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The massive screen flickered back to life.
Nixon, Sukishi, and Nostradamus stood among the surviving players, waiting for the Ultimate Announcer to reveal their next competition.
The masked figure appeared on the screen.
"CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL SURVIVING PLAYERS!"
His voice echoed through the assembly hall.
"You have survived the second phase. However, before we proceed to the next competition, it is time for you to become acquainted with some of your fellow survivors."
The screen changed.
"Some of you possess extraordinary abilities. Others rely on intelligence, experience, or skills developed throughout your lives. But this game has introduced a unique element that makes your competition particularly interesting."
The announcer paused.
"HISTORICAL FIGURES."
Nixon raised an eyebrow.
"Historical figures? What does he mean?"
Nostradamus smiled.
"Ah, this should be interesting."
Sukishi glanced at him.
"Do you know something we don't?"
"Not yet, my dear woman. But I have a feeling that we are about to find out."
The screen displayed its first participant.
Player One: Grigori Rasputin
A tall man appeared on the screen. He had long black hair, a thick beard, and piercing black eyes.
His expression was calm, almost unsettling.
The announcer introduced him.
"GRIGORI RASPUTIN! A HISTORICAL FIGURE FROM IMPERIAL RUSSIA!"
Nixon stared at the screen.
"Wait. Rasputin? The Russian mystic?"
"Correct," the announcer replied.
"In human history, Rasputin became famous for his association with the Russian imperial family and his reputation as a mystic and influential adviser. In Fantasy Game, however, his abilities have been developed far beyond the historical accounts."
The screen displayed Rasputin's profile.
PLAYER PROFILE: GRIGORI RASPUTIN
Origin: Historical Russia
Abilities: Mystic Powers, Extraordinary Durability, Regeneration
Special Trait: Near-Immortality
Known Resistance: Poisoning and other potentially fatal dangers
Combat Style: Mystical endurance and overwhelming physical strength
The announcer continued.
"This version of Rasputin possesses extraordinary strength and durability. He can survive dangers that would kill ordinary humans, including poisoning, and his mystical abilities make him exceptionally difficult to defeat permanently."
Nixon stared.
"You're telling me this guy is practically immortal?"
"His ability to survive lethal dangers has earned him that reputation within the game," the announcer answered.
Nostradamus looked at Rasputin's image with interest.
"How fascinating."
Sukishi crossed her arms.
"You sound pleased."
"I am. An individual whose survival is so difficult to predict could prove rather interesting."
On the screen, Rasputin smiled faintly.
"Death and I have never maintained a particularly agreeable relationship."
Nixon shivered.
"Why does everyone in this game talk like they're the most dangerous person alive?"
Nostradamus chuckled.
"My dear Nixon, perhaps you should become accustomed to it."
Player Two: Napoleon Bonaparte
The screen changed again.
A man wearing a military uniform appeared. His expression was stern, and his posture radiated confidence.
"NAPOLEON BONAPARTE!"
Nixon's eyes widened.
"Napoleon too?!"
The announcer nodded.
"A renowned historical military commander and strategist, Napoleon possesses extraordinary tactical intelligence in this world. His ability to analyze enemy movements, manage resources, and develop battlefield strategies makes him dangerous even against physically superior opponents."
His player profile appeared.
PLAYER PROFILE: NAPOLEON BONAPARTE
Origin: Historical France
Primary Strength: Exceptional Strategic Intelligence
Weapon: Mystic Spear
Special Property: The spear can penetrate virtually any defense it is capable of overcoming under its mystical rules.
Combat Style: Tactical warfare, precise attacks, and battlefield control
Napoleon held up his spear.
"This weapon was given to me by the game's creator. It is designed to penetrate defenses that ordinary weapons cannot overcome."
He examined its point.
"However, a weapon is only as useful as the person who wields it. Even the finest weapon cannot compensate for a foolish strategy."
Byakuya would have appreciated that statement.
Nixon looked at Nostradamus.
"So this guy can plan entire battles, and his spear can pierce almost anything?"
Nostradamus nodded.
"An intelligent strategist with an exceptional weapon. A rather useful combination."
Napoleon turned his attention toward the other players.
"I have already completed my previous competition. I intend to survive this one as well."
He spoke without boasting.
It sounded less like a promise and more like a conclusion he had already reached.
Player Three: Leonidas
The next image revealed a muscular warrior wearing ancient Greek armor. He carried an enormous shield and a powerful blade.
"LEONIDAS! THE LEGENDARY SPARTAN KING!"
The announcer's voice grew louder.
"Leonidas possesses extraordinary combat abilities, enhanced strength, and mystical equipment designed for both offense and defense."
His profile appeared.
PLAYER PROFILE: LEONIDAS
Origin: Ancient Sparta
Primary Strength: Defensive Combat and Battlefield Control
Weapon: Mystical Blade
Shield: A mystical shield capable of protecting him from a wide range of dangers, according to its abilities
Special Abilities: Weapon Summoning and Weapon Enlargement
The announcer explained further.
"Leonidas can summon axes into his hands, allowing him to change his offensive approach without relying on ordinary equipment. He can also increase the size of his weapons to confront larger enemies or defend against attacks from powerful opponents."
Leonidas raised his shield.
"Strength without discipline is useless. Courage without judgment is recklessness. A warrior must possess both."
He then enlarged his blade, making it tower over the surrounding players.
"And a warrior must be prepared for enemies who believe themselves invincible."
Nixon swallowed.
"That shield sounds ridiculous."
Sukishi examined Leonidas's stance.
"He's not merely relying on his equipment. His technique looks disciplined."
Nostradamus smiled.
"Indeed. His abilities complement his experience rather well."
The Second Team
The screen split into several sections, revealing another group of players.
