Chapter 30: Screening (2)
The film "KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!!" began playing as planned by Durin, and its effect far exceeded his expectations. From the perspective of Durin, the cinematography and scene depiction were all very satisfactory, matching the desired effects during filming.
As for the audience watching the film, which consisted of the adventurers below the stage...
At the beginning of the film, they were more curious than excited. It seemed more like they were studying what magic recording devices and imaging crystals were and how they worked. However, when the protagonist chose a goddess as the condition for his journey to another world, these people suddenly became more and more excited.
After all, everyone enjoys stories of adventure and excitement. Although people in this world have grown tired of knight novels, it doesn't mean they won't enjoy the essence of such thrilling moments.
As the story progressed to the protagonist successfully crossing over but not immediately embarking on an adventure, instead working on a construction site, bursts of laughter erupted in the adventurer's guild. Amidst these laughter were also expressions of sentiment and melancholy.
After all, most of the people present were adventurers themselves. Who among them hasn't harbored ambitions and dreams of forming a powerful team to accomplish unprecedented feats and achieve achievements worthy of being sung by bards? But unfortunately, reality is often far from ideal. Most adventurers in the Southern Border never achieve any remarkable feats in their lifetime. What they do is glorified as "commissions," but in reality, it's just temporary work.
As the protagonist struggled on the construction site for a long time, his plight mirrored the harsh reality of these adventurers from the Southern Border – helpless yet not deserving of pity, as this was simply their way of life.
As the narrative progressed, and the protagonist finally resolved to embark on an adventure after enduring the hardships of the construction site, the adventurers became fully engrossed in his journey.
However, their anticipation for the protagonist's future exploits was met with a harsh reality check. How could an ordinary person like him possibly contend with powerful monsters? Even the goddess accompanying him, despite her comedic talents, proved ineffective in practical situations.
Despite their disappointment, the adventurers remained captivated by the engaging plot, emitting laughter and chuckles as the story unfolded.
As the protagonist's team was initially established and the Headless Knight made his true appearance, the adventurer's guild fell into a sudden silence. Although Durin had previously mentioned that the Headless Knight was merely a deliberate portrayal for the film, their attention was not focused here:
"We've been filmed too?"
"So, that magic experiment back then meant this?"
"Mom, I'm on camera!!"
"Ahhh, why do I look so timid! This is definitely going down in history as a disaster!!"
.....
While various voices echoed through the adventurer's guild, Durin silently admired the film he had single-handedly crafted.
Honestly speaking, due to the limitations of the filming methods, the film didn't meet his expectations. Various minor flaws diminished the overall quality of the film, prompting Durin to resolve to do better next time.
However, aside from these flaws, if appreciated from the aesthetic perspective of the audience of this era, there was no doubt that this was a groundbreaking film. Whether it was the innovative magical device, the Magic Recorder, or the unconventional script of "KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!", Durin could imagine the impact this film would have once it spread.
Regardless of the magnitude of the impact it would cause, he wouldn't give up on spreading it. After all, if no one took the initiative to create, there would be no subsequent changes. Durin didn't want to live in a world without an entertainment industry.
So, even if this film would cause significant real-world repercussions, even if many people might view him and his film as thorns in their sides, Durin had no intention of giving up.
As the story entered its later stages, the imposing presence of the Headless Knight on the screen even across dimensions made the audience feel an astonishing pressure. Undoubtedly, this wasn't the effect of the Magic Recorder, but solely due to Beldia's overwhelming power. Even through the screen, one could feel the terrifying pressure he exuded.
Therefore, all the viewers nervously swallowed their saliva. Despite most of them having experienced the actual filming that day, they were still in a state of mental tension.
Then, as the story continued to unfold unpredictably, this mental tension eventually turned into laughter echoing throughout the entire guild.
When the protagonist's group ended up owing 40 million instead of receiving the promised 300 million reward for destroying the town, waves of laughter swept through the guild, attracting many passersby on the streets outside to come and see what was happening at the adventurer's guild.
"What about the rest? Is that the end?"
"I still want to know how they're going to repay that debt?"
"40 million! It makes me feel like my own debt of two gold coins is insignificant."
....
When the credits started rolling, the audience found themselves in a state of unsatisfied curiosity. But it was more like they hadn't even tasted the appetizer yet. After all, "KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!" had only just started according to the current pace of the screening. They expected this performance.
Even in another world, let alone these people who rarely had entertainment, when watching an exciting new anime series, didn't they wish time would pass quickly, wishing for a week to be condensed into an hour?
Observing this, Durin silently approached the stage, removed the imaging crystal, and spoke, "I know what you all want to ask. Indeed, as you guessed, this film isn't fully completed yet. This screening can be considered a preview, and whether the official version will be produced depends on the popularity."
"Ooh! So there's more?!"
"I'm so excited! I want to see these guys goofing around some more!"
"When will the sequel be made? I can't wait!"
.....
Facing the audience's expectations, Durin just smiled and shook his head before continuing, "News about the official version will naturally come after the preview is promoted. For now, let's focus on celebrating. Although you adventurers only participated as extras, you've essentially acted in this film, so you're all entitled to join the celebration."
Upon hearing his words, everyone in the guild erupted with excitement. After all, they had been discussing the fact that they appeared on screen earlier, and now Durin had confirmed their identities, filling them with a sense of pride.
As for the adventurers who hadn't gone to the city gate when the Headless Knight attacked due to fear, they all wore regretful expressions, wishing they could go back in time and give their past selves a good slap.
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