Chapter 33:Breaking One Million[2]
In the video, several students in white coats operated according to the manga's steps. Finally, the simulated "sick cow" data returned to normal.
At the end of the video, a student said to the camera: "From a professional perspective, this plan is theoretically feasible, but practical difficulty is extreme. If Hachiken really succeeds, he's a genius."
The video went viral. The Veterinary Association reposted, Ag University official account reposted, major media followed up.
The topic "Manga Plot Triggers Real-world Academic Discussion" hit the trending search.
When Sue called, her voice was shaking: "Did you see that video?"
"Saw it."
"Now it's not just a manga..." Sue took a deep breath. "Your plot is being verified, discussed, and learned by professionals. This isn't just breaking out of the circle, this is... I can't find the words."
Alex was calm. "Just drew it in detail."
"Detail?" Sue laughed. "Do you know how the industry evaluates you now? 'God of Details,' 'Demon of Professionalism.' Saying a panel you draw lightly is supported by countless materials."
Indeed. Before drawing each chapter, Alex checked a lot of materials, asked his father, even called vets he knew. He ensured every detail could stand scrutiny.
But he didn't think it was much. In his past life, Arakawa Hiromu went to agricultural high schools, ranches, and vet stations to experience life for Silver Spoon. He just did the same thing.
Only, in this world with a backward manga industry, his "seriousness" became a dimensional strike.
In early August, Silver Spoon Volume 4 was released.
The cover was Hachiken in surgical scrubs, back to the viewer under the shadowless lamp. Title: "Moment of Choice."
Day 1 Sales: 300,000 copies.
Record broken again.
Long lines formed outside bookstores. This time not just students, but many adults vets, agricultural technicians, farmers, even doctors in white coats.
"Buying for our department," a doctor said. "Although I'm a vet, many principles are the same."
"Buying for farm workers," a farmer said. "More useful than training."
"I'm a vet student, teacher made me buy it."
Mr. Henderson thought while collecting money: The readership of this manga has gone beyond the manga circle.
Even more exaggerated, several people in suits bought fifty sets at once.
"We are from the Agricultural Technology Training Center, buying as textbooks."
Fifty sets meant a hundred books. Henderson's hands shook as he packed them.
At closing, Henderson tallied the accounts: Volume 4 alone sold over 400 copies today, a record high daily turnover.
He texted Alex: "Vol 4 selling like crazy, store almost empty."
Alex replied: "Thanks for your hard work, Mr. Henderson."
Henderson smiled at the reply. This kid, famous but unchanged.
At the same time, a meeting was held at the provincial level.
Attendees included leaders from the Dept of Education, Dept of Agriculture, Dept of Culture, and several experts. The topic: "How to Promote the Success Experience of Silver Spoon."
Dept of Education rep: "This manga has a great response in the education system. Many schools report students' interest in agriculture increased significantly. We suggest promoting it in all primary and secondary schools in the province."
Dept of Agriculture rep: "Response in the agricultural training system is also good. Many farmers and technicians learned knowledge through the manga. We suggest including it in professional farmer training materials."
Dept of Culture rep: "This is an excellent literary work, reflecting cultural confidence of the new era. We suggest recommending it for national awards."
Finally, a resolution was formed: Promote Silver Spoon reading activities province-wide; include the work in recommended lists of multiple systems; recommend for "National Excellent Publication Award."
News hit the net, exploded again.
"National Award?!"
"This manga is going to the sky!"
"From local magazine serialization to national awards in ten months..."
"This is domination by strength."
Opposing voices vanished completely. Now anyone daring to say Silver Spoon was bad was opposing the Dept of Education, Agriculture, and Culture, and millions of readers.
The latest issue of Manga Critique featured a cover article titled: "Silver Spoon: A Work That Changed Industry Perception."
The "Grim Critic" who once criticized Silver Spoon wrote:
"I once questioned the artistic value of Silver Spoon. Now I admit, I was wrong. Its value lies not in traditional 'art,' but in doing something unprecedented in manga form—making professional knowledge vivid, making niche themes hot, making the whole industry reflect: What should we draw? How to draw?
"In this sense, Silver Spoon is not only a successful work but a milestone. It marks that the medium of manga can carry far more than entertainment."
This article was widely reposted. The industry recognized: Silver Spoon had changed the industry ecology.
Alex remained indifferent to these praises.
He was drawing Chapter 39. This chapter revealed the treatment result.
He drew slowly. Drawn the movement of surgical instruments, data changes on the monitor, sweat on Hachiken's forehead, the chief's tight lips.
Finally, the curve on the monitor returned to normal. The cow's eyes slowly opened.
The chief patted Hachiken's shoulder: "It's done."
Just two words, but heavy.
Hachiken's legs gave out, sitting on the floor. Not tired, but scared after the fact—if it failed, the cow would die.
The chief said: "Being scared after is right. In this line of work, every treatment should have fear after. Without fear, you're numb."
Hachiken nodded, looking at the cow. The cow looked back, eyes calm.
The scene froze here.
Chapter 39, End.
Alex put down the pen, looking at the draft. Outside, the moonlight was good, the ranch quiet.
He knew this chapter would spark heated discussion again. Readers would cheer for Hachiken's success, discuss treatment details, analyze the meaning of this case.
But he cared more about the chief's words: "Every treatment should have fear after."
This was veterinary professional ethics, and also creator's ethics—awe and fear for every panel drawn.
He emailed the draft to Sue.
Title: "Chapter 39, Treatment Result."
Body empty.
Soon, Sue replied: "Received. This chapter will make everyone breathe a sigh of relief."
Alex smiled, turning off the computer.
He walked to the window, looking at the ranch. In the night, the herd rested quietly, occasionally mooing.
Very calm.
But inside his heart, a bigger wave was brewing.
Silver Spoon still had a long way to go, but it had stood firm, become a benchmark, a phenomenon.
It was time to prepare for the next work.
That larger, more complex, darker, and more hot-blooded world.
He wanted to show everyone—
He didn't just draw warmth and reality.
He could also draw a world that made everyone boil with blood and fall into deep thought.
(To be Continued)
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