Value every life, even in a game. Live and play as your conscience dictates, not for the desire to win. After all, our decisions shape not only characters but also ourselves.
– Let's play a game. But this isn't just a game, Lido.
When the Game God spoke, a strange, heavy sensation seemed to hang in the air around Lido. He felt a barely perceptible jolt in his chest – as if his very heart had responded to the Game God's words. Lido blinked and found himself in a familiar place: the Game House of Zircol once again greeted him with its echoing darkness.
The dim lighting beneath the high ceiling turned the hall into a mysterious labyrinth of shadows, exuding something otherworldly. Lido barely had time to realize where he was when a figure emerged from the darkness before them – the butler. His appearance was unnatural, as though woven from darkness itself, and his voice echoed through the hall, resonating within the walls.
– Gentlemen, welcome to the Game House of Zircol. Please, follow me, – his words sounded deep, reaching the very center of the hall like waves spreading over dark waters.
The Game God interrupted the butler with a casual wave of his hand:
– Don't introduce us.
A fleeting look of confusion crossed the butler's face, but he quickly bowed his head, respectfully stepping back into the shadows, yielding the way.
– As you wish, – he said, retreating into the darkness as though he had never existed.
Lido felt something strange engulf him, a subtle feeling resembling a shiver. They stepped into the center of the hall, and with this movement, it was as if magic cloaked the space around them: dozens of eyes instantly turned toward them, piercing them like needles.
A silence followed, almost tangible, like a dense layer of invisible fog that spread between him and the onlookers. On the guests' faces, various emotions could be seen – joy, fear, curiosity, tension. All kept silent, but their eyes betrayed that something greater lay beneath their calm.
The Game God confidently walked to the nearest table. His movements had a casual grace, as though he were the only master here and this was his personal stage.
Lido felt a slight unease when the Game God, with a gentle smile, gestured for him to take the seat opposite and sat down, as if everything had already been decided, and this game was unfolding according to a predetermined script.
Lido carefully lowered himself into the chair, sensing an invisible tension in the air. As soon as he sat down, he had the feeling that the space around him had changed: every glance, every sound gained clarity, as if reality itself had sharpened.
He turned his head, looking at his reflection in the dark mirrors of the hall. Lido saw himself there – but not as he was used to seeing.
His reflection was cloaked in a dark aura, imbued with sinister power and mystery. Dark robes adorned with symbols, an amulet emitting a cold glow – all of it created the image of a mage with ancient power running through his veins.
Lido appeared not just as a player but as someone whose aura inspired respect and wariness. An icy light burned in his eyes, and shadows around his figure flowed and rippled, emphasizing an aura of authority and mystery, as though the very world was obliged to obey him.
When he raised his gaze to the Game God, a different image appeared before him. The Game God looked majestic and even terrifying, like a being that wielded light and darkness simultaneously.
His figure was surrounded by fine threads of energy, holding the fabric of existence under control. The Game God's robes shimmered, blending light and darkness into a single tableau, and beneath his concealed face, bright eyes glinted, full of wisdom and power capable of crushing worlds.
– So, what's the game? – Lido asked, trying to infuse his voice with confidence. But a growing unease glimmered in his eyes.
The Game God smirked slightly but was in no hurry to answer. He merely gestured, summoning three beings who seemed to materialize from thin air, silently taking their seats at the table.
An odd energy immediately surrounded them; a dense tension enveloped everyone present, as though these beings brought with them an atmosphere of another world. Lido involuntarily tensed, sensing their power – one that far surpassed his own.
The first of the beings was a tall elder, shrouded in a hazy light that radiated an ethereal, almost cosmic, energy. His face was lined with wrinkles, as though the very passage of time had etched them, leaving traces of the ages.
Bright greenish eyes, hiding eons within their depth, seemed to gaze through time and space, and Lido felt that before this infinity, he was merely a tiny particle. Stars flickered around the elder, as though reality and time were distorted in his presence.
Beside him sat another figure, majestic and radiant. Her hair glowed, shifting from bright green to golden, and it seemed that each strand in this luminous flow was imbued with the universal force of life. Transparent wings, barely visible in the dimness, shimmered, reflecting the power of ancient nature.
Despite her beauty, there was a force within this being whose mere breath could destroy worlds. Lido felt her gaze pierce through him, yet his innermost thoughts remained hidden.
