The Art of Gold Digging
Interlude Chapter 31.5— Q&A

The panel opens in a dimly lit room with dramatic sparkles everywhere for no reason.

In the center: a large, suspiciously shiny cardboard box. From within the box, a fluffy white cat stares out with glowing blue eyes. Piles of cash, ramen packets, and old Weekly Shōnen Samurai magazines surround it. A little sign is taped to the front:

✨TAKASHI-SENSEI — ASK ANYTHING ✨

One question per fan. No refunds. Bribes accepted.

The box rustles.

Fwump.

A cat pokes its head out. It exudes an aura of both wisdom and financial irresponsibility. It yawns, stretches, and lets out a raspy meow.

Takashi-sensei (cat form):

“Ahhh... I sense curiosity in the air. Or maybe just someone opened a bag of shrimp crackers nearby. Either way… let the questioning begin.”

A timid editor—barely out of college, with a notepad trembling in hand—steps into the room, bowing deeply.

Editor:

“Takashi-sensei! We’ve received a pile of reader questions again. The fan mail bin is overflowing—just like your box.”

Takashi-sensei:

“Hmm. Good. Let the foolish masses seek my infinite wisdom... or at least the fragments I choose to share.”

He flicks a paw, and the first letter flutters open in the air.

Question n°1

The editor opens the first envelope, squints, and hesitates.

Editor (thinking):

What the hell is this? This has nothing to do with the manga…

Takashi-sensei:

“Mmm?”

Editor (reading aloud):

“Ahem. First question: ‘If a tree falls in the forest… do the squirrels sleep sideways?’ — MysteriousFan88”

A long silence.

The money rustles softly.

Takashi-sensei (dead serious):

“Yes. But only if the moon is watching.”

The editor freezes mid-scribble.

Editor:

“Uh. What?”

Takashi-sensei:

“The tree represents change. The fall is inevitable. The squirrels—creatures of routine—must realign themselves, lest chaos claim them. They sleep sideways, not in confusion, but in acceptance. It is a metaphor. Possibly also a haiku.”

Editor:

“...”

Question n°2

Editor:

“Okay, here’s one that’s on topic.”

She clears her throat, reading carefully.

Editor:

“‘Dear Takashi-sensei, how do you not drive yourself crazy writing the story? It's so dark that you've gotta be doing something to stay sane after so many chapters! (Also, Takahashi are you going to be touring at any point? I'd love to get your signature, but I live so far away :(’ — Signed, Rei, 15, Fukuoka.”

Takashi-sensei’s ears perk up. Slowly, he rises from the velvet cash folds.

Takashi-sensei (somberly):

“Ah... Rei. A wise question. One I ask myself... every third Thursday.”

The room dims. Somewhere in the background, a violin plays a single mournful note.

Takashi-sensei:

“When I first began the story, I thought I could control it. But over time, the characters started whispering to me. Whispering in capital letters. The kind you can’t ignore. Make it darker, and more painful.”

He places one paw delicately on a worn, chewed-looking toy fish.

Takashi-sensei:

“This is Mr. Squibbles. He is my emotional anchor. When the story devours my soul, I beat him until I feel something again.”

He pauses and looks into the imaginary camera.

Takashi-sensei:

“To answer your deeper question, Rei… darkness in the story is inevitable. But you survive it by weaving in the light. A joke. A quiet smile. A dumb squirrel sleeping sideways. Balance, my dear reader. Even the moon needs its shadows.”

The editor is now visibly blinking back tears.

Editor (sniffling):

“That was actually... kind of beautiful...”

Takashi-sensei:

“Also, taking a nap helps. Everything bad goes away after a good sleep.”

Question n°3

Editor:

“‘Takashi-sensei, could you tell us what Crow would have become if his dad didn’t force him down the path he’s currently on?’”

There is silence.

Even the money stops rustling.

Takashi-sensei does not rise. Not at first. His tail slowly flicks. His head lifts.

