Anchor, Stop Pretending, You're in Chaldea - Chapter 135

“System, start the live stream.”

【Live stream system activated.】

【Host identity verification successful.】

【Default platform: Catfish app.】

Bai Qiu chose a quiet connection channel and sat in a chair against the wall, opening the live stream room.

After all, their own room had already exploded, so they had to make do outside before arranging a new place to live.

Let me see what the situation is in the live stream room now.

Bai Qiu had just opened the live stream room, expecting to see a barrage of comments like “Open the door quickly” or “No girls watching, I’m going to die,” but what caught their eye was a series of explosive messages.

“Open the door, open it quickly!!!”

“By the way, are all those online comments and analysis by the big bloggers true?”

“More or less, a lot of things don’t match up now.”

“But many big names in the special effects industry have analyzed it frame by frame and confirmed that there are no traces of Photoshop.”

“Quite a few experts in the field of mysticism say it seems to be true.”

“Oh? Is it really true?”

“Is it true or not? Someone who understands, go take a look.”

“Anyway, let’s wait for the streamer to come out and explain.”

“But this streamer hasn’t streamed for three days already.”

“Could it be that the streamer couldn’t handle the pressure and ran away?”

“Maybe it’s gotten to the point where they can’t keep it hidden anymore, so they had to choose to run away.”

“Ah, here they come, here they come, the streamer is here!!!”

Soon, someone noticed Bai Qiu’s livestream announcement, and a flood of comments came rushing in.

“Finally, you’re not hiding anymore, streamer.”

“Come on, explain all the online comments, if you can’t explain clearly, don’t leave.”

“And they’re doing special effects while livestreaming, hilarious, who has that kind of skill?”

“The streamer said they can’t do magic, but look at this!”

Looking at the barrage group with a refreshing speed close to its limit, Bai Qiu felt that something was off. It seemed like they were being led by someone’s rhythm. Although they didn’t know who was setting the pace, it wasn’t important. What was important was that if things continued like this, their livestream room would likely be greatly affected.

First, they needed to find out the reason. Without opening the camera, Bai Qiu immediately switched to the backstage and started quickly checking their private messages. Their private messages had always been in the 999+ range, so they never paid much attention to them. But now, during this critical period, they could find useful information from them.

Bai Qiu quickly scanned through the backstage private messages. As expected, they soon found the contradictions. Almost all of the private messages were negative. Although there were some neutral inquiries, they quickly got drowned out by the overwhelming accusations.

Most of the accusations revolved around Bai Qiu using post-production effects in their videos and passing them off as live broadcasts to gain more viewership.

“System, if my livestream room is affected and gets shut down, can I continue broadcasting on other platforms?”

【Beep beep beep—This system will do its utmost to protect the host’s livestream work.】

【If there are too many doubts about this livestream room, it will affect the speed of increasing livestream points.】

【Current doubt rate: 43%. Corresponding decrease in livestream points increase.】

……..

Okay, okay, I won’t mess with you anymore, alright? I thought I could keep dragging it out, but I didn’t expect that I would sleep for a few days because of Rayshift, and it would end up being so intense.

Headache…

“Master, what’s wrong?”

Just as Bai Qiu frowned, a reliable voice suddenly sounded in their ear. Waver was standing next to Bai Qiu, looking concerned.

“Kongming-san!!!”

Bai Qiu’s heart warmed, and they bowed respectfully.

“Although I am insignificant, I hope you won’t despise my humble self and lend your assistance. I am willing to listen to your teachings!!!”

“Master…”

Waver’s expression turned into a wry smile.

“Please stop mentioning the three visits to the thatched cottage. Kongming-san is scared to come out now.”

After all, after being asked to come out of seclusion, he worked until he died from overwork. He didn’t even succeed in capturing Wei after six expeditions to Qishan. Those memories were not so pleasant to think about.

“Anyway, please tell me the details of what happened.”

Waver sat on the bench next to Bai Qiu and took out an exquisite cigar box from his jacket pocket. He took out a cigar and prepared to light it.

“Well, it seems like smoking is prohibited in Chaldea’s corridors.”

“…Alright.”

After hearing Bai Qiu’s words, Waver put the cigar back.

“Well, then let me fully concentrate and listen to Master’s request.”

As Bai Qiu removed the unnecessary parts and explained the whole situation as comprehensively as possible, Waver furrowed his brows and crossed his arms, looking into the distance.

