Tokyo: Oreimo

"No, absolutely not!"

Ruri Aragaki had no choice but to grit her teeth and type on the keyboard.

"I'll join you too..."

.....

To be honest, Ryosuke was quite surprised when he saw Aragaki Ruri agree.

It's worth noting that at this time last year, Ruri Aragaki still held the view that "all otaku are trash," and when she discovered that she and Ayano were collaborating on an 18+ galgame, she vowed to break off their friendship.

A year later, the girl actually agreed to visit the exhibition together in person.

"This is probably the meaning of liking someone: for the sake of someone you admire, you can now face things you used to hate with equanimity."

"Aragaki, you're amazing!"

Ryosuke couldn't help but sigh.

"Ding!"

Another message popped up in the chat group.

Rumiko Takashiro: "@Everyone, it's decided then! August 12th will be the first offline gathering of the Rumiko Takashiro fan club!"

Chapter 154 Offline Gathering (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets)

Summer vacation always seems to fly by.

Since getting a computer, Ryosuke's creative speed has increased significantly, all in order to 'deliver' to Hououin Saori as soon as possible.

Ryosuke spent almost the entire week working on character design collections for the Fate series sequel, Fate/hollow ataraxia, and outlining the entire work.

"If this work is made, Ling Nai will probably like it a lot."

After all, this is a fan-oriented work that largely fills in the plot holes left by FSN.

It achieves a dreamlike scene of "everyone surviving" and happiness that is hard to see in the main story, and the gameplay itself is also quite interesting.

Just as Saori Hououin said, this sequel will sell well once it's released.

As for the main body of the script, the hired script planner will be responsible for its creation, and Ryosuke will be responsible for its review.

It won't deviate too much from the original work, since there's a previous work to rely on. Creating something from scratch is difficult, but there are plenty of writers who can imitate it.

"That's definitely easier."

In one week, Ryosuke has completed two-thirds of the work, and it will be ready to be delivered in a few more days.

He glanced at the calendar; there was an offline event tomorrow.

"Get some rest early, you'll be very tired tomorrow."

.....

7:30 a.m. on August 12, Tokyo Big Sight.

Ryosuke stood in front of the agreed-upon fountain, with a striking blonde girl standing beside him.

Today, Ling Nai wore an ita-T with the words "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" printed on it, along with a plaid haori jacket.

Besides that, she still wore the three-piece disguise, exuding the aura of 'I am a veteran otaku'.

"Isn't your outfit a bit too over-the-top?"

"Mind your own business!" Ling Nai puffed out her chest confidently. "Today is the first offline gathering of Takashiro Rumiko's fan club, so of course I have to dress more formally."

"What kind of formality is this...?"

"Good morning, elder brother, Ling Nai."

A slightly reserved voice came from behind.

Ryosuke turned around and saw Ruri Aragaki standing two steps away.

In contrast to Ling Nai's flamboyance, Aragaki Ruri wore an elegant light blue dress today, her long hair was tied up with a ribbon, and she was carrying a designer bag that looked very expensive.

...You wouldn't guess they're here for a fan convention; this outfit would be more suitable for a high-end shopping mall.

However, this also aligns with Ryosuke's impression of her.

He might be scared if Ruri Aragaki dressed like Ling Nai.

"Liuli, you're finally here!" Ling Nai rushed over and hugged her friend. "Why are you dressed like this? You should at least wear a mask. It'll be so inconvenient if we end up in the adult section later."

"Huh?"

"People will remember my face, and it would be very embarrassing if I were recognized in other places later."

Takashiro Ryouno clearly has experience in this area.

Ruri Aragaki's face instantly turned red.

She really wanted to say, 'Then why don't you just not go?'

But this was obviously impossible for Ling Nai, so he could only silently accept the mask handed to him by Ling Nai.

"Looks like everyone's here?"

A cold voice interrupted.

The three looked in the direction of the sound and saw a girl dressed as Homura Akemi walking over. Her smooth black hair was draped over her shoulders, and she looked like a person who had stepped out of a painting.

"You bastard!"

The moment Ryosuke saw Mao Gokou arrive, Takagi Ryono's eyes practically lit up.

"This outfit is so perfect for a primary school student's height!"

Currently, "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" has been updated to episode six, and Homura Akemi's image in the public eye has undergone a certain degree of reversal.

As a fan who watches every episode without missing a single one, Ryosuke isn't surprised that Mao Gokou would dress up like this.

After all, when I saw her before, she seemed to be doing cosplay.

"Tsk, is this the same way you greet me again? I'll just take it as a compliment."

Mao frowned, dodged Ryouno's embrace, and walked up to Ryosuke.

"Long time no see, Ryosuke."

Because of her height, the girl tilted her head slightly, and her long black hair swayed gently with the movement.

"Yeah, it's been a long time," Ryosuke replied with a smile. "You look great in this outfit."

"Ah."

Gokou Mao turned her face away, her ears seemingly turning slightly red, but she quickly regained her indifferent demeanor and looked away.

The girl felt a secret thrill at being recognized for cosplaying a character in front of the original work.

"Hey! Why aren't you praising my outfit today!" Ling Nai squeezed in, dissatisfied. "I clearly put a lot of effort into it!"

"Your attire?" Gokou Mao looked her up and down. "Besides telling people 'I'm an otaku,' what else is there to comment on?"

"You bastard!"

Ling Nai stomped her feet in anger, but Ryosuke held her head down.

"Alright, stop arguing as soon as you meet."

"You're touching my head again."

The blonde girl slapped his hand away.

"that....."

Ruri Aragaki stepped forward, looked at Mao Gokou, and gave a slight bow.

"Nice to meet you. I am Ruri Aragaki. Ms. Luna, it's great to finally meet you today."

That posture was like someone introducing themselves in a formal setting.

Gokou Mao glanced at her with slight surprise and nodded.

"Hermes's repairman? That matches my impression of you online."

"Just call me by my name. I feel a little awkward being addressed by my online name offline..."

Being called by that name made Ruri Aragaki feel a little awkward; something just felt off.

"Now that we've said hello, let's go in." Ryosuke clapped his hands. "If we wait any longer, the line will be even longer."

Although it's only 7:30 now, without a staff pass, it will probably be around 11:30 before we can get in line.

.....

As it turns out, Ryosuke's worries were not unfounded at all.

When they arrived at the entrance of the venue, the scene before them left Ruri Aragaki completely stunned.

people.

People were everywhere.

A dense crowd surged toward the entrance like a tidal wave, each person wearing an almost fanatical expression.

Some people were carrying huge canvas bags, while others were dragging suitcases.

The air was thick with the smell of sweat.

The four of them joined the queue, but their position was only in the middle.

Those at the top are all hardcore otaku who lined up as early as midnight.

"I wonder if I'll be able to be among the first to enter?"

"Once the game starts, the team will move forward very quickly."

Ling Nai and Wu Geng Mao chatted.

Ruri Aragaki seemed somewhat uncomfortable with her surroundings, as people's eyes would frequently fall on her.

After all, that kind of attire is not something someone who should be here would choose.

Feeling the scrutinizing gazes around her, Ruri Aragaki showed a slightly flustered expression.