Afterword
Hello, Hitsuji Taro here.
This time, the sixth volume of Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor has finally been published.
To the editors, publishers, and all the readers who have supported Bastard Magic Instructor, I offer my infinite gratitude. Thank you so much!
Volume six. Wow, we’ve finally made it this far, huh?
As the cover suggests, this sixth volume follows the short story collection with a full-on Celica-focused arc.
In crafting the story of Bastard Magic Instructor, Celica is actually one of the most pivotal characters, and this volume finally shines a proper spotlight on her. It’s also a turning point where the puzzle pieces that make up this story start to come together.
What is Rumia? What is the Alzano Empire’s royal family? What are The Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom? What are the Akashic Records? What is ancient civilization? And— who is Celica? What kind of picture will these puzzle pieces form? I’d be thrilled if you’d watch over it with warm, curious eyes.
Here’s to your continued support moving forward!
…Well, that aside for now.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about something…
Was Bastard Magic Instructor supposed to be this kind of story? (Eyes rolling back)
No, no, something’s off… Originally, when I submitted it for the Fantasia Award, it was supposed to be a simple story about a no-good teacher flirting with cute female students, occasionally getting serious and going, “How’s that?” while they swoon, “Kyaa☆ Sensei!” That’s all it was supposed to be! Sky castles, Akashic Records, conspiracies, ancient civilizations—none of this overly elaborate, chuuni stuff was even a hint in the original plan!
“The way things are now, the story won’t hold up for long. We’d like to turn this into a series.”
I think that’s what my editor told me when the first volume was published…
So, how do I develop the story from here? Feeling a bit lost on direction, I ended up opening the Black History Book—the one I swore I’d never touch again…
…Yeah. Pretty much my fault. (Coughing up blood)
Taro Hitsuji
