第１１７８堀：今回の協力者とチーム発表 (Part1)
**Chapter 1178: Collaborators and Team Announcements**
Side: Yuki
"My, my. You really did come up with something interesting, didn't you? A real-life battle royale."
The one smiling as she said this was Luna, the useless goddess. She was also the 'collaborator' for this event. To be honest, if I didn't involve her properly, she’d inevitably interfere in some disastrous way. I’ve learned my lesson, which is why I’m playing along and getting her excited about it.
"It’s only possible because of magic. So, we owe our thanks to Zargis, the man who made it all happen."
"I must admit, I never imagined my research would be utilized for a game like this."
"Tell me about it! I’m still shocked you managed to create a 'Shield Energy System.' Should I grant you a divine blessing as a reward?"
"No, thank you. If I were to invent something after receiving a goddess's blessing, it would imply the idea came from you. I would rather die than accept that."
Even though the results were impressive enough for Luna to offer a reward, Zargis flatly refused, fueled by the pride of a researcher. It was only natural; if he accepted a blessing, his achievements would no longer be his own talent, but something gifted by a deity. A true researcher could never accept such a thing.
"Honestly, you researchers are so stubborn. Fine, whatever. Back to the topic—the way you used magic to create a shield energy system is truly astonishing."
"It is not as surprising as you make it sound. Deploying a barrier of impact-resistant magic is a fundamental technique. I simply thought that if I could externalize that process into a supply system, even soldiers who struggle with barrier deployment could attain a baseline of defense."
As Zargis noted, this invention was designed to ensure that even those with low magical aptitude or skill could maintain a certain level of protection. It’s a device that stores magic in a tank and uses it to deploy a barrier. The basic structure isn't particularly rare compared to other magical tools, but the beauty of it lies in the visual representation of the remaining energy.
"And for this event, we’ve set it so that when the energy hits zero, a teleportation spell triggers, effectively eliminating the participant."
"Well, on the surface, even if it hits zero, there are backup tanks. Theoretically, even in that state, it could withstand a full broadside of naval artillery, so there shouldn't be any safety issues. But I assume you’ll be providing oversight, Lady Luna?"
"Of course. It would be a shame if people couldn't participate in such a fun event, and I’ll take personal responsibility for the safety of those who are pregnant."
Exactly. Because Luna is in such a good mood, even those who are pregnant can enjoy the event with peace of mind. Though, just in case, their physical bodies will be kept waiting in hospital beds. It’s a battle royale game that is only possible in a world where magic exists.
"So, getting hit consumes energy, and hitting zero triggers a teleportation out. Yes, that feels very much like this world. And the map can be created freely using your Dungeon Master skill, 'Dig Here, Woof-Woof,' right?"
As Luna said, this event was only possible because of me. I plan to keep detailed records, as there are many potential applications for this.
"So, how did the team divisions turn out? Since skills and magic are sealed, it’s fair in a sense. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of members teamed up."
"Yeah, if we didn't seal skills and magic, it would be over in an instant. Here are the team details."
There’s no need to hide it—in fact, I’m planning to distribute this to everyone—so I showed her the entry list.
The teams are as follows:
Team 1: Seraria, Lowell, Quar
Team 2: Eris, Milly, Ratz
Team 3: Aslin, Firia, Vilia
Team 4: Labyris, Shera, Dressa
Team 5: Hiiro, Jessica, Stasia
Team 6: Cleena, Samantha, Sasari
Team 7: Comet, Agil, Riel
Team 8: Deryu, Ria, Kirue
Team 9: Kagura, Mikos, Enora
Team 10: Steve, John, Mino-chan
Team 11: Tori, Kaya, Kaya
Team 12: Eupia, Show, Rurua
Team 13: Lilishe, Hylen, Kirika
Team 13 Detachment: Orelia, Yayui, Hobis
Team 14: Yuki, Zargis
Team 15: Taizo, Taiki
Team 16: Hifi, Nonoa, Bitz
Team 17: Fioria, Nairua, Wazfi
Total: 52 participants.
"Wow, this is going to be incredibly interesting. There are some stable, classic combinations, and some very rare ones."
"Yeah. Since it’s a social gathering, some are exploring new dynamics, while others are playing to win."
"And why are you participating, Yuki? You’ll surely be the first one targeted, won't you?"
"That’s true, but the point of this is to move without being spotted by the enemy. I don't intend to be targeted that easily."
"Indeed. If you were to do something like that, the other members would catch on. Besides, it’s unthinkable for us, who play these games, not to participate in such an interesting event."
"Oh, and Luna, once this match is over on the day, you’re free to participate in the open play afterward."
"Mhm, mhm. You understand me well. In that case, I shall manage the stage on the day of the event properly."
"I’m counting on you. If you’re the one running it, no one will suspect foul play."
Exactly. We are participating as players precisely to avoid such accusations. If it looks like I’m favoring someone, it will create cracks in our future relationships. By leaving the judging and stage management to Luna, we can prove to everyone that the game is fair. Everyone knows that when it comes to Luna, she doesn't show favoritism, not even to me.
"So, right about now, everyone is probably agonizing over where to deploy, aren't they?"
"Yeah, I imagine so."
"You did hand out the maps in advance, after all. The only slightly disappointing thing is that it isn't a 'drop from an airplane.' We’re using teleportation instead."
"Well, we can't exactly fly planes, can we? But since everyone teleports at the same time, there’s no arrival lag regardless of where they choose. In that sense, it’s fair."
As Luna said, in a typical game, you would drop from the sky to reach your destination. Depending on the flight path, it might take time, or you might have to give up on a specific point and choose another. But for this gathering, we’ve allowed them to appear anywhere on the map. That said, the active map area is restricted by a time limit, so they shouldn't be going to any extreme locations.
"But, while Lowell is fine, Eupia and Show are quite new, aren't they? Is that alright?"
"Well, there’s no reason to refuse them. It’s a good way to show that we’re getting along."
"I see. If you’re fine with it, I won't complain. Also, there’s the point-gathering phase before this, right? Do you think any teams will be eliminated there?"
"That won't happen. Besides, you can still participate even if you don't have enough points."
"Though, as a penalty, their shield energy will start at only 30 percent."