Chapter 3: Decision to Film "KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!"
Having made the decision to produce anime in this world, Edward had been tirelessly transcribing the anime plots from his memory onto paper for the past few days. Among the numerous isekai anime he remembered, he quickly narrowed his focus to two.
The first was “Fullmetal Alchemist,” a legendary anime that Edward believed held an unshakable place in the hearts of every anime enthusiast. The story’s blend of classic adventure and steampunk elements made it an ideal candidate for adaptation in this world. However, due to the technical challenges involved in designing automail limbs and depicting alchemy, not to mention the need for steampunk visuals, he realized that it was beyond his current capabilities.
On the other hand, “KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!” offered a simpler setting and a more straightforward story centered around a small town. Edward had also started to envision the cast for this adaptation, making it the first anime he would embark on given the circumstances.
“Anime live-action adaptation? A proposal? Lord Edward, what are all these things? Even if our debts are insurmountable, you don’t need to worry about this…”
“Let’s put that aside for now.”
Ignoring Winry’s questions, Edward smiled and set aside the “Fullmetal Alchemist” manuscript. He then opened the thinner stack of papers containing the proposal for “KonoSuba” and instructed Winry, “Take a look at this and tell me what you think.”
“This? This is something called ‘KonoSuba.”
Although Winry was perplexed, she was always known for her decisiveness. Without further ado, she started reading the live-action adaptation script written by Edward himself.
“KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!”—the title sounded disorganized and lacking a coherent structure, but in reality, this isekai anime had been extremely popular in Edward’s previous world. Its success was not just due to its entertaining story but also its unique and endearing characters.
The anime follows the story of a game-loving shut-in, Kazuma, who dies in a freak accident and is then brought to another world with the help of a goddess named Aqua. In this new world, they are joined by other main characters:
Kazuma, who occasionally displays strength but is mostly cowardly and lazy.
Aqua, a goddess who appears majestic but is arrogant, clumsy, and often causes trouble.
Megumin, a crimson demon girl with immense magical talent focused solely on explosion magic.
Darkness, a noblewoman’s daughter who is actually a masochistic female knight.
This four-member party embarks on a series of hilarious and sometimes heartwarming adventures, making “KonoSuba” a unique and enjoyable isekai story.
“Such a peculiar combination…”
As expected, upon reading the introduction, Winry immediately voiced her doubts. However, Edward merely smiled and gestured for her to continue reading.
“Hahaha!”
Even the usually composed Winry couldn’t help bursting into laughter when she saw the bizarre antics of the characters in the story, despite the lack of localization in the script.
Observing Winry’s struggle to maintain her dignity in the presence of her master while bursting into laughter, Edward couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief.
Edward loved this anime, but he lacked confidence in transporting the story, given the cultural differences and the unique references contained in “KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World.” Many elements would be hard to grasp in this Western fantasy world.
However, seeing Winry laughing heartily at the unedited script, Edward was reassured and determined to bring this anime to life in this world.
“While the story might seem odd when reading it, it’s incredibly fun. Edward, I didn’t know you had the talent to be a novelist. Are you planning to become a novelist to repay the debt? I think this work could gain popularity if written as a novel! Earning a royalty might help alleviate the family’s urgent situation…”
“To bring it to life. I’m not cut out to be a novelist, but I’ll find a way to present this story to the world for the sake of saving the Durin Family.”
“Present it? You said you weren’t planning to write a novel?”
Evidently, Winry didn’t understand the idea of presenting a story in any way other than writing.
With a smile, Edward replied, “For now, Winry, please help me draft a letter.”
“A letter? Where is it going?”
“The Imperial Mage Tower.”
“What?!”
Winry was taken aback upon hearing the name, but under Edward’s constant prodding, she finally went to the study and returned with a drafted letter.
Sitting quietly for a while, Edward finally collected his thoughts and picked up a pen to start writing.
To my dear Miss Helena Eleanor,
It’s been a while. I hope you’ve been well, Miss Helena. I heard that you’ve made some new breakthroughs in your studies of fire-elemental magic at the Mage Tower.
Congratulations! Judging by the time, you must be nearing graduation. I envy you for that.
But, Miss Helena, have you successfully completed the graduation credits for elemental magic? Have you managed to pay off the massive debt you incurred in the past due to your extravagant purchases of mana crystals? Are you still getting into trouble with the teachers for recklessly casting Fireball, Fire Blast, and Explosion in your classes?
Haha, regardless of the circumstances, as a friend who used to skip classes and go crazy with you, I genuinely wish you happiness.
I still remember that day when you and I made a pledge in the barbecue restaurant just two streets away from the Mage Tower, promising to change the prevailing culture of blindly following authority in the world of magic. It still stirs my heart with passion when I think of it.
However, it appears you still haven’t returned the money for that barbecue. That’s a regrettable situation.
Of course, I understand that someone who only knows how to use Fireball, Fire Blast, and Explosion can’t find a proper job to repay the debt. So, I have no intention of pursuing legal action, but I’d like to offer you an opportunity.
During the Mage Tower’s extended holiday, pay a visit to the Durin Family castle in the Southern Territory. We have an exciting plan awaiting you here. The basic monthly salary is five gold coins, with full benefits including insurance and a pension plan. Depending on your performance, we can discuss potential salary increases. I hope you’ll consider it.
May the radiance of magic shine upon the world.
Your former classmate expelled from the Mage Tower, Baron Durin Edward.