Chapter 35

If it’s interesting, then it’s fine

The townspeople were in a state of panic, fleeing as an obviously dangerous entity appeared.

 

Left behind were En and the other holy beasts with combat abilities, like Hod. Together, they led the black bird high into the sky to avoid damage to the island, unleashing an epic, almost mythical battle that blew away entire swaths of clouds.

 

Underneath them, I was hanging my head. My body and mind just couldn’t keep up.

 

Seeing my state, Mea, looking concerned, stayed by my side with Kaballah-chan. What a good girl... I’ll give her candy later.

 

But right now, it’s too much for me. Let me be blunt about how I feel right now.

 

I’m done for... It’s over...

 

Stop! There’s no way I can finish this! That thing is the legendary super Eternal flag! (tl note: Eternal is used to refer to works that are no longer being updated.)

 

As someone rooting for the goddess-like person’s story, I slumped at the overwhelming sense of “I messed up” coming from the scene before me. This might already be hopeless.

 

In official games based on manga or anime, it's common to see original characters as major bosses. It creates excitement, brings novelty, and is fun. Popular crossover simulation games featuring various robot anime even incorporate this in every series.

 

However, in the fanfiction community, it’s incredibly challenging to gain popularity with such a theme.

 

That’s not to say it’s no good. With highly popular fanfictions, well-established templates make it possible to create fanfictions without even needing in-depth knowledge of the original material, so there were surprisingly many works of this kind..

 

And that’s natural. Authors want to be both the only one and the number one.

 

While some people may wonder what I'm talking about when I’ve been writing fanfictions from the beginning,  but if you're writing in a popular genre, it can get stale. At first, it’s enjoyable to create interactions between an original protagonist and the characters of the original work, but eventually, it starts to feel repetitive, like it’s missing some spice... That’s it! Let’s introduce the strongest original boss that will make an impact here! is how I felt.

 

While this approach can definitely make a strong impression, it often leaves readers feeling like “G-got it.” It’s the same issue as the “fanfiction with multiple reincarnators and multiple original characters” I’ve discussed before.

 

Plus, since boss characters occupy a prominent role in the story, their performance directly affects the entire work’s evaluation.

 

In works that are meticulously constructed with an original boss character planned from the plot stage, their appearance feels necessary, making it surprisingly easy to accept them in a sort of imagined "movie adaptation" sense… But at any rate, it remains a hard-to-swallow element for many.

 

This world’s goddess-like person’s original boss──Qlippoth of the abyss “Adishut.”

 

Thinking back, as Hod said, it seems the groundwork for its appearance had indeed been laid. What a revelation... the "Chesed Absent" tag was a foreshadowing...! Oh, goddess-like person, you deceived me! Even someone as carefree as me finally gets it now!

 

It was all for this development.

 

There's no attachment to a mere template-based story that follows the original work. She used the Abyss precisely because she wanted to introduce an original boss. The goddess-like person’s true aim is to inspire new ideas for her fanfiction! Fwah～hahaha!

 

She moved to the most well-set stage within the original work, the isekai arc, the one easiest to twist, and to destroy the original story with that as the main focus! For that, she couldn’t allow someone as template-loving as me to interfere in the PSYence arc.

 

She even created a modified human and summoned Hod to enhance originality. How laughable I was, thinking of myself as the "cheat original protagonist"!

 

If I let the original boss battle En’s group, then the goddess-like person would have no enemies left! The conclusion is a matter of course, but also the rankings, and even the cumulative rankings—she could easily dominate them all! The goddess-like person's fanfiction… it would become eternally immortal! (tl note: last sentence is apparently a dragon ball reference,)

 

Now, become afraid of Eternal and fight Adishut. Fu・Fu. (tl note: another dragon ball reference. It’s supposed to be a line by Paragus.)

 

... Eight-chan, in shock, receives a dubious document to her mind. She feels like crying. And she does.

 

What I was afraid of happened again. If you place an original character as an enemy that must be defeated, you can’t wait for the stage to be fully set, like with Mea. What do I do? What should I do?!

 

That’s why I said original character versus original character arrangements are dangerous, goddess-like person! Why do you always aim so high? A development with double original characters and original bosses... Sure, if done well, it could be amazing, you know? It’s filled with originality. If you cook it properly, some might even say, "This is good enough to be official!"

 

However, it’s a huge gamble that’s inseparable to flopping.

 

A story that follows templates is stable, precisely because it’s a template. But there’s always the feeling that it’s repetitive, lacking novelty, and explosiveness. No matter what, it can never beat the great pioneers… I understand an author’s desire to break away from that.

 

On that point, adding lots of original elements that can't be found anywhere else to create an only one and number one work feels far more creative than relying on a template.

 

It’s just, when readers see such fanfiction, they’re blunt about it: “Why not just make an original one?”

 

And that’s when the author gives in. That is the story of an author whose actions that were meant to break away from the template become a template for unpopular development.

