Chapter 16
Chapter 16
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Volume 3 - Descent of the Avatar (5)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "It's been a while... or not really? Anyway, how have you been?"
"Oh, yeah. And you, Siu? Doing well?"
"I'm doing so well that you're sending me on another errand. Isn't it a bit too soon? I figured the prep wasn't done yet."
"No, your timing is perfect."
With that, she pulled out a slim little book that looked just like the one I'd requested before.
It had a thin feel due to the page count, but it was unmistakably in the form of a comic book.
At least on the outside, it's exactly what I wanted.
"Whoa, the material is really nice. Does this keep the cost down?"
"We settled on a fair price. Can't make it too cheap when you factor in the cover pricing, right?"
"True, but... how much is the paper?"
No matter how advanced magic was here, I'd only expected quality on par with modern pulp paper.
Most of the books I'd seen in this world's bookstores were around that level too.
But this was close to the paper used in modern books.
It was incredibly white, with a smooth finish that felt durable.
I'd asked out of genuine concern for the price, but the difference was manageable, so I nodded.
The initial print run would sell mainly to nobles and the well-off anyway.
I couldn't compromise on the color cover, so this was inevitable—and honestly, not a big deal for that crowd.
"A book printed with this level of quality, and the cost is about the same as the cover? Feels kinda weird."
"Color printing costs a fortune. No way around it."
The book's finishing and quality were outstanding.
I was thrilled that every detail I'd specified was there.
No issues with the order or printing either.
This was basically ready to sell as-is.
"Like you said, page numbers at the bottom. And up front, the print number and quantity."
"Checked it. Test print, 0th edition, 10 copies, right?"
"Yes, just ten printed. What do you think?"
"Looks good. We can go ahead like this. Mind if I take one?"
"Of course. You have to show Siu, after all."
"Ahaha..."
I kept forgetting that setup in our chats. Close call.
Next up was the cover prototype, which was also top-notch.
The paper and ink were meant for copying masterpieces, so it couldn't be bad.
"Yes, now replace the old one with this. Master finished it."
"Ah, the retouched version for the cover?"
"Exactly. Should work for the Descent of the Avatar exhibit too."
"Got it. I'll rush new samples."
"I'll hang around and browse while I wait."
Last time, after a month, so much had changed. Probably plenty new in the last few days.
Wonder how Descent of the Avatar's recommendations were trending.
Man, no real-time rankings like the internet. Kinda inconvenient.
But the thrill of checking in person had its charm.
"Huh? Professor Rondo...?"
"Oh, long time no see. Doing well?"
"Eh, just rolling with Master's tasks."
I was clutching my chest, moved by the skyrocketing recommendations.
Then a familiar face emerged from the Descent of the Avatar exhibit. Couldn't help calling out.
She smiled and approached with a greeting.
"Hah, you're just now checking. Didn't tell me first, you selfish old bat..."
"You didn't know?"
"She probably thought I was busy with lectures and magic research—her 'considerate' way. Came to exhibit the finished piece and got a real shock seeing the new work."
"New work?"
From Professor Rondo, no less? Expectations sky-high.
Honestly, one of the pieces that blew me away here was her World Within the Door.
Wonder what she'd drawn this time.
"Can't wait. I'm a big fan of your work, Professor."
"...Is that so?"
"Yeah. World Within the Door especially—it was incredible."
"Ahem... But something even greater came after."
"Doesn't diminish your work's value."
She nodded thoughtfully at my words.
Then led me to her new exhibit, saying she'd show it off.
"Touring the galleries today, I felt good about my theme choice."
"What's the theme?"
"Other races first. Wanted something others might skip. Maybe 'cause I'm one myself... But most did humans anyway. So mine should stand out."
No clue what she'd painted.
I probed about style; turns out, manga-style again.
This trend is plague-level...
"No other themes?"
"War."
"War? Oh, yeah, similar vibes in your last one."
"Not from that era myself, but heard plenty from my parents. Wondered what it'd look like deformed heavily to capture those horrific moments."
Wasn't planning war from the start.
Decided on non-humans like elves as focus, then settled on the racial war era for subject.
Right—races get along now, but the continent was once a bloodbath of racial wars.
"Here it is."
"Uh...?"
The painting hit me like a truck—breath caught in shock.
Definitely her new work, in manga style.
Not her usual clean coloring—thick, rough strokes instead.
The intensity felt like it was assaulting my eyes.
First thing that jumped out: an orc.
Like elves here were long-eared forest long-livers, orcs were short-lived but bred fast, grew quick, with burly bodies, huge tusks—tough, aggressive race.
She nailed orc features so perfectly, no doubt what it was.
Dynamic, like it'd leap out—unreal colors making it feel alive.
This orc looked ready to charge with a weapon, gripping a female elf's throat to pin her down.
Slender, radiant elf, clothes torn, clutching at them while held.
Exposed skin's beauty, fluttering rags' motion—stole my breath.
"This is insane..."
The orc's lecherous grin clashed with its fierce features, amplifying the impact.
The elf's fearful yet pridefully gritted expression was heartbreaking.
War-worn fatigue etched in detail—raw emotion and sensation overwhelmed me.
The orc's massive cock, veined and wrinkled so vividly, pulsed alive— even I felt grossed out.
Crushed against the tiny elf body, the violence seared into my brain.
Bloodstains had real texture, like fresh paint—chilling.
Once I processed the shock, the background crushed me next: battlefield strewn with corpses, victorious orcs ravaging defeated elves.
Felt like stepping into history—goosebumps.
"You okay?"
"P-Professor Rondo?"
"Yes?"
"...Mind if I buy just one copy?"
My dick throbbed painfully erect, but I had to ask.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