As soon as the Game God summoned the contenders, Lido immediately took note of those under his control, then quickly glanced at the screens of the other participants. For now, before the game truly began, they could observe each other, but once the main action started, access to information would be limited. They would only be able to check on each other if they formed an alliance.
Lido saw each of his contenders as if this were an ordinary game. He could control them, destroy them, bless them, or grant them special abilities. Yet his attention lingered on familiar faces. Fenri, Isabelle, and others he had once played with were scattered among all the participants here.
Lido clenched his fist under the table, but his face remained calm and focused. He understood that a strong reaction or unnecessary words would only increase the risk for those dear to him, giving his rivals an extra reason for manipulation.
He knew that to survive and help his friends, he would have to adapt to the new situation, behave as confidently as the others at the table, and at the same time, guide the game in his favor. Only in this way could he protect them.
– Let the selection begin – said the Game God with a hint of mockery in his voice.
– This is your chance to prove your worth... or finally realize your insignificance. For some, this will be a path to greatness; for others, a fall into oblivion.
His words echoed across the square. An inquisitive spark gleamed in the Game God's eyes, as if he were searching for worthy contenders among them.
When the screens flickered again, each player realized that now they were about to become part of a real battle. They would have to prove their right to life and glory. At this moment, a cold fear began to spread within their minds, like an icy wave washing over them, awakening their instincts.
– Selection? – whispered one of the players, his voice filled with doubt and fear.
– They want us to fight? – someone in the crowd couldn't believe what was happening, clutching a sword as if it might be their last chance at salvation.
– This isn't a dream... – came the voice of a girl in light armor, her hands trembling.
Gamers, accustomed to the safety of virtual worlds, were finally realizing that their actions would now have real consequences. Every breath was filled with the weight of fear and anxiety.
Some stood still, unable to believe they would actually have to fight, while others began sizing up their comrades, assessing their strengths and weaknesses.
– It's just part of the test, right? – one participant said weakly, but only the whistling wind through the ruined walls responded.
Those ready to accept the challenge felt an exhilarating thrill. Their eyes shone with the anticipation of battle, and their hands tightened around their weapons. For others, fear intensified, and they felt a tremor run through their bodies, their hearts racing.
Some began recalling their gaming training, trying to use it in a real situation.
– I'm a champion in multiple tournaments; I can handle this! – shouted one of the gamers, his voice trembling but filled with determination.
– We need to stick together! – came a rallying cry, and the crowd saw it was William, the captain of a professional strategy gaming team.
– Tanks and warriors up front, archers and mages in the back! – he continued, bringing order to the chaos with an organized defense.
But not everyone was ready to accept the challenge so confidently. Some remained in a panic:
– I didn't sign up for actual death! – cried a young man whose hands trembled so much he could barely hold his weapon. Beside him, a girl clutched her head, repeating like a mantra:
– It's just a game...
On some platforms, leaders emerged who, despite their fear, began coordinating their comrades' actions, offering makeshift plans.
– If this is a game, then play as you always do! – shouted Gizard.
The Game God continued observing the gamers, giving them time to adapt to the new conditions. He watched their attempts to cope with the shock caused by the sudden transformation from ordinary people into fighters. Their actions and emotional responses to this reality became part of the game, part of the grand spectacle he intended to orchestrate.
Saini, sitting in her chair, narrowed her eyes slightly, watching the gamers' actions with interest. Her wings shimmered in the light of the hall, mirroring her thoughts. She observed as the contenders began to unite, forming teams, and her eyes gleamed with a faint light.
– Look how they cling to hope, – she said, smiling quietly – Fear makes them work together, but how long will they last when they face something truly terrifying? – Her voice was filled with mockery, as if she eagerly awaited the moment the gamers would start to lose control of the situation.
Tridot observed the screens, his astral form trembling like mist that refused to solidify. He noted how some gamers began to exhibit leadership qualities, attempting to coordinate their group's actions.
– Hmm... Interesting, – his voice was quiet and deep, like an echo in a void – Some of them are already finding their place in this game. Maybe they have the potential to be more than just pawns.
He neither smiled nor laughed, but a spark of curiosity shone in his eyes, like a scientist observing an unexpected experiment.
Pharaoh sat with a cold smirk on his lips, his gaze fixed on the screens as if he were relishing every mistake they made. He noticed moments when gamers began to panic or hesitate, and his expression grew more disdainful.
Grizzly closely observed the screens, his eyes drilling into the images, evaluating each contender's moves. He saw how some gamers started adapting to their new bodies and abilities, becoming more confident in their actions. Although he recognized their rising level, he couldn't hide his scorn.
– Yes, now they're a little more than ants, – he said with a slight hint of disdain in his voice – But just barely. It's still not enough.
The Game God looked at him with a smile that held a hint of mystery.
