First Moment [ENG Version]

Chapter 1 : Real Life, Not a Hero

Chapter 1

Real Life, Not a Hero

"Because this world is getting worse by the day,

that's why we need a First Hero."

- 'Ferst' from High School Hero -

I looked at the incoming call on my phone, which interrupted my movie time in the dorm. I swallowed a few times, my hands trembling for a moment as I weighed whether to answer it or not.

'Editor Praew is calling.'

For a writer affiliated with a publishing house, the most frightening thing is being asked by the editor for the manuscript when there is still no progress.

"H-Hello..." I answered the call, my voice slightly shaky.

But... I had just submitted the manuscript for HSH volume two at the end of last month. Is my editor already asking for the next volume?

I started to feel uneasy, my mind racing with worries.

'If I have to pull an all-nighter and skip class to finish writing, will I meet the deadline?'

"N' Mo~!"

However, Editor Praew' s voice sounded cheerful, not the serious tone she usually used when asking for work, which made me sigh with relief.

If she' s not asking for the manuscript, then that' s fine.

"I have two pieces of good news to share! Which one would you like to hear first?" Editor Praew asked.

"U-um, any news is fine," I replied, unsure what the two good news from the editor could be.

"Okay, first, HSH Volume 1 will be reprinted for the third time! Oh, and the final volume of GO, after being on the shelves for several months, has also been reprinted. Congratulations! Once the reprint is available, the publishing house will transfer your payment. The finance department will send an email to inform you."

"Th-thank you very much!" I quickly responded. This was indeed great news, especially since I needed to pay my tuition and dorm fees soon.

HSH was my latest novel, and the first volume had already been published. The response was excellent, likely due to the popularity of a hero like Ferst and the contemporary setting, which was easy to read and digest. Most of the fans of this story were boys with dreams of becoming heroes themselves.

GO stands for Genesis Online, a story I wrote before HSH. It was a trendy online game-themed novel that was equally popular, thanks to the incredibly skilled and powerful protagonist.

"Now for the other piece of good news," my editor continued, while I waited to hear more. The reprints were already fantastic news — could there be a better announcement?

"You' ll be signing autographs at the book fair next week!"

"W-what?!" I exclaimed. Where was the good news in that?

"P' Praew, I don' t want to go," I admitted.

"No can do! I' ve already submitted your name, and the admin has posted the autograph schedule on the publishing page. There are tons of fans who want to meet you!"

Oh man, this was stressing me out.

I had been with this publishing house since my first published work, but I had never done an autograph signing event.