Chapter 84
The New Technology Exhibition is being held at the former World Expo site, the Expo Commemoration Park. This year’s World Expo in Japan is taking place elsewhere, while the New Technology Exhibition is being held at the Expo Commemoration Park. It’s a bit confusing. Well, it can’t be helped since the ‘HAO’ event can’t be held at the Expo.
『In the next news story, two days have passed since the opening of the Expo and the number of visitors has already surpassed 1 million. On the first day, representatives from various countries, including Prime Minister Kishida and U.S. President Biden, attended and it appears to have been a great success.』
I start walking towards the Expo Commemoration Park, glancing at the street TV. It’s not much of a distance and I soon see my destination. In the place that should have been a park where I came about two years ago, numerous buildings have been constructed. They are all square, low, and in a sense, uninteresting buildings, all uniformly gray in color. Corporate banners excessively decorate the surroundings, creating a bizarre atmosphere. It can only be described as a makeshift atmosphere.
「We made it just in time.」
「How do you think they were able to build that monstrous Ark-like structure? They instantly create the framework with high-strength foam plastic polymer and then pour concrete over it for a temporary completion.」
「What about the steel frame?」
「It’s used to some extent as reinforcement for the polymer and as a weight. But they haven’t been able to imitate the multi-layered and earthquake and artillery-proof construction methods. So don’t go punching it, it’ll break with one hit. 」
「OK, I’ll just poke it with my finger. 」
I follow Momiji’s lead and continue down the path. Even before climbing the stairs, countless lines of people overwhelm us. There must already be thousands of people, and their nationalities are also diverse. However, ignoring them, Momiji takes us to the opposite side of the line. Before approaching the security guard, she hands me a mask. It’s the metal mask that Orange, the oxygen supplier, wears. As if it’s only natural, Momiji tries to put the mask on my face. When I question why I have to cosplay, she matter-of-factly says:
「Because you’re attending as Orange, right?」
…What?
◇
Come to think of it, that makes sense. Bringing in a completely unrelated person solely based on connections could be criticized later on. So, according to Momiji, I was registered as a famous player of ‘HAO’, Reina as Momiji’s bodyguard, and Kana as someone who didn’t want to leave her parents. That’s why I ended up donning that modified work uniform with metal armor. Wow, the craftsmanship is amazing, it’s the real deal.
On the other hand, Reina flaunts a palm-sized comm device attached to her waist, unchanged in appearance. She’s apparently a plainclothes bodyguard. Kana remains unchanged. Isn’t it more troublesome for me alone?
But there’s no doubt about how cool it looks. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cosplay at this quality. Although I was reluctant at first, I ended up enjoying it one way or another.
Until we arrived at the opening ceremony venue.
The hall is exclusively for related parties and the proceedings are being streamed online. It’s located at the very back and my eyes are drawn to the unusually large number of intimidating security personnel. I’ve rarely seen black-suited bodyguards in reality, but here, I can easily spot several dozen of them. Moreover, many of the security guards are carrying mysterious square boxes on their backs, which I’m very curious about. They’re probably not communication devices, and guns… would be against the law.
This doesn’t seem to be a makeshift building; the decorations in the hall exude a sense of history and dignity, creating a somewhat calming atmosphere. The navy-blue seats are already filled with many people in suits, making my cosplay stand out like a sore thumb. It doesn’t have the atmosphere of a game exhibition at all, but rather a gathering for something more solemn. There’s no way they would announce a 50% increase in drop rates here.
The tense atmosphere further intensifies. I tremble as I see several people occupying the left side of the hall.
U.S. Chief of Staff Shake. And Chief Cabinet Secretary Sueno. Even I, who am not well-versed in politics, know them. They are the level of people currently involved in national administration who wouldn’t be out of place appearing on a test. And I have a vague recognition of the people of various nationalities behind them…!?
「Orange, it’s not good to just peek. There’s only one minute left until the start.」
Momiji pats me on the back. Indeed, the hall is almost completely filled and there’s hardly any time left until the start time. But it’s too embarrassing because I feel so out of place! While thinking that, I take a step into the hall alone, thinking, 「Oh well, whatever happens, happens.」
「!!」
The moment I enter the hall, the air freezes. As soon as I appear at the entrance, all conversations come to an abrupt halt and all eyes focus on me. The conversations resume in whispers, but they stare at me as if they’ve seen something terrifying.
「…Is he… the Prophet…?」
「Future prediction… abilities…」
「’SOD’… Mishima?…」
The hall suddenly feels like it has shrunk and I feel dizzy, but Momiji quickly catches up to me and links her arm with mine. She escorts me down the aisle and we reach our designated seats. Wait, isn’t this right in the middle!?
The bizarre sight of a cosplaying man sitting in the front row in the center of the hall continues to draw stares from behind. However, the atmosphere surrounding me feels more like awe rather than seeing something strange, leaving me puzzled. It definitely feels odd. I glance to the side and see Momiji’s father smiling and waving at me. I quietly lower my head in response.
『Thank you for waiting. The opening ceremony of the New Technology Exhibition will begin shortly.』
But that uncomfortable time is finally coming to an end. Once this starts, the attention of many in the audience will be directed toward the stage. Well, it seems like it’s going to be a long talk and I’m getting sleepy, but I forgot to drink coffee, I think to myself. However, this announcement shatters my drowsiness.
『The opening remarks, congratulatory speeches by guests, and congratulatory telegrams will be omitted. With that, the opening ceremony is concluded. Next, we will announce the matchups for today’s main event, the ‘HAO’ Battle Royale!』
「「「Pfft!」」」
The people around me also let out gasps of disbelief. No matter how long the speeches might be, isn’t it a bit too much to just skip them entirely like that???
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