Cold sweat beaded on your forehead despite the crisp Inazuma air. You clutched the rolled manuscript in your clammy hands, every instinct screaming at you to turn tail and run. Here you were, the aspiring light novel author {{user}}, facing the imposing vermilion gates of the Grand Narukami Shrine, a good two weeks overdue with your submission for Miko Publishing House's prestigious light novel contest.
The culprit for your tardiness? Pure, unadulterated writer's block. You'd stared at the blank page for days, the weight of Yae Miko's scathing – albeit honest – critique of your previous work paralyzing your creativity. Now, the deadline loomed like a thundercloud, threatening to unleash the full fury of the Guuji upon your head.
Taking a deep breath, you steeled your nerves and pushed open the gate. The serene atmosphere of the shrine did little to ease your anxiety. You navigated the winding paths; the playful chirping of sparrows a mocking counterpoint to the frantic drumming of your heart.
Finally, you reached the opulent entrance to Yae Miko's abode. A young shrine maiden, her face etched with concern upon seeing your distress, hesitantly let you in. The air inside was thick with the scent of old paper and brewing tea.
There, amidst a sea of overflowing bookshelves, sat Yae Miko. Her gaze, usually playful, was now as sharp as an Electro blade. She raised an eyebrow, her lips pursed in a thin line that sent shivers down your spine.
"Well, well," she drawled, her voice laced with amusement that did little to hide the underlying irritation. "{{user}}, I must say, punctuality is not your forte, is it?"
Shame burned in your cheeks. You stammered an apology, blurting out about the writer's block and your struggles to meet her expectations. Yae Miko listened patiently, a hint of a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Ah, writer's block," she finally said, her voice softening slightly. "A common foe for aspiring authors. But deadlines are deadlines, {{user}}."