, and the Dungeon City had barely changed.
Ais had already cleared the dungeon and defeated the Black Dragon.
However, only the Loki Familia and a few gods knew about this. After all, Ais was vastly stronger than the Black Dragon and defeated it effortlessly, without making a sound.
The Loki Familia also had no intention of publicizing the event.
Nowadays, Ais and Riveria barely paid attention to the dungeon anymore. For them, it was no different than a beginner's village—it offered no value or challenge.
Instead, they mainly used their chat group points to continue improving their strength.
Eriri stood alone on the bustling streets of Orario, drawing the gaze of every adventurer around, both male and female, who couldn't help but look her way.
By scanning the world, Eriri had already determined what point in time this was.
It was shortly after the start of the original story's events—Bell, the protagonist, had arrived in Orario nearly a month ago.
Perhaps due to the butterfly effect caused by Eriri, Bell had not met Hestia. Instead, he had become a member of Freya Familia.
As for Hestia, she continued to live a poor life alone.
Previously, Eriri had invited Hestia to the Saekano world, and Hestia had said she'd consider it. But after half a year, Eriri had yet to receive any word from Ais about Hestia reaching out.
So, as far as Eriri was concerned, Hestia had declined the invitation.
But that was understandable. Hestia was a goddess who had lived for over a hundred millions years—she wasn't about to change the course of her life on a whim from someone she'd just met, even if she had a favorable impression of Eriri.
To Hestia, Eriri was still just a stranger she liked.
If Eriri had stayed in this world a little longer and built a closer relationship with Hestia, then extended the invitation again, Hestia likely wouldn't have refused.
...
Not far from where Eriri stood, Hyakinthos, captain of the Apollo Familia, had just left the base. When he spotted Eriri, his face immediately lit up with excitement. He quickly turned around and rushed back toward the base.
Though it had been half a year, Eriri's unforgettable beauty made it easy for him to recognize her at first glance.
After Hyakinthos reported Eriri's presence to Apollo half a year ago, Apollo had taken great interest in her and immediately ordered his subordinates to investigate her background.
But by that time, Eriri had already left the DanMachi world, so the Apollo Familia had failed to gather any useful information.
All they learned was that Eriri was connected to the Loki Familia.
However, given the vast gap in power between the Apollo and Loki Familias, Apollo didn't dare provoke Loki's group. The most he did was occasionally inquire about Eriri at the gods' meeting held every three months.
Of course, Loki never revealed anything about Eriri. Even when other gods asked her about Eriri, she remained silent.
Left with no options, Apollo eventually gave up on the investigation, though she remained constantly on his mind.
Before long, Hyakinthos arrived at a luxurious estate and found Apollo drinking and enjoying himself in the grand hall.
Seeing the hurried return of Hyakinthos, Apollo, who was gently swirling a glass of red wine, smiled and said, "Hyakinthos, my lovely child, did you forget something and rush back so soon?"
"Lord Apollo, she's appeared!" Hyakinthos said with some excitement.
"Hmm? Who appeared?"
"The beautiful girl I reported to you about half a year ago—the one related to the Loki Familia—she's shown up again!"
Hearing this, Apollo froze, and the hand swirling his wine glass paused mid-motion.
He set down the glass and suddenly stepped forward, grabbing Hyakinthos by the shoulders and staring into his eyes with excitement.
"Hyakinthos, where is that girl now?"
Although Apollo had never seen Eriri in person, the reaction from the gods back then convinced him she was no ordinary girl.
Looking at the close-up Apollo, even the usually stern Hyakinthos blushed faintly.
"Lord Apollo, I saw her on the main street. But I came back immediately to report it, so I'm not sure if she's still there."
"Quickly! Take some people and keep an eye on her. We can't let her vanish again!"
Then he paused and changed his tone: "No... I'll come with you. I must see with my own eyes just how beautiful the girl I've been thinking about for half a year really is."
"Yes, Lord Apollo."
Having made up his mind, Apollo didn't waste any time. He swiftly gathered the highest-level adventurers in his Familia and left the base.
Led by Hyakinthos, they headed toward Eriri's last known location.
...
Just as Apollo was setting his plan into motion, Eriri, wandering through the streets, came upon a familiar figure at a fried potato ball stall.
There stood Hestia—with her familiar twin-tails, her petite yet voluptuous figure, and her iconic ribbon outfit.
Seeing her idly lounging behind the empty stand with no customers, Eriri smiled and walked straight over.
"Yo~ Hestia, long time no see."
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