A Game's Opportunity Becomes Reality, Episode 67
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A Game's Opportunity Becomes Reality, Episode 67
20. Only I Have a Peaceful Feeling (2)
I judged that while Ibril's recognition was nearly nonexistent compared to the other Saintess candidates, the gap wasn't so large that it couldn't be closed.
After all, a Saintess is one who serves the divine.
And that divine being uses the believers' faith as nourishment.
The existing candidates' recognition came from their Sponsors backing them, so it was only high within noble circles.
So we decided to target the commoners, who make up the overwhelming majority of believers.
'I know Eric is promising. Still, demanding his lord play the clown for the sake of the goal—he's really grown.'
Is this what it feels like to be an entertainer pushed around by a shady producer?
I couldn't help but laugh at the current situation.
Still, I accepted this because I thought Eric's proposal was sound, so I intend to give it my all.
"Welcome back once again, everyone. I'm here to satisfy your curiosity—the comparison variety show 'Anthony'! Today, as part of our 10th-anniversary special, we're tackling a curiosity that's practically taboo!"
'Anthony' is the hottest variety program in the Jordy Kingdom, famous worldwide for its curiosity-stirring themes and its high intensity that doesn't just cross the line but outright jump-ropes over it.
The program is produced with the support of Count Teretori, known throughout the Jordy Kingdom as an eccentric, so the caliber of participants is high, and unexpected guests sometimes appear.
"But before that! We've brought in a guest you'd never have imagined, right?"
"Yes, that's right! Those who saw the preview must have been shocked! 10th-anniversary special! Mage vs. Knight edition! Representing mages, the 20-year-old genius Grand Mage who's shaking up the world—Adrian Lawrence! Please welcome him!"
And I'm participating today as that unexpected guest.
Baron Jimmy, known as the Jordy Kingdom's national MC, and Baron Park, the eternal second-in-command of the entertainment world, are veterans of the industry who rose from entertainers to receive the baron title.
But even they were stunned, saying this casting made no sense.
Indeed, who would ever think a Marquis would appear on a variety show?
Perhaps because of that, even the two veteran MCs seemed to have slightly stiff expressions.
"Greetings, Anthony viewers. I am Adrian Lawrence, Marquis and Holy Son of the Kingdom of Rhinehearts."
So I gave my greeting with the warmest smile I could manage.
In response, national MC Baron Jimmy received it with a noticeably softened expression.
"Haha, quite a pleasant greeting. When one thinks of a high-ranking noble like the Rhinehearts Kingdom, a stiff image comes to mind, but you're far different from what I expected."
"Well, I'm still 20. And perhaps it's because I've been communicating with many people through my online diary."
"So you're flexible because you're young, is that it?"
Was it because of my cooperative attitude?
The atmosphere on set was quite warm and friendly.
"Now I understand why so many people claim to be fans of Marquis Lawrence and follow him around."
At that, the camera caught the sight of female fans cheering toward me.
Then Baron Park, the eternal second-in-command, threw a casual question with a playful expression.
"You know you're handsome, right, Marquis?"
Honestly, if this shell of mine were ugly, I wouldn't be dragging this many fans around no matter how approachable I was.
There's no way I don't know that this is the result of my status and friendliness combined with a handsome face.
I nodded readily while answering in a way that didn't seem arrogant.
"Of course. I can only thank my mother."
"Huh? No thanks for your father?"
"My father, not so much. If not for his noble title, he could never have married someone like my mother."
"Hahaha!"
Both MCs showed deep interest in my remarks.
Seems they think they've found the right person to invite.
"As we mentioned earlier, today's topic is something treated as taboo in society. We'll be conducting comparison experiments between mages and knights. What do you think of today's topic, Marquis?"
"I find it very interesting."
"But many experts have assessed that today's topic is bound to be disadvantageous for you, Marquis, since you're a mage. In the physical strength comparison experiments, even if you do well, you'll only break even, and if you do poorly, your reputation could crack — so even we have to tread carefully."
"No need to worry. I intend to use this opportunity to erase the false prejudice against mages, so go ahead and proceed without holding back."
"Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease."
Anthony's topic today is 'A Comparative Experiment Between Mages and Knights,' the two pillars of Rondel.
The highlight among them is the segment comparing the physical prowess of mages and knights.
Of course, what would be the simplest way to compare physical strength?
A sparring match, that's what.
So they're showing this dual attitude of thinking today's shoot will be a hit while also worrying about it.
Following that, they introduced the person who would co-lead the program's topic with me today.
"If Marquis Lawrence represents the mages today, we've brought this person as the knights' representative!"
"The Kingdom of Lucias's pride, the newly risen Aura Master, Count Felix!"
"A pleasure. I am Count Ordwell Felix."
And what appeared was an Aura Master from the Kingdom of Lucias, the nation of my master's house, the Riverdale Ducal House.
Securing both an Aura Master and a Grand Mage — even I can see this program is insane.
"What on earth is our casting ability? First the Grand Mage, and now an Aura Master!"
The MCs and the cast clapped and cheered.
Count Ordwell Felix was someone who had become an Aura Master at the age of 30.
He reached the same realm almost exactly when I did this time around — though my age is far younger, becoming an Aura Master at 30 is an achievement worthy of being called the cream of the crop among geniuses.
But for some reason, I didn't like him.
"In today's shoot, you'll be compared with Marquis Lawrence in many ways. Count Felix, with what mindset did you decide to join the shoot?"
"I accepted the offer thinking I'd just come and have a bit of fun."
"You're still this relaxed even though Marquis Lawrence is your opponent?"
"Well, I did hear praise about him from Duke Riverdale. From what I heard, he said even an Aura Master-class Vanguard might not be able to handle him."
"F-From Duke Riverdale himself? That's quite something!?"
"Yes, the famously cold-hearted Duke Riverdale praised him so much that I did get curious. But seeing Marquis Lawrence face to face like this, it makes me think his grace's love for his disciple is simply too strong."
A bear-like build and an arrogant attitude that looked down on people from above.
His interest in Arcia, who was watching the shoot from afar, reminded me of the Second Prince.
'How can someone resemble the Second Prince that much.'
If Arcia had a personality even slightly suited for broadcasting, she could have appeared alongside me and eliminated such a situation — a pity in many ways.
But on the other hand, I thought that if this was the kind of person I was facing, I could fight without any reservations.
At his remarks, which anyone could see were belittling me, the two MCs and the cast broke out in cold sweat.
"Th-That sounded like a declaration of war. What do you think, Marquis Lawrence?"
Still, the seasoned MC turned the topic back to me, determined to capture this situation on camera no matter what.
In response, I let out a slight smirk and answered.
"Did you say Count Ordwell Felix? It's a name I've never heard before, so I didn't know who you were, but it seems an amusing fellow has become an Aura Master."
At being treated like a nobody, a thick vein mark appeared on Count Felix's brow, and the MCs' faces turned pale.
They looked at the production team as if to ask whether a fight was about to break out, but the PD, for whatever reason, kept sending OK signs with delight.
"A heated war of nerves from the very start. Now then, let's move locations for the full-scale comparison."
* * *
A short while later, the place we arrived at was a famous lake in the Jordy Kingdom.
At the center of the lake sat a massive island, and atop the island rose a colossal structure reminiscent of a colosseum — which led people to call it the Island of Duel, the Lake of Duel.
It looked highly classical in appearance, but it boasted fairly modern facilities, equipped with self-repair functions and a 7th Circle-class barrier.
Today's program, Anthony, had chartered the Island of Duel in celebration of its 10th anniversary special.
But for a full charter, a considerable number of people filled the spectator stands and VIP seats, making one question why.
"Kyaaaaah! Oppa!"
"Adrian!"
Even my fan club had taken seats in one corner.
"Who are these people?"
"They're loyal listeners who won the 10th anniversary event. Exactly one thousand of them."
Come to think of it, I had vaguely heard that audience members would be joining, but I didn't expect it to be like this.
Looks like I'll end up fighting in front of a crowd without meaning to.
"What, are spectators inconvenient for you?"
