The first round of the competition concluded with the defeat of the Boys' Team.
Host Shimada Shinsuke, with his veteran experience in controlling the stage, skillfully guided the soaring emotions toward the next segment.
"Congratulations to our Girls' Team for drawing first blood! But the survival rules of the 'Borderland' tell us that a momentary lead does not mean final victory! Next, let us enter the second game segment—'Decryption'!"
He waved his arm forcefully, and the large screen behind him lit up in response, displaying the oppressive word "Decryption." The background image featured the puzzles and mechanical symbols from the show that had racked everyone's brains.
"In this world, wisdom is a more precious weapon than physical strength!"
Shimada Shinsuke's voice was full of inflammatory power. "The second game will directly test our 'players'' knowledge reserves and thinking speed!"
"The rules are as follows: The large screen will display twenty questions in sequence, covering Japanese literature, history, geography, anime, movies, folklore, and even current buzzwords! The answering team needs to answer as many questions correctly as possible within a five-minute time limit."
"Questions can be skipped, but skipping will consume precious time. Ultimately, the team with the higher number of correct answers wins!"
"So, first, the challenge will be initiated by the temporarily leading Girls' Team, Sakurajima-san and Arima-san!"
Sakurajima Mai and Arima Kana looked at each other and nodded, both seeing seriousness in the other's eyes.
They walked to the answering area specially set up in the center of the stage, where staff members adjusted the standing microphones for them.
The fans offstage held their breath, and the official live broadcast lenses locked tightly onto them, capturing every subtle expression.
The questions began to appear on the large screen one by one in clear font.
Question 1: [Who is the author of the Japanese classic literary masterpiece The Tale of Genji?]
Arima Kana paused slightly, seemingly recalling and thinking, while Sakurajima Mai, standing aside, had already spoken calmly, her voice spreading through the venue via the microphone: "Murasaki Shikibu."
"Correct!"
A ripple of slight amazement and applause rang out offstage, marveling at Sakurajima Mai's speed.
Question 2: [What is the old name for Tokyo?]
"Edo." This time Arima Kana followed up quickly, her voice crisp and confident.
"Correct!"
Question 3: [In the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, what is the name of the Breathing Style used by the protagonist Kamado Tanjiro?]
"Water Breathing." Sakurajima Mai had almost no gap for thought.
"Correct!"
...
The answering rhythm of the two actresses was stable and efficient.
Although Sakurajima Mai was working as an actress, her studies had not fallen by the wayside. Her knowledge structure was solid, and her reading was extensive.
From the "Onin War" in Japanese history, to the representative work The Old Pond by classical haiku poet Matsuo Basho, and even to the title of the work for which modern writer Murakami Haruki won the Jerusalem Prize, she could give answers quickly and accurately.
As for Arima Kana, although she was young, as a child star who had struggled in the entertainment industry since childhood, she had put in great effort to balance her studies and career. She reacted quickly to various knowledge regarding subcultures, the pop music scene, and some lifestyle questions, becoming a powerful supplement and support for Sakurajima Mai.
A subtle tacit understanding formed between the two girls. When encountering slightly obscure questions (such as [In which prefecture is 'Amanohashidate', one of the Three Views of Japan, located?]), they would quickly exchange a glance. Either Arima Kana would attempt it, or Sakurajima Mai would decisively hit the skip button, maximizing time optimization.
Finally, the notification sound for the end of the five-minute timer rang out, and the large screen impressively displayed the Girls' Team's score.
[Correct Answers: Fourteen]
"Wow! 14 questions! That is an extremely excellent score!"
Shimada Shinsuke took the lead in applauding vigorously, his face full of appreciation. "Sakurajima-san's learning is truly well-deserved, and Arima-san also displayed an amazing breadth of knowledge. The Girls' Team has once again proven their strength!"
Warm applause and cheers erupted offstage. Sakurajima Mai bowed slightly with elegance, the corners of her lips carrying a trace of a satisfied arc.
Arima Kana, on the other hand, covered her face with both hands in excitement, her eyes sparkling, obviously feeling incomparably happy and proud of this result.
"Now, the pressure has come completely to the Boys' Team!"
Shimada Shinsuke cast his gaze toward Michiya Gōshin and Yamazaki Kento, his tone carrying a challenging implication.
"Michiya-kun, Kento-kun, you need to answer at least 15 questions correctly to tie the score! Facing such a strong performance from the Girls' Team, do you have the confidence to turn the tide?"
The shadow of Yamazaki Kento's failure just now was instantly dispelled by fighting spirit. He patted his chest forcefully and spoke loudly.
