Hikigaya is very pleased with the response on the Internet regarding the serialization of the second chapter of "Malice." The vast majority of the comments indicate one thing: these readers have been completely misled by his narrative. They analyze the plots and think they see foreshadowing, but their conclusions are superficial.
"This generation of readers is not good enough. They really need me to take some drastic measures," Hikigaya thought to himself, shaking his head and feeling a sense of mission.
As for his other strong book, "Confessions," which was previously nominated for the Japan Mystery Writers Association Award, he was uncertain about its current status. Although Mr. Arisugawa had assured him that the award was a sure thing, Hikigaya couldn't shake his nerves.
"Should I prepare an acceptance speech? No, that's like popping champagne at halftime."
He paced back and forth in his room. As a famous writer, he should know better than to be surprised by awards, praise, or criticism.
"No! I can't let myself think that way! Should I call Mr. Arisugawa for inside information? No, it's only early May and the awards won't be announced until the end of the month. He won't have any updates and will just tease me for being anxious."
Feeling dejected, Hikigaya collapsed onto his bed. As a writer, he was ambitious about winning awards. Although Mr. Arisugawa appeared nonchalant and claimed his books were "not widely read," he had actually won three prestigious awards in the mystery novel world: the Edogawa Ranpo Award, the Japan Mystery Writers Association Award, and the Honkaku Mystery Award, all before Hikigaya was born.
Thus, it was understandable that Mr. Arisugawa was not surprised by awards, just as he wouldn't be surprised by one or two million yen. Now, Arisugawa supports and helps Hikigaya without reservation. Having already achieved complete success, he no longer pursues fame or status—he already has both.
If Hikigaya wins the Mystery Writers Association Award, the most significant benefit would be that "Confessions" would gain an important slogan on its cover. The second benefit is that the award would mean acceptance by the most mainstream group in the Japanese mystery world, marking his official entry into the mainstream.
"God helps those who help themselves. Hachiman, you've done well enough. Now just trust in fate," said Hikigaya's mother, who understood her son's thoughts. Though her son had achieved great success at the age of fifteen, he was still a child and needed proper psychological support.
Hikigaya understood these principles, but reasoning was always easier than applying them in practice. Therefore, he felt burdened and could only calm down by studying hard and chatting with his older sisters on the phone.
Now in his third year of junior high school, Hikigaya was busy with homework and had little time to write "The Clock Museum Incident." His current writing progress had just reached the first part of the plot where the group arrived at the old museum to perform a soul-calling ceremony.
Yes, it was a necromancy ritual. One characteristic of the new orthodox mystery is that many ghost stories eventually lean toward scientific explanations. Such content makes the plot more tense and exciting while also creating a compelling horror atmosphere.
A group of people decided to find a psychic to perform a necromancy ritual in a building to communicate with the dead. However, the building was completely closed off from the outside world, with no light able to shine in. This setting was particularly suitable for creating a horror atmosphere, which is one reason "The Clock House Incident" is so engaging.
Readers will be shocked by the grand central trick and the motive behind the existence of the clock house until the end of the story, all while being accompanied by this terrifying atmosphere. Although new orthodox reasoning is often criticized for prioritizing tricks over motives, "The Clock House Incident" masterfully combines both, which is a key reason it has become a classic.
"I would believe it, even if you told me it was a ghost story, Mr. Hachiman," Naho Imamura said while comparing herself to Hikigaya over the phone.
"Very good. This shows that my initial goal has been achieved. The most taboo in orthodox reasoning is that parts unrelated to the case can be quite dull." Hikigaya was very satisfied. He worked hard to make the overall reading experience of the book more exciting and thrilling, ensuring that readers wouldn't lose interest halfway through.
Losing interest in a story is no exaggeration. Some novels by traditional writers are not only written in a plain style but, as the plot progresses, suddenly shift to descriptions of tourism, local customs, and people. Moreover, these descriptions are later revealed to have nothing to do with the main plot. The writers simply want to increase the length of the novel, which discourages a significant number of readers.
"I admit that the reading experience of the text you sent me is excellent. This atmosphere makes me want to quit my job right now and play a script-writing game."
"Then go have fun, Editor Imamura! If anyone asks, just tell them you were discussing work with Mr. Hachiman," Hikigaya joked.
"You're right, Mr. Hachiman. I'll go right away. If the editor-in-chief asks you to verify my story, you must help me make it up. Thank you!"
"Wait, wait, wait! I was kidding. Editor Imamura? Editor Imamura?" However, the only sound on the other end of the phone was a beep.
Of course, Editor Imamura is not someone who disregards discipline. She reacted this way mainly because today is Saturday—a day off.
Thanks to Hikigaya's meteoric rise since his debut in All Readings, the magazine's editorial department has seen a steady increase in submissions over the past few months. What particularly annoys Editor Imamura is that a large number of 14- and 15-year-olds believe they are good enough to submit their own work—often secretly written during class—to the magazine.
"What the hell, you little brats! Do you really think you can copy writer Hachiman?"
At that moment, Naho Imamura, who had been scheduled to work overtime on the weekend due to the increased workload, was feeling extremely vulnerable and irritable. She genuinely wanted to leave the office and have some fun. So after hearing Hikigaya's words, she immediately left without considering whether he was being serious.
"It seems that Editor Imamura is really busy. I should find a chance to buy her a gift to thank her," Hikigaya said while looking at the phone screen.
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