 

Fanfiction, no matter how far it goes, is still fanfiction. Most readers come expecting an extension of the original work, a "light novel" of sorts. When the original elements become too prominent, the amount of information overwhelms them, and readers quickly think, “Oh, this isn't for me,” and give up. If the original elements are intricately woven into the original world’s setting, it might attract a devoted fanbase, but it's pretty niche. If you’re looking for tons of UAs or favorites, it's generally safer to limit original elements to an original protagonist.

 

... Actually, maybe I had the whole premise wrong from the start.

 

Goddess-like person, you’re the real deal.

 

When I heard she, a fanfiction writer, was in a slump, I assumed it was because her UAs, favorites, or ratings were stagnant.

 

I don't really understand her abilities; I’ve never read her work. But "slump" is a term used by the elite. If it’s not a lack of skill, then producing visible results is the clearest way to overcome it, is what I thought.

 

That’s why I assumed she wanted to become a popular fanfiction writer.

 

Looking back, her and my intentions were probably misaligned at that point.

 

At that moment, I revised my cognition.

 

The goddess-like person—in her heart, she didn’t care how her fanfictions were rated.

 

From her free-spirited style so far, I finally understood. That is to say, she’s a true enthusiast with a deep love for her work.

 

She’s a much purer Fairy Savers fan than I am.

 

Ratings and numbers mean nothing to her. She writes what she wants to write. When she told me she was in a slump, it turns out it was just a summer fatigue kind of thing that left her unable to move her fingers, not a lack of ideas. If that’s the case, you could have just said so, goddess-like person.

 

Yes, the fanfiction she wants to write is... a battle between her beloved Savers and the strongest original force she thought up herself!

 

“I see… That’s what it was… That’s why you…”

 

“E-Eight…?”

 

A chuckle slipped out unexpectedly.

 

Sob. I felt so pathetic I even cried.

 

In that moment, a strange, cold voice slipped from my lips. It’s terrifying when a character who usually has a soothing whisper voice suddenly speaks in a chilly tone. When Mea saw me start laughing and crying at once, her shoulder trembled in shock.

 

…Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just disappointed in myself for going round in circles and being so off the mark… and feeling pathetic.

 

──I’ve lost, goddess-like person. You’re serious. You’re such a serious Fairy Savers otaku, to a degree that makes me back off. To have come up with an original boss that fits so seamlessly into the world of the original work, anyone who didn’t know would mistake it for an official character. (tl note: serious here refers to a serious, frontal clash.)

 

Yes, Fairy Savers is indeed an anime that would introduce a character like this. Your understanding is profound.

 

In fanfictions, there are generally two main reasons an author goes out of their way to create an original force.

 

One is simply a hero’s desire to write an “my original force is amazinggg!” story.

 

The other is a villain’s desire to have their original force defeated by their favorite characters.

 

Basically, it’s about whether they want to defeat or be defeated.

 

And from what I’ve seen so far, I realized she’s the latter.

 

The goddess-like person probably wanted to write about the Savers and the Ten Archangels of Sefirot joining forces. I can completely understand that feeling.

 

This is evident in her detailed portrayals of the characters of the original work’s cool actions, even more elaborate than in the original.

 

If the aim was to have her original force trample over everyone, there would be no reason to strengthen En and the others.

 

And the role of mediating between the Savers and the Ten Archangels of Sefirot must have been the true purpose of us cheat original protagonists. Or perhaps, we weren’t even original protagonist at all… just characters that help the characters of the original work.

 

No, that’s not it… that shouldn’t be the case…

 

Mea and I are original protagonists… no matter what anyone says, we’re original protagonists…!

 

“Mea, have you ever felt the intentions of a higher being?”

 

“? Do you mean god… Ein Sof?”

 

Sorry for the sudden question.

 

Onee-san is a bit mentally exhausted, after all... It’s not like I’m giving up just because something I wanted to avoid has happened. I’m just feeling a bit of self-loathing.

 

I know you probably don’t realize it, but as a fellow original protagonist, I was hoping you might comfort me a little. Eight-chan gets lonely easily. Sniff…

 

“It’s a little different from a god. Maybe like one’s own destiny? Not like fate, something that can never be changed... like the reason to live bestowed to each person. Have you ever felt something like that?”

 

“…Until recently, Mea felt that way. It was painful and hard... things like why is Mea different from everyone else? Mea thought that was just the way to live…”

 

“You thought? So, you feel differently now?”

 

“Yeah. After meeting En, onee-chan, and otou-san... Mea realized that Mea gets to decide what Mea is. Mea gets to decide.”

 

Seeing my downcast expression, Mea-chan must have felt something, and she responded sincerely, even though my question had come out of nowhere.

 

As if reflecting on her own past as a modified human, she closed her eyes, then looked into mine after a brief pause.

 

“So Mea will decide Mea’s own future. No one else has any say anymore.”

 

… I see.

 

Yeah, that's right. You should decide your own way of living

 

Instead of trying to avoid situations that feel risky to protect myself, I should just do things the way I want──Receiving her strong gaze, it encouraged me on top of comforting me.

 

Alright, my motivation is rising.

 

Satisfied by her words, I stood up and smiled, though my legs were still shaking a bit beneath. My thighs were practically trembling under my long skirt. I must look pretty uncool, almost like I’m scared.

