Chapter 6: Let The Games Begin!
The echo of my voice reverberated throughout the vast expanse of the coliseum, eliciting a hushed silence from the gathered crowd. As all eyes turned towards me, I could sense a mixture of curiosity, excitement, and perhaps a hint of apprehension among the assembled beings.
"I am pleased to see so many of you gathered here today," I continued, my voice projecting effortlessly to every corner of the arena. "For too long, the wonders of Universal Records have been known only to a select few. But today marks a new chapter in our story—a chapter of inclusivity, camaraderie, and boundless opportunity."
A ripple of murmurs and whispers spread through the crowd, the excitement palpable as they awaited my next words.
"As the architect of this grand domain, it is my honor to welcome each and every one of you to participate in the inaugural Universal Records Tournament!" I declared, my voice ringing out with undeniable authority. "In the coming days, you will have the opportunity to test your skills, forge alliances, and compete for glory in a series of challenges that will push you to your limits."
The anticipation in the air was electric, the excitement building with each passing moment. As I gestured towards the towering gates of the coliseum, I could sense the eagerness radiating from the crowd, their eyes alight with anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead.
"But before we begin," I announced, a mischievous glint in my eye, "let us take a moment to recognize the diverse array of beings gathered here today. From gods and demigods to mortals and mythical creatures, each one of you brings something unique to the table, and I have no doubt that together, we will create a tournament for the ages!"
With a flourish of my hand, I summoned a grand display of fireworks to illuminate the sky, their dazzling colors casting a vibrant glow over the assembled crowd. As the cheers and applause echoed throughout the coliseum, I knew that the stage was set for an epic spectacle—one that would be remembered for generations to come.
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Tane - High god of dimension e34 - Lora - War
The sudden transformation of the tavern into a grand coliseum left me momentarily stunned, my senses reeling from the abrupt change in scenery. As the commanding voice echoed through the air, I felt a shiver run down my spine, a sense of awe and anticipation gripping my heart.
Instinctively, I turned my attention towards the source of the voice, my gaze falling upon the figure standing at the center of the coliseum. It was none other than the architect of Universal Records, the enigmatic being who had brought us all together in this extraordinary place.
As the words of the architect washed over me, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through my veins. The prospect of participating in the inaugural Universal Records Tournament filled me with a sense of exhilaration, mingled with a hint of apprehension at the challenges that lay ahead.
But amidst the swirling emotions and the grandeur of the moment, one thing became abundantly clear—the journey that lay before us would be nothing short of extraordinary. And as I stood amidst the gathered crowd, I resolved to seize this opportunity with both hands, ready to embark on an adventure unlike any other.
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Cain
I briefed all the participants about the game, and then it was time to commence. Countless beams of light shot up into the sky, bestowing or stripping powers and transporting them to the game world. Twenty percent of the audience vanished, primed to join and shape their destinies.
The game world I crafted was temporary. Predominantly blue with hints of green and white, it featured a vast central continent surrounded by four others—north, south, east, and west.
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Wukong - Independent God-King of dimension d12 - Earth - Foresight
"Curious," I murmured, my interest piqued as a translucent blue panel materialized before me, revealing an array of races I had never encountered. I scanned the options, seeking a formidable race to align with, but my search faltered upon encountering monkeys.
"Can't betray my own rac—huh?" My thought trailed off as a sudden blankness swept through my mind, leaving me momentarily disoriented. Confusion gripped me as I grappled with the loss of crucial memories, but relief washed over me as a new recollection emerged, alleviating my sudden panic. It depicted the architect responsible for our presence here, explaining that any advantageous memories or powers would be sealed for the duration of the game.
With that realization, I dismissed the concern and refocused my attention on the unfolding scene. The landscape shifted around me, morphing into a lush forest teeming with life. Below, a tribe of monkeys frolicked joyfully, swinging from tree to tree and engaging in playful antics. Once again, the blue window materialized before me, this time labeled 'Tribe.'
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Tribe:
Race: Monkey
Number: 55
Believers: 0
Faith: 0
Priests: 0
Total Combat Value: 9
—----------------------------------------------------------------
Another tab emerged in front of it, partially obstructing my view of the previous one. It presented:
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Trees:
[Technology Tree]
| Alchemy
| Electricity
| Runes
| Enchanting
[Cultivation Tree]
| Demonic Cultivation
| Orthodox Cultivation
[Magic Tree]
| Elemental Magic
| Undead Magic
| Creation Magic
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"How intriguing."
I contemplated amidst the verdant canopy of the forest. The technology tree held little appeal for us monkeys; construction was not our forte.
Turning my attention to the cultivation tree, I weighed my options. Demonic cultivation promised swift power for my followers, albeit at the cost of lifespan and rationality. Orthodox cultivation, though weaker and more challenging to master, lacked such significant drawbacks, aside from instilling a sense of justice that bordered on fanaticism.
The magic tree intrigued me the most. Within its branches lay the choices of elemental magic, undead magic, and creation magic. Elemental magic encompassed the four major elements—fire, wind, earth, and water. Unlike the others, you couldn't simply choose an element; you were born with one, limited to its powers alone.
Undead magic held no appeal for me; the idea of turning my followers into skull-loving, brain-dead cultists was a definite pass. That left me with creation magic. While undoubtedly powerful, I couldn't shake the feeling that it was a trap. It seemed immensely difficult to master, and the prospect of conjuring only wooden spoons after decades of training left much to be desired. The uncertainties and potential limitations made me wary.
"Looks like I've found my branch!"