The announcer continued.
"THESE HISTORICAL FIGURES ARE NOT THE ONLY COMPETITORS WHO HAVE COMPLETED PREVIOUS CHALLENGES."
A new team appeared, led by a man holding a katana.
Player Four: Miyamoto Musashi
A swordsman stood calmly before the camera. His expression was serious, and his hand rested near the handle of his blade.
"MIYAMOTO MUSASHI!"
The announcer introduced him as a legendary Japanese swordsman known for his exceptional skill and mastery of swordsmanship.
PLAYER PROFILE: MIYAMOTO MUSASHI
Origin: Historical Japan
Primary Strength: Master Swordsmanship
Combat Style: Adaptable sword techniques and precise attacks
Special Weapon Property: His blade can release powerful waves of energy capable of devastating opponents and surrounding terrain.
Musashi drew his sword.
A bright wave of energy erupted from the blade, cutting through a distant stone formation.
The spectators fell silent.
Nixon stared at the screen.
"That wasn't an ordinary sword slash!"
"No," Sukishi replied. "And I suspect he can do considerably more than that."
Musashi returned his sword to its sheath.
"A sword is not merely a weapon. It is an extension of the swordsman's understanding. The more one understands combat, the more possibilities become available."
Nostradamus nodded appreciatively.
"An excellent philosophy."
Player Five: Kakakume Kasugari
The next player looked surprisingly ordinary.
He was a young man with no imposing armor, no obvious supernatural appearance, and no intimidating aura.
"Nixon, look!" Sukishi said. "Another ordinary-looking player."
Nixon stared at the screen.
"Finally! Someone who looks normal!"
The announcer immediately interrupted him.
"DO NOT CONFUSE APPEARANCE WITH ABILITY!"
The player profile appeared.
PLAYER PROFILE: KAKAKUME KASUGARI
Origin: Modern Era
Primary Strength: Master Swordsmanship
Combat Style: Powerful sword techniques and adaptable close combat
Special Weapon Property: His blade can transform its cutting force into massive energy attacks.
Kakakume raised his sword.
A powerful burst of energy erupted from its edge, blasting apart several training targets.
Nixon's smile disappeared.
"Oh, come on!"
Kakakume scratched the back of his head.
"I don't really look like a legendary warrior, do I?"
Musashi glanced at him.
"Appearances are irrelevant. Your technique speaks for you."
Kakakume smiled.
"Fair enough."
Player Six: Shinjuku
The final member of the second team appeared on the screen.
Unlike Kakakume, Shinjuku possessed a quiet, intimidating presence. He carried a blade whose surface shimmered with strange energy.
"SHINJUKU!"
The announcer displayed his profile.
PLAYER PROFILE: SHINJUKU
Origin: Unconfirmed
Primary Strength: Master Sword Techniques
Combat Style: Powerful swordsmanship and energy-based attacks
Special Weapon Property: His blade can release devastating energy capable of striking enemies beyond ordinary sword range.
Shinjuku drew his weapon.
A concentrated wave of energy shot forward, splitting a massive stone target in two.
He said nothing afterward.
He simply returned the blade to its sheath.
Nixon stared at the screen.
"Why is everybody a sword master?"
Sukishi smiled.
"Perhaps because swords are effective weapons."
"That's not what I mean!"
Nostradamus laughed.
"Do try to remain calm, Nixon. The game appears to have an enthusiasm for dramatic weaponry."
Why Historical Figures?
The Ultimate Announcer returned to the center of the screen.
"YOU MAY BE WONDERING WHY HISTORICAL FIGURES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THIS COMPETITION."
The display showed images of Rasputin, Napoleon, Leonidas, and Musashi alongside modern-day players.
"The answer is simple. I created this game, the RPG world in which you compete, and the system that governs its challenges."
He paused.
"I also select historical figures and place them alongside modern-day players. Their experiences, abilities, and perspectives create a unique mixture of cooperation, conflict, terror, and harmony."
Nixon frowned.
"So you're taking people from different historical periods and throwing them into the same game?"
"Precisely."
"Why?"
The announcer laughed softly.
"Because I wish to discover what happens when people shaped by different eras, cultures, and experiences are forced to cooperate and compete under the same rules."
He continued.
"Imagine an ancient Spartan warrior working alongside a modern player. Imagine a French military strategist sharing a team with someone who grew up in a world of video games. Imagine a historical mystic encountering a world governed by magical statistics and supernatural abilities."
The screen displayed the assembled players.
"Some will become allies. Some will become rivals. Others will discover that the person they least understand is the person they most need."
The announcer's voice grew colder.
"And some will discover that the difference between harmony and terror is a single decision."
Nixon slowly looked at Nostradamus.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Nostradamus smiled.
"My dear fellow, I rather doubt it. But I suspect we are about to learn something interesting."
Sukishi rested her hand on her katana.
"Whatever comes next, we should be prepared."
The Ultimate Announcer raised one hand.
"THE NEXT COMPETITION WILL BEGIN SOON!"
The screen went black.
Nixon stood silently among his teammates, thinking about the competitors they had just seen.
An almost immortal mystic.
A military genius with a supernatural spear.
A Spartan king carrying a mystical shield.
And several master swordsmen capable of unleashing destructive energy through their blades.
Nixon looked down at his own status screen.
Level 2.
Strength: 5.
Defense: 5.
Agility: 5.
Intelligence: 5.
Lightning Bolt.
Mystic Armor.
He sighed.
"I really need to get stronger."
Nostradamus placed a hand on his shoulder.
"An admirable realization, my dear fellow."
Nixon looked up.
"Please don't turn this into another lecture."
Nostradamus laughed.
"No promises."
END OF CHAPTER 11.
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