364 I Once Believed That I Was Talented (1/2)

'I don't want to lose…' Tanaka slowly widened his eyes. 'This... really seems like it's the case?'

Yes, that was correct.

His feelings were actually just as simple as the young author had said.

'I simply don't want to lose!'

”You're right, Shore Sensei.” He revealed a simple smile that was far different from his earlier complex expression. ”I just don't want to lose… I want to be able to draw art for a novel I like. I want this job. I don't want to lose to anyone else, even if that person is the story's author: you!”

Seiji smiled as well.

”I'm happy that Brother Monogatari is a story that you enjoy so much. This story isn't something I wrote by myself. My partner wishes for me to be able to draw for our story. I agreed, which is why it became something I want to do as well. I don't want to lose either, even if I'm not even able to be called an artist yet, even if my opponent is a first-class artist like you, Demon Soldier Sensei.”

The two of them exchanged glances as their wills clashed in midair.

”Let's begin.”

”Yep.”

Tanaka and Seiji both brought out their drawings and placed them on the table in front of each other.

Seiji picked up Demon Soldier Sensei's drawing and began looking at it closely.

'Amazing!'

That was his first impression.

Demon Soldier Sensei's drawing was of the male lead fighting with weapons against the main antagonist. The drawing was done quite well, and seemed to be quite spirited.

The drawing did an especially good job of showing the antagonist's vicious expression after she revealed her true self. Half of her face was a scary demon, and the other half was still a beautiful human female. This contrast between the two halves of her face gave such a visual impact that it would leave anyone a deep impression.

The story's description of the antagonist's true appearance wasn't exactly like this, but drawing her like this was within the bounds of creative liberty. And, this definitely had a nice effect.

Seiji even took inspiration from this drawing and wondered if he should modify the physical description of the antagonist in the story.

This was the power of a first-rate light novel artist's ability!

Not only did he draw a drawing that matched the story's scene, it even surpassed the author's imagination and influenced the author.

Apart from the antagonist, the male lead's expression was done excellently as well. Seiji was able to detect a strong fighting will from the male lead's eyes, and the runes on his face seemed quite cool as well.

The actions, clothing, weapons, and shading… Seiji carefully inspected it all.

Meanwhile, Tanaka was also going over Shore Sensei's drawing in detail.

It was so exquisite!

That was Tanaka's first awed impression.

The characters, the clothing, the weapons, the shadows, the shading… everything was exquisite and obviously drawn at a higher level compared to him!

With greater focus on details, that would give anyone a better first impression. Basically, the ”quality” would appear higher, or it could also be described as the ”completion rate” being higher.

Tanaka was also capable of drawing to such a detailed extent, but he didn't have enough time.

Basically, the other party's drawing speed was much quicker than his!

He lost at speed… and detail. It felt as if he had been forcefully punched, being suppressed by the difference in ability.

'Then, what about the content?'

Tanaka looked at the three characters within the drawing.

The male lead who had just drawn his weapon, the antagonist who had transformed into a demon, and the female lead who was observing from a corner.

'He actually drew the female lead as an observer as well!?'

When Tanaka first saw this, he felt that it was a minus. However, when he looked at it in more detail, he changed his mind.