The third figure across from him looked wild, primal. His broad shoulders and fierce gaze reminded one of a beast trapped in human form. Scars covered his body, marks of old battles, and his expression radiated unyielding confidence in his strength. This man seemed ready to annihilate anyone who dared to challenge him; his determination was absolute.
Lido felt the mounting pressure from the presence of these beings, their aura looming over him menacingly.
Though he appeared imposing, he knew he was the only mortal at the table. His presence seemed to perplex the others. He sensed how all three scrutinized him, as if trying to discern his true strength.
– Lido, allow me to introduce Elder Tridot, – said the Game God, nodding towards the ancient being whose shimmering form was encircled by a starlit cloud.
Elder Tridot inclined his head slightly in response, and his figure began to shift – at times vanishing, leaving only flickers of stars, then reappearing as the ancient, all-seeing entity. Lido felt that Tridot's presence was like a gateway to knowledge beyond mortal reach. Deep within, he felt a tremor.
The elder smiled faintly, his voice quiet yet tinged with a subtle sense of challenge:
– Greetings, Lido. I look forward to a worthy game, – his gaze pierced straight to the soul, and Lido nodded, understanding that each word could be a test.
The Game God gave a slight nod again, now in the direction of the radiant figure:
– And this is Fayrea Evern si Eleib Ganlas Bi.
Fayrea looked at Lido intently, and in her eyes, light and shadow mingled, as if the entire universe reflected within a single glance. Her features shone with primal beauty, endowed with ancient wisdom, and her figure, surrounded by a glow, seemed the embodiment of grandeur itself. Lido felt that her calm smile exuded a force both destructive and creative at once.
– You may call me Fayrea, – her voice, quiet and serene, was reminiscent of flowing water, yet in every sound, there lay hidden might.
Finally, the third participant interrupted the Game God rudely, introducing himself:
– Grizzly, – his voice sounded like a growl, and his muscles tensed under his skin, as if ready for any challenge.
Grizzly embodied strength, his body covered with scars – traces of countless battles, and his stern gaze spoke of a determination to crush anyone who dared stand in his way. This warrior clearly had no intention of yielding, either in power or in dignity.
Lido nodded to each in silence, sensing that they were examining him, as though trying to detect the hidden power within his eyes. He met each of their gazes, while the Game God, observing with evident satisfaction, finally spoke:
– Well then, if everyone's ready, let's begin, – said the Game God with a slight, enigmatic smile, hinting at excitement.
– Our game is called "Crown Capture," – he continued, scanning the gathered group as though already anticipating the events to come.
– The winner will be the one whose contenders capture the Crown of Dominance and manage to hold it... for an indeterminate time.
The Game God smirked slightly wider, adding a hint of intrigue. – Will you be able to hold the Crown, or will it pass to someone more cunning? Who knows...
His voice was calm, but Lido sensed a hidden threat within it. Around the table, all the participants exchanged glances, and despite their outward composure, Lido could feel the tension building, like the calm before a storm.
Elder Tridot inclined his head slightly, expressing mild curiosity; his glowing green eyes sparkled like distant stars. Lido caught a glimpse of ancient mystery in his gaze, as if Tridot knew something no one else understood.
– The game will take place in a world sure to surprise everyone with its unpredictability, – the Game God continued, his tone laced with mystery as if already savoring the course of events.
– One of the worlds of the Lost Lands Galaxy. There, nature and chaos are so close that any action can lead to unexpected, sometimes even amusing consequences.
Fayrea and Tridot exchanged glances, a slight hint of skepticism crossed Grizzly's face. Lido noticed a brief, wary exchange of glances among his allies, as if they vaguely remembered something curious about this world.
– The Lost Lands Galaxy? – Grizzly asked, squinting. There was a mixed tone of interest in his voice. – Are you seriously suggesting this place for the game?
The Game God cast him a look, a faint spark of amusement in his gaze:
– That's what makes it especially interesting. Even for us, the Almighty, this place holds danger. But that's the essence of the game – absolute unpredictability.
Lido's inner unease intensified. If even beings like them felt a sense of apprehension about this place, what awaited him in this game? Was the Game God truly intent on subjecting them all to a trial that exceeded the usual?
A quiet, confident voice suddenly broke the tense silence:
– Excuse me for the intrusion.
