#952 Otherworldly Robot War

Phew, it’s me again.

This year’s Orkubo’s Castle event wrapped up without a hitch.

There were moments when I wondered how things would turn out, but thanks to Ritheseus’ unexpectedly adept maneuvering, everything settled down nicely.

The problem of professional players finding stable jobs was finally resolved when they were recruited by the Human Republic’s government-run army.

They’re civil servants now, you know? Civil servants.

Even if they’re soldiers, being employed by the government makes them bona fide civil servants.

It’s quite the promotion for the pros, who were practically half-unemployed.

And about that side hustle rule—it seems participation in Orkubo’s Castle is generally banned.

I mean, participating itself is fine, but earning money from it is apparently off-limits.

Side hustles are a no-go, after all.

I passed on the news and cheerfully said, “You can join in next year too! Isn’t that great?” only to be met with tears and a snappy, “What’s the point if it doesn’t make money?! Are you stupid?”

Then, dragged away by Riteseus, off they went.

Well, having the physical prowess to consistently clear Orkubo’s Castle, they should do just fine as soldiers.

As for Neyote... After a fierce tug-of-war between the Human Republic’s government, the Demon King’s Army, the Mermaid Palace, and the Adventurers’ Guild, they finally decided to take turns looking after him.

For a year at a time, he will be under the guidance of each group: the Human Republic government, the Demon King’s Army, the Mermaid Palace, and the Adventurers’ Guild. And soon enough, he’s even going to enroll in Farm School.

I couldn’t help but worry that such a hectic schedule might make it hard for Neyote to actually learn anything. But he can probably pull it off somehow.

After all, he’s got this knack for rising to the occasion. When people expect a lot from him, he somehow manages to exceed even his own abilities.

...Hopefully, he doesn’t burn out midway.

I think I should offer some support, but with the Selfless Workaholics around, they should know a thing or two about caring for their own.

The event itself was a smash hit.

Beyond the main event, the food stalls, especially Letasreit’s and Veil’s, were bustling.

The ramen was delicious, and natto continued to enjoy its steady popularity.

Platy’s new curry shop also drew crowds.

With Norito on her back, the Mommy Manager’s curry stall became the talk of the town.

At first, it was initially greeted with wary murmurs of “Is that doo-doo...?” But once the aroma of spices hit, the lines didn’t stop.

Soon enough, there were rave reviews even for fusion dishes like curry ramen and bean curry.

And then there was Junior, who participated in the main battle and cleared it just fine.

With all these happenings, this year’s Orkubo’s Castle was nearing a grand finale, but then...

“All right, everyone, let’s get moving on cleanup duty!”

“My Lord, My Lord...!”

“Yes?”

“Look at the sky...!”

Prompted by an orc, I look up.

What’s that thing descending from the sky?

A bird? A plane?

Hahaha, how silly. Birds are one thing, but planes in this fantasy isekai world?

But then...!

“A robooooooooooooot?!”

Something even more implausible than a plane has arrived!

A giant robot?!

In this world, that’s something unheard of.

It’s like a scene straight from a space era! The future!

When did this world turn into a science fantasy, A.K.A. SF isekai?!

I know, I know, SF usually stands for science fiction!

But you always have to catch my words!

Anyway, who could’ve predicted a giant robot descending from the sky?

Typically, robots either swoop down from the heavens or are unearthed from deep underground. That’s just how it goes!

“What in the world? What’s going on…?!”

Not just me, but spectators and participants heading home are all transfixed by this unexpected turn.

“Is this an extra event at Orkubo’s Castle?”

“Really, it’s event after event here...!”

No! This is as unexpected for us as it is for you!

What could this robot want, appearing out of nowhere?

If it’s aiming to end wars, it’s a bit too late for that.

With a loud clanking sound, the giant robot raises its arm.

What now? Is it pointing at something?

Right at the orc-made transformable castle robot, the Orc Battler?!

“Could it be... it’s asking for a ‘fight’?”

With an Orc Battler?

So, that robot descended from the heavens just to pick a fight with rivals?

“Since we’ve been challenged, it’s only proper to rise to the occasion. Let’s brush off the sparks that fall our way!”

Accepting the challenge, Orkubo boldly steps forward.

But wait! Hold on a minute!

I can tell that the incoming giant robot is obviously high-tech!

Having descended from the skies, it must have flying capabilities, right?

And it’s well-equipped too.

In its right hand a rifle, in its left a shield, and even a sword slung on its back!!!

Its body seems to be made of tough metal—it’s definitely some kind of super alloy!

And it’s sure to have other hidden features equipped!

“In comparison, the castle-shaped transformable robots made by Orkubo’s team...”

As expected, it’s primarily wooden, being a castle.

Made from the hard timber harvested from our farms, it’s certainly more robust than usual, but it’s hard to imagine it compares to the towering iron fortress-like body of the incoming robot.

And our castle robot is unarmed.

No guns, no swords.

Naturally, no special finishing moves either.

Are we really going to face that fully-armed robot?!

It’s utterly impossible; we’ll be demolished!

Is it okay to let our robot, which we all worked so hard to build, be destroyed like this?!

“My Lord... robots aren’t just made to be admired as decorations!”

I swear I’ve heard that line somewhere before!

“Robots exist to fight and win! That’s why we can’t run from a fight when challenged! We face it head-on and believe in victory! Especially since it’s our beloved masterpiece, the Orc Battler!!!”

Orkubo...!

Right, how can we not believe in what we’ve created with so much love?

Even if it means getting hurt in the process.

We can’t turn our backs on a challenge!

Let’s go, Orkubo! Believe in your greatest creation, the Orc Battler!!!

“Yes, My Lord!”

The robot transforms from its castle mode into a humanoid form and confronts the robot from the sky.

Giant Robot vs. Giant Robot.

A battle of epic proportions, needless to say.

The spectators, who are about to leave, are suddenly gripped by the tension of the battle’s sudden start.

However...

The odds are still not in favor of the Orc Battler.

The difference in military strength between us and the incoming robot is as vast as between an Edo-period mechanical doll and a sci-fi weapon.

It might be blown to smithereens in an instant.

But as long as there’s pride, we must fight.

Orc Battler, we believe in you! You’re a warrior, after all!

“Robot fight, ready, go!”

Says someone who seems to be a referee.

Who is this referee-like person?

At the starting signal, the two robots rush forward.

Their fists, their swords, about to clash...

And then a massive explosion!

The robot from the sky is the one that blew up!

What the-?!

“Are you all right? That was a close one!”

Saying this while flapping his wings is Alexander the Dragon.

His breath obliterated the robot in one blow.

Well, of course, he is the mightiest dragon.

“Just in the nick of time. Who would dare disrupt this joyous festival? The marvelous Orc Battler was nearly destroyed!”

“...”

Both Orkubo and I had no choice but to turn our sooty eyes toward him.

Well, we’re grateful for the help...

But that man-to-man duel just now...

The romance of a robot fight, it seems, will take a while longer for a dragon to comprehend.