“Damn it… This isn’t right!!!”

The sound of crumpling paper and sighs echoed through the third-floor workshop of the Somerset studio.

The third floor of the studio had recently become a shared workspace for the artists serializing in Manafia magazine, not just Rupert alone.

Creak.

“Dumas, please! Keep it down!”

“Oh… Alright, sorry…”

Anyone who knew Sena would have been shocked by her behavior.

The usually quiet and composed Sena was now speaking sharply to Dumas, who was much older than her. Those who knew her could hardly imagine her like this.

Dumas, the only smoker in the workshop, was now trying to quit due to Sena’s heightened sensitivity. Even heading out for a smoke felt like walking on eggshells.

It wasn’t just Sena; every artist in the studio was on edge, and they had to be mindful of each other’s space.

Saint was constantly crumpling his drafts, and Ismael had developed a habit of biting his nails due to the time crunch.

Dumas, on the other hand, had been chain-smoking until he got a warning from everyone else in the studio.

In a way, Sena’s stress seemed like the most normal thing around here.

Of course,

“Hm, so you’re saying you’d like each work to take turns as the magazine cover?”

“Exactly! Wouldn’t having a different cover every issue stimulate people’s desire to collect, rather than just changing the issue number?”

“A fantastic idea! Let’s get started right away.”

In the midst of all this, Rupert was still leisurely discussing magazine business with the Esteban Merchant Guild’s chief.

Compared to the monthly single-issue releases he used to manage, the biweekly serializations now, though each one might be longer, were still an easy workload for him.

Hearing Rupert’s conversation with the merchant chief, the other artists could only scream internally.

Unlike Rupert, they were barely keeping up with the current biweekly schedule as it was.

If they had to work on cover art too, it would leave them with virtually no time to rest.

“Rupert, sir… Could you take a look at this plot progression for me?”

“Of course. Just a moment…”

But none of them could complain since Rupert, who juggled his own projects, always made time to review their work as well.

‘How does he manage being a professor at the academy…?’

‘I heard he was up all night on the second floor discussing animation the other day.’

‘And he always spends weekends with Miss Ada, doesn’t he?’

From an outsider’s perspective, Rupert’s schedule was incomprehensible.

‘Recently, even the young master has been taking it easy.’

When the artists accidentally overheard the craftsmen mentioning how Rupert was actually taking more breaks compared to the past, they could hardly believe their ears.

With that, they gritted their teeth and picked up their pens. Rupert always told them that the serialization schedule was flexible and not to overdo it.

‘I can’t keep riding his coattails forever!’

Currently, Rupert’s Van Helsing was indisputably the most popular work in Manafia magazine.

Other works had their fans, but the gap between them and Van Helsing was staggering.

“Geez, Van Helsing is always at the back, so I end up reading the other stuff first.”

“That’s why I start reading from the last page.”

“Of course, I even tear out Van Helsing and bind it separately.”

Since the serialization began, some harsh critics accused Rupert’s work of being a forced best-seller propped up by other less popular titles.

This made the other artists determined to produce manga that could stand alongside Rupert’s.

With no time to waste, they tightened their grip on their pens and continued to draw.

“Who would win if Gaton and Scud fought?”

Anyone who’s read manga on Earth has probably argued over who’s stronger at least once.

Even in this world, manga fans couldn’t avoid such debates.

“Gaton’s Fist Arts are impressive, but wouldn’t Scud with his sword have the upper hand?”

“Nonsense! Didn’t you see Gaton demolish mechanical dolls with his punch loaded with Eastern Secret Martial Arts?”

“What about Scud’s sword techniques with the vampire hunter breathing method? How’s he going to block attacks that can incinerate vampires?”

Fans each rooted for their favorite manga characters, making it impossible to have a real discussion.

Besides,

“Neither stands a chance against Flame Alchemist Lloyd Cavallo.”

It was common for someone to suddenly bring up characters from other series to join the debate.

“Hah, then Lloyd would be helpless against Elza from the Ice Kingdom with one wave of her staff.”

“What? Are you done talking, punk?!”

“Yeah, I’m done, you brat. Let’s settle this, Iron-Blooded Alliance scum!”

Brawls often broke out mid-debate, but after a long fight, they’d reconcile and go back to discussing manga. It was now a common scene in the Empire’s taverns.

And it wasn’t just commoners.

The nobles’ social club, known as the “Mimic” for its rare and valuable collectibles, was also obsessed with manga.

Their collection of manga and merch was highly regarded among fans, making membership in this exclusive club highly coveted.

Due to the selective and intensive admission process, however, it was extremely hard to join, much to the frustration of noble manga enthusiasts.

“Hey, isn’t that a figure straight out of White Whale?”

“I knew you’d recognize it.”

At the regular Mimic meetings, new figures often stole the spotlight.

But these weren’t just figures; they were new, revolutionary kinds of collectibles.

“The ocean waves and colors—captured perfectly! I can’t believe they recreated this.”

“And look! The ship and protagonist figure can be adjusted in detail!”

Creating dioramas—a term borrowed from Earth—had emerged in this world.

In fact, Rupert had once considered making them, but the process was so painstaking and time-consuming that he put it off.

But inspired by White Whale, a wealthy noble made a massive investment, leading to the first diorama’s creation.

Thwack!

“Ouch! Why’d you hit my hand?”

Snap!

A noble, reaching out to touch the diorama in awe, was scolded by its owner.

The noble pointed to a sign quietly attached to the display table.

“Look with your eyes only.”

The piece was so fragile that even a slight touch could damage it.

The noble, ignorant of this, took offense, thinking the owner was being overly fussy.

‘Ugh, I’ll make one myself if he’s going to be so precious about it!’

Though he’d likely be in the same position if he ever made one.

“Did you catch this week’s Puppet Play?”

“Of course, though it was a bit disappointing.”

“What?”

While some admired the diorama, others gathered to discuss manga.

“The troupe scenes have been dragging on for two whole issues now.”

“That’s the key! Puppet Play has, like, two or three protagonists. It takes time to weave their stories together.”

“But isn’t the troupe part especially boring?”

“It’s necessary! Wait and see; once the buildup’s over, the story will be explosive!”

“If you have to endure it for the payoff, is it really a good manga? The Count of Monte Cristo is fun from the start.”

“You really don’t know manga.”

In the social clubs, serious discussions about manga abounded.

They dissected every aspect, from plot quality to art style, and although Van Helsing was the top pick among common readers, here, the runners-up were different.

Here, Rupert’s Van Helsing still reigned supreme, but The Man of the Second Century often claimed second place among members.

“Excluding Rupert, Saint’s art is unparalleled.”

“It’s not just the art. The themes in his work are profound.”

“His stories are so well-crafted. This is the essence of manga!”

Though less popular among commoners for its lack of flashy scenes, The Man of the Second Century was beloved in the club as a hidden gem.

Of course,

‘I didn’t find it interesting, but if I say that, they’ll call me a noob. Better to pretend.’

Those who didn’t care for it kept quiet, fearing they’d be labeled a “mang-noob.”

Mang-noob—short for manga noob—had become a popular term in the club, a magical label used to dismiss dissenters.

One careless comment could ruin their social standing in the club, so everyone tread carefully.

“Why don’t we publish our own newsletter?”

“A newsletter?”

“Yes, with manga recommendations, monthly picks, all voted on by us!”

Fired up by the idea, the club members passionately resumed their manga debates.

Just another typical day for manga enthusiasts.