"Rest assured and leave it to us! We'll let them see what it means that true knowledge is power!"
Michiya Gōshin appeared much more composed. His eyes were sharp and focused as he nodded: "We will do our best."
The two stood in the answering area. The atmosphere instantly became different, and the questions began to scroll.
Question 1: [What is Mitsuda Shinzo's first work?]
Michiya Gōshin spoke almost the instant the question was fully displayed: "The House of Taboos."
"Correct!" Clean and efficient.
Question 2: [In the classic game series The Legend of Zelda released by Nintendo, what is the protagonist's name?]
Yamazaki Kento answered immediately, snatching the chance with the certainty of a gamer: "Link!"
"Correct!"
Question 3: [What is the meaning of the Japanese proverb 'Ishi no ue ni mo san nen' (Three years even on a stone)?]
Michiya Gōshin pondered slightly: "Persevere to the end, and you will eventually succeed."
"Correct!"
The subsequent developments surprised all the spectators, including Michiya Gōshin on stage.
Yamazaki Kento, this boy who usually looked carefree and careless, was actually a hidden scholar!
His knowledge reserves were staggeringly miscellaneous, especially in historical details—for example, he could react instantly to the family crests of various Daimyos from the Sengoku period. There was also the field of sports competition, where he could recount the winning schools of Koshien over the years as if enumerating his family valuables, and even on some obscure folklore legends and urban ghost stories, his reaction speed could be as fast as lightning.
"What is the largest lake in Japan?"
"Lake Biwa!" Michiya Gōshin.
"Correct!"
"What is the era name after 'Heisei'?"
"Reiwa!" Yamazaki Kento.
"Correct!"
"In the anime Detective Conan, what is the name of the poison Kudo Shinichi was forced to ingest?"
"APTX-4869!" Yamazaki Kento.
"Correct!"
"Which prefecture in Japan is known as the 'Snow Country'?"
"Niigata Prefecture!" Michiya Gōshin.
"Correct!"
"In which year was the first PlayStation game console under Sony released?"
"1994!" Yamazaki Kento did not hesitate.
"Correct!"
"In Natsume Soseki's novel Kokoro, what is the sea area where Sensei committed suicide?"
"Kamakura Yuigahama Coast!" Michiya Gōshin.
"Correct!"
The two seemed to have turned on some kind of efficient "Knowledge Parallel" mode.
Michiya Gōshin leaned toward humanities, social sciences, and basic disciplines; Yamazaki Kento excelled in history, subculture, and obscure knowledge, with rapid reactions and precise memory.
There was almost no need for verbal communication between them. As soon as one person's voice fell, the other had already followed up with the answer, or in the split second one party hesitated slightly, the other immediately filled the position.
The rhythm of answering was suffocatingly fast, and the skip button became almost a decoration.
The emotions of the audience offstage were completely ignited. From the expectation at the beginning, to the surprise in the middle, and then to the shock and fanaticism later, the applause, cheers, and exclamations rose wave after wave.
The barrage of comments on the official live broadcast completely exploded.
"My god! Yu-kun's volume of knowledge is too terrifying, truly amazing!"
"Yamazaki-kun is also amazing, he knows even this?!"
"This teamwork between the two of them! Absolutely incredible! Telepathy?"
"As expected of the person who could write a delicate script like Love Letter, he really has ink in his belly!"
"This is a true all-around entertainer, I'll continue to support him as my only favorite!"
"The Boys' Team is exploding with handsomeness!"
The five minutes flew by amidst the storm-like answering.
When the timer emitted the concluding "Di—" sound again, the bright red number that jumped out on the large screen plunged the entire theater into a brief silence, followed immediately by a roar of sound loud enough to lift the roof.
[Correct Answers: Eighteen]
"18 questions! My goodness! The Boys' Team answered 18 questions correctly!"
Shimada Shinsuke's voice cracked completely due to extreme shock and excitement; he was almost shouting while jumping.
"An incredible miracle! The two boys have proven their strength to everyone!"
Below the stage was applause and screaming like a mountain tsunami. Almost all fans sprang up from their seats, waving support sticks and shouting the names of the two at the top of their lungs.
This had already transcended the victory or defeat of a game; it was a magnificent display of talent and wisdom.
After the victory, Yamazaki Kento let out an excited roar. He forcefully wrapped his arm around Michiya Gōshin's neck, and Michiya Gōshin, impacted by this huge joy and sense of achievement, also laughed heartily.
"With this, in the first two rounds, the Girls' Team and the Boys' Team have each won one game, making the total score a one-to-one tie!"