Takashi-sensei (quietly):

“You want to know what Crow would’ve been… if he had been allowed to choose.”

The lights shift. A single manga panel floats into view, translucent and glowing: a younger Crow, no scars yet, sitting in a tree with a sketchpad, smiling.

Takashi-sensei:

“He would’ve become an artist.”

The editor straightens.

Editor:

“Wait—what?”

Takashi-sensei (softly):

“Yup. He would’ve drawn silly comics in the margins of chalkboards. He’d wear mismatched socks and not care.”

He pauses, then adds:

Takashi-sensei:

“And he’d still be able to laugh.”

Editor (staring into space):

“I... I can’t imagine it. That version of him. He’d wear a green cardigan, wouldn’t he?”

Takashi-sensei (closing his eyes):

“Wool. Frayed cuffs. Smells like coffee and marker ink.”

Editor (quietly):

“He doesn’t look like that kind of person...”

Takashi-sensei:

“No. Because fate broke the branch before it could bloom. That’s why he fights now. Not to win... but to find the boy he could be.”

Question n°3

Editor (reading aloud):

“‘If the cast of Quest for Avalon was teleported to Earth with no magic, who would adapt the fastest… and who would get arrested on day one?’ — Yuto, 16, Tokyo.”

Takashi-sensei:

“The first to adapt would, of course, be Amy, followed by Zayd. She would invent a social media account within hours. ‘Former Seer predicts the future.’ Ten million subscribers by dinner. She’d sell MLM protein powder by Friday and own the company by Sunday.”

Editor (nodding):

“Wow, Amy's adaptability must be incredible. I can’t imagine being thrown into a completely different world and instantly getting to work.”

Takashi-sensei (darkly):

“And Iris…”

A beat.

The lights dim again.

A security camera image flickers into view: Iris, barefoot, on top of a police car, screaming in draconic runes at a traffic light.

Takashi-sensei (deadpan):

“Arrested before lunch for:

1. Public indecency.

2. Declaring war on an ATM.

3. Attempting to duel a barista for refusing to accept rune-stones as payment.

And 4. Strangling a pigeon she thought was a ‘sky informant.’

Editor (cracking up):

“I think you don’t give her enough credit...”

Takashi-sensei (sighing):

“Personally, it's too much credit already. She legit, would get arrested immediately. (if they can catch her)”

Question n°4

Editor (reading):

“‘Will there be more flashbacks to past chapters? Like what happened before the 2nd Year Arc?’ — NoName420.”

Takashi-sensei (from the box, without hesitation):

“Yes. Shorter ones, but yes.”

Editor (scribbling):

“I have no idea why, but that ‘yes’ is kind of scary...”

Question n°5

Editor (reading):

“Next question: ‘Are you going to make a popularity contest? Please, I want to vote for Iris even if she’s a menace.’ — Signed, ProbablyNotIris.”

Takashi-sensei’s ears twitch. It slowly rises from its money pile, licking a paw.

Takashi-sensei:

“A popularity contest…? Unnecessary.”

Editor:

“Wait, really? Most series do one at least once. Fans eat it up.”

Takashi-sensei (smirking):

“I already know who’s popular. I feel it in the paper fibers. In the spike of comments when certain characters do something. In the letters that come with glitter, tears, or… legally questionable substances.”

He pulls out a fan letter sealed with wax and cat hair.

Takashi-sensei:

“Amy is for the basics. Crow for the emos. Lain is for the based. Lyra is for the ultra-based. The book is for the mega-based. And everyone else… You're just weird.”

Takashi-sensei:

“Either way, there is no need to vote. Their popularity is written between the lines.”

Editor:

“So you’re never going to do one?”

Takashi-sensei (grinning):

“Not officially. But if readers really want one… perhaps the characters will stumble across a suspicious ballot box some chapter.”

Question n°6

Editor (reading aloud, nervously):

“Um… this next one just says: ‘Are you a sadist?’ — Signed, TraumatizedButLoyal.”

She looks toward the box cautiously.

