The SF Convention had finally voted for this year's Nebula Award winners. The awards covered not only novels and short stories but also animation and film, each with its own category.
The novel winner was a book Kobayashi Tetsu had never heard of: *Battle Demon Snow Wind*. At first glance, he mistook it for *Demon-Slaying Ninja Yukikaze*.
*Battle Demons? Ugh, no thanks. I'll definitely support Demon-Slaying Ninjas!*
As a convention attendee, Kobayashi Tetsu had the right to vote. However, not being familiar with recent works, he simply copied what the people next to him wrote.
"Media and film? This category is pretty broad."
Kobayashi Tetsu leaned in to take a look. The person on his left had written *Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind*, while the person on his right had written *Space Battleship Yamato*.
Kobayashi Tetsu pointed out, "But *Space Battleship Yamato* came out last year, didn't it?"
"Ah, right!" The person on his right quickly erased it and wrote a new title: *Jormungandr*.
Kobayashi Tetsu was slightly taken aback. "Is that even considered a science fiction work?"
"Why isn't it counted?" The member beside him suddenly stood up. "A space opera set in the future—how can that not be considered science fiction? The characters are so well-developed, from the synchronization rates to the mechs—I love every aspect of it. In my heart, *Jormungandr* is second only to *Space Battleship Yamato* as the greatest space opera!"
Kobayashi Tetsu clicked his tongue.
He hadn't expected this unexpected development.
He also wrote down *Jormungandr* and submitted his ballot.
After the votes were tallied, the counter on stage began announcing the results. One by one, the names were called. *Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind* was far ahead, but *Jormungandr* was a close second.
Okada Toshio was even more nervous than Kobayashi Tetsu.
This was an anime produced by their studio. While winning an award would be secondary for Kobayashi Tetsu, it was crucial for them.
"Next vote." The counter glanced around the hall and announced: "Jormungandr."
Kobayashi Tetsu's gaze was still searching for the difference between the two numbers when Okada Toshio shot to his feet.
The announcer declared, "Let's congratulate *Jormungandr* on winning the Visual Media Nebula Award!"
Okada Toshio had already shot up, but he turned back to look at Kobayashi Tetsu.
"President Kobayashi, I—"
"What's with the 'I'? You're the ones who made the animation at your studio, so you should go up and accept the award."
Okada Toshio protested politely, "But President Kobayashi provided the script, so I thought—"
Before he could finish, Kobayashi Tetsu had already risen and strode onto the stage with purposeful steps.
*He's all about playing the honest man!*
Okada Toshio's eyes widened, and he mentally slapped himself.
*Why did you even bother being polite?!*
He could have claimed the award alone, but now Kobayashi Tetsu was involved.
Kobayashi Tetsu, oblivious to Okada Toshio's thoughts, already held the Nebula Award trophy in his hands.
The Nebula Award was modeled after the American Nebula Award, and its trophy was designed to resemble the original as closely as possible—a sculpture depicting a star cluster. However, the materials used were far inferior. The Nebula Award had long been a volunteer-run affair, only transitioning to commercial sponsorship many years later. By then, its prestige had already dwindled to a shadow of its former glory.
Among the various Nebula Awards, the most prestigious is the Novel Nebula Award, with the Visual Media Nebula Award being slightly less prominent.
Still, receiving such an award was a delightful surprise.
Anyone attending the Science Fiction Convention today would naturally be deeply interested in all forms of science fiction works. Considering this, the target audience for the convention and the Nebula Awards largely overlaps.
With this realization, Kobayashi Tetsu no longer found it surprising.
"It's a pity the Science Fiction Convention doesn't have a game category; otherwise, they'd have to give me at least a Game Nebula Award!"
Kobayashi Tetsu shook his head inwardly, noticing Okada Toshio about to speak. He preempted him:
"Thank you all for your support and trust in this work. I must express my deep humility; I only contributed a trivial effort by providing the script and ideas to DAICONFILM at the time. The actual realization of the project is due to Okada Toshio-san, his studio, and the team—including Anno Hideaki-san, who handled the special effects back then."
Before Okada Toshio could speak again, Kobayashi Tetsu continued, "Actually, *Jormungandr*'s story isn't finished. Eliminating the giant beast was just the first part; there are many more unexplored goals to pursue. After all, as the saying goes..."
Kobayashi Tetsu directly quoted a line from *Legend of the Galactic Heroes*:
"Our journey is to the stars."
He raised the slightly rough-looking trophy in his hand, his smile radiant, and the audience below erupted in enthusiastic applause.
Kobayashi Tetsu bowed deeply.
"Finally, I sincerely request that the next Science Fiction Convention be hosted by Atlus Studio. Now, please allow my friend, Okada Toshio, to say a few words."
Kobayashi Tetsu stepped aside to let Okada Toshio approach the microphone, but the latter hesitated, at a loss for words.
*What's there to say? Kobayashi Tetsu said it all!*
Okada Toshio could only bow and say, "In any case, I'm deeply honored to have presented such a work to everyone. This is GAINAX's first award, and we are truly overwhelmed with gratitude."
As they exited the stage, Kobayashi Tetsu casually handed the Nebula Award trophy to Okada Toshio.
"Okada-kun, the trophy truly belongs to GAINAX."
Okada Toshio clutched the trophy, wanting to cry but holding back the tears.
He felt like he'd been given a consolation prize!
Winning the Nebula Award was a pleasant surprise. After brief deliberation, the hosting rights for the next convention were ultimately awarded to Kobayashi Tetsu.
Okada Toshio's expression was less than pleased, but he understood the situation clearly and harbored no ill will toward Kobayashi Tetsu.
*You can offend anyone, but you must never offend Ebisu.* Gritting his teeth, Okada Toshio decided to view this as Kobayashi Tetsu, the wealthy heir, simply wanting to have some fun and join the "royal study group." There was no real loss of face, and who knows? They might even let GAINAX host again next year!
But showing any displeasure now could mean losing future collaboration opportunities with Kobayashi Tetsu, and that would be the greatest loss.
Next year's Japan Science Fiction Convention would be organized by Kobayashi Tetsu and Atlas. The venue, date, and other details would be chosen by Kobayashi Tetsu and then communicated to the Science Fiction Convention Association, which would notify the convention members via mail, phone, and other means.
The number of attendees would entirely depend on Kobayashi Tetsu's personal appeal.
To date, the largest attendance at a Science Fiction Convention was during the one organized by Daicon Film, which drew over four thousand participants. Otherwise, attendance typically hovered around one thousand.
Kobayashi Tetsu thought to himself:
*If I'm hosting, we need to surpass Okada Toshio's attendance. Let's aim for at least five thousand! First, we'll secure a large venue in Tokyo!*
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