– Don't jump to conclusions, Grizzly. Thanks to the System Artifact, they'll be able to reach high levels quickly. With it, even the weakest can gain strength in a short time.
He raised his hand, and before the participants appeared a hologram of the System Artifact, which looked like a complex construct woven from energy and light. The hologram shimmered, showcasing its numerous functions: levels, skills, characteristics, inventory, and a host of other parameters.
Pharaoh studied the hologram intently, his gaze skimming over each inscription and symbol with interest. He examined the System's capabilities, nodding as understanding dawned in his eyes.
– A very powerful artifact, – he said thoughtfully – With this, even ordinary mortals can gain strength and abilities quickly. I assume you found it in the Lost Lands?
The Game God nodded, his face illuminated by a faint smile.
– Precisely, – he replied – The Lost Lands are full of incredible artifacts and items. The System is one of them. It creates a unique dynamic in the game, allowing the weak to become strong if they are persistent and resourceful.
Pharaoh continued examining the hologram, his gaze focused and attentive. He realized that the System Artifact was not just a tool for granting strength but a complex mechanism capable of altering balance not only in the game but potentially in the entire universe.
– It's almost like an accelerator, – he remarked, still studying the hologram – It not only enhances but stimulates growth.
– Exactly, – agreed the Game God – The System is not just an artifact; it's a force that creates conditions for rapid growth. It's possible to quickly build an army with it, but that's not our point. I think many of you possess artifacts that are no worse, if not better.
Grizzly snorted at these words. He continued watching the gamers. Some had already begun using the System, rapidly enhancing their initial skills and experimenting with new abilities.
– Before we begin the selection, let's get acquainted with your contenders, – announced the Game God – You can send your projections and interact more closely with those who will represent you in the game.
Everyone nodded in agreement and sent their projections to the platforms where their contenders stood. All except Lido. He remained motionless, as if pondering something, oblivious to the activity around him. Pharaoh, noticing his inaction, asked with a slight smirk:
– Does Lord Lido not wish to reveal himself to his contenders? Or perhaps he can't?
The Game God, sensing the need to assist Lido, intervened:
– Well, Lido might just be finalizing his strategy, – he said with a smile – All you need to do is think and wish for it – and it will happen.
Pharaoh and the others looked questioningly at the Game God, not understanding what he meant. But Lido immediately recalled how it had worked the first time, when he ordered food with the butler. Exactly, the Butler had said to him then: – Just think of it, and it will happen.
Lido closed his eyes, focused, and envisioned his projection above the square. When he opened his eyes, he felt that he had entered the game. Looking around, he saw that his projection was hovering above the contenders. He had succeeded.
– Look, up there! – came amazed voices from below.
They all looked up at him, their faces filled with surprise, worry, and anticipation.
Lido, sensing his contenders' attention, confidently assumed the role of the Game God, just as he had planned. His voice echoed across the square, powerful and assured, like an echo reverberating through the air:
– I am the Game God, your guide in this world. Here, you are no longer mere mortals. Here, you are who you always dreamed of being: warriors, mages, inventors, priests, sorcerers, archers. Everything you knew about games has now become reality. Now, everything depends on your skill, determination, and will to win. From now on, your future is in your hands.
Lido carefully chose his words to awaken determination in his contenders and inspire them for the challenges ahead. He could feel his words resonating in their hearts. A wave of tension rolled through the square, and some gamers felt chills run down their spines. Many felt their throats go dry as they swallowed nervously, struggling to cope with growing anxiety.
– In this world, if you want to survive and return home, there's only one path – forward! – he continued, heightening the effect of his words – Your lives are not the only things at stake, but a chance to achieve greatness and power. Use every moment to become stronger, unleash your abilities.
He paused, scanning the contenders to emphasize the importance of what he was saying.
– This selection will decide who among you deserves to live and who is not strong enough. Death here is real, so don't gamble with your fate. Just like in games: kill enemies, gain experience, level up, and loot. But here, there's no room for error.
Sweat beaded on the foreheads of those who realized this was not just talk – the selection would be brutal. Some gripped their swords until their knuckles turned white, others raised shields and magical staffs, taking up defensive positions. Some exchanged glances, seeking support in each other's eyes. Many began breathing heavily, while others held their breath, bracing themselves for the inevitable.
The inner voice of each of them whispered of fear of the unknown, but alongside it awakened a sense of resolve. Lido felt his words drawing out hidden strengths from the contenders – the ones that could give them a chance to survive the upcoming battle.
Lido finished, and his voice vanished, as if dissolving into the air. For a moment, tense silence fell over the ranks of contenders. Lido noticed how many of them clenched their fists, and a flame of resolve sparked in their eyes.
At that moment, the Game God, seeing that everyone had finished their introductory speeches, waved his hand. A new screen appeared before the contenders:
Round 1. Defeat King Ankela