Chapter 27
Chapter 27
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 27
Chapter Title: Volume 6 - Avatar Passion (1)
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◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Hm..."
Avatar Passion, the sequel to Descent of the Avatar, begins with Nigredo's proposal to Albedo at the end of the previous story.
Nigredo suggests that Albedo enroll at Magnum Academy, a place where girls who can transform into Avatars gather.
Unable to bear returning to her ordinary self after the extraordinary events, Albedo accepts the offer.
In truth, despite the name "academy," Magnum Academy is a paramilitary organization where Avatar girls train together to fight and combat Corrosion.
They even have to hide their identities, so there's no uniform—just casual clothes—which makes it feel even less like a school.
"Still, with so many new characters, there's a lot to mull over."
I've mostly decided how to handle the main episodes for each character.
But figuring out how to naturally introduce them when they're not the focus—how to convey their traits without it feeling forced—is taking longer than expected.
Well, jumping from two to five characters all at once is bound to be tricky.
'Not that it's really three new ones—Nigredo barely got any explanation in the last comic.'
So if I touch a bit on her too, this work basically revolves around introducing characters through a mix of daily life and battles.
It's the part where you naturally show what drives each one to fight, their personalities, and all that, so readers grow attached.
That way, more people can empathize and enjoy the trials and tribulations to come.
If Descent of the Avatar was buildup for the protagonist's character,
then Avatar Passion is buildup for the other four.
Fortunately, these are issues that are starting to resolve themselves, so no real worries there.
The real headache is the one thing that's completely stuck.
"First off..."
Albedo, the protagonist.
A white-haired ordinary girl who can't stand her own averageness.
She actually looks forward to fighting Corrosion, the extraordinary threat.
A newbie Avatar who recently awakened, wielding pure white flames.
Nigredo, aka Niggy.
A cool black-haired girl who debuts saving Albedo from near-death against Corrosion.
Surprisingly airheaded side that's pretty cute.
A veteran Avatar who handles black flames.
These two appeared in Descent of the Avatar.
Even in a monochrome comic, white and black make it easy to capture fire's essence.
I mean, even at a glance, Albedo's and Nigredo's flames feel totally different, right?
Obviously, since the colors are so distinct.
'The problem is the three new ones in Avatar Passion.'
Chitrinita, aka Cheaty.
A golden-haired little beauty with twintails and a tsundere high-noble gimmick.
If Rozaria hadn't gone full mega-dere, she'd be pretty similar.
An Avatar who uses yellow-burning flames like whips.
Viriditas, aka Virgy.
Green-haired with glasses—a setup loaded with reject-bait traits.
But the classic "glasses are a seal; remove them to reveal a super cutie" trope for this shy bookworm.
An Avatar using green flames for trap-like attacks.
Rubedo, aka Ruby.
A hot-blooded redhead who fights with full confidence.
Acts tough on the outside but is a bit weak inside, so she'll lean on Albedo a lot.
An Avatar who wraps herself in red flames for bold, aggressive combat.
These three new characters have well-balanced personalities and personal colors, if I do say so myself.
The issue? This was prepped as a color comic at first, so switching to black-and-white is throwing things off.
Visual distinctions hold up thanks to design, but differentiating flame concepts in battle scenes is a nightmare.
"This isn't it either. Even drawing it myself, it doesn't click."
Obviously, I planned to vary screen tones for the flames.
But testing it out, finding the right tones is tougher than thought.
I can adjust density—yellow lightest, then green, red darkest—to evoke shades of gray.
But the pattern drastically changes the fire's vibe.
Most tones are optimized for hair or clothing, not flames. No helping it.
Guess I'll have to hunt or develop custom screen tones with more thought.
Well, it's not like pondering now yields instant answers.
"Detailing combat matters, but plenty else left— no rush."
I can finish storyboarding and inking first, then tackle it.
No deadlines breathing down my neck.
I submit manuscripts on my schedule; they announce release based on that. I can polish till satisfied.
"Parts are coming together nicely, so no need to stress."
For instance, their signature outfits are key here.
Not magical girl costumes—each has a cute, fitting casual set.
Unlike flames, existing tones nail the vibe perfectly. Super satisfying results already.
And there's a reason for this detail...
In this story, transforming burns their clothes away, so they strip first.
Can't torch outfits every time, right?
'Even now, it's a batshit insane setting.'
Magical girls who manually strip before transforming.
For me, who loves drawing strip scenes panel by panel, it's irresistible.
That's why casuals over uniforms—to highlight character quirks.
Compensates for transformation focusing on fire, less fanservice, with varied undressing.
So, nailing outfit designs and stripping motions is crucial.
The thrill of unbuttoning one by one, or yanking off a tight stocking clinging to the thigh.
The pleasure of ribbons loosening and slipping away—draw it to make viewers gasp.
That's standard outerwear, but underwear remains.
Unhooking a bra, breasts jiggling free—paramount beauty to capture.
Sliding panties down, snagging on thighs? Essential.
"Whew, detailing clothes and undies after so long—fun as hell."
Going nude by stripping is hot.
For a naked magical girl concept, these outfits are a masterstroke.
I rarely self-praise, but this screams Kim Siwoo's genius.
"Kali?"
"Y-yeah? Be right out!"
Rozaria's sudden knock made me hastily hide my work.
I knew she was busy drawing too, so I holed up here to get some done.
Guess she finished and wants dinner together.
Yeah, time's about right.
"Just a sec—sit and wait."
"Okay, thanks. But lately, aren't you doing all the cooking? Maybe I should..."
"I want to. Making food for you makes me happy."
"Mm..."
Like I said before, she scolded me not to steal her happiness.
If she's fine, fine—but still feels guilty.
She's busy drawing too, not idle...
"Gah, cough, cough!"
"Kali!? You okay?"
Shit, startled me.
Sipping water, waiting for her at the table.
But her outfit as she approached? Nearly choked to death.
What the hell did she eat to dress like that?
"Why stare?"
"Y-you know why your face is beet red! Why suddenly that outfit..."
White apron? Seen it plenty at meals.
Problem: everything else gone.
Rozaria was in naked apron mode.
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