#947 A Special Guest’s Descent

As for this season’s Orkubo’s Castle...

Stage One was wrapped up nicely.

Time to acknowledge those who made it happen.

First, let’s hear from Orkubo himself.

“That was a splendid execution of the new Orkubo’s Castle.”

“Your praise brings us orcs the greatest joy, My Lord!”

Really though.

Who would have thought I’d encounter a giant robot in a fantasy world?

And a transforming one, at that.

Usually, it’s all swords and sorcery.

Iron and oil, steam and gunpowder, and laser superconductive phase transitions are completely alien to this world.

Stumbling upon a giant robot here is a stroke of extraordinary luck.

This is all thanks to Orkubo and his team.

Over time, they’ve dived deep into their passions, crafting things that even I didn’t see coming.

Their progress is truly astonishing.

“What are you going to do with the Ork Battlers now?”

“They will be stationed around and shuttle people to and from Orkubo’s Castle from the nearest cities. A few others will be taken home by Lord Alexander...”

That dragon sure took a liking to the giant robots, huh?

Alexander, a connoisseur of human advancements, must find them right up his alley.

I just hope a certain someone doesn’t start demanding to make them the same thing.

That aside...

“Are you okay after that recent issue dragged on?”

“My Lord, I am deeply remorseful for causing you concern. But worry not, measures are already in place.”

Mm, as expected of Orkubo.

The pro competitors almost seemed like they wanted to take over Orkubo’s Castle.

That’s definitely not something to overlook.

Yet crushing them by force isn’t a peaceful solution; let’s resolve it smartly according to our rules.

Well, I, too, am involved in plotting that strategy, though.

“Indeed, I’m sure the audience will be thoroughly satisfied this year too.”

“We don’t even need to rely on them.”

Orkubo and I share an evil chuckle.

Now, let’s start the main event.

  ***

How’s the crowd looking?

“Jungle Rasso isn’t competing this year?”

“What a pity. I wanted to see his triple-twisting rock dodge...”

It looks like there are more regrets about the pro competitors dropping out than expected.

Their presence does add to the excitement of Orkubo’s Castle—no lie about that.

The content of the main event hasn’t changed much from the first.

The first obstacle is a balance beam.

The second is dodging rolling boulders while climbing a hill.

The third is escaping man-made lifeforms, Homunculi—which multiply when hit—and making it to the exit.

The reason for not changing the obstacles is to maximize the participants’ efforts.

With fixed challenges, strategies are honed, and success rates improve with each attempt.

Switching obstacles each time would nullify established strategies, turning it into a purely physical contest. This would disadvantage those not naturally gifted, potentially preventing them from ever succeeding.

After all, we want everyone to have a fair chance at success.

This consideration, however, has inadvertently favored veterans, creating a breeding ground for the likes of the pro competitors.

It’s not always easy to choose this path...!

This time, the arena has a fresh set of faces.

With pro competitors weeded out, there’s more room for young entrants, many unfamiliar faces among them.

Things are getting lively.

Youth has its charms, doesn’t it?

“Hmph, youth is their only asset. They offer nothing else.”

A harsh critique drifts over.

“Their skills are raw, and their conduct immature. They can’t possibly deliver a performance that excites the crowd.”

“They’ll regret kicking us out soon enough.”

Apparently, those blasted away by Ork Battlers are now griping in the stands.

Their voices sure are loud.

They’re probably trying to make sure as many people as possible hear them, desperately defending their positions.

Will this season’s Orkubo’s Castle end up a dud due to inexperienced participants?

We’ve made preparations to ensure that doesn’t happen.

“Before we dive into the main event, ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement to make!!!”

Once again, Orkubo is taking the stage as the master of ceremonies.

Who would have thought our awkward and straightforward Orkubo could handle such a task with finesse? Perhaps it’s the transformative power of having a married life.

“This time, Orkubo’s Castle has the honor of hosting a special guest! In a bid to spice up the tournament and introduce our esteemed guest to Orkubo’s Castle, we made a sudden, exciting decision! And who have we welcomed...?!”

A striking young man steps onto the podium.

“It’s none other than the first President of the Human Republic, President Ritheseus!!!”

The crowd erupts in cheers at the introduction.

Ritheseus stands in a spot visible from anywhere in the arena, waving energetically, his demeanor nothing short of regal.

The audience is ecstatic. And rightly so, for the man of the hour, the new leader of the Human Republic has appeared.

Everyone has been buzzing about him, eager to see him in person.

And now, here he is in the flesh.

He’s surely a presence to ramp up the excitement.

...Though to be fair, Ritheseus has been here before, last year and the year before.

But just as a regular attendee.

Although, as a mere commoner back then, he likely didn’t capture much attention.

Even the die-hard fans of Orkubo’s Castle probably never noticed him until now.

With the world’s eyes now on him, Ritheseus’ participation has truly set the arena ablaze.

In just three or four years, his fame within the confines of Orkubo’s Castle has easily eclipsed that of pros.

“And now, President Ritheseus will take on the first major challenge of Orkubo’s Castle—the Frustrating Balance Beam. Everyone, please focus your attention!”

As the announcement is made, all eyes converge on one point.

The pressure must be immense.

But Ritheseus... no, President Ritheseus lives up to his title and bravely steps onto the beam.

The infamous Frustrating Balance Beam of Orkubo’s Castle is a narrow wooden plank set over a moat dug at the base of the castle walls.

To cross this precariously thin bridge requires impeccable balance; it is definitely not something you can dash across at full speed without losing balance.

To successfully navigate it, one must step carefully and steadily.

Moreover, the challenge of the Frustrating Balance Beam is compounded as cannonballs—thankfully, just cushions—are fired at the contestants, aiming to knock them off balance.

The ideal strategy is to sprint to avoid being targeted, but that increases the risk of slipping.

Move too slowly, and you’re a sitting duck for the cushion cannonballs.

Neither slow nor fast works—it’s a delicate balancing act.

And yet, President Ritheseus dashes across with all his might!

“Can you believe it?!”

He’s defying expectations with his full-speed charge!

And the audience is absolutely thunderstruck!

With such speed, the cushion cannonballs can hardly target him.

This alone could seal his victory, but he ups the ante with even more flair!

What’s this—a forward roll on the beam?!

Then a cartwheel?! And a twist with a somersault to boot?!

Isn’t he just like a gymnast?!

Never before has anyone performed such feats on the Frustrating Balance Beam!

Incredible, Ritheseus! Now, all eyes are indeed on you!

Just as he seems set to conquer the beam with presidential dignity...

“Ah-”

His last step...a slip.

“Noooooooooooo!”

And down he goes into the moat.

To think he’d falter on the most crucial step.

I guess even Ritheseus is only human.

The immense pressure finally caught up with him.