Otherworld TRPG Game Master-Chapter 276: The wrong way (4)

Metamorphosis Block, huh. As far as I know, no such magic exists.

If illusion mages could block metamorphosis, the status of the Violet Tower wouldn’t be so low. They would be highly sought after as specialists for dealing with metamorph warriors.

So, is it the power of the Godling?

I glanced over at the Godling, and the doppelganger reacted sharply.

“No, this is a technique I created myself.”

“Is that so?”

“It’s triggered by emotions tainting the soul. If you corrupt those emotions... couldn’t you nullify the metamorphosis itself?”

“...!!”

I quickly ran through the calculations in my head. In theory, it’s possible.

But there’s a condition—it requires knowing the target extremely well. Souls are unpredictable and complex, with countless variables.

You would need a deep understanding of the target’s personality, values, and past, as well as how they triggered their metamorphosis and what effect it has. Only by carefully distorting those emotions without mutating them could you precisely block metamorphosis.

It’s an attack based on understanding, warping and corrupting emotions.

In other words...

“This is only useful when turning on your own allies, you bastard.”

“It’s perfect for punishing traitors, don’t you think?”

Who exactly are the traitors here?

I gathered my thoughts. This ‘Metamorphosis Block’ wouldn’t work on sublimation-level individuals. Sublimation permanently alters the soul with emotions.

Besides, if he managed to do it, so could I. With some time, I could probably lock down Envers’ Emperor Sword form. But I doubt that bastard will give me the time.

Not that I’d have much use for such a disgusting technique anyway. Why would I want to bind the metamorphosis of my precious players, with whom I’ve completed the session and reached the ending?

“I’ll handle Envers, Mima.”

“Are you sure? Without your metamorphosis? And don’t forget, the succubus is an information-based entity. The Emperor Sword’s DDoS effect will affect you, even if only slightly.”

“Have you forgotten?”

Yuri Lanster, snapping her black leather gloves tight, stepped forward confidently.

“I’m a martial artist. I’ve spent most of my life fighting with my fists to avoid relying on the traits of my race. My training runs deeper than that of the academy boy.”

She declared that she would defeat Envers without relying on metamorphosis.

Yuri Lanster, with her pink ponytail flowing, sprinted toward Namgung Cheonghwi, who gripped his longsword. She seemed determined to avoid getting caught in the Emperor Sword’s range.

That left me and Selvia on our side.

And on the enemy side...

Rumble!

The Godling stood, arms brimming with dragon scales, while behind her, the doppelganger prepared his illusion magic. I had to outwit a duplicate of myself with better computational power.

He smirked mockingly as he spoke.

“Two mages without a vanguard... what do you think you’re going to accomplish, fake?”

I knew the frustration of having no vanguard all too well. I would’ve lost to Rodderus if I hadn’t animated the Imperial Knight’s armor into living armor.

So I understood why the doppelganger seemed so relaxed, confident in his victory. How could a team with only backliners stand against him?

But he was mistaken, that bastard.

I clenched my fists and stepped forward. When Selvia and I fight together, she’s the rear, and I’m the vanguard.

Plus...

Whoosh!

“You’re the one who’s fake, brother. Metamorphosis (羽化), 『Flame Angel (焰天使)』.”

The temperature around us skyrocketed as a beam of light connected Selvia and me. The pavement beneath us sizzled, melting in the intense heat. A hint of caution flickered across the doppelganger’s face.

“I don’t know when you managed to bring Selvia up to metamorphosis level, but it doesn’t matter. You and I are on completely different levels of computational power. No matter what illusion magic you use, you can’t keep up with me.”

“You’ve got something very wrong.”

I had given up the path of fire magic to reconcile with Yuna and return to the Violet Tower. But in this moment, with Selvia in her metamorphosis, I could borrow her crimson mana to the fullest.

Which meant...

“『Flame of Scholarly Courtship (求愛炎巳)』.”

Shhhhhh!

Without overhauling my illusion magic production system, I could now wield fire magic with minimal risk.