Shimada Shinsuke managed to calm his excited mood with difficulty and announced loudly.
"This means that the final right of decision falls on the upcoming last round of the game, which is also the most crucial quality in the 'Borderland'—'Trust'!"
The name of the third round of the game appeared on the large screen, accompanied by heavy and suspenseful sound effects—"Trust."
"The final game, 'Trust'!"
Shimada began to explain the rules in detail, his tone becoming solemn.
"The rules are as follows:"
"We have set up a simulated obstacle zone on one side of the stage. Inside, there is a [Low Wall] made of sponge mats that needs to be crossed, a [Cordon Line Array] with bells suspended that needs to be passed by bowing or turning sideways—touching a bell deducts ten seconds each time—and a [Zigzag Roadblock] that needs to be bypassed flexibly."
"At the other end of the obstacle zone, there is a display stand covered with multiple red cloths. Hidden under each red cloth are different items, including the latest smartphones, high-performance laptops, popular game consoles, high-end Bluetooth headphones, etc., of varying values."
"Each team needs to send one person to wear a special light-blocking eye mask to become the 'Executor,' while the other person acts as the 'Commander,' standing at a fixed command seat where they can clearly overlook the entire venue and the distribution of items on the display stand."
"The 'Commander' can only use verbal commands to guide the blindfolded 'Executor' to safely pass through all obstacles, reach the display stand on the opposite side, uncover the designated red cloth, acquire the item, and then return safely to the starting point under the same command guidance."
"The time limit is twenty minutes. Ultimately, the team that successfully brings back items of higher value wins. If they cannot return within the time limit, the result is invalid."
Once this rule emphasizing absolute trust and precise cooperation was announced, a burst of excited discussion rang out from offstage.
This was not just a game, but an extreme test of unconditional trust and communication efficiency between companions.
However, just as the host was preparing to ask how the two teams would allocate roles, a clear male voice shouted from the audience seating.
"Reform the teams! We want to see the male and female leads together!"
This shout was like lighting a fuse, instantly detonating the thoughts fans had accumulated for a long time.
"Right! Re-group!"
"For a trust game, of course we want to see the trust between the drama's male and female leads!"
"Support the new combination!"
The fans' calls came surging like a tide, rapidly converging into a unified, unignorable wave of sound.
Several actors on stage revealed expressions that were slightly caught off guard yet seemed to be within expectation. In this kind of offline activity centered on fans, the will of the audience often possessed immense influence.
When Sakurajima Mai heard that shout clearly pointing to her and Michiya Gōshin, her heart suddenly trembled. Her gaze uncontrollably cast toward Michiya Gōshin again, only to happen to collide with his line of sight looking over as well.
However, the gaze this time only touched for a split second before parting; neither of them lingered excessively.
And Host Shimada Shinsuke obviously could not ignore this fan call that was like toppling mountains and overturning seas. He smiled and cast an inquiring look toward the side curtain of the stage, the position of the general director of this event.
After receiving an affirmative answer through his headset, Shimada picked up the microphone and spoke with a face full of smiles.
"Wow! I've heard everyone's wish; it is very strong. Alright, since the first two rounds resulted in a draw, then for this third round that decides the final victory or defeat, we will specially adopt everyone's suggestion and let us re-group!"
A new voting interface appeared rapidly on the large screen; the options were concise and clear.
The final voting result held no suspense.
When the combination of "Michiya Gōshin × Sakurajima Mai" appeared on the large screen with an overwhelming vote count advantage, deafening cheers mixed with excitement and satisfaction erupted from offstage.
"Okay! The final round 'Trust' game will be formed by Michiya-kun and Sakurajima-san as one team, while Yamazaki-kun and Arima-san will form a team." Shimada Shinsuke announced formally, hammering the final nail for this dramatic grouping.
With the grouping confirmed, Michiya Gōshin took a deep breath, as if he had made some kind of determination, and strode toward the direction where Sakurajima Mai was.
And as Sakurajima Mai watched him approach step by step, the other party's familiar upright figure appeared exceptionally clear under the stage lights. The surrounding clamor seemed to recede at this moment, leaving only his gradually approaching silhouette and the sound of her own somewhat disordered heartbeat.
The girl tried hard to maintain the calmness of her facial expression, even squeezing out a faint smile befitting the occasion, but her slightly trembling eyelashes and slightly stiff standing posture still leaked the billows in her heart.
"Sakurajima-san."
Michiya Gōshin stood still in front of her. His voice was not loud, but exceptionally clear, carrying a temperature that put people at ease and a strange decisiveness.
