Became a Manga Artist

Three days had passed since the new issue of Shinsei Monthly hit the shelves, and Aoki Junichi hadn't received any direct evaluation of his work. Online discussions, particularly on popular platforms like MangaTalk Forum, were predictably dominated by critiques of super-famous masterpieces. It was, of course, impossible for a short story in such a small magazine to cause a major splash on its own.

However, within the editorial department of Shinsei Monthly, many were indeed delighted. The magazine's popularity had been steadily declining, leaving it in a sluggish state, but the sales volume for this issue had increased significantly. After analyzing the data, it's clear the surge was indeed brought by this particular issue, and many loyal readers had also given high praise to the short stories featured in the new talent event.

Among them, "Dark Heart," which reflects the darker side of society, was widely found to be interesting, making its Gold Award status generally accepted. However, some people disagreed with the decision for the Silver Award. While not explicitly deeming the recipient unworthy, many argued that "She and Her Cat" was more deserving of higher praise.

On MangaTalk Forum, a user posted: "Among all three works, my favorite is 'Dark Heart,' but the most profound is 'She and Her Cat.' Its prose-like narrative, the plot not too grand, nor with major turning points, simply tells a small, fresh story. It's warm but sad, yet the main narrative feels incredibly natural, and the emotional description is exquisitely delicate. Although the art isn't perfect in many places—the paneling, some shadows, and minor details have mistakes—comic art skills aren't absolute. The plot is the key to moving people's hearts. This is a newcomer award, so such imperfections are very normal. I genuinely love this work; it truly offered me healing and touched me recently."

Another forum member added: "As for 'Love and the Like,' is it really a new author? You can tell from the drawing style. This work is clearly the pseudonym of Kuroishi, who previously serialized 'Blood War Boy' with Shinsei Monthly. I checked; some details are exactly the same."

A subsequent comment quipped: "He was unmasked the moment he used his alias, haha."

Ryo Matsumoto felt deeply frustrated. He was indeed the artist behind "Love and the Like," and the work was entirely his own. He used to be a serialized author for a long-running comic in Shinsei Monthly. But that was in the past; now, his series had been abruptly cancelled due to poor performance. Recently, the new manuscript he submitted had even been rejected. Facing a lack of living funds, he happened to see the Shinsei New Talent Award in progress. Its prize money was substantial, so he decided to participate.

Although it was a newcomer award, by changing his name and coordinating with his editor, he knew there was an 80% chance he could get in.

In fact, he didn't anticipate any issues. He did get published smoothly through his editor, but the results were somewhat unexpected. The masterpiece he was so confident in didn't win first place as scheduled, instead receiving an ordinary Silver Award. A Silver Award was still a Silver Award, which wasn't unacceptable. But after the release, the Bronze Award winner's reputation far surpassed his second-place entry. And with his alias exposed, he couldn't help but feel utterly depressed.

Are the newcomers already this strong? He had to feel like he was getting old... Ridiculous! How can the comics drawn by a group of snot-nosed brats compare to mine? He seethed, a vein throbbing at his temple. He had seen "She and Her Cat," but he genuinely didn't feel it was that good. It was too loosely structured for his taste. He didn't like the storyline, but Ryo Matsumoto was too angry to care.

Aoki Junichi still works at the convenience store and occasionally acts as a cashier, but he sometimes focuses his energy on Shinsei Monthly. In the past two days, the sales for this magazine have increased significantly. In the past, they might sell one or two copies; this time, it was sold out. Of course, Manager Kobayashi had ordered very few copies, which was also a big reason for the quick sell-out.

"Hey, get me a Shinsei Monthly magazine." Today, a girl walked in.

Aoki Junichi said politely, "I'm very sorry, the magazine has already sold out."

"Ah, it's not here anymore?" The girl's voice was a little regretful.

"I'm very sorry, but it's truly all sold out." Aoki Junichi could only repeat it again.

"All right." The girl then left.

"Who was that, Aoki-kun?" Mika-san had just returned from her work.

"She was asking for Shinsei Monthly, but they were all sold out."

"Recently, the sales of this magazine have increased a lot. It seems Manager Kobayashi can be asked to order more for the next issue."

"Who knows?" Aoki Junichi shrugged, indicating it didn't much matter to him.

"Aoki-kun, have you finished stocking the goods?" Mika-san asked.

"All done."

Aoki Junichi is very efficient, so he benefits from this efficiency, gaining some spare time to rest.

He uses this time to practice his drawing.

"Aoki-kun, you really love drawing. You spend all your rest time on it."

"Well, I'm interested."

Aoki Junichi knows his own capabilities, and his drawing skills are still too weak. Although comics don't always require a high level of artistic ambition, good drawing skills would undoubtedly be of great benefit to him.

"By the way, you're still in school, right? Is it really okay to work like this every day?"

Aoki Junichi's expression was stunned for a moment, and after thinking about it, he was a little unsure.

"Probably." At least, Aoki Junichi has not received an order to drop out of school, and Mr. Sato has shown no signs of trying to control his decisions.

During this period, apart from drawing and part-time work, Aoki Junichi also dedicates time to studying. He's not doing nothing; he studies junior high school knowledge to prepare for the upcoming high school entrance examination. As long as he passes the test, even if it's the worst high school, he will choose to attend.

Although he decided to draw comics for a living, primarily because the System acts as a temptation to support him, he harbors no grand ideas of changing the entire world, nor does he possess an innate, burning passion for comics. Perhaps that will change in the future, but for now, formal education remains a must.

Though what he said now is not entirely convincing to others.

"Aoki-kun, please go to the cooked food area and take charge of the Oden section."

"Okay."

Aoki Junichi was a little helpless, put down his brush, and came to the Oden area. He skillfully placed pork patties, chicken skewers, and the best-selling radish, also called daikon, in the designated areas. After being boiled in savory broth, they absorbed the flavors beautifully and were quite delicious. Though many complained that convenience store Oden didn't taste as good as the authentic street stall version, its convenience made it indispensable for those who couldn't easily access the real thing.

At this time, several high school students just walked in. According to their current age, they were older than him.

"Bring me a chicken skewer and a daikon."

"I want daikon too."

"I want some more soup, thank you."

Aoki Junichi helped them fill their orders one by one. He was busy until late, and after he finished stocking the goods, he marked the lunch boxes with a half-price discount. With that final task, his daily part-time work came to an end.