The omnipotent feeling of firepower! My long-lost offensive magic! I roared with excitement.

“I am now the Red Tower’s fire mage! I’ll roast these illusion-wielding villains to a crisp with the authority of the great Red Tower Lord or whoever that guy is!”

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“Good posture, brother. Maybe you should consider switching classes permanently...”

“...Hey!!”

Yuna, currently tearing through an army of enemies, let out an adorable lion’s roar. I quickly backtracked and declared my devotion to illusion magic.

“I love illusion magic!”

“...Godling, there’s no way he can sustain this level of firepower without taking risks. There’s a reason that fake idiot stepped up to tank with that weak body of his. Aim for Selvia!”

“Try if you can, bastard! I’ll outgun you!”

And then we clashed.

Yuri Lanster didn’t feel tense. Nor did she feel worried.

No matter what happened, she always pulled through. While part of this was due to her innate talent, there was a more fundamental reason why Yuri didn’t feel tense.

Performance based on emotions.

There’s an old saying that those who enjoy themselves cannot be beaten by those who merely work hard. This is because the difference lies in endurance.

When faced with trials, people get worn down, pushed to the edge of desperation, and eventually collapse.

Like when Yuri had once charged at the Succubus Queen in a blind rage, refusing the help of the Mad Mage. Unchecked emotions lead to madness and mistakes.

But what about those who enjoy themselves?

It doesn’t take much to make him happy. Give him love, stay by his side, and he’s content. That’s exactly what Yuna and Yuri were doing, even now. The more he built warm, human connections, the more stable he became.

That’s why she tolerated Selvia. It scratched her a little... but it seemed to be a positive for him.

So no matter how much more computational power the fake had, there was no way Mima would lose to the doppelganger. Yuri firmly believed that.

In calm silence, she did what needed to be done.

“Envers.”

“My judgment is not for you. Step aside.”

“It won’t get through, but I’ll say it anyway. You’ve been deceived.”

“Aren’t you the one who’s been deceived?”

Envers, Namgung Cheonghwi, raised his longsword proudly.

“I need to ask that fake mage about the missing Blue Rose vigilantes! She may have peculiar tastes, but her sense of justice is true. She is a righteous soul!”

“...”

“How could I retreat when a friend is in danger? If you won’t tell me where she is, I’ll force it out of you with my sword!”

I see.

The fake Mad Mage had chosen to exclude Rodderus instead of recruiting him, pinning the blame for her disappearance on the real me.

Even under illusion magic, Envers’ gaze remained steady. His target was just wrong.

“If that’s the reason... I respect it. I’ll make sure to hit you hard.”

“Shouldn’t you be stepping aside if you respect it...?”

“I’m saving you from a terrible embarrassment. Come at me.”

“Then, I will come without restraint. Hyaah!”

Envers let out a battle cry and thrust his longsword.

And I happily let it hit.

Screech!

Envers’ face showed surprise as the sword pierced deeper than he expected. Was he worried? Once you’ve declared someone an enemy, you shouldn’t be surprised by something like this.

Yuri Lanster decided to teach him the hard way. Even when fighting family, hesitation is poison.

She drew power from her feet, rotated her hips, and channeled the force through her spine into a punch aimed directly at Envers’ face.

Thud!

A satisfying impact reverberated through the air.

“Ugh...!”

“Get up. Hesitation is your enemy, Namgung Cheonghwi.”

“Chungpung Sword Technique!”

“Your martial arts may be elegant, but you wield them poorly. Your gaze is far too straightforward. I won’t ask for killing intent, but at least show some determination. Again.”

Smack!

Simple and direct, there was no room for tricks. If she could dodge, she dodged. If she had to take a hit, she took it, and then landed a perfect strike in return.

From the feedback in her fist and his reaction, she estimated he’d need about three more punches to go down. Yuri silently counted down as she swung again.

“Blue Cloud Sword Technique!”

A blade of qi, thick and voluminous as a cloud in the sky, surged toward her.

