Afterword
Hello, this is Taro Hitsuji.
This time, I was fortunate enough to have my work selected as the grand prize winner of the 26th Fantasia Awards, and I’ve been given the opportunity to publish this book with Fujimi Shobo.
Man, it feels profound. I’ve finally made it this far, huh?
And when I think about that, I can’t help but recall the past… the moment that sparked my journey into writing novels.
It all began during my days as a ronin, cramming for university entrance exams.
Back in high school, I was so caught up in club activities that I neglected my studies, so naturally, I ended up as a ronin, spending my days attending cram school. And yet, out of some misplaced pride, I aimed for a somewhat prestigious university, pouring my energy into studying.
But it’s not like I had a clear vision for my future. I’d go around telling people I wanted to be a researcher, but it wasn’t an absolute passion or anything. I was just going to university because everyone else was, because it looked good to society, because it seemed advantageous for getting a job… Everything was just “kinda” vague.
So, without a clear sense of purpose, studying to get into university just because—that was exhausting. Like, ridiculously exhausting. I couldn’t keep up with it.
That’s why, one day, when I stopped by a bookstore near my cram school to buy a reference book, I casually picked up a light novel I happened to notice, flipping through it to distract myself.
Back then, my entertainment was limited to manga or video games; I hardly ever read novels. Honestly, just looking at a wall of text made my head hurt. Even though the cover had a manga-style illustration, why on earth did I pick up a light novel that day? It’s still the greatest mystery of my life.
But that light novel—let’s call it Total Metal Chaos for now—was insanely fun. My mind was blown, like scales were falling from my eyes. To think something this entertaining existed in the world!
Alright, studying could wait.
I mean, studying was boring. Novels were fun. So, which one should I prioritize?
“Heh, isn’t it obvious, Hitsuji? I’m a ronin, you know? Studying or novels—which one’s more important? Which one truly matters? No need to even think about it. Cast yourself aside, Hitsuji. Face reality and choose the better option.”
And so, back then, I chose the latter. I skipped cram school classes and spent my days loitering in the bookstore, obsessively reading Total Metal Chaos while standing there.
Was I wrong? Oh, yeah, I was definitely wrong. I should’ve paid for the book and read it properly—saying I didn’t have money because I was a ronin was just an excuse. To the author of Total Metal Chaos, I’m so, so sorry! (But I did buy and collect all the volumes later, so please forgive me.)
Anyway, at the end of those days of escaping reality, I made a decision.
“This is what I really want to do with my life! This is it! Someday, I want to write a novel as fun as Total Metal Chaos!”
That was the moment my future path became clear. I feel like I lost something important in the process (mostly study time, study time, and, oh yeah, more study time), but right now, that doesn’t matter. It’s not important.
“I have no regrets… for everything I’ve done so far… for everything that’s about to happen… I’ll never have regrets… I’m standing in the ‘white of what is just’…”
And then, I spectacularly failed my university entrance exams that year.
I entered my second year as a ronin. Naturally, I regretted it like crazy.
Well, after all those twists and turns, I started writing novels. I churned out a bunch of cringeworthy works, got depressed over failing first-round selections, got obsessed with fanfiction for a certain game, neglected my novels to study mahjong, and after all sorts of detours, I won the Fantasia Award… It’s all deeply moving in a way.
Infinite thanks to my parents, friends, mentors, and everyone who’s supported me throughout my life. Infinite thanks to my editor, the editorial team, the senior authors, and everyone who appreciated my humble work.
Lastly, I’ll touch on Glenn, the protagonist of this book.
In a word, he’s a “weird guy.” This story’s protagonist isn’t the typical light novel hero—mature for his age, kind to everyone equally, a well-mannered young man with a mysterious charm that draws everyone in and makes girls fall for him for no reason. Nope, Glenn’s childish for his age, picky about who he’s kind to, and doesn’t even bother learning the names of people he’s not interested in. His behavior’s bad, his mouth’s worse, and he brushes off lectures like they’re nothing. He lives life on his own terms, loved by those who like him but utterly despised by those who don’t—and he doesn’t care one bit.
But even a flawed guy like Glenn has a line he’ll never cross. He’s got a burning passion hidden deep inside. For various reasons, he’s lost sight of it for now, but…
What kind of people will Glenn meet at the magic academy? What will he feel, and what choices will he make? I hope you’ll keep a warm eye on this clumsy “way of life” of Glenn, a protagonist who’s a kid that can’t quite grow up.
I hope you enjoy it.
Taro Hitsuji
