Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 113

　In entertainment works with dedicated fans across various media, there inevitably exists a group known as "purists" who harshly criticize any changes made during media mix adaptations. From novelizations to manga adaptations, anime, and live-action versions, the process of adding or omitting events, characters, or details not present in the original work requires a deep understanding and interpretation of the source material from the creators.

　If the adaptation fails miserably in sales and receives harsh criticism on internet forums, it might be considered cute, but in some extreme cases, fans have resorted to sending threats to production companies as an attempt at blackmail. Legendary stories of such incidents exist in works that transitioned from novels to visual media. The more beloved the original work, the higher the expectations, anxieties, and evaluation hurdles from the fans.

　In the case of "Firefly of the Dark Night (Yamiyo no Hotaru)," which already had multiple branching routes and detailed settings open to interpretation, the hurdle for the novel version's unique storyline might have been relatively low, but it didn't mean fans viewed it with leniency.

　The novel's acclaim was partly due to the brilliant illustrations by a famous artist, but more importantly, it was the author's skillful writing that won over the readers. The novel writer was also blessed with an eccentric mind, just like the team responsible for the original game development and manga adaptation.

　The author had previously written many ero-guro works, and they made the erotic scenes even more erotic and the gruesome scenes even more horrifying. By fully utilizing their expressive abilities, they added rich psychological depictions to keep the protagonist immersed in a state of cuteness... or rather, pity. The additional hardships and trials were treated as both cruel and admirable by the readers. Yes, if you think about it calmly, the fans were quite something too.

　The "Mayoiga arc" that continued from Volume 10 to Volume 12 of the novel was no exception to this.

　"Is it finally a bad end?"

　"It's probably a prelude for a loop."

　"↑Are we going to keep playing through all the BAD routes, bound by the circle of Tamaki's principles...?"

　"Do you guys really want to torture Tamaki that much?"

　"I mean, we've already tortured Tamaki countless times."

　"Tamaki getting tortured is kinda hot (;'Д') Haha"

　"Do you get aroused by seeing Tamaki tortured (Ryona)? Weird..."

　"Just business as usual, huh."

　Initially, readers speculated about the purpose of the internal wandering in "Mayoiga," which was an instant BAD ending in the original game version, and while their thoughts were inclined in that direction... reality took a completely different turn.

　Shishimai Asami, a half-youkai and household member with the blood of a lion youkai, was a semi-original character introduced in the novel version of "Firefly of the Dark Night (Yamiyo no Hotaru)." She was also an antagonist who delved into Tamaki's emotional wounds, which were already strained...

* * *

　"Tsk!!?"

　My Dagger (tantō) intercepted the incoming strike of the naginata. Though I managed to block it, the impact sent me flying backward. I rolled in a breakfall to dissipate and deceive the impact. Deceived, but my arm... numb...!?

　"An electric current...!?"

　'(>ω<.) It's shivering?'

　Based on my past experiences, I could tell from the trembling of my arm as I held the Dagger (tantō). The novel only described it as nerve pain or spasms in Tamaki's monologue, but this was clearly not a curse. It was a mild electric current running through my nerves. I knew because I had experienced being crisped by a mole bastard. ...Not exactly a joyful memory.