Thump!

With a precise movement, she deflected it with a short-range iron palm technique, stepping in to trap his footwork and land a blow on his crown.

Thud!

Envers’ eyes glazed over slightly. Two more.

“Are you ready to surrender yet?”

“...Never!”

He staggered, barely managing to hold himself upright.

Still under the illusion, he humbly acknowledged his disadvantage and drew his trump card. He dropped his sword and raised his hands to the sky.

“You are strong, young lady... but I cannot give up now. I will use my secret technique! Metamorphosis (羽化), 『Emperor Sword Form』──!!”

“...”

The sky pressed down upon her. All of heaven and earth seemed to conspire to bind Yuri Lanster and overwhelm her.

The decisive moment of the fight had arrived.

I’m pretty strong with illusion magic. That much became clear as I fought the doppelganger.

At first, I had the upper hand.

“『Flame Spear』! Whoa, did you dodge? 『Flame Spear』!”

“...Why are you using fire magic!?”

“If you’re upset, you should’ve class-swapped like I did, idiot.”

It was actually kind of hilarious how effective my attacks were. With Selvia at my side, we scorched entire swathes of the battlefield, forcing the Godling to stay glued to the doppelganger just to block the fire magic.

But then, the situation flipped in an instant.

“Huh...?”

Suddenly, I started missing my shots.

The doppelganger, who had been analyzing the situation while on the defensive, had finished his calculations and started to counterattack. His illusion magic was messing with our senses.

Soon enough, our positions had reversed. By the time I realized what was happening, we were on the receiving end of the beatdown.

“Flame Angel (焰天使), First Stage, 『Blazing Radiance (輝瀲)』!”

“Wait, wait, Selvia, don’t shoot that!”

“Huh?! Why not?”

“Because you’re aiming at Yuri!”

Selvia, panicked, turned her aim. But now it was pointed at me. Instead of the doppelganger bombarding us with illusions from behind, she was aiming her fire at my poor, beaten-up back!

I couldn’t trust any of my senses.

Slash! Slash!

I barely managed to deflect the Godling’s sharp claws and scales with makeshift Tai Chi moves. I shot a 『Flame Spear』 at her eyes... only for it to miss completely.

Even with my mental barriers constantly repairing themselves, my vision sometimes blacked out or I started seeing things that weren’t there. That bastard was overpowering me with sheer computational force.

Why the hell was I locked in close-quarters combat with the Godling? I had assigned my flame tether to protect Selvia, but now here I was, in this mess.

Taking her time, the Godling spoke as she pressed the assault.

“You seem dizzy, Mima.”

“Of course I’m dizzy! How would you feel if your runaway daughter came back and started beating you up, you brat?!”

“Who’s your daughter, huh?!”

“How much longer are you going to play this game? Are you still confused?!”

Zing!

A beam of mana lit up behind me. The doppelganger had fired something. No time to analyze what kind of spell it was.

It’s coming. From where? Above? Below...?

From behind. Selvia suddenly let out a shriek and blushed furiously.

“Brother, you can’t just strip like that out of nowhere...!”

“That wasn’t me, and it wasn’t the doppelganger either, Selvia!”

“Is this the time to be distracted?”

I snapped back to the battle just in time to see sharp, elongated scales aimed right at my chin. I detonated an explosion beneath my feet to propel myself backward and flip my body around.

The resulting somersault kick curved in a half-moon arc and slammed into the Godling’s chin, but the only thing I heard was the cracking of my own bones. Those dragon scales were absurdly tough. I needed to create some distance.

“『Explosive Propulsion』!”

“...You really don’t put much thought into your spell names.”

I detonated an explosion to launch myself backward, scattering a thick smoke screen. From within the smoke, I heard ominous muttering and a spell incantation.

“『Dragon Scale Flower (龍鱗花)』.”

Clatter, Clatter, Clatter!

Jagged black spikes erupted from the ground in all directions. It was an obvious trap to force me into the air, but I had no desire to fall into that bait and get hit by an anti-air move.