All eyes turned to a young man who had just entered the hall. His face, expressionless and cold, showed no hint of anxiety or fear, only serene confidence, slightly tinged with pride. He looked both majestic and modest, as if he had grown up among ancient walls steeped in power and wisdom.
Snow-white hair fell on his shoulders, sharply contrasting against pale skin, giving him an enigmatic glow. He moved smoothly, as though each step was pre-calculated and held a hidden meaning. His dark mantle, heavy and graceful, seemed to dissolve into the shadows, giving the young man the appearance of a being whose intentions remained a mystery to everyone present.
– Oh, young Pharaoh, how is Elder Hailey? – Tridot addressed him, his voice carrying a hint of goodwill, though it remained serious.
– She was looking for you, Elder, – the young man replied respectfully, bowing slightly.
The Pharaoh appeared as the embodiment of dark, majestic power, like a shadowed king from ancient legends. His tall, slender figure, clad in dark, elegant yet ominous garments, gave him the appearance of a ruler whose cold gaze seemed capable of penetrating to the soul.
The Pharaoh's snow-white hair cascaded over his shoulders, standing out against the darkness, as though emitting a light of its own. This contrast made him even more imposing: each gesture, each glance was imbued with serene confidence and unbreakable strength. On his chest gleamed a crystal with a greenish hue – an artifact emitting an unnatural, cold glow, as if it held ancient magic within.
The Pharaoh approached the table soundlessly, seeming to glide through the air like a shadow. He moved so gracefully it felt as though his figure blended with the surrounding space. His presence was so natural that none of those present even flinched at his arrival, but as he took his seat across from Lido, all eyes once again turned to the new guest.
The Pharaoh met Lido's gaze. In that cold, almost lifeless look, there was no trace of ordinary human emotion, only absolute calm and detachment.
It was the gaze of someone who saw the world through the prism of his own power and immutable position. Lido felt a growing unease in his chest – not so much fear as respect and caution toward this enigmatic being.
– Ho-ho, splendid, – Tridot chuckled quietly, observing the interaction between the Pharaoh and Lido. His smile held something more than a simple greeting – perhaps a subtle recognition of the young man as a worthy opponent or a hint at the game ahead.
Trying not to reveal his thoughts, Lido carefully observed the scene, sensing that everyone gathered at this table possessed greatness and powers unlike any other. The Game God merely nodded slightly in the Pharaoh's direction, showing no surprise at all, as though his presence were routine and entirely expected.
– The more participants, the more interesting, – said the Game God with a light smirk, as though utterly unsurprised. There was a touch of irony in his voice, as though the game had gained a new, unknown meaning.
The Pharaoh, seated at the table, cast another steady gaze at Lido. His analytical look was filled with interest, though it was a cold interest, as if Lido were merely a puzzle to be solved.
– Thank you for allowing me to join, – the Pharaoh said calmly, inclining his head slightly.
– And, taking the opportunity, I invite you all to visit me after the game.
– I'm busy, – Grizzly snapped, not lifting his eyes.
– So am I, – Fayrea added, narrowing her eyes. Her refusal held a hint of playfulness, as though it was part of her own strategy.
Tridot merely nodded, indicating his agreement. The Game God, watching the scene with an unperturbed smile, added:
– I'll think about it after the game... perhaps Lido and I will find the time.
The Pharaoh, smiling faintly, took his seat, yet Lido felt his gaze still lingering on him. There was a cold curiosity and caution in that gaze, as though Lido were a mystery worth exploring.
At that moment, Fayrea, brushing her wings slightly, cautiously asked a question:
– Can we use our subordinates for the game? – Her wings gave a slight tremor in the dim light, emphasizing her interest.
The Game God shook his head with slight disappointment, as though the question amused him somewhat.
– That would be too easy, – he replied, his gaze lingering on Lido for a moment, adding significance to his words.
– We will be using so-called gamers, those who have devoted their lives to games and competition.
Lido furrowed his brow, feeling his mind struggle to comprehend this statement. Gamers? Humans? Gradually, he began to realize that this game didn't concern mere fictional characters – real lives were at stake.
The Game God smiled slightly, raised his hand, and summoned a miniature hologram of a planet on his palm, which slowly rotated, enveloped in a gentle light.
– Here's the world we'll be using, – he said, turning his palm so everyone could see the hologram.
– This... this is Earth! – Lido's voice trembled with shock, and his chest tightened.