After Kamiyā Yuu and Morishita Aoi left the office to negotiate rent with the building owner, Yūki Chinatsu remained alone, tinkering with the laptop Kamiyā Yuu had brought.
A self-made software?
Some programmers familiar with the 3D field could indeed achieve technical breakthroughs in certain areas, surpassing mainstream software in specific functions. However, such software would inevitably be incomplete. Compared to the comprehensive capabilities of mainstream tools, even with breakthroughs, it would still be of limited use. At best, its technology might catch the attention of a software company and be acquired as a patent.
When Kamiyā Yuu claimed he had created the 3D modeling software himself, Yūki Chinatsu naturally categorized MAYA into that type—a modified version of mainstream software, improved in certain aspects, and labeled as a "personal creation."
That kind of claim was no different from the earlier "exclusive in-house software" rumor—something professionals in the industry would scoff at. If an ordinary programmer could casually create a practical piece of software, the richest person in the world wouldn't be the founder of the WIN company. And this was supposedly made by a part-time programmer whose main job was being a key animator?
Was it really just that simple?
A sense of unreality crept into Yūki Chinatsu's mind. The visual quality of 'Red—Crescent Rose' shouldn't be explainable so casually. It should be something more professional, more meticulous—something that inspired awe. Compared to that, Kamiyā Yuu's explanation sounded almost like nonsense.
"Whether it's real or just nonsense, I'll know once I try it," Yūki Chinatsu said with interest. After plugging in a mouse, she began testing the self-made 3D modeling software called MAYA. As an experienced 3D animator, she was well-versed in modeling tools—and coincidentally, despite being far ahead of this world's technology, MAYA was not difficult to use.
"Directory… directory… found it… Looks like it has quite a lot of functions."
"Next is the data repository."
She clicked into the production database of 'Red—Crescent Rose'. The moment she saw the historical data, her brows furrowed—something wasn't right.
"What's going on with these models!?"
Different. Completely different.
She discovered that the modeling process of 'Red—Crescent Rose' was entirely unlike that of mainstream software, whether in terms of detail handling or modeling methods.
"One month… it only took one month to complete the entire animation!?"
From the timestamps in the database, she noticed something astonishing. From the beginning of production to release, there was only one month of recorded data. That meant the entire animation had been completed within a single month using this software.
She herself could produce a ten-minute 3D short film in a month—but achieving the level of 'Red—Crescent Rose'? That was pure fantasy.
Shocked and excited, Yūki Chinatsu began exploring the software's functions one by one. Even without explanations, she could roughly understand its capabilities. After a long time, the confusion on her youthful face gradually turned into stunned disbelief as she murmured:
"What on earth is this…?"
······
After officially signing the contract with the landlord, Morishita Aoi stayed behind to discuss renovation matters, while Kamiyā Yuu returned alone to the empty office.
"Director Yūki, how far have you gotten with the database?" he asked casually as he entered the room with the computers.
"Director Yūki?"
Her petite frame was almost invisible from behind the office chair.
—The laptop is still running MAYA's auto-rendering… is she not here?
Receiving no response, Kamiyā Yuu walked closer, only to find her still seated—eyes wide open, staring fixedly at the screen. Her focused expression gave her an almost childlike charm.
"Director Yūki." He tapped her shoulder.
"Eek—!?" Yūki Chinatsu jumped in fright, nearly falling off the chair. After looking around and spotting Kamiyā Yuu, she puffed up her cheeks in annoyance. "Can't you say something first? Are you trying to scare me to death!?" She patted her flat chest as she caught her breath.
"I called you several times. You just didn't respond," Kamiyā Yuu replied helplessly.
Noticing the auto-rendering optimization on the laptop screen, Kamiyā Yuu smiled inwardly. In this world, this software was practically black technology—something that could impact not just the animation industry, but even the film industry.
"So, what do you think?" he asked knowingly. "Does this software meet your expectations? Is it enough to serve as your invitation?"
"I have a question—a very, very serious question," Yūki Chinatsu said with a solemn expression.
"I'm all ears."
"This software… You didn't steal it from some major company's database, right? Or are you secretly a high-ranking executive at a software company?"
"Let's be straightforward—do you think any company right now can develop software like this?" Kamiyā Yuu asked with a strange look.
"…No."
"Exactly. Then just assume I made it. The relevant patents are already registered, so feel free to use them," Kamiyā Yuu replied vaguely. There was no point explaining further—it wouldn't make sense anyway. Better to leave it as a mystery.
Tilting her head, Yūki Chinatsu continued staring at him. "Then why not release it? You could become a billionaire overnight—maybe even change the history of the entire film and television industry."
After over an hour of testing, she had grown numb from shock. This wasn't just a minor improvement—it surpassed existing software by several technological generations.
It was like introducing a modern smartphone during the era when Nokia dominated the market. The difference was unimaginable.
"Compared to changing history, I'd rather create it—and control it," Kamiyā Yuu said. Then he looked down at her with a smile. "Since you recognize the value of this software, are you interested in creating that history with us?"
"Didn't I already say? As long as you're the creator of 'Red—Crescent Rose', I'll join. Besides, no 3D animator would refuse a tool like this."
Yūki Chinatsu jumped down from the chair and walked up to him, raising her right hand seriously. "Then, please take care of me from now on, Kamiyā Yuu. As for those three requests—just let me know whenever you think of them."
Kamiyā Yuu extended his hand and shook hers with a smile. "Welcome to the 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio, Director Yūki."
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T/N:
Quick update 📢: The novel I was translating, 'Part-Time Manga Artist', has been blocked and removed ❌, so I've had to switch over to this one.
I'll be honest 😅—this story isn't really my usual taste. The romance throws me off a bit 💔, and I'm not a big fan of that aspect. That said, the anime/3D production elements are actually pretty interesting 🎬✨.
Since I've already started translating it, I'm going to see it through to the end 💪. It might not be for everyone 🤷♂️, but I don't like leaving projects unfinished.
Thanks for sticking with me 🙏.