"For this game, let me be the 'Executor'."
He turned sideways, signaling to the thick black eye mask held in the staff member's hand. "I will cover my eyes and obey your commands."
This decision left Sakurajima Mai completely stunned.
She had envisioned various possibilities, even preparing herself psychologically to take on the blindfolded role to avoid more contact.
But Michiya Gōshin actively chose to entrust all his actions in the upcoming competition completely into her hands.
This sudden trust violently impacted the dike of defense she had painstakingly constructed over these days.
"...Okay."
Sakurajima Mai heard her own voice become somewhat tight, carrying a trace of imperceptible huskiness.
She extended her hand and took that heavy eye mask.
Michiya Gōshin cooperatively lowered his head slightly. Sakurajima Mai had to stand on her tiptoes, her arms circling past his head to carefully put the eye mask on for him and ensure the edges fitted so that no light could penetrate.
In this unavoidable process of close contact, her fingertips clearly felt the warmth transmitted from the skin of his nape, as well as the slight ticklish sensation of his soft black hair lightly grazing the back of her hand.
And after the eye mask was put on, Michiya Gōshin's vision fell into pure darkness.
When a person's vision is deprived, other senses become exceptionally acute.
He could hear the fans' whispers suppressing excitement offstage, could feel the temperature of the stage lights, and could even more clearly capture the slightly rapid breathing sound of Sakurajima Mai beside him.
On the other side, Yamazaki Kento and Arima Kana also rapidly allocated their roles, with Arima Kana serving as commander and Yamazaki Kento blindfolded.
"Then, the 'Trust' game deciding the final victory or defeat, time limit twenty minutes—start now!"
With Shimada Shinsuke's order, the final round, which was also the most heart-gripping duel, formally raised its curtain!
The obstacle zone on the stage was clearly visible under the lights. The bell array swayed gently with the wind, emitting tiny crisp sounds. On the display stand at the other end, several mysterious red cloths waited to be uncovered.
Although Arima Kana looked petite and nervous, once she entered her state, her commands were unexpectedly clear and definite.
"Yamazaki-san, first walk straight forward four steps... Stop! There is a low wall to the front left. Lift your right foot and cross over! Height is about up to your knee! Correct! Very good!"
Blindfolded, although Yamazaki Kento's movements were not as agile as usual, under Arima Kana's meticulous command, he steadily pushed forward.
However, on Sakurajima Mai's side, the situation fell into stagnation from the very beginning.
"Michiya-san, first... walk forward." Her command was vague and lacked specific information.
Michiya Gōshin tentatively took a step forward, then two steps, in accordance with her words.
"Stop! Left side... there is something." Her voice carried hesitation and was not decisive enough.
Michiya Gōshin stopped immediately and pricked up his ears to listen, but unable to get more precise guidance, he could only freeze in place, not daring to act rashly.
"Sakurajima-san, please tell me the specific direction and distance."
"A little to the left, then forward..."
Sakurajima Mai's commands were intermittent. Although her gaze fell on Michiya Gōshin and the obstacles, her mind uncontrollably replayed that "greedy" declaration of Michiya Gōshin over and over again.
Because she was distracted, she couldn't help pinching the back of her own hand, wanting to rely on this method to focus her attention.
Michiya Gōshin's pace became extremely slow and cautious because of this. He needed to stop constantly, relying on feeling and vague commands to confirm his orientation, before he could barely avoid the obstacles.
Shimada Shinsuke also couldn't help speaking up to remind them: "Sakurajima-san, time is precious, more precise commands are needed!"
"Sakurajima-san!"
Michiya Gōshin was forced to stop his steps again. His voice came through the microphone, maintaining calmness as before, but beneath that calmness, it revealed a firmness that allowed no doubt.
"I believe in your judgment. Now, please lend me your eyes!"
These words, like a thunderclap, instantly made Sakurajima Mai shake all over.
The next moment, a strong sense of responsibility, professional ethics, and provoked competitiveness surged.
That's right, I am working right now!
I cannot continue to let my thoughts run wild.
Throwing away the complex thoughts in her mind, Sakurajima Mai's eyes suddenly became sharp as a hawk.
"Michiya-san, listen well!"
Her voice rose abruptly, clear, calm, yet full of power, carrying a decisive sense of authority.
"Now, turn 30 degrees to the right in place! Take two large steps forward! Stop! 60 centimeters directly in front, there is a low wall, height about 45 centimeters. Lift your left foot and cross over!"
Michiya Gōshin's spirit was greatly lifted. Without any hesitation, he acted immediately in accordance with her words, crossing the low wall with fluid and accurate movements.