“So, your ongoing live Magecraft broadcast has been disrupted and the viewers are questioning its authenticity. Now you have to face this issue head-on, otherwise you will lose your source of Magical Energy.”

“That’s right.”

After all, Waver was a modern person and quickly understood Bai Qiu’s words. After pondering for a moment, he looked at Bai Qiu.

“What do you plan to do, Master?”

“I plan to continue pretending that it’s special effects, just like the difference between performing Magecraft and actual magic.”

“That will only make the situation worse.”

“But I don’t have any other options.”

Waver stood up.

“Master, please give me an hour to come up with a plan.”

“Oh? Kongming-san, do you have a strategy?”

“Such a small matter doesn’t require bothering that strategist. After all, I am Lord El-Melloi II, a member of the Clock Tower.”

With that, Lord El-Melloi II turned and walked towards the other side.

……

“System, start the live broadcast.”

【Live broadcast system activated.】

【Host identity authentication successful.】

【Default platform: Catfish app.】

“Why did the host just run away?”

“They must have known they were exposed, what else can they do?”

“Oh my goodness, is magic really possible? Are those Heroic Spirits real too!?”

“Who knows, everything is in chaos now, and there are various discussions online.”

“I heard that real magic can be witnessed here, is it true?”

“I came here out of curiosity. If magic exists, then Xian Art must exist too, right? Ah, I’ve had an epiphany, Daoist!”

In the chaotic live stream room, Bai Qiu’s face suddenly appeared.

He was currently standing in the hallway of Chaldea.

Bai Qiu took a deep breath and directly apologized to the camera.

“I’m truly sorry!!!”

Not only that, but he also switched to a wide shot.

Standing beside Bai Qiu, Dr. Romani and Mashu were also bowing their heads in apology.

“Really sorry!!!”

“To all the viewers, I sincerely apologize!!!”

Then Bai Qiu raised his head earnestly and said:

“These past few days, I wasn’t able to check the live stream room due to company leave, which resulted in this situation. I’m genuinely sorry!!!”

However, Bai Qiu’s opening apology didn’t have the desired effect of easing the tension. The barrage in the live stream room erupted again.

“No, I came because I heard you guys can actually perform magic.”

“Is this live stream room really capable of magic?”

“Host, can you demonstrate that, summon a Heroic Spirit on the spot? I’m willing to pay for it.”

“Stop joking around, there’s no legitimate magic now, it’s all special effects in a studio.”

“Can special effects really achieve this level??”

…….

The audience in the live stream room was extremely excited, almost causing the room to explode.

Bai Qiu secretly glanced at the number of online viewers in the top right corner.

There were a whopping 300,000!!!

Finally, he understood why many streamers would rather endure criticism and continue streaming.

Black or red, it’s all the same when it comes to popularity. This traffic is truly amazing…

【Ding ding — First-level warning!】

【Warning, a large number of skeptical messages have been generated by the audience in this live stream room, and the rate of earning points has decreased!】

【The current skepticism value has reached 68%!】

【Host, please take immediate action, otherwise the rate of earning live stream points will significantly decrease!】

Immediately, a translucent progress bar appeared in front of Bai Qiu.

68%, 68.2%, 68.5%…

The pressure bar was growing rapidly, at this rate it would explode in less than five minutes.

Oh no, I didn’t expect there to be so many skeptics in my live stream!

Having a large number of viewers is great, but if the live stream points don’t increase, it’s troublesome.

What’s even more troublesome is that in the future, I might have to continue streaming with this DEBUFF. If I don’t address the skepticism promptly, it will only grow bigger.

Even bringing out Mashu specifically couldn’t salvage the situation.

Bai Qiu immediately gave a signal to Dr. Romani, who nodded in response.

“Ahem… As a technician and doctor of this company, allow me to personally introduce the true situation of our company, Chaldea,” said Dr. Romani.

“Finally couldn’t resist, huh!”

“They say you guys can really do Magecraft, so come on, take a look at the Magecraft workshop.”

“Modern enthusiasts of mysticism go crazy with excitement. I told you there’s real magic!”

“Here they come, here they come. Those who want to summon Heroic Spirits, pay attention.”

“Hmm? I saw online that this stream allows performances of summoning Ultraman. I quite like Ultraseven!”

“The person upstairs, you’re confusing everyone…”

“It’s okay, as long as you have light in your heart, I’ll show you Ultraman!!!”

