With the conclusion of the Quiz Tournament, the entertainment finally came to an end. A sense of closure filled the air, signaling that the long birthday party was at last drawing to a close.
"Now then, the timing seems perfect for a natural break. We'll be wrapping things up soon... but before we do, I'd like to take a group photo, just like last time."
"Though it was just a painting last time," Kuro chirped.
"Since we have Recording Magic Tools now, we can take an actual photograph. For those of you who weren't here a year ago, the plan is simple: we'll all line up and create a permanent record of the moment."
"But Shaltan," Kuro asked, "with this many people, won't everyone end up looking like tiny specks?"
"I've got that covered. Magnawell-san was there last time too, so we had to zoom way out anyway... but I've already made arrangements to handle the scale."
It was true. Compared to the previous party, the guest list had exploded. With nearly five hundred people in attendance, a standard photo would require the camera to be so far back that individual faces would likely be unrecognizable. I figured that would be fine as a memento, but Alice clearly had something more sophisticated in mind.
"Which brings us to you, Machina. Make it so the photo can be swiped, zoomed, and scaled with a finger, would you?"
"...That is incredibly vague. Your instructions are so slapdash. I'm getting a very strong sense that you're just dumping this on me because you think 'Omniscience and Omnipotence' can solve anything."
"Think of a desktop-sized photo frame. Make it so he can operate it by touching the cover without it malfunctioning from accidental bumps. Oh, and Kaito-san should be able to zoom in just by thinking about it. Make it controllable via telepathy too. And since things like Status Preservation are a chore, make sure it never degrades. Let the frame's design change whenever he wants a new look. And one more thing: use that feature from your gift where holding it projects an image into the mind. I want him to vividly recall every memory of today's party just by picking it up."
"...Weren't the vague instructions better?! I can do it, obviously, but aren't you exploiting me a bit too casually?!"
As I suspected, Alice had every intention of making Machina-san use her Almighty powers to craft a high-spec masterpiece. Well, I suppose Machina-san could handle just about anything.
"I mean... look, you're the only one I can truly rely on, Machina. You're my Best Friend. When I'm faced with a challenge, you're always the first person I think to turn to."
"W-Well, if you put it that way, I suppose it can't be helped! I mean, you're right. You should rely on your Best Friend when you're in a bind. And since I am actually Omniscient and Omnipotent, this is child's play for me. I can't exactly say no when my Best Friend is counting on me, can I?"
Talk about an easy win. Her disgruntled face vanished in an instant, replaced by a delighted smile as she eagerly agreed to Alice's demands. Machina-san was always a total softie for Alice. Actually, she was basically head-over-heels, which probably made it very easy for Alice to palm off the difficult tasks on her. Though, I'm sure their bond as best friends was a huge part of it too.
With the technical issues resolved, we moved on to the photo itself. At the last party, we had walked outside and lined up according to Alice's instructions. This time, however, since we were surrounded by gods who could do anything, everyone was simply teleported into a pre-arranged formation. My lovers gathered around me—Shiro-san and Kuro took their spots on either side, while the others clustered nearby. The rest of the crowd was sorted based on height and size.
"Then, this unit shall facilitate the photography," Electrone announced.
"Wait. Electrone-san, aren't you going to be in the photo too?"
"Is it permissible for this unit to join as well?"
"Yes, of course."
"Outputting Deep Emotion... <<The Oshi's Fan Service is overwhelming. I'm tearing up. If it is an invitation from Kaito-sama, I accept with joy!>> ...Understood. This unit's Terminal shall perform the photography."
Even though she had arrived late, Electrone-san had been a huge help with the live production. I wanted her to be part of the memory, so I invited her in. She joined the group with visible delight, leaving her cat-ear-shaped device hovering in the air to act as the camera.
"A countdown will now be displayed atop this unit's device. The shutter will release at zero. Please prepare yourselves."
A Huge Electronic "10" flickered into existence above the device and began to count down. Helpful text appeared below it: 'Please look here for the best results.' I directed my gaze at the indicated spot.
Seconds later, the count hit zero. The photo was taken. Moments after that, Machina-san handed me a physical print, already framed and finished. The moment I held it, memories of today's party—hectic, overwhelming, but undeniably fun—flooded my mind with crystal clarity. It was a sensation that warmed my heart. Taking advantage of the moment, I borrowed Alice's Amplification Magic Tool to give a brief thank-you to the crowd.
"Everyone, thank you so much for putting together such a grand party for me today. I was bewildered more than once, but more than that, it has been a truly happy day."
I meant it. There had been plenty of shock and confusion, but I’d had the chance to speak with every single guest. It really had been fun... though, I still wished the scale had been just a little more modest. But it was too late for that now. They had literally built a Dedicated World for this. Next year's celebration would almost certainly happen right back here.
Well, I’d worry about the future when it arrived. For now, I was just glad to have made such a wonderful, happy memory.
Serious-senpai: "The party is over, but several loose ends remain... The Additional Attack on the Stomach Pain Warriors, the safety of Electrone—who is almost certain to be mauled by a Gorilla—and that 'small celebration' Nebula mentioned. I suppose that's where we're headed next."