SWNOVELXO Chapter 14: 14
The aroma of sizzling tempura and savory ramen filled the cozy restaurant as Ren took a seat opposite a man in his late forties. This was Mr. Toshiya, an editor from a reputable publishing company known for both novels and specific manga titles. While not from Nonko's current publisher, his company held a respected position in the industry, and its owners were friends with Nonko's. Ren had contacted him through a mutual acquaintance, hoping to get an early read on his burgeoning manga.
"Thank you for meeting me, Mr. Toshiya," Ren began, carefully placing his fifty chapters of Naruto on the table.
Mr. Toshiya, a man with shrewd eyes and a perpetually thoughtful expression, nodded. He picked up the first chapter, his gaze scanning the pages. As he read, his eyebrows subtly rose, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He continued, turning page after page, his initial polite curiosity turning into genuine absorption.
Finally, he set the last page down, a thoughtful hum escaping his lips. "Shigeno-kun," he began, his voice measured, "this is… quite something. My first impression is that it leans heavily into the shounen genre, with its action and themes of growth. However," he paused, a slight smile playing on his lips, "it also has a distinct flavor that would appeal to a harem audience. The character designs are unique, and the pacing is excellent."
Ren listened intently as Mr. Toshiya provided a detailed review, offering insights into the market, the narrative structure, and the potential for serialization. All in all, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The story had passed its first screening and was ready for a second, more formal evaluation, which could lead to a contract.
"I'll be in touch with Nonko-san," Mr. Toshiya concluded, "to arrange the next steps for your contract. This has real potential, Shigeno-kun."
Ren felt a surge of triumph. He stood, shaking Mr. Toshiya's hand, a wide smile on his face. They left the restaurant, both men feeling the thrill of a good day's work, something promising having blossomed between them.
Meanwhile, back at her home, Chisaki Miyazaki stepped into the warm spray of her shower, the water washing away the dust of the day. Her thoughts, however, remained fixated on Ren. She had followed him, discreetly, after school. First, to the restaurant where he met that man. Then, the rest of his afternoon had been a blur of unexpected kindness.
He had helped old people at a home shelter, his gentle demeanor bringing smiles to their wrinkled faces. He had played with children at an orphanage, his laughter echoing with theirs. There were countless other small, selfless acts he performed, each one chipping away at her father's firm decree: all boys are wolves.
But the most remarkable moment, the one that truly shook her, was when Ren had almost lost his life. A young girl, distracted by her phone, had stepped into the path of an oncoming car. Without a moment's hesitation, Ren had lunged forward, pushing her out of the way, narrowly avoiding the vehicle himself. He had been so close to getting hit, his face pale, but he had simply smiled, ensuring the girl was unharmed before quietly walking away.
Her father's words, once an unshakeable truth, now felt… incomplete. Ren didn't fit the mold. He was different. This thought, subtle at first, was the quiet, undeniable beginning of her first love.
Back at Yuragi-sou, Ren found himself in a different room tonight. Yuuna, ever the considerate ghost, had already claimed their shared space, leaving him to find an empty futon elsewhere. He didn't mind. He had just earned another Reality Ticket, and this one, he knew, was going to be interesting.
The System window shimmered into existence, displaying the new ticket: [Ticket of Pleasure].
Ding!
[Ticket of Pleasure has been activated.]
[Effect: Allows the user to dictate the nature of pleasure experienced during intimate encounters. This can be applied to the user's own experience or to the experience of another person involved. For example, if you choose to be a masochist, any partner who 'bullies' you in bed will experience indescribable pleasure, potentially leading to addiction.]
Ren's eyes widened. This was beyond his wildest expectations. He could control pleasure itself? A mischievous grin spread across his face. He knew exactly what he wanted.
"I command the Ticket of Pleasure to make me dominant in bed," Ren mentally articulated, focusing his intent on the shimmering card.
He braced himself for the familiar headache, the searing pain of reality rewriting itself. But this time, it was different. An intense, burning sensation erupted throughout his entire body, as if he were about to explode from the inside out. He clenched his jaw, digging his nails into his palms, fighting back the urge to scream. Crying was for gay, he told himself, gritting his teeth, enduring the agonizing, fiery torment. He wouldn't break. He wouldn't give in.
The pain, as suddenly as it had come, vanished, leaving him breathless and trembling. He observed himself, felt his body. Nothing seemed outwardly different. A wave of disappointment washed over him. Had it not worked?
He felt a sudden, urgent need to pee, a side effect of the terrifying experience. He rushed to the bathroom, his mind still reeling. As he unzipped his pants and looked down, his eyes widened in surprise. His penis, which had always been of average size, was now… large. And then, as he watched, it seemed to subtly shift, shrinking slightly, then expanding again.
He focused, mentally willing it to change. And it did. He could control its size, expanding and contracting it at will.
A triumphant, confident smirk replaced his earlier disappointment. This was it. This was the 'dominance' the ticket had granted him. It wasn't just about pleasure; it was about control, about being able to adapt to any situation, any partner. His confidence soared.
Tonight, he decided, his gaze drifting towards Nonko's room. Tonight, he would sleep with Nonko.