Takashi-sensei (already emerging, eyes glowing):

“Yes.”

Editor (blinking):

“What?”

Takashi-sensei (licking his paw calmly):

“Indeed. A beautifully written ‘yes.’ No footnotes. No disclaimers. Just truth, like a sword through the heart.”

Editor:

“what…?”

Takashi-sensei (tail swishing):

“Growth tastes better when it’s marinated in suffering. And also because watching readers scream in comment sections is my favorite dessert.”

Editor (scribbling):

“...”

Question n°7

Editor:

“‘Sensei, what were your influences and inspirations in making this manga?’ — Signed, CuriousAndSlightlyScared.”

The editor looks up.

Editor:

“That’s… surprisingly normal. Like, a real interview question.”

The money pile rustles. Takashi-sensei does not emerge immediately this time. Instead, its voice echoes from deep within the velvet-lined vault.

Takashi-sensei (quietly, thoughtfully):

“Hunger.”

The editor blinks.

Editor:

“Like... metaphorical hung—?”

Takashi-sensei:

“No. Literal. I was broke, very broke, and I wanted to try my luck with this story. That’s when the idea and passion came, from money.’”

A soft pause. Then its head pokes out of the cash, eyes gleaming.

Takashi-sensei:

“But beyond hunger... I was inspired by every story that ever hurt me in a good way. You know the ones. The stories where someone sacrifices too much, where hope flickers and dies, and somehow, somehow, you keep turning the page.”

My influences are:

• Obviously shonen manga.

• That one NovelFire that is suspiciously similar to this one, and I totally did not copy. A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga

• And those two anime that made me cry at 2 AM in college. Something about magical girls, Madoki or something, and the other about two kids going deep into the abyss.

Question n°8

Editor (reading):

“‘Who is currently the strongest known mage alive?’ — Signed, PowerScalingNerd.”

Takashi-sensei (without hesitation):

“Headmistress Elyndra.”

Editor:

“…Wait, seriously? Stronger than—?”

Takashi-sensei (already vanishing back into the box):

“Yes.”

Question n°9

Editor (reading):

“‘Sensei, could you share an overview of all the countries in the region—both the ones we've seen and the ones yet to appear?’ — From WorldBuilderFan.”

Takashi-sensei’s eyes gleam as he stretches lazily across the cash pile.

Takashi-sensei:

“Eldoria: the heart of it all. Like USA in the movies, but with more swords and magic. Everything important happens here—the bustling streets, the shadowed alleys, the clash of empires.”

He flicks a paw, and a glowing map shimmers in the air.

Takashi-sensei:

“Surrounding Eldoria are smaller, mostly unimportant countries—quiet places with quieter problems. They exist, but their stories rarely reach the headlines.”

The map shifts; colors darken.

Takashi-sensei:

“Beyond them lie the Outer Reaches. Once fertile lands, now a graveyard choked by chaos creatures and corruption. A wasteland where hope is scarce and danger is constant.”

He taps a finger, warily.

Takashi-sensei:

“Across dimensions, the Blood Empire festers—a brutal realm ruled by iron and blood. Alongside it, the Chaos Realm: raw, wild, unpredictable.”

It smirks.

Takashi-sensei:

“Everything else? Secondary. Background noise to the storm centered in Eldoria.”

Question n°10

Editor (reading quickly through three questions):

“‘What is the goddess’s true name?’

‘Are there Apostles in the novel?’

‘Are there any divine artifacts?’ — All from EternalLoreSeeker.”

Takashi-sensei’s eyes gleam mischievously as it stretches and curls atop its pile of money.

Takashi-sensei:

“The goddess’s true name? Too dangerous to speak aloud. Names hold power, and hers is whispered only in dreams—and nightmares.”

It pauses, then grins.

Takashi-sensei:

“As for Apostles, apart from scammers and delusionals, no.”

