Volume 1 Chapter 58: Rock Paper Scissors Will Decide Everything
Carmilla: "Exactly! The danger lies in the unknown. If we can find a way to gather information about what's across the opening, we might be able to explore it more safely. If you both agree I will tell you a plan I just think of. So what do you think?"
She looked at Pepper and Eve, eager to hear their thoughts on the plan. Their agreement would be crucial for its success.
Eve: "Yes, Master, if we can at least know something and ensure our survival upon entering, then we can explore this opening."
Pepper: "Yeap, Eve is right, Master. Did you think of a plan?"
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Carmilla: "Yes, and this plan will determine if we can explore the opening without facing immediate danger."
Pepper: "Come on, Master, don't keep us in suspense. Tell us already!"
Carmilla: "It's simple. One of us will enter the opening, and if they survive long enough to return here, then we'll all enter the opening. It's that straightforward, right?"
Pepper: "That's indeed simple, but Master, who will be the one entering the opening?"
Carmilla: "Ah, we'll decide that by playing a simple game of rock-paper-scissors."
Pepper: "Alright, what are the rules master?"
Carmilla: "First, Eve and I will play. The loser of our match will then play against you. To win, you need to win three times."
As Carmilla and Eve stood face to face, their hands extended toward each other, they locked eyes with a playful determination. The anticipation in the air was palpable as they prepared to engage in the lighthearted game of rock-paper-scissors.
Carmilla/Eve: "Rock Paper Scissors"
First game
Carmilla- Rock
Eve- Scissors
Carmilla won
1-0
Second game
Carmilla- Rock
Eve- Paper
Eve won
1-1
Third game
Carmilla- Scissors
Eve- Paper
Carmilla won
2-1
Forth game
Carmilla- Papper
Eve- Rock
Carmilla won
3-1
After four rounds of intense Rock, Paper, Scissors, Carmilla emerged victorious with a score of 3 to 1.
After her victory in the game of Rock, Paper, Scissors, Carmilla stepped back, allowing Eve and Pepper to decide among themselves who would be entering the opening — a choice that felt like a necessary sacrifice.
Eve/Pepper: "Rock Paper Scissors"
First game
Eve- Rock
Pepper- Paper
Pepper won
0-1
Second game
Eve- Scissors
Pepper- Paper
Eve won
1-1
Third game
Eve- Rock
Pepper- Scissors
Eve won
2-1
Forth Game
Eve- Rock
Pepper- Paper
Pepper won
2-2
Fifth Game Final Round Fight!
Eve/Pepper: "ROCK PAPER SCISSORS"
Eve- Rock
Pepper- Rock
Draw
2-2
Tie Breaker Round 1
Eve- Rock
Pepper- Rock
Draw
Tie Breaker Round 2
Eve- Scissors
Pepper- Scissors
Draw
Tie Breaker Round 3
Eve- Paper
Pepper- Rock
Eve won
Final scores 3-2
The one who will be sacrificed is now determined after the most intense Rock Paper Scissors game ever recorded in history, which required three tiebreaker rounds after the initial five normal game rounds failed to decide the sacrificial participant.
Despite having two chances to win, Pepper lost to Carmilla, who was then defeated by Eve in the Rock Paper Scissors game. Although Pepper didn't succeed in the initial game, she put up a tough fight against Eve during the three tiebreaker rounds. It seemed like Pepper's luck was at its peak during that moment, as she managed to last for so long.
It seems that Lady Luck took pity on Pepper for a short period of time, granting her the opportunity to play in three tiebreaker rounds. However, Lady Luck's favor was fleeting, as Pepper still ended up losing the game during the third tiebreaker round.
After the third tiebreaker ended, Pepper remained frozen in place, her hand still clenched into a rock-shaped fist, her mind a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions. It was as if time stood still, and in those seemingly endless moments, she was lost in a recurring loop of the fateful game.
The echoes of "Rock Paper Scissors" resounded in her head like an incessant chant, each repetition etching itself deeper into her consciousness. She vividly saw the synchronized rise of their hands, the suspense building with every fleeting second. Her heart pounded in her chest as her rock hand was unveiled, facing Eve's confident paper hand.
In her mind's eye, the scene played out repeatedly, the weight of each outcome bearing down on her. The realization that she had lost the game was slow to register, like a slow-dissolving mirage. At first, it seemed like just another round, a mere extension of the previous ties. But as the cycle of defeat replayed itself, it finally began to sink in—she had been defeated, and Eve was the triumphant winner.
It only sinks in her mind that she has lost the game after that scene repeated several dozen times in her mind.
*Thud*
Carmilla and Eve watched in surprise as Pepper remained in a daze, her eyes fixated on her outstretched hand after her defeat. However, their surprise turned to alarm when Pepper suddenly fell to her knees, still clutching her hand, and seemingly lost in her thoughts. The unexpected sight left both Carmilla and Eve concerned, wondering what could have caused such a strong reaction in Pepper.
Pepper's exclamation rang out, her voice filled with intense emotion and a hint of desperation.
Pepper: "NOOooo!!!"
Her cry echoed through the room, drawing the attention of everyone present. The weight of her defeat and the frustration seemed to pour out in that single word, capturing the depth of her disappointment and the fervent desire to alter the outcome.
Carmilla's words interrupted Pepper's outburst.
Carmilla: "Come on, Pepper, no need to react in such an exaggerated way, you only need to be a sacri~~ I mean you can explore the opening first and think about it. Enjoy the fun by yourself first."
When Carmilla began speaking, Pepper immediately halted her shouting and focused on listening. However, as Carmilla approached the word 'sacrificed,' a strong impulse to interject overcame her. Despite the urge to say something, Pepper fought against it and restrained herself, determined to hear out Carmilla without interruption.
But after Carmilla finished talking, she couldn't help but start complaining.
Pepper: "Master, you almost said 'sacrifice' earlier, and..."
Carmilla didn't let Pepper continue to talk, swiftly interjecting to change the topic.
Carmilla: "No, I didn't say that, right Eve?"
Eve, who was suddenly mentioned, took a moment to respond.
Eve: "Me?"
She asked, pointing a finger at herself in astonishment.
Carmilla: "Silly, of course, I meant you. You're the only one here, aside from me and Pepper. So, you agree with me that I didn't say 'sacrifice' earlier, right?"
Upon hearing Carmilla's question, Eve paused for a moment, deep in thought, before finally responding.
Eve: "Master, I didn't hear you say the word 'sacrifice' completely earlier, but I did hear that you almost said it, and then you stopped yourself."
Carmilla: "Alright, enough, Eve! You're not being very helpful right now."
Pepper: "See, Master, even Eve agrees with me. You did say something that sounded like 'sacrifice' earlier, just rephrased differently. It still felt like the word 'sacrifice' to me, especially since I still need to explore the unknown opening first."