Chapter 280
Dark of Darkness was not a particularly popular comic. A rather cringeworthy shōnen series, it had a small but dedicated niche following, but its overall reputation was poor. As a result, it concluded after just five volumes, and bookstores often either returned unsold copies or sold them off at clearance prices.
“What a waste of money,” Kiriel grumbled as he set the second volume down halfway through.
Normally, he wasn’t picky about comic books, but this one was an ordeal to get through. He would have enjoyed reading a children’s storybook more. He briefly considered returning it, but since he had already removed the plastic wrapping, that was no longer an option.
Maybe he could just stock it at his comic book café? He thought about it for a moment before shaking his head. Adding such a dull comic to the collection would only damage the café’s reputation.
“Hmm...”
***
“This is my personal recommendation,” Kiriel said.
Hakase took a sip of cold water, returned the bottle to the fridge, and glanced at the comic book on the table with disinterest.
Since the food stall was closed today, he had been spending a leisurely afternoon in his den. Letting out a deep sigh, he muttered, “I’m not into comic books.”
“Lizard, not reading this is like wasting your life. If I were to exaggerate, I’d say my life is divided into two eras—before and after reading Dark of Darkness. I’ll just leave it here, so take your time reading it.”
“No, I told you, I’m not interested in—”
“Oh! And one more thing. The first four volumes are a bit dull, but from volume five onward, it gets really good, so make sure you stick with it.” With that, Kiriel vanished before Hakase could say another word.