Chapter 211: Chapter 211: Speech, and the Reporter Gajeel
Nate was delivering a spontaneous speech, saying whatever came to mind. Facing tens of thousands, he maintained a relaxed demeanor, speaking warmly and confidently:
"I come from another world."
"Your world is called Edolas, while mine is called Earth Land."
"It was by chance that I arrived here, exploring your lands."
"What I discovered was that our two worlds are like twins."
"I have friends in Earth Land who have counterparts here in Edolas."
"They share similar names, similar faces, but lead different lives with unique personalities."
A stir rippled through the crowd.
"I knew it!" someone shouted. "I told you—an interdimensional traveler!"
Ignoring the outburst, the crowd focused intently on Nate.
'Is he here to save us from this magic drought?' they wondered, captivated.
Many didn't fully understand, only sensing hope in his words. But for those who already owned one of the rings, things began to click.
Among them was a reporter, the Edolas version of Gajeel. Dressed in a sharp black suit with a gentleman's hat, he was prepared with a notebook and pen.
"This will be a groundbreaking story!"
Then he thought, 'Why not broadcast it live on the Magic Net?'
As an insider, he had obtained a ring through the black market the week before. Quickly, he set up a livestream, focusing the camera on Nate.
Nate, observing the crowd with his Six Eyes, noticed immediately and gave him a friendly nod.
"Gajeel, make sure you get my good side," he joked. "And title the stream 'Master of the Magic Net'—that'll attract more viewers."
Surprised, Gajeel blurted out, "You know me? The Master of the Magic Net!"
"In Earth Land, you're one of my guildmates," Nate replied. "As I mentioned, there are similar people in each world. In my world, you're the Iron Dragon Slayer."
Iron Dragon Slayer? 'Another me?'
Intrigued, the reporter Gajeel was tempted to arrange an interview with this "other self" on the Magic Net. But he had to stay focused. Boldly, Gajeel asked:
"Master of the Magic Net, you mentioned you're here to save our world—how exactly will you solve our magic depletion?"
'Am I hosting a press conference or a speech?' Nate thought, amused.
"Through this," he replied, holding up a second-generation ring for all to see.
"This is a creation of mine called the Internet—or simply, the Magic Net!"
"Some of you may already have rings and are familiar with its functions."
"The Magic Net is a borderless, world-connecting system that bridges the gap between our worlds, uniting us as one family."
"In Earth Land, magic is infinite!"
"The Magic Net is like a pipeline that can bring the endless sea of magic to your dry farmlands."
"It will save you all!"
The crowd fell silent once again. Moments later, an eruption of cheers filled the air.
The depletion of magic had been a growing crisis for as long as anyone could remember, intensifying over the years. To the people of Edolas, their world felt like a drying pond—and they were the fish.
Living under the constant fear of losing all magic had become a part of daily life. But today, a savior had arrived.
"Master of the Magic Net!"
"Master of the Magic Net!"
The first to chant Nate's title were the few thousand citizens who already possessed the rings and had experienced the "Magic Net" firsthand. Though scattered throughout the crowd, their energy was contagious, and soon others joined in, until the entire square echoed Nate's name in a powerful chorus.
"Please, quiet down."
After a few minutes, allowing the crowd to vent their emotions, Nate amplified his voice through magic to command their attention. The square gradually fell silent.
Seizing the moment, reporter Gajeel called out, "Great Master of the Magic Net, how can we obtain one of these rings?"
'Are you secretly working for me?' Nate thought with a raised eyebrow, amused by Gajeel's timely question.
"I've shared the manufacturing process for the rings with your new king," Nate explained, "so that your nation can produce them independently. These rings aren't costly or luxurious. The essence of the internet is sharing, and it is my hope that each of you will one day have your own Magic Net ring."
A wave of reassurance swept through the people—if the rings could be produced here, they might not remain an expensive rarity. Yet, some caught the mention of a "new king" and remembered the explosion earlier at the palace.
"Great Master of the Magic Net, what did you mean by 'new king'?"
Nate sighed, shaking his head. "My speech has been thrown off course by you, but very well. Let the king himself explain that."
Glancing around, he smiled. "This speech of mine is complete. 'Saving your world' was just a figure of speech. I simply brought the ring and opened a door to the Magic Net. In truth, only Edolas can save Edolas."
With that, he stepped down from the podium. Once more, his name echoed through the square, filling the air with a resounding cheer.
Behind the platform, Erza was smiling. "It seems you're quite beloved by the people, 'Light of Light,' Master Nate," she said with a hint of admiration. "A short speech, but it has won you their loyalty. The people of Edolas have suffered from this magic drought for so long; even a sliver of hope is enough to inspire a nation."
Erza mused, half-seriously, that if Nate were to call on the people, they'd crown him king on the spot.
Nate gave her a sidelong glance. 'The "Light of Light," huh? So that's sticking now…' Smirking, he cleared his throat.
"Erza, the moment you step up to that podium, the square will ring with your name: Erza Knightwalker. One day, I'll leave this world behind, and you—you will be crowned Queen."
(TL: Don't know the specific dialogue this is but, probably from Azshara?)
'What did he mean by that?'
Erza narrowed her eyes in mild confusion. Though they hadn't known each other long, she had a feeling he was teasing her, though she couldn't quite put her finger on how.
"Are you mocking me?" she asked, direct as always.
Nate, with the utmost innocence, replied, "Mocking? Not at all. I'm simply expressing my respect and pride for you, Her Radiance."
'He really is teasing me, isn't he?'
Erza furrowed her brows, but after a moment, she laughed.
'Let him tease,' she thought, 'if he's brought such hope to our world. The savior gets a few privileges.'
~~~
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