NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 9: Chapter 9
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Chapter 9: The General Display Area**
"Attack on Titan, three chapters in total—72 pages," Eriri noted as she finalized the upload.
"What a pity, just eight pages short of the priority display area," Sayuri sighed.
On the event homepage of Weekly Shonen Magazine's contest, there was a prominent "Priority Display" section reserved for works with over 80 pages or complete volumes. There, more than 40 comics were proudly featured.
In the manga world, especially in Japan, publication often hinges on the format—comics are published in serialized magazines or released as full volumes. A standard volume usually contains four chapters and totals between 80 and 100 pages. These were considered complete works.
Naturally, the contest gave preference to such submissions. If a work stood out in popularity, the magazine could fast-track its creator into an official contract and publish the manga for profit.
Since Eriri submitted just 72 pages—three chapters—*Attack on Titan* was automatically placed in the general display area, not the priority section.
She scrolled through the listings. There it was—*Attack on Titan*, buried at the bottom.
"Over six hundred entries ahead of us," she muttered. "We're dead last."
The contest rules were clear: before voting began, the ranking was determined by submission time. After voting opened, it would switch to popularity-based.
That meant early submissions had more time on the homepage, gathering views and attention.
Out of curiosity, Eriri clicked on one of the top-ranked entries in the general section. It already had over 200,000 views and hundreds of comments.
Then she returned to *Attack on Titan*. One view. Hers.
Her heart sank. Voting began tomorrow. There were only three days.
Without prior exposure, *Attack on Titan* was starting with a severe disadvantage.
"This is tough," Sayuri said, placing a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder.
Eriri understood. Most viewers would vote for comics they had already read and liked. The more visible you were before the voting period, the better your chances.
"I'll promote it on social media," Sayuri said, voice firm. "We'll do everything we can to give Lucien's work a fighting chance."
"I'll post from my artist account too," Eriri added.
Her pen name account—Kashiwagi Eriri—had built up a decent following from her fan art. Tens of thousands of followers.
After ensuring the manuscript was properly uploaded and confirmed, Eriri exhaled deeply.
She returned to her room and resumed drawing. Even geniuses must practice.
Lucien's talent had ignited something in her. Since seeing his breathtaking art, she'd been pushing herself to improve—to reach a level where she could stand alongside him.
---
Meanwhile, in a hospital ward, the evening light was fading.
Lucien stirred as the nurse adjusted his IV. After receiving his latest dose of nutrients, he lay back in silence.
It all felt surreal—the last few days, the rush, the project.
His body ached. His thoughts were scattered. But one thing remained clear: he had handed *Attack on Titan* to Eriri. It was no longer his alone.
He smiled faintly.
"I wonder how she's doing…"
---
That night, after dinner, Eriri soaked in the bath.
Her thoughts, as always, returned to Lucien.
"If he weren't sick, he would've been the art club's ace…" she whispered.
She imagined the two of them—laughing, competing, creating. They could have entered the National High School Student Blackboard Painting Koshien together and gone all the way to the finals.
Toyonosaki Academy's art club was underwhelming. Besides Eriri, most members lacked serious talent. Last year, they'd been eliminated early.
She longed for someone who could keep up with her—someone who truly inspired her.
Senior Kasumigaoka Utaha came close. A stunning beauty, top of her class, graceful and untouchable. But they never really clicked. Their personalities didn't mesh.
Lucien, however… he was different.
She stepped out of the tub, dried her hair, and picked up her phone.
Logging into the contest page, she checked their submission.
"Twelve views," she said, frustrated. "Still barely any traction."
Time was ticking.
But she wasn't giving up.
Not for Lucien.
---
**End of Chapter 9**
🎉 Huge shoutout and congratulations to OMG X WAFF3LZ for becoming a new paying member! 🎉
Welcome to the family — your support means everything and keeps this story alive and growing! 🙌
If you've been enjoying the chapters and can't wait for what's next, now's the perfect time to join my Patreon!
Get advance access, exclusive content, and be part of the amazing group making all of this possible.
👉 patreon.com/Forbidden_lust — unlock the next chapters now and support the journey!
Let's keep going — together. 💖📚