If Grey had been watching this scene, confusion would have been the least of his worries still, but confused he would be nonetheless. This was the first time in a long while the broadcast had made him look... good? Plus they were giving them context about things that were normally well beyond their paygrade. It was wild in the funniest of ways.
Also, didn’t the Great Udon hate him? Why was he allowing Grid to do this?
Something wasn’t adding up.
But even now, the Great Udon was still smiling, and Grid was smiling as well.
"I smile now because I am proud of the man my father was. He was a man with a heart as vast as the ocean and a mind I can only look up to.
"At the same time, I admire Grey Temolt as well. I myself understand what it means to fight through adversity. When I entered the 3020th Genesis Games, my Race was favored because of our standing, but I was not even ranked amongst the favorites of them.
"My zone was stacked with the sons and daughters of nobles and politicians, babies who were born with silver spoons in their mouths and more talent in their pinky fingers than I had in my whole body.
"I have to fight, scratch, and claw for everything, facing off against the strongest geniuses of a higher race just to carve out a place for myself in this world.
"What Grey faces is even worse than this. He is from a Cracked World, scooped up and placed down here at the whims of my people. For that, I am sorry to him. But what must be done will always be done.
"What too few talk about is that being a Cracked World gives you the chance to see the vastness of the universe much earlier. You get the chance to live longer lives, to touch upon the mysteries that your world could never fathom before.
"And Grey has made the best of that.
"I admire Grey much like I admire my father. I truly do. And in memory of the life my father once lived, I only feel it right to take on his mantle.
"How far a genius of a Cracked World can make it... I do not know. But what I do know is that I will do my best to ensure that Grey Temolt sits upon the highest throne as the first of a Cracked World to ever take the crown of Genesis King.
"And I would love nothing more than to be a part of curating the story that gets him there."
The crowd swooned, their hearts beating out of their chests.
"What do you think, Great Udon? I see that Grey doesn’t like you very much, how do you feel about telling the story of his greatness?"
The Great Udon boomed with laughter. "WE ARE MEN! What do a few petty words mean to us?"
Grid laughed. "He has been through much and can only lash out in retaliation. I do not blame him if he hates even me, such is his right. But the way of life my father taught me, and the one I will teach my son one day, is one of magnanimity and grace.
"It seems that this is something you’ve long come to an understanding of."
"But, of course. Someone as charming as Grey must be placed amongst the brightest of lights and the greatest of challenges. I look forward to seeing what you throw at him and how he overcomes them. I will be there to tell his story step by step."
Grid laughed once more. "Yes, yes, of course. As all things should be."
"And with that, we’re signing off for the day, everyone. Tune in to a personal livestream to continue watching your favorite candidates from here, or follow a few play by play directors on social media if you cannot afford it.
"And for those that are patient, tune in tomorrow! What decision will Grey make? Which woman will he choose?!
"Also, what seems to be brewing in the south? The race toward the first to complete the arc is rapidly approaching!
"Don’t forget to subscribe to your favorite talk show hosts, people. Once the first arc has concluded, guest appearances for your favorite Genesis Candidates will begin!
"Signing off until tomorrow!"
The images faded and the stage fell to darkness.
Grid looked out into the crowd once more, his eyes flashing with calculation, but his actual thoughts impossible to read. He didn’t even look at the Great Udon again as he walked away.
The Great Udon chuckled. "What is this? You use me like a cheap slut and not even so much as a goodbye? I’m hurt."
Grid’s steps paused, and he turned his head back.
"No more of your cheap, underhanded tricks, Udon."
The Great Udon’s eyes narrowed, his form trembled.
"Great." The Great Udon said slowly.
"If you want your Ancestral moniker so badly, then go onto a real battlefield instead of playing politics and house."
The Great Udon chuckled. "I guess having Eggy as a host really made you bold."
"Oh my, you’re so big and strong hiding behind a screen and playing with people’s lives from out here. Why don’t you go in like Caldrin and see what happens? Will you still be "great" then?"
"Maybe one day we’ll see." The Great Udon said with a smile. "But not in a little game. In a place where there are real stakes."
Grid’s eyes narrowed. He turned away but his voice continued to echo.
"Whatever you do here will only make him stronger. I’ve seen the sort of person Grey is within myself. The more you squeeze, the stronger he’ll buck up against you.
"You don’t understand him, and yet you want to kill him. Isn’t that a little stupid?
"I’ve helped you cover for your reputation for now, but you’d better remember who holds real power here."
The Great Udon laughed. "Certainly not the Genesis King with a hollow throne."
Grid did not respond.