"Very good! Now walk straight for four steps, immediately lower your head! Lean your body forward 15 degrees! There are bells ahead; the lowest point is at your chest height. You need to turn sideways, stick close to the left boundary, and move slowly with small steps!"
Michiya Gōshin perfectly executed every command, passing through the complex bell array with amazing agility and balance. The entire process was like moving clouds and flowing water; not a single bell was rung!
"Beautiful! Now, pay attention to your right foot side, there is a 'Zigzag' road sign. First bypass toward the front right, turn left after three steps, then two steps!"
Sakurajima Mai's command instantly became fluid, as if she truly shared her vision with Michiya Gōshin. Every command was concise and timely, and the cooperation between the two reached near-perfect synchronization in an instant!
The audience offstage watched dumbfounded, then erupted in bursts of suppressed exclamations and increasingly loud applause!
This reversal came too fast and too fiercely!
At this time, Yamazaki Kento had already successfully reached the display stand under Arima Kana's command. He uncovered a red cloth; underneath was the latest PS5 game console, worth a considerable amount.
He immediately picked it up excitedly and began his return journey cautiously under Arima Kana's command.
And Michiya Gōshin also crossed the remaining obstacles with faster speed and steadier steps under Sakurajima Mai's incomparably precise command, reaching the display stand.
"Michiya, there are three red cloths in front of you. Numbered 1, 2, 3 from left to right. Look at Number 2 first!"
Sakurajima Mai's gaze was torch-like. She quickly judged that the shape of the covering under red cloth Number 2 was flat, square, and regular; it was extremely likely to be the latest model smartphone, which had the highest value.
Michiya Gōshin did not hesitate. He found and uncovered red cloth Number 2 precisely. Sure enough! It was an expensive brand-name mobile phone!
"Pick it up! Hold it tight! Return by the original route! Watch the rhythm; they are also on the return path. Pay attention to giving way at the first low wall!"
Sakurajima Mai's commands were like a supreme commander on the battlefield: calm, comprehensive, and calculating without omission.
The road of return was similarly full of challenges and a competition of speed.
The two sides met on a narrow path in the obstacle zone, requiring the commanders to calculate the path and timing precisely to avoid collision. Sakurajima Mai calmly commanded Michiya Gōshin to pause slightly behind the low wall, letting Yamazaki Kento, who was carrying the game console and moving slightly clumsily, pass through the narrow area first, and then issued the command to let Michiya Gōshin pass quickly.
Only the last thirty seconds remained! The atmosphere was tense almost to the point of suffocation.
"Time's up—!"
Shimada Shinsuke shouted loudly, his voice trembling with excitement.
"Let us confirm the results. Yamazaki-kun and Arima-san's team brought back a PS5 game console, while Michiya-kun and Sakurajima-san's team brought back the latest model mobile phone!"
"After the backstage evaluation, the item brought back by Michiya-kun and Sakurajima-san's team has a higher value!"
"Therefore, the winner of the third round 'Trust' game, and also the final winner of today's fan meeting, is—the small team formed by Michiya Gōshin and Sakurajima Mai! Congratulations to them!"
"Wah ah ah ah—!!!"
The whole venue boiled over completely! This competition, full of twists and turns, suppressed at first and rising later, finally achieving an earth-shattering reversal by relying on absolute trust and perfect cooperation, was simply too wonderful, too stimulating.
Michiya Gōshin tore off the eye mask. Contacting the light abruptly, he squinted his eyes subconsciously, but his face instantly bloomed with an unreserved smile.
He faced Sakurajima Mai beside him, whose cheeks were flushed crimson due to high tension, whose chest was heaving slightly, and whose eyes flashed with the light of excitement. He extended his right hand without hesitation.
Sakurajima Mai was still immersed in the victory, but suddenly seeing the hand Michiya Gōshin extended in front of her, she was stunned.
"Sakurajima-san, come, let's raise our hands together! We won!"
Michiya Gōshin issued the invitation.
The ice wall in Sakurajima Mai's heart, painstakingly built with pride and wounded self-esteem, seemed to show cracks again at this moment.
The ice layer seemed to be melting.
Finally, she did not refuse.
The girl placed her slightly cold hand, which still carried a trace of light trembling, gently into his warm palm.
Michiya Gōshin immediately felt the slight coolness of her hand and that subtle trembling. Then, he raised their clasped hands high, facing all the boiling fans offstage, sharing this hard-won, extraordinarily significant glory of victory together.
"Thank you everyone!"
________________________________________
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