Chapter 57
「–5, 4, 3, 2, 1! …And that concludes the second event! Wow, Sieg! This was another thrilling spectacle, wasn’t it?」
「Yes! It was incredibly fun to watch!」
「Indeed! Especially the final part… Oh, it looks like we’re ready for the results announcement! Which guild will claim victory? Let’s take a look at the results!」
The moment Teshigawara finishes speaking, a grand fanfare begins to play in the studio.
As it ends, the broadcast screen displays a slide showing guild names, the names of members who participated in the event, and the number of medals earned.
「The guild that collected the most medals and clinched victory is the Liberaltia Empire! Their total medal count is 105. With 8 participants, that’s an average of 13 medals per person! Congratulations to everyone in the Liberaltia Empire!」
「Congratulations!」
The slide changes, displaying another guild name and member names on the broadcast screen.
「–And! In second place with a total of 82 medals, averaging 6 medals per person, is Happinesstrong! They just missed out on first place, but it was a great performance! Congratulations on your runner-up finish!」
The slide changes again.
「In third place with a total of 70 medals, averaging 5 medals per person, is Agreable! They also missed out on the top spot, but depending on how things unfolded, they had a real shot at winning! We’re looking forward to seeing them in the next event! Congratulations on making the top 3!」
「The rest of the rankings will be announced separately through in-game notices and social media! Thank you to all the players who participated, great job everyone!」
「Great job! Now, we’ll be presenting the prizes to the winning guild, Liberaltia Empire, and conducting an interview! We need a moment to prepare, so viewers, please stay tuned!」
As Teshigawara bows to the camera, Isamu does the same. Then,
「–Alright, we’re good to go!!」
Soon after, Kimura’s voice reaches their ears.
「Phew. Good job for now, Taida!」
「Yes, great work!」
「Man, your commentary was great again! And thanks for covering for me earlier! You really saved me there.」
(Covering… Oh, he means during the part about Lucifer and Gaia.)
「No, not at all. You’ve helped me out in so many ways, Teshigawara. We’re even!」
「Haha, thanks. Well, I’ll take you up on that!」
「Yes! Please do–」
「Sorry to keep you waiting! Here you go!」
Kimura rushes over and hands Teshigawara and Isamu their Headgear.
As before, Kimura had asked them to bring these personal items in advance.
「Thanks!」
「Thank you very much!」
「Alright! Please start whenever you’re ready!」
「Okay. Well then, Taida, shall we begin?」
「Alright!」
Isamu and Teshigawara put on their Headgear and set off for the world of Dream Fantasy.
☆
When they log in, they find themselves in the grassy area they were just watching on screen.
A little ahead, they see several players standing in a circle, enjoying conversation.
「Sorry to have kept you waiting! We’ll now be interviewing the winners of the second event, the Liberaltia Empire!」
Teshigawara says this to the camera floating in front of him, then walks towards the group.
Isamu follows behind him. The players notice them approaching and come running over with smiles on their faces.
「Congratulations on your victory, Liberaltia Empire!」
「Congratulations!」
「Thank you very much!」
「We’d like to start the interview right away, if that’s alright?」
「Yes!」
「Thank you! Now, I’d like to ask Kaiser, Usapyon, and Roy to answer on behalf of the guild. How are you feeling right now?」
「I’m simply overjoyed! We missed out on winning last time, so this time we were determined to claim victory no matter what!」
「I’m so glad I could be of help to Kaiser!」
「I’m feeling on top of the world!」
The three answer with genuinely delighted expressions.
The other members watching seem to share the same feelings, beaming with broad smiles.
「I see, thank you! Now, let’s talk about the content of the event. Meno, what would you say was the key to your victory?」
「Well, it was definitely having Kaiser with us! He gave us all precise instructions while assessing the situation, leading us forward!」
「I see! Kaiser’s leadership and decision-making skills were indeed impressive!」
「Thank you! Well, I am a professional gamer, after all!」
Kaiser responds to the compliment in a joking tone.
This elicits a small laugh, after which Kaiser continues with a gentle smile.
「But no matter how precise the instructions are, they’re meaningless if no one listens. …We won thanks to everyone believing in me!」
These words bring smiles not only to the other guild members’ faces, but to Isamu and Teshigawara’s as well.
「I see. So that impressive coordination was born from this trust! That’s wonderful! …Well, as much as we’d like to hear more, we’re running short on time, so let’s move on to presenting the victory prizes! Sieg, if you please!」
「Yes! Once again, congratulations on your victory! Your prize is–」
☆
About two hours later.
After reviewing the digest footage, Isamu and the others are in the conference room.
「Thank you again, Teshigawara and Taida! Thanks to you two, this event was a great success!」
「Haha, I’m glad to hear that.」
「Indeed! I’m happy we could be of help!」
「Absolutely! I look forward to working with you again for the next event! And Taida, please continue with the lectures as well! …I’m sorry, but I need to get back now, so I’ll be taking my leave.」
「Ah, yes! Great work everyone!」
「Take care, Kimura. Good luck with work.」
「Thank you! Excuse me then.」
With that, Kimura hurriedly leaves the conference room.
「Well, shall we call it a day too?」
「Yes! Oh, Teshigawara, do you have another recording today?」
When Isamu casually asks, Teshigawara gives a small chuckle.
「No, I’m done for the day.」
「Oh, that’s great!」
「Yeah. …So, Taida. If you’re free, how about we grab a drink?」
「…Huh?」
Isamu blinks in surprise at the unexpected invitation.
He was surprised when they bumped into each other in the game before and Teshigawara asked, 「Want to play together?」 But this is on a whole different level.
After all, this time it’s an invitation for drinks. It would be strange not to be surprised.
「Oh, of course, no pressure! If you have plans–」
「I’d love to! If you’re okay with someone like me, I’d be honored to join you!」
Isamu interrupts Teshigawara’s words, accepting the invitation without hesitation.
Teshigawara’s face lights up with joy as he gives a wink.
「Great! Shall we go then?」
「Yes!」
Afterwards, Isamu is led by Teshigawara to what seems to be a very fancy establishment.
There, they enjoy delicious food and drinks while discussing their impressions of the event and catching up on recent happenings, spending a pleasant time together.
Sub29: My Thoughts on ‘Tutorial Guy’ as the Series Nears Its End
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