#944 An Arrogant Heavy User

I am Jungle Rasso.

The undisputed genius player of Orkubo’s Castle.

Known far and wide, I’ve played in countless seasons, clearing almost every one of them.

I’ve raked in every prize by the bucketload.

And every time, I’d flip them for a hefty profit.

Becoming a regular player even came with unexpected perks like high social standing and invites to dine on sumptuous feasts.

Thanks to Orkubo’s Castle, I’ve been living quite comfortably without a traditional job!

Well, it’s not that I don’t work.

Orkubo’s Castle is my job.

Once a year, I compete, excel, and support myself with the earnings and fame from my victories.

To prepare, I train rigorously, sprint through the wilderness, and craft a body capable of overcoming the toughest challenges.

I’m a true professional Orkubo’s Castle player!

Pfft, the so-called ‘highest difficulty’ challenges at Orkubo’s Castle are all a walk in the park for me.

The players who drop out are just terrible. Absolute turtles.

I wouldn’t mind if they upped the difficulty.

I did drop out of the ultra-hard mode once, though...

But think about it: having so many lousy players keeps the game easy, ensuring my yearly victory.

And the prizes keep coming.

Basically, these bumbling fools make it easier for me to profit by lowering the overall difficulty.

They’re practically stepping stones.

Yeah, they’re worth that much, I suppose.

Now, winter’s here again, bringing the season of Orkubo’s Castle.

It’s the time of year I live for!

Of course, I signed up.

Skipping it isn’t even an option.

This year, too, will be swarmed by clueless amateurs, but the only true challenger here is me.

Watch me clear this year gloriously and snatch up those lucrative prizes.

Arriving at the venue... Ugh, these amateurs are just too casual, grinning foolishly.

The thought of them sullying Orkubo’s Castle nearly makes me sick.

This is a place for serious professionals.

It’s not for leisure.

I’ve devoted an entire year to building a physique that can overcome the toughest challenges in preparation for this one day.

This is no place for scrawny amateurs like them.

Seriously... It’s about time the organizers started screening the participants.

We need a higher level of competition without the amateurs even showing up.

...And just as I am thinking this, an organizer-like figure steps up to speak.

“We are about to start the competition briefing for Orkubo’s Castle. First, thank you to everyone who applied this year.”

It turns out that the speaker is an orc.

Every year, the staff of Orkubo’s Castle are orcs.

Because it’s Orkubo’s Castle, perhaps?

“Thanks to your enthusiasm, Orkubo’s Castle has broken its record for the highest number of participants ever since its inaugural event.”

So that’s why it’s so crowded?

Ugh, how annoying...!

“As organizers, we’ve tried all sorts of things to ensure that everyone who wants to participate has a good time. But this time, we’ve truly hit our limit. We’ll regrettably have to narrow down the list of participants.”

Ha!

Just as I’ve been saying all along! The organizers are finally taking action!

Exactly! These amateurs don’t belong in the sacred halls of Orkubo’s Castle.

They should just stick to being spectators.

“Participants will be decided by an impartial lottery. Please pay attention to the number on your distributed tag.”

What?

An impartial lottery?

“Please come forward when your number is called. Starting now... Number twenty-three, number seventy-eight...”

***

“Number 8365... All right, that concludes our lottery. Those whose numbers weren’t called, please try again next year.”

What?

Wait a minute, WAIT A MINUTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

What about number 1390?! Why isn’t my number being called?!

Does this mean only those called to get to participate? They’re not the ones leaving?!

What do you mean I can’t participate? I’m a professional contestant, you know!

If I don’t compete, Orkubo’s Castle won’t buzz with excitement, and what about my income for the next year? What about my lifestyle?!

Stop joking around!

What’s this about a lottery? It’s a good way to weed out the extras, but a lottery is basically just leaving it to luck!!!

I absolutely won’t accept such a flawed selection process!

I have the skills! I will definitely clear it again this year!

To drop someone like me through a lottery is just wrong!

I demand a redo!

“Ah, those of you who missed out on the lottery must be dissatisfied. You wanted to compete, confident you’d make a significant mark, right?”

That’s right! Exactly!

“Anticipating such sentiments, we’ve prepared a special event. Let’s call it a ‘Losers’ Comeback,’ shall we?”

Losers’ Comeback?!

I’m not a loser, but you’re saying I get a chance to come back?!

“Those who weren’t lucky can rise through their skills. If you believe this, try your hand at the new challenge in Orkubo’s Castle’s second tower. Those who clear it will earn a spot in the main competition.”

Oh, so that’s what this is!

You had me scared for a moment, but it seems there’s a provision for the truly skilled after all!

I’ll breeze through this challenge and secure my spot in the main competition! Next time, set up a system that filters out the unskilled right from the start.

“And now, this year’s highlight, the adaptable Orkubo’s Castle Second Tower: The Giant’s Castle, is mobile!”

Huh?

What do you mean?

I’m hearing a lot of jargon thrown around.

Huh???

Suddenly, there’s a castle in front of me.

Is this the stage for the losers’ comeback? But was there such a big castle here before?

It’s as if it appeared out of nowhere...!

But how could that be? It’s supposed to be a building!

I’m used to it, but it’s a white, tiered castle that you only see in Orkubo’s Castle.

And the castle... started shaking?

An earthquake? No, it’s the castle itself, rumbling with some kind of power.

And then the castle moved... and out from it came... arms!

“Armssssssss?!”

Right where you’d expect shoulders on the castle, long articulated limbs stretch out.

It even comes with fingers at the ends.

Legs extend from the base of the castle, and finally, the roof splits open, and out from it emerges... a head!

Arms, legs, and even a head.

At this point, this castle is...humanoid?!

“Yes! This castle is the culmination of our latest technology, the new Orkubo’s Castle!!!”

The orc guide exclaims excitedly.

“Automaton technology inherited from Mariage! Homunculus technology provided by my wife, Zoth Syra! And the combined architectural prowess of the orcs have created the new Orkubo’s Castle! Its main feature is the transformation mechanism! It transitions from a castle form to a humanoid form, combining sturdiness with mobility!”

Wow, that’s a lot of info-dumping.

“This embodies a fresh idea based on old wisdom, the transformable Orkubo’s Castle DX! Those who defeat this humanoid fortress will secure their spot in the main competition! Please, take on the challenge!”

Whaaaaaaaaat?!

Wait a damn minute! This is a whole different vibe from the usual obstacle course!

It’s a full-on battle!

Can a mere mortal really stand a chance against such a colossal goleeeeeeeeeeeeeem?!

They can’t seriously expect us to clear this, can they?!

Me! A professional contestant!

The one who’s always breaking records?!

Why must I be dragged into such a shitty turn of eventsssssssssssssssssss?!