---
Right after he made the announcement, Dreamer snapped his fingers.
Shadows crawled from every corner of the ever-changing wooden shack. They twisted and writhed like living creatures, tendrils creeping across the floor until they reached each of the children. One by one, the shadows enveloped them, swallowing them whole. The shack was soon devoid of noise, as if the shadows had stolen every last trace of sound along with their prey.
Yet Asmodeus stood apart, untouched by the creeping darkness. Instead, a swirling portal materialized before him, its edges pulsating with an eerie crimson glow. The portal seemed alive, its energy shifting and pulsing like a beating heart. Unlike the shadows, it exuded an air of purpose and authority, as though it had been created specifically for him.
Asmodeus tilted his head, the faintest hint of curiosity flickering in his eyes—green this time, though no one was left to notice. Without hesitation, he stepped into the portal, his lips curling into a grin that was equal parts amusement and disdain.
---
The world shifted abruptly as Asmodeus stepped through. He emerged into a space that was both familiar and alien. The ground was smooth, featureless black glass, reflecting his form like a perfect mirror. Above him, the sky was an endless expanse of gray clouds, swirling lazily without any wind to guide them.
And in the center of this strange void stood a figure.
It was Asmodeus.
Or rather, a perfect copy of him.
The copy's eyes flickered amber, betraying nothing as they locked onto Asmodeus. Its posture mirrored his exactly, from the slight tilt of his head to the way his hands rested casually in his pockets.
"Interesting," Asmodeus muttered, his voice carrying effortlessly through the still air.
The copy smirked. "You're not bad to look at, I'll admit."
Asmodeus chuckled, his eyes now a dull blue as amusement danced across his face. "Flattery won't get you anywhere. So, how do we settle this?"
The copy tilted its head, pretending to think. "Oh, I don't know. A battle of wits, perhaps? Something befitting our… uniqueness."
A table appeared between them, conjured from the ground as though it had always been there. Two chairs materialized on either side.
The copy gestured toward the table with an exaggerated flourish. "Shall we?"
Asmodeus arched a brow, his golden eyes now glinting with faint intrigue. He took his seat, leaning back casually. The copy did the same, their movements eerily synchronized.
"Rock, paper, scissors," the copy said. Its voice was calm, almost bored.
Asmodeus smirked. "Simple enough. Best of three?"
"Best of eternity," the copy countered, its grin widening.
Without missing a beat, they began.
---
The first round was quick.
"Rock," Asmodeus said, his hand forming the shape.
"Paper," the copy replied, effortlessly covering Asmodeus's fist.
"Hm," Asmodeus muttered, his gray eyes betraying no emotion. "You're predictable."
The copy shrugged. "Am I? Or are you?"
The second round came just as swiftly.
"Scissors," Asmodeus said, flashing two fingers.
"Scissors," the copy echoed, their hands identical.
A tie.
"Not bad," Asmodeus murmured, his eyes flashing crimson for a split second before returning to their dull gray.
The third round dragged on. The two stared at each other, unmoving, as if testing the patience of the other.
"Paper," they both said at the same time, their hands revealing matching sheets.
Another tie.
Asmodeus leaned back, his eyes flickering emerald as a faint smirk played on his lips. "How long do you think this will take?"
The copy mirrored his movement, its smirk identical. "As long as it takes for you to stop being you."
---
As the game continued, Asmodeus began to notice something. The copy wasn't trying to win. No, it was mirroring his every choice, every move.
Fascinating.
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. [System: Open]
A translucent panel materialized before him, its text written in an unearthly, shifting script.
> System Log:
Analysis in progress…
Target identified: "Self"
Warning: No deviations detected. Probability of strategy adjustment: 0%.
Asmodeus's grin widened. The system's insights were amusing, but not particularly helpful. Still, it was always worth using when curiosity struck.
"Something funny?" the copy asked, its tone perfectly neutral.
"Oh, just appreciating how dull you are," Asmodeus said, his amber eyes glowing faintly.
The copy laughed. "You mean how dull we are."
---
The stalemate continued for what felt like hours. No matter what Asmodeus chose—rock, paper, or scissors—the result was always the same. A tie.
"Enough," Asmodeus said suddenly, his voice cutting through the void.
The copy arched a brow. "Giving up already?"
"Hardly." Asmodeus's eyes turned silver, a rare flash of irritation glinting within them. [System: Run Simulation]
> System Log:
Simulating probability matrix…
Results: All outcomes lead to equilibrium. Recommendation: Disrupt core behavior.
Core behavior, huh?
Asmodeus leaned back, his mind racing. What was the point of this trial if it couldn't be won?
He glanced at the system panel again, his fingers drumming against the table. [System: Analyze Environment]
> System Log:
Environment Analysis Complete.
Detected: Subtle distortion in temporal flow. Manipulation possible.
A grin spread across Asmodeus's face, his green eyes gleaming with sudden clarity.
"Let's change the rules," he said, his voice soft but commanding.
The copy tilted its head, curious. "Oh? Do tell."
"Rock, paper, scissors is dull," Asmodeus said, standing up. "Let's try something… messier."
Before the copy could respond, Asmodeus dismissed the system with a flick of his hand.
---
But the game didn't change. Not really. Every move he made, the copy mirrored it perfectly. Each choice led to yet another tie.
In the end, neither of them won.
Asmodeus leaned back in his chair, his silver eyes darkening with quiet satisfaction. The system panel flickered into view one final time.
> System Update:
Data Collected: 100%
New Functionality Unlocked: Temporal Interference
--