第３９９堀：新番組 (Part2)
"I've never been outside before, so this is quite fun."
"That would mean the severe magical anomalies and depletion are specific to the continent where we reside."
"...But why did that Rabbit Beastman, Ratz, have her ears disappear?"
"Likely concealment through magic. Look, she is capable of grand magic that allows for instantaneous travel. It is only natural she could manage something like that."
"Indeed. A terrifying talent. We must invite her to our country by all means."
"Amazing, isn't it? To not even need a gate."
*Alright, Schmidt. You're on bathroom duty later. I’m the only one allowed to call Ratz by her name without honorifics!!*
Well, that aside, it was a clever bit of production to make it look like we’d jumped straight to Zilba. To those who don't know the concepts of recording, filming, and editing, it must have looked like instantaneous travel.
*"Now, this is the Zilba Empire, one of the major powers on the New Continent. However, as you can see, it is inhabited solely by humans. The Beastmen you see occasionally—referred to here as demi-humans—are almost always slaves. That is why I have hidden my own lovely rabbit ears. If I left them out, I’d be captured. Now, let’s take a stroll."*
The tour of Zilba’s landmarks began, with information about the legends of holy swords and magic swords being presented one after another. We progressed by using quizzes to highlight how monsters had vanished in recent years, or how mages were few in number and thus highly privileged. By watching the footage, the quizzes, and the explanations, the reality of the magic depletion problem was laid bare.
Well, this was created for the continent on the Weed side, not for the gods here. I’m following Luna’s lead on the fine-tuning, but for now, the focus is on thoroughly explaining what this magic depletion actually signifies.
*"...And so, it seems research is being conducted on what will happen if magic continues to deplete, and how we might prevent it. I hope those research results come soon. After all, our continent could face the same fate. Now, back to the studio."*
With that, Ratz’s footage concluded. It had been just under two hours—like a special premiere episode back in Japan. But the *All-Arrow-Lit* was far from over. Since this was also meant to serve as a way to persuade the gods and Dungeon Masters and explain the situation, we couldn't end it here. In fact, the real show was just beginning.
"Yes. Thank you, Ratz. Now, what I’ve shown you so far is material meant to persuade nations that have absolutely no knowledge of magic. What did you think?"
Luna asked, seeking the opinions of Noble and the others.
"““I believe it is magnificent.””"
Noble’s faction answered like a conditioned reflex. Well, since Luna was using skills like magic and intimidation, I suppose they had no choice but to nod.
"Uh-huh. Good, then. Well, the real work starts for you all from here on out. That is why I issued the orders myself."
"Yes. You instructed us gods to put a stop to this magic depletion."
"And us Dungeon Masters as well."
"That’s right. Exactly. However, there is only one person on this continent who has produced any notable results so far."
"And who is that one person?"
Noble asked, looking expectant. Oh, did he think he was going to be praised? ...How pathetic.
Luna didn't answer immediately. Instead, she smirked and said...
"Alright, here is a question. Who among the following produced notable results regarding the magic depletion phenomenon on this continent? 1. Noble, 2. Sacri, 3. Hifie, 4. Comet. Oh, and of course, whether you get it right or wrong, the penalty game is guaranteed for all four of you."
All the respondents froze. No, even Comet was frozen.
Are we really doing this? By throwing everyone into a penalty game together, I intend to soften the perception of Hifie and Comet regarding the origins of this mess. By making it clear that everyone was at fault.
"W-why is a penalty game guaranteed?"
"What are you talking about? Can’t you see? The appearance of the Dungeon Master who came from Weed."
She said this while patting Labyris on the head.
"Huh? Ah, I see. She is a Dungeon Master from a continent with abundant magic, correct? What of it?"
"You’re so dense. Just because she produced notable results doesn't mean the problem is solved. How many hundreds of years do you think have passed since then, Noble, Sacri, Hifie, and Comet? And on top of that, you’ve been out of touch. It was only through Labyris’s report that we finally confirmed both were still alive."
"Um, Lady Luna. Judging by that story, it sounds as if you brought a Dungeon Master from another continent here?"
"Correct, Sacri. This Labyris is a step or two ahead of this continent, not just as a Dungeon Master, but regarding magic depletion as well. I sent her out about a year ago to see if she could do something about it. And this is the result."
Luna’s face implicitly said, *You lot need to work harder.*
Though, I personally think *she* should be the one working. But Noble and Hifie just hung their heads in shame. Besides, I don't feel happy at all when Luna praises my work. It just means she’s definitely going to push more troublesome tasks onto me...
"Now then, it’s decided that you’ll all be receiving a penalty game. Well, I suppose it might be lightened if you get the answer right?"
And so, the penalty game began. Of course, I made sure to record it perfectly and played the replay the moment the penalty game ended, a malicious move that dealt significant mental damage to Noble and the others...
Yep. I’m not the bad guy. It’s all Luna’s fault.
The influence of television is not to be underestimated. We know that well enough. Diet methods, health foods, popular shops—every time something is broadcast, places get crowded or products disappear from the shelves.