Takashi-sensei:

“And divine artifacts? Oh yes. Objects forged in the earliest ages—imbued with power that can shape or shatter worlds. Mmmm, maybe we've already seen one in the story…who knows…”

Question n°11

Editor (reading, brow furrowed):

“‘Amy is constantly mumbling to herself and either actively trying to die or completely detached like she’s seen it before. Are we getting an explanation soon? It feels like a schizo was inserted who might start killing everyone anytime.’ — ConcernedFan99”

Takashi-sensei’s ears twitch, tail flicking slowly.

Takashi-sensei (calm, almost whispering):

“Amy’s mind is a battlefield—a fractured echo of past lives and future fears. She walks on the edge of memory and prophecy, haunted by shadows only she can see.”

He pauses, then adds with a faint smirk:

Takashi-sensei:

“The explanation is coming. Slowly. Because some truths are like wounds: painful to reveal but necessary for healing—or destruction.”

Editor:

“So…yes?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Yup, explanation incoming.”

Question n°12

Editor (reading):

“‘How strong can artifacts get? Enough to destroy reality and the world?’ — Signed, RealityBreakerFan.”

Takashi-sensei:

“Artifacts vary, but some are fragments of creation itself. Their power can tear the fabric of reality, unravel worlds, and summon oblivion. They are both blessings and curses—capable of salvation or annihilation.”

Question n°13

Editor (reading eagerly):

“‘When are Amy and Lain going to kiss?’”

Takashi-sensei (grinning):

“Muhahahah.”

Question n°14

Editor (clearing throat, moving on):

“‘Why is Lyra so infatuated with Crow?’”

Takashi-sensei:

“It’s been so long some readers forgot. But worry not—during the library arc, there will be reminders of why everyone cares... and why our emo boy remains the heart of the storm.”

Question n°15

Editor (with a small smirk):

“‘What kind of person is Iris into?’”

Takashi-sensei:

“Someone like her.”

Question n°16

Editor (reading):

“‘What was your inspiration to add Amy into the story?’”

Takashi-sensei stretches and blinks slowly.

Takashi-sensei:

“Dunno why, honestly. One day she just popped into my head—almost like, mmm—that’s weird. Why did I put her in?”

Question n°17

Editor (flipping to the next question):

“‘Who has the strongest power? Who’s the most powerful of the cast (except Crow)?’”

Takashi-sensei shrugs, tail flicking.

Takashi-sensei:

“The powers in this world are very flexible. Too many variables. I can’t really say. Although in most cases, excluding those two, Lain would win.”

Question n°18

Editor (reading thoughtfully):

“‘Author, with Amy and the Blood Emperor incident in mind, the story seems to have become (slightly) less dark. Will this trend continue in the future?’”

Takashi-sensei:

“Darkness is like a tide—sometimes it recedes, sometimes it crashes harder. Amy’s light might flicker brighter for now, but don’t mistake a candle for the sun.”

Question n°19

Editor (reading with a grin):

“‘Of the relevant students, who are the strongest ones and who are the weakest?’”

She looks over at Takashi-sensei.

Editor:

“Wanna finally give us a tier list?”

Takashi-sensei’s eyes narrow as it lazily rolls over its money pile.

Takashi-sensei:

“I want the readers to theorize… But fine. Ignoring Amy, who nobody knows yet, roughly, Crow is the strongest. No surprise there.”

It lifts a paw to count.

Takashi-sensei:

“Lain and Iris are right behind him. They're in their own messy, volatile tier.”

Takashi-sensei (tail flicking):

“Second batch? Ash, Zayd—solid power, but still growing. In particular, Zayd who is far away from his peak.”

Takashi-sensei:

“Then you’ve got the third batch and the second-years—roughly even, lots of potential, but not fully sharpened.”

Takashi-sensei:

“And last, the fourth batch. The newest first-years. Promising, chaotic, and very... breakable.”

Editor (writing notes):

“So... Crow on top against everything?”

Takashi-sensei (deadpan):

“Accurate.”

Question n°20

Editor (reading with a thoughtful frown):

“‘Can spirit magic be used to temporarily steal magic from others? And just what can it do in general?’”