 

“I see… Yeah, that’s fine… . You are, with this… I will fulfill this mission with my will. With the will of T.P. Eight Olishua alone.”

 

Yes… I am the cheat original protagonist, T.P. Eight Olishua… something like this is nothing to me…!

 

A taboo in fanfictions? Landmine elements? Eternal flags? The invincible cheat original protagonist can overcome all of that!

 

No matter how ambitious or difficult the subject matter is, if the author wanted to write it, so be it! It’s the most fun for the author and a result of their own way of respecting the original. If you have that belief, don’t change just because of what others say.

 

So, the goddess-like person should break out of her slump with her own will and complete this realistic original story.

 

And I will fulfill my role as an original protagonist by my own will! I won’t let anyone remove this from their favorites list!

 

With a wry smile, I looked up at the giant bird still flying through the skies of El as if it owned the place. Its exposed ribs and tattered wings gave it a dark appearance that was very cool. For an original boss, it had official-level quality. Amazing.

 

And its combat power, too.

 

The goddess-like person’s original boss was frighteningly strong. Even with En and Chouta in their Fairy Burst forms, along with Hod, one of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, and other angels of El, they were stll struggling. It looked like an MMORPG raid battle.

 

“Don’t, get carried away…”

 

I muttered quietly, my words only for myself. It's a bit of a boomerang-like thing to say, but I hope I’ll be forgiven for it now.

 

I hate Eternals. It’s sad not to see the continuation of an interesting fanfiction, and as an author, I feel guilty about it. That’s why I’ve always been wary of excessive original elements that lead to Eternals.

 

──But there’s something more important.

 

It’s something we took for granted when we first started reading and writing fanfictions.

 

Just as I, as an original protagonist, always prioritized looking cool, it was the truth that if a fanfiction is interesting, then it’s fine. Of course, we must follow the rules.

 

Returning to my roots and finding a new self… this is the awakening event of an original protagonist! That’s what it has come to.

 

Taking out my Phantom Thief Notebook, I glared at the black bird Adishut with a smug look and provoked it with a direct message into its mind.

 

『You pitiful clown doomed to ruin! Begone! This is no place for you!”！』

 

“──！？DaAt…? I seE, yOu… yOu werE THere, DaAtttt!!” (tl note: . This is how the qlippoth speaks:

If you try to copy the text, it shows hiragana.)

 

Whoa! Your provocation resistance is low!

 

The moment I provoked it with telepathy, Adishut immediately targeted me and started a rapid descent. Why did you get angry when I’m the one who wants to do that.

 

Still, as expected of me… I’m a cheat-level hate tank too.

 

As the ominous black bird dived down with a sonic boom, I smirked confidently.

 

I said that original character vs original character battles lose the readers’ interest, didn’t I? Well, that’s true… but that’s also a lie.

 

The truth is, if it’s interesting, then it’s fine! There are plenty of fanfictions that don’t work out well because it’s tough to make it interesting, but in the end, it’s just another genre for talented authors.

 

And so…

 

“I… believe in you.” (tl note: “you” here is used when referring to women with respect.)

 

I decided to believe in her.

 

I hope the goddess-like person, a serious Fairy Savers enjoyer, to skillfully end this challenging material in good feelings.

 

Also known as " throw everything away." (tl note: In the construction industry, it refers to a situation where a contractor completely entrusts the work that they should have handled to someone else.)

 

Usually, I'm a kind and thoughtful original protagonist who’s considerate of fanfiction authors, but just this once, I decided to push the responsibility onto the goddess-like person. This is pouting Eight-chan.

 

Besides, this original boss isn’t the kind of opponent I can fight while worrying about the quality of the fanfiction. I’ll make sure to cooperate properly next time, so I hope she’ll forgive me.

 

Here we go! Energy full power!!

 

I unleashed —"Curse of Darkness," "Telekinesis," "Physical Enhancement," and other battle supernatural abilities, all out without holding back and even added the Chesed power I’d just stolen and drew it out to the max.

 

Being dark-attribute, I figured that Chesed's light power would give me the upper hand.

 

...But maybe that was a mistake.

 

Normally, I would have been more cautious, but inspired by Mea and eager to show my determination to the goddess-like person, I may have drawn up too much of this unknown power. In short, I messed up.

 

Because of that, I felt strange memories that seemed to belong to Chesed starting to flow into my head... Abababababa!

 

...It’s okay. I’m an original protagonist, so it’s not like this will change my personality or anything. I’m still me.

 

It’s just── I almost screamed when six black and six white wings, a total of twelve, suddenly sprouted from my back. What is this?

 

…No, but this is really cool.

 

Pairs of black and white wings on a cool beautiful girl  make her look the strongest. Thinking about it, a character that’s a righteous fallen angel is almost painfully cool in a chuunibyou kind of way.

 

Fuh, I’ve won. Right now, I’m the super original protagonist.

 

With that, I faced the approaching Adishut without stepping back, raised my right hand, and unleashed a baptism of light and darkness.

 

──In that instant, the darkness of the abyss shattered.

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