No, no, no… This can’t be real, right?!

Bai Qiu looked at the barrage of comments in confusion. How far has this news spread online?

Is it really this outrageous?

“This is the work area, where many departments are working,” Dr. Romani introduced with a smile, walking along the corridor.

“The staff in the logistics department are carrying out internal repairs in Chaldea. To be honest, we’ve received quite a few complaints today.”

Bai Qiu glanced at the progress bar again.

75%, 76%, 77%…

Not only was it growing rapidly, but it had even turned deep red!

Oh my god, this is increasing way too fast!!!

Bai Qiu immediately gave another signal to Dr. Romani, urging him to get straight to the point.

“Ahem, then what we are about to show you is the newly constructed area of Chaldea,” said Dr. Romani.

After passing the biometric authentication, Dr. Romani led Bai Qiu and Mashu into the elevator, which swiftly descended to the lower area.

“This is the area used for practical training. With the assistance of many employees, it has finally been successfully completed.”

The elevator slowly came to a halt, and the group stepped out.

A vast area appeared before their eyes.

“Well, it looks quite ordinary,”

“Please don’t tell me it’s all special effects again,”

“But we don’t need special effects for this, we want to see real magic,”

“Yeah, that kind of crackling and explosive magic,”

“Excuse me, I’m new here. I heard that we can witness wand duels here, is that true?”

“Avada Kedavra!!!”

“By the way, if everything here is authentic, does the Clock Tower have any oversight?”

“What can they do? Are they all just gas explosions?”

“The people of Fuyuki have already grown accustomed to it. After all, gas can run, jump, and even transform into a sea demon. I get it, gas is the foundation of Magecraft!!!”

Bai Qiu looked at the barrage of comments in the livestream room, feeling the pressure, and then glanced at the pressure bar.

80%, 82%, 83%…

It was rapidly approaching its limit.

If it continues to increase like this, the livestream will start losing points…

Bai Qiu then nodded at Dr. Romani.

“Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle—!!!”

Suddenly, the sound of gates opening came from the front area.

“The magical beast simulation has been successful, and we are now entering combat mode,” came the voice from above through the broadcast.

“Roar, roar—!!!”

Soon, the distant roar of a magical beast could be heard, illuminated by the lights from above.

A four-legged magical beast, adorned with scales, sharp teeth, and a tail resembling a blade, appeared.

“Oh, oh, oh, it’s here! Look at its fur, tsk tsk, it looks just like the real thing!”

“Wow, this creature looks just like the real deal!”

“Look, this one seems genuine, right?”

“This has to be real, right? If magic exists, then magical beasts naturally exist too,”

“It’s here! My favorite show is about to start!!!”

“Didn’t they mention on the radio that it was simulated? Isn’t this just a simulation?”

“Don’t be silly, this must be motion-captured generated,”

“Let’s fight, let’s fight!!!”

After spotting Bai Qiu and Dr. Romani, the four-legged magical beast immediately roared and charged towards them!

Suddenly, the sound of electricity could be heard in the distance, followed by a loud shout.

“Feel the Seething Rage of This Planet! Rebellion Against My Beautiful Father (Clarent Blood Arthur)!!!”

“Boom—!!!”

A beam of red lightning swept past Bai Qiu, directly hitting the four-legged magical beast.

“Roar—!!!”

The beast howled in pain, but it still charged towards Bai Qiu and Dr. Romani!

Just as it was about to strike them, several black spears suddenly shot out from the ground, piercing through the beast’s body and holding it firmly in the air.

“This Is the Roar of My Soul That Was Polished by Hatred. La Grondement Du Haine: Roar, Rage of Mine! (La Grondement Du Haine)!!!”

“Boom—!!!”

Black flames surged and engulfed the scaled body of the magical beast, burning fiercely!

After a moment, the beast’s body lost its breath and collapsed to the ground.

Bai Qiu aimed the camera at the broken body of the magical beast, and to the astonishment of all the spectators, the beast’s body slowly transformed into data-like substance and disappeared.

“Hey, did you see that?”

“Why did it disappear like that? Doesn’t seem real.”

“Is the key point not here? That Noble Phantasm earlier, Noble Phantasm!!!”

“This time I watched carefully, it should be real, right?”

“Anchor, you can’t pretend anymore, just admit that you really can use magic!”

Faced with increasing doubts in the live stream, Bai Qiu remained calm.

“Yes, I admit it, it’s all real!!!”