This was something I’d hoped to keep hidden, but...

“Selvia, shoot me!”

“Where are you?!”

“Just aim where your heart tells you!”

“『Blazing Radiance (輝瀲)』...!”

Voom!

A bright red orb shot toward me. The moment it hit, a half-sphere of swirling flames erupted around me, incinerating everything in the area.

The crackling of burning flames filled the air. The overwhelming heat obliterated all of the Godling’s traps.

Selvia’s flames couldn’t hurt me.

So, having her shoot a mini-sun at me wasn’t friendly fire—it was a temporary barrier.

It might look like we were on the back foot. But no.

At this point in the battle, the doppelganger’s chances of winning were dropping by the second. Yuri was beating the crap out of Envers, and Yuna was almost done mopping up the battlefield.

Just a little longer, and we’d win. Once the two of them joined me, I’d be able to mop the floor with the doppelganger. And even if that failed... I still had my emergency backup plan.

I steadied my breathing in the flames and shouted.

“Why are you doing this? Why go through all this trouble, why are you so desperate to kill me, you bastard?!”

“...”

The doppelganger’s expression twisted into one of unbearable pain, as if just thinking about the question caused him immense suffering. His red eyes were filled with hunger.

He grit his teeth and spoke.

“...Do you remember? You went to an exhibition with your girlfriend. It was a replica art exhibition, filled with perfect copies of famous masterpieces.”

I did remember.

Trying to satisfy her intellectual pretensions, my girlfriend had dragged me to that exhibition. She’d grumbled the entire time about how boring it was, even though she’d been the one to insist on going.

I, on the other hand, had enjoyed it. I remember clearly—at the time, I had wondered—

“Why did so many people come to see fakes? That’s what you thought.”

Yeah. I found it odd.

I couldn’t understand why so many people were willing to pay such an exorbitant ticket price just to see perfect reproductions.

And then...

“You came to this conclusion... whether something is ‘fake’ or ‘real,’ the moment people pay to see it... it gains ‘meaning.’ The act itself gives it ‘value.’”

The doppelganger looked at the conflicted Godling, at Envers being beaten by Yuri, and at Yuna casting spells in the distance.

A myriad of thoughts swirled in his red eyes.

“I always knew... I knew from the very beginning that I couldn’t be the real one. I was just a small fragment!”

“...”

“So I wanted that ‘meaning.’ Even if I couldn’t be the ‘real’ one... I wanted the ‘meaning’ of being the ‘Mad Mage’! That’s why I took everything. That’s why I tried to steal it...!”

He let out a desperate scream, finally admitting that he was a ‘fake.’

Suddenly, a chilling sensation crept over me.

Metamorphosis (羽化) is an event that occurs when one’s emotions overpower the soul. It often triggers under extreme stress, when someone can no longer control their feelings.

And he was now facing death. Yuna and Yuri would arrive soon and erase his plans in an instant. He was clearly in a state of intense stress.

Swish, Swish, Swish...

A dark, hazy smoke—indescribable in color—began to billow around the doppelganger.

I couldn’t identify the magic. No, was it even magic?

No way.

“Your ‘acting,’ your ‘purpose,’ and your... ‘connections’... I’ll gather all those pieces together and become a fully ‘existing’ being! No one can stop it now──!!”

No, it couldn’t be. If he’s me, there’s no way he should be able to do that.

At least, I should’ve been able to do it first!

“Metamorphosis (羽化), 『Infinite Drama (無限劇)』──!!”

A pixelated, glitching mask appeared in the doppelganger’s hand. I tensed every muscle in my body, biting down hard.

Metamorphosis abilities tend to scale with the caster’s power.

Which means, with 51% of my power in his grasp, that doppelganger’s metamorphosis ability is bound to be a nightmare. But more importantly...

That awesome mask should’ve been mine, damn it!

The fact that a fragment got to metamorphosis before me is so infuriating, I might just pass out from sheer frustration...!