Chapter 315: A New Large Scale Game?!

The idea of transforming a parallel world into a "game" was both bold and ambitious.

Nate drew his inspiration from certain "Fourth Calamity" novels he had read in his previous life, where the protagonists could summon players or use systems to disguise another world as a game.

What Nate planned was similar: he intended to clear out the 10,000 dragons ravaging Future Lucy's world.

More precisely, the goal was to use Dragon Taming Magic to control those dragons.

As for the name of the game? Let's call it [Monster Hunter]—after all, it was a game about hunting dragons.

No, on second thought, [Dragon Hunter] might be a better fit.

With the name settled, Nate began considering how to implement his idea.

…

Key Components of the Game:

1. Game Access

This wasn't difficult. Using True Magic: Flying Thunder God, teleporting players to the parallel world would be simple—it would only cost some magical energy. And where would that energy come from? The players themselves.

…

2. Game Map

A game needs a map. Fortunately, Nate possessed three magic books on Satellite Magic. With these, he could construct a proper in-game map.

…

3. Equipment System

For a large-scale MMORPG, equipment was indispensable. It would be a key gameplay element and a primary motivation for players to hunt dragons.

Players could craft stronger weapons and armor from the dragons they defeated. For example, slaying a fire dragon might yield materials for fire-resistant armor, similar to Erza's Flame Empress Armor.

…

4. Core Systems

The game would also require systems for:

Player Resurrection

Guiding NPCs

Inventory Space

Character Customization (Avatar Creation)

…

The complexity began to weigh on Nate. Designing such a game was far more challenging than either [Magic Arena] or [Celestial Pokémon].

"Do I really need to make it this complicated?" Nate mused.

After all, it was a parallel world. Even if the 10,000 dragons destroyed that world, survivors would remain. It wouldn't take players long to realize that this wasn't just a simple game once they interacted with those survivors.

"Why complicate things? Keep it simple."

Instead, Nate decided to be upfront with the players about the setting:

This was a parallel world where 10,000 dragons from 400 years ago had descended upon modern times, creating an apocalyptic crisis that wiped out ninety percent of humanity.

"You are the chosen ones, the fated heroes. Your mission: save the world."

"Go forth. Hunt dragons. Leave none alive."

Of course, when he said "hunt," he actually meant using Dragon Taming Magic to bring the dragons under his control. Every dragon "slain" by the players would become one of Nate's pets.

10,000 dragons! Just imagining controlling such a massive dragon army was exhilarating.

A perfect win-win scenario:

The players would enjoy the game,

And Nate would get his dragons.

Still, this new game idea did not require immediate action.

…

Back to the Present:

The final round of the [Celestial Pokémon Championship] had concluded.

The winner of the inaugural tournament was Goddess of the Chill Moon, Seilah.

In the center of the arena, a long staircase led up to the dueling platform.

The host, Pumpkin, cheerfully hopped up the steps until he stood in front of Seilah.

"Welcome back, dear audience! I'm your host for the championship, Pumpkin!

First of all, congratulations to you, Seilah-san, on becoming the champion of this tournament!"

Seilah, who had remained composed throughout the competition, finally allowed herself a genuine smile.

"Thank you. I'm so happy to be the champion."

For the first time, she admitted to herself that not all humans were bad. At least this tournament had brought her genuine joy.

"This is the bond between you and your Pokémon!" Pumpkin declared dramatically.

"And now, let's invite the organizers to present you with the championship trophy and medals!"

Under the watchful eyes of thousands, Nate and Princess Hisui took the stage together.

Nate represented the game developers, while Princess Hisui stood as a representative of the royal family.

The princess received six solid gold medals from Pumpkin and approached Seilah with a bright smile.

"Seilah-san, congratulations!

Please release the six Pokémon you used in the final match. On behalf of the tournament, I will bestow upon them the Hall of Fame Medals."

Seilah happily summoned her six Pokémon: Alakazam, Marowak, Aerodactyl, Charizard, Gyarados, and Dragonite!

Princess Hisui carefully placed a pure gold Hall of Fame Medal around each Pokémon's neck, marking their ascension to Hall of Fame status. Their names and accomplishments would now be recorded in the tournament's official history.

Seilah examined the medals closely, noting the fine engraving on each one:

…

[X785, First Pokémon Championship Tournament]

[Hall of Fame Star]

[Number: 001]

…

Each medal was identical, except for its unique serial number.

"Congratulations to you and your Pokémon~," Princess Hisui said warmly.

After awarding the medals, Princess Hisui stepped back, allowing Nate to take the spotlight.

When Seilah saw Nate approach, she grew nervous. While others might not know her true identity, the Master of the Magic Net certainly did. If Nate decided to expose her as a demon here and now, it would ruin everything. She could self-destruct and resurrect using the Tartaros Core, but losing her championship title would be devastating.

Unable to hide her apprehension, the demon girl shot Nate a pleading glance.

Noticing this, Nate smirked. So this demon girl truly was a Pokémon enthusiast. She claimed to find human stories boring, yet her actions spoke otherwise.

"I represent the game developers in congratulating you on winning the tournament," Nate said warmly.

He accepted the championship trophy from Pumpkin and handed it to Seilah.

"The trophy you now hold is a shining testament to your hard work and the realization of your dreams!"

"Thank you, Nate-san~," Seilah replied, visibly relieved as she hugged the trophy.

At that moment, Nate's voice echoed in her mind through mental communication:

"So, are human stories still boring?"

Seilah blinked, then smiled faintly. "At least Pokémon is fun!"

Their private exchange went unnoticed by the crowd.

With a booming voice, Pumpkin addressed the audience:

"To all the spectators here and to those watching the live broadcast, I officially announce the conclusion of this year's tournament. See you all next year!"

The Pokémon theme began playing once again.

The audience rose to their feet, applauding and singing along to the music.

…

That Afternoon

Princess Hisui hosted a banquet at the royal palace to celebrate the successful conclusion of the tournament.

Nate and Lucy were among the invited guests, as were representatives from the various guilds that had contributed to the event.

The banquet took place in the grand ballroom of Mercurius Palace, illuminated by dazzling chandeliers.

Amidst the clinking glasses and lively chatter, Nate took two glasses of wine from a passing maid's tray. He offered one to Lucy, but noticed an unexpected guest standing nearby.

Or rather, an unexpected ghost.

"First Master?" Nate said in surprise.

"First Master?" Future Lucy echoed, puzzled.

The petite spirit, Mavis Vermillion, narrowed her eyes, first at Future Lucy, then at Nate. The two angelic tufts of hair on her head twitched slightly as she asked:

"Fourth Master, Lucy shouldn't be able to see me… Wait, why is there another Lucy?"

"She's Future Lucy," Nate explained quietly. "So, has the Fairy Sphere been lifted?"

Mavis nodded. "Everyone has woken up. I saw the tournament was over, so I decided to come and take a look."

You're just here for the food, aren't you? Nate thought wryly. Glutton-chama!

Sensing his thoughts, Mavis pouted. "Fourth Master~ I feel like you're thinking something rude about me!"

"Oh, I was just admiring how adorable you are," Nate replied with a smile, then began explaining Future Lucy's situation.