Takashi-sensei (tail twitching, voice low):

“Spirit magic is mostly used to buff, debuff, and create barriers… because it interacts with will rather than force. It enhances what exists, weakens what threatens, and protects what matters.”

Takashi-sensei:

“As for stealing magic? Not exactly. But it can redirect, dull, or temporarily sever magical flow.”

Editor (scribbling notes):

“So... more like suppressing or interfering, not actual theft.”

Takashi-sensei:

“Correct. But it's very hard and unusual.”

Question n°21

Editor (reading):

“‘Is there an artificial way to increase core power?’”

Takashi-sensei’s eyes narrow beneath twitching whiskers.

Takashi-sensei:

“Apart from training? Yes. But it’s very evil… and requires many sacrifices.”

It glances around like sharing a forbidden secret.

Takashi-sensei:

“Power gained without sweat always comes at a terrible price. Few dare to pay it—and fewer survive.”

Question n°21

Editor (reading):

“‘Does the book Amy holds want to be worshiped? And if so, how?’”

Takashi-sensei pauses, ears twitching, then gives a very confused face—whiskers drooping.

Takashi-sensei:

“…Wait, the book wants to be worshiped?”

It blinks slowly, clearly caught off guard.

Takashi-sensei:

“I never thought about it like that. Maybe… it just wants attention. Or maybe it’s just quiet and a bit mysterious.”

Question n°22

Editor (reading with a raised brow):

“‘Hey author, will Amy be permanently maimed at some point? A girl with scars is cool.’”

Takashi-sensei slowly emerges from a pile of money, expression somewhere between amused and impressed.

Takashi-sensei:

“…You people are unhinged.”

It yawns, then adds with a smirk:

Takashi-sensei:

“Scars—visible or not—are already part of her. Whether they become permanent on the outside… well, that depends on how far she has to go.”

It stretches lazily, tail curling.

Takashi-sensei:

“But yes. A girl with scars is cool.”

Question n°23

Editor (reading while holding back laughter):

“‘Sensei, when will Crow add the Colossus to his harem?? We all know what’s planned—you can’t pretend otherwise.”

Takashi-sensei (staring blankly):

“…The what.”

It blinks. Slowly.

Takashi-sensei:

“You mean the country-sized death-bringer colossus?”

Editor:

“That one.”

Takashi-sensei sinks back into the box of money, then smiles.

Takashi-sensei (muffled):

“…maybe.”

Narration Box:

In this story, nothing is sacred. Not even scale.

Question n°23

Editor (reading with a grin):

“‘Author, how will you respond to the haters?!?!!’”

Takashi-sensei stretches languidly, eyes half-closed, then flicks his tail with a smirk.

Takashi-sensei:

“Haters? I listen to them... like a cat watches a laser pointer—intently, but I’m never catching it.”

It yawns dramatically.

Takashi-sensei:

“Criticism sharpens the blade. But the best way to respond? Keep writing, keep surprising, and let the story do the talking.”

Question n°24

Editor (reading with a smirk):

“‘Where was Iris during the last arc? Why would they go without their heavy hitter? #IrisSupremacy’”

Takashi-sensei’s ears twitch, then he scratches his head with a confused look.

Takashi-sensei:

“…Wait, Iris was supposed to be there? I totally forgot she existed.”

It blinks, then shrugs.

Takashi-sensei:

“Honestly, sometimes characters slip past me like a cat slipping out the door. She was probably off doing something important… or napping. Yeah, definitely napping.”

Question n°…

Editor (reading the barrage):

“Okay, Sensei, brace yourself. Here’s a whole batch of questions from fans...”

Takashi-sensei (tail flicking, half-smiling):

“I’m ready.”

Editor:

“Can Amy cook any kind of pasta?”

Takashi-sensei:

“She can attempt pasta. Mostly it ends up as a kind of noodle-based battle.”

Editor:

“What is Crow’s favorite vegetable?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Onions. Because layers—and tears.”