Noticing my reluctance, Count Felix approached and provoked me.
Sadly, he won't know.
That the reason I'm reluctant about this situation is for his sake.
When I shrugged and stepped onto the stage set up before the electronic screen, a vein mark bulged again on Count Felix's forehead at being ignored.
Before the full-scale comparison of strength, a discussion was scheduled, and to soften the mood, talk about recent happenings began.
But it wasn't long before Count Felix's expression hardened.
The reason was that while the questions from the panel were only formalities for him, for me they included a number of mischievous questions covering even my private life.
That was because Count Felix gave off too arrogant and unapproachable a vibe, but he seemed to perceive the attention directed at me as discrimination.
'Arrogant and narrow-minded, just like the Second Prince.'
Fortunately, the quick-witted national MC, Baron Jimmy, deflected the questions aimed at me appropriately and worked hard to balance things so Count Felix wouldn't feel uncomfortable.
But still unsatisfied with Count Felix's attitude, he stopped the talk and brought up today's topic to transition into the debate.
"Of course, a mage's research and development ability is something everyone knows, so let's skip that point. Today, we plan to focus on the combat capabilities of mages versus Knights."
"As the basic unit of war became the Vanguard, the combat power of Knights became widely known and systematically quantified. However, today's mages are perceived more as researchers than combatants, so relevant data is scarce in truth. Because of that, people don't really know what level a mage's combat power is at. What does Marquis Lawrence think about this?"
"To put it simply, the past perception of mages and Knights was like this."
Mage: high ranged combat ability / slow attack speed / wide attack range
Knight: high melee combat ability / fast attack speed / narrow attack range
"It was common sense that a Knight would win in close quarters, and a mage would win at range. But entering the modern era, as Knights' armaments strengthened and the Vanguard's Force equipment appeared, this changed."
Mage: high ranged combat ability / slow attack speed / wide attack range
Knight: high melee and ranged combat ability / fast attack speed / wide attack range
A clear-cut comparison.
It was the simple reason mages were no longer seen on the battlefield after the Vanguard's emergence.
"Ironically, it's because of equipment made by mages that mages themselves have found it hard to be active on the battlefield."
"That's right. Unless a device comes out that converts a mage's mana into Force like a Knight's, this is an irreversible fact. That's why the formula of war for Knights and technological advancement for mages became the norm."
Was it because I stated the facts clearly without distortion?
Count Felix, seated alongside, smirked.
"Then isn't a comparison unnecessary? If both are at the same level, as long as Vanguard equipment exists, a mage can never beat a Knight in combat."
But I shook my head, disagreeing.
"Looking at the two tables, a Knight equipped with Vanguard gear appears superior to a mage. But that's only an advantage in terms of combat style, not a statement of being stronger."
"I don't see what kind of wordplay that is."
"It's simple. A Knight's attacks are too monotonous. Thrust, slash, release Force — just three patterns."
No matter how much unpredictable movement is mixed in to create confusion, these attack forms don't change.
"But mages have numerous means of attack. Thrust, slash, burn, freeze, electrocute, explode, poison, Binding/Capture, and so on."
"Ah, so Marquis Lawrence means that in the end, victory or defeat inevitably depends on how one fights?"
"That's right."
But unable to accept my words, Count Felix and a few experts came in with interruptions.
"No matter how much petty attacks pour in, they can't break through the defenses of Force Armor. Rather than that, it'd be more realistic to suggest stripping the Knight of their Force equipment before fighting."
"On the battlefield, Spatial Teleportation Interference Magic is laid out, so Mages can't stop Vanguards charging in on hover boards."
None of the experts understood my argument.
Clicking my tongue at that, I made a suggestion to the MC.
"At this rate, we can't have a proper debate. Let's change the order."
"Huh?"
"First, I should demonstrate that what I'm saying is possible through a sparring match before we begin."
At my suggestion, the MC looked to the PD, and he responded that it was fine as long as Count Felix had no objection.
"Heh heh! Fine, there's no reason to refuse. I'll show the Marquis that reality isn't as easy as imagination makes it out to be."