Editor:

“How advanced is the mathematics in the world? Can they perform algebra?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Yes, but mostly for managing taxes and magic formulas. Algebra is ‘a thing,’ but don’t expect calculus anytime soon.”

Editor:

“In what circumstances is murder allowable in the world?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Legal murder? Mostly in war, duels, and extreme self-defense. It’s never taken lightly—except by some villains.”

Editor:

“Is it possible for Amy’s book to get worms?”

Takashi-sensei:

“If Amy’s book gets worms, that’s a side story I didn’t write yet.”

Editor:

“What kind of metal is used for nails in the world?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Iron mostly. Occasionally steel for fancy buildings. No titanium nails... yet.”

Editor:

“What is your favorite kind of tree?”

Takashi-sensei:

“The silent pine. Stoic, strong, and smells like old magic.”

Editor:

“Does Amy have a favorite genre of music?”

Takashi-sensei:

“She likes... haunting melodies that echo through empty halls. Probably goth-folk. Surprising, I know.”

Editor:

“What kind of foods does Zayd make on his own without external prompting or coercion?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Grilled meats. Simple, direct, no-nonsense.”

Editor:

“What is the Gespard family’s home address?”

Takashi-sensei (smirking):

“Top secret. Even I don’t remember.”

Editor:

“Does your world use lethal rat traps or nonlethal ones?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Mostly lethal. Rats aren’t exactly loved.”

Editor:

“Are there other kinds of non-insectoid vermin besides rats in your world?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Oh yes. Sewer snakes, shadow bats, and occasionally the dreaded mudlurkers.”

Editor:

“How ornery are wolverines in your world?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Very. Like tiny tanks fueled by rage and bad moods.”

Editor:

“What are the most prevalent forms of insulation used in your world?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Wool, straw, and magical wards for the wealthy.”

Editor:

“What is Lyra’s favorite kind of material to sit on?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Soft velvet. Because royalty deserves comfort.”

Editor:

“Will you ever give us a panel showing off Iris’s delicious ankles?”

Takashi-sensei (chuckling):

“Ask nicely. Maybe during the summer arc.”

Editor:

“Which figure has been most influential on the headmaster in her upbringing?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Her grandmother—a woman with an iron will and a secret smile.”

Editor:

“Does the book have a phobia of caterpillars?”

Takashi-sensei:

“No, but it definitely finds clowns creepy.”

Editor:

“Do you think Crow eats rocks for minerals?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Only metaphorically.”

Editor:

“How does Amy get enough iron to maintain her chronic blood loss?”

Takashi-sensei:

“Careful diet (pizza), magical potions, a certain books advice, and stubbornness.”

Editor (closing the thick notebook with a satisfied sigh):

“Alright, Sensei, before we close this session—any final words for your readers? Something to leave them with?”

Takashi-sensei slowly emerges from the mountain of bills and coins, blinking thoughtfully. Its whiskers twitch as it stretches its paws toward the ceiling.

Takashi-sensei:

“Hmm... First, thank you. Thank you to everyone who’s stuck with this twisted, dark, occasionally confusing story. Your passion, ratings, comments, and everything else, keeps this world alive—more than any amount of gold I’m currently buried under.”

It gives a rare, genuine smile that softens hits sharp eyes.

Takashi-sensei:

“I know the road hasn’t always been smooth. There have been times when the story felt like wandering a foggy forest with no clear path. But that’s kind of the point—life’s messy, characters grow through pain and joy, and the unexpected always lurks just around the corner.”

Takashi-sensei:

“Keep asking questions. Keep theorizing, debating, even ranting. Your curiosity fuels the story in ways I can’t always predict. Sometimes your questions give me new ideas, sometimes they remind me to slow down and savor the journey.”

Takashi-sensei:

“Either way, I won't take any more of your time. Thank you for reading, and see you next time.”

Narration Box (slowly fading):

With a final purr, the author-cat vanishes into legend once more—until the next questions awaken him from his golden slumber.

[End of Chapter]