POV : CELESTIAL WAGER
Inside The Celestial Wager, thethe lights flickered softly against the fluidic shifting floors, casting a glow that reflected off holographic displays. The atmosphere buzzed with the usual hum of intergalactic chatter, punctuated by the sounds of clinking glasses and the occasional burst of laughter from patrons watching the latest bet unfold.
At one of the larger viewing platforms, Zeltrax, with his translucent blue skin shimmering under the lights, leaned back in his luxurious chair. His three green eyes focused intently on the live feed from the wasteland.
The screen showed Nadir’s army engaged in a brutal struggle, pinned down by Atlas’s forces and the trolls wreaking havoc. Zeltrax tilted his head, a slow smile spreading across his face.
“Well, well,” Zeltrax said, his voice a low hum, “looks like the tables have turned.”
Gorvax, the massive stone-like being, grunted in response from across the room. His four arms were crossed over his chest, his small red eyes fixed on the same scene. "Humans. Always so greedy. I do enjoy watching them tear each other apart," he rumbled, the gravelly tone of his voice vibrating through the air.
“You and your grim outlook,” Lurox chimed in, flitting into the conversation with their iridescent wings fluttering behind them. “You have to admit, the regeneration on those trolls is spectacular. It's like watching art in motion.”
“They’re not bad, I’ll give you that,” Kroxar added, his tentacles curling in thought as they gazed at the feed. "But Nadir... well, he's just had the surprise of a lifetime. Didn't expect that kind of back door attack from Atlas's team." The gleam in Kroxar’s eye hinted at amusement, enjoying the unexpected twist.
A soft, graceful voice chimed in, and Virelia, glided over to the group. “Poor Nadir,” she cooed, her tone sweet but tinged with mock pity. “So confident in his conquest. I don’t imagine he anticipated such a... lively reception.”
Zeltrax chuckled. “The thing is, Virelia, no one expected trolls. Not even the people down there. And that’s what makes this so fascinating. Look at them scramble, trying to figure out how to beat an enemy that won’t stay down.”
The camera zoomed in on Nadir’s face—his eyes wide with disbelief as he watched Portilla laugh off yet another wound. His frustration was scross the battlefield, and even from the luxury of the casino, it was a delight to witness.
“Hmm,” Gorvax murmured, his arms uncrossing as he leaned forward. “I had bet heavily on Nadir. It seems I may have to adjust my expectations.”
“And lose another wager?” Lurox teased, a mischievous grin on their face. “What’s that now? Four losses in a row?”
Kroxar snorted. “More like five.”
“I’m not here for amusement,” Gorvax retorted, his stony gaze unwavering from the battle on screen. “I’m here for results.”
Zeltrax raised an eyebrow, still smiling. “Results, yes. But isn’t it the unexpected that makes those results worth anything at all? Watching the action happen is what keeps this place alive.”
Virelia floated gracefully to the edge of the platform, her soft tendrils trailing behind her. “Speaking of unexpected, look at Nadir’s expression,” she purred. “He’s starting to realize that brute force won’t win him this battle. Oh, the sweet taste of humility.”
The group collectively watched as Nadir barked orders, his seasoned soldiers rallying to reinforce their positions, while the second-class citizens were sent in waves against the walls of the Belief Settlement. The casualties were mounting on both sides, and the battle was becoming a bloodbath.
“This will end in a stalemate,” Kroxar predicted, tapping a tentacle against the floor. “Neither side will leave this unscathed. That much is certain.”
Zeltrax leaned forward, their smile growing wider. “Perhaps. But I wouldn’t discount Atlas just yet. His strategy’s sharper than it looks. And those trolls... well, they’re the real wild card. Who knows what they’re capable of?”
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Gorvax grumbled, but didn’t argue. He knew better than to give hints about his own betting strategy.
***
As the battle raged on the screen, the casino continued its usual bustle, and the crowd around the viewing platform thickened. More patrons were drawn to the unfolding spectacle, placing bets and whispering predictions. The stakes were high, the thrill intoxicating.
“Looks like the next round’s about to start,” Lurox said, clapping their hands together. “I’ve got my money on the trolls. They’re going to break Nadir’s army from the rear. Mark my words.”
Virelia nodded in agreement, her luminescent eyes glinting with interest. “Speaking of rounds, any orders people?”
As the final moments of the battle played out, the screen flickered with images of carnage and fighting. The outcome was still uncertain, but for Zeltrax and the others, that was the best part.
‘‘‘
Blontik couldn’t contain his delight as he surveyed the battlefield. The excitement wasn’t just from the battle; it was from the growing crowd of spectators arriving in sleek, glittering spaceships, eager to witness the carnage unfold.
"Look at them all!" he exclaimed, waving a hand at the sky where new ships descended, their hulls reflecting the vibrant colors of the conflict below.
He chuckled to himself, recalling how he’d placed advertisements throughout the galaxy, promising a thrilling experience unlike any other. It consisted of an uptempo jazz cantina song matched with luxurious views of the Celestial Wager.
‘‘‘
The Celestial Wager Song
‘‘(Verse 1)‘‘
Step right up, don’t be shy,
The Celestial Wager is where you fly!
A battle unfolds, the stakes are high,
With front-row seats, you’ll touch the sky!
‘‘(Chorus)‘‘
The Celestial Wager is the place to be!
This battle’s a spectacle, can’t you see?
Place your eyes on our massive screens,
If you’re not here, you’re missing the scene!
No children allowed, just the brave and bold,
Join the fun, watch the stories unfold!
‘‘(Verse 2)‘‘
Aliens gather from near and far,
To bet on the chaos, under the stars.
Feel the thrill as the fighters clash,
In this grand arena, it’s a wild bash!
‘‘(Chorus)‘‘
The Celestial Wager is the place to be!
This battle’s a spectacle, can’t you see?
Place your eyes on our massive screens,
If you’re not here, you’re missing the scene!
No minors allowed, just the brave and bold,
Join the fun, watch the stories unfold!
‘‘(Bridge)‘‘
So gather your friends, don’t wait in line,
The action’s electric, it’s your time to shine!
Raise your bets, feel the rush,
At the Celestial Wager, it’s always a crush!
‘‘(Chorus)‘‘
The Celestial Wager is the place to be!
This battle’s a spectacle, can’t you see?
Place your eyes on our massive screens,
If you’re not here, you’re missing the scene!
No children allowed, just the brave and bold,
Join the fun, watch the stories unfold!
‘‘(Outro)‘‘
So come on down, don’t miss the show,
At the Celestial Wager, it’s the ultimate flow!
Your front-row seat to the battle of fate,
Join the excitement; it’s never too late!
https://suno.com/song/141a6b57-4d0b-423d-be9a-12935bf109f1
‘‘‘
Now, the casino was teeming with new aliens, their eyes gleaming with anticipation, ready to place bets on every twist and turn of the battle.
"More viewers mean more bets!" Blontik crowed, rubbing his hands together in a greedy frenzy. "This will be my most profitable event yet. Just wait until the high rollers see the second-class citizens fall! They'll be throwing their coins around like candy."
The thrumming of excitement filled the air as spectators cheered, placing their wagers on all sorts of things, from deaths, to chances of escape, and even the ludicrous chances of someone hiding in a bathroom to escape. Blontik’s heart raced at the thought of the profits he’d rake in. With every explosive moment, he felt his fortune growing.
"This is just the beginning!" he declared, glancing back at the battlefield. "Let them fight! Let them scream! All the while, I’ll be counting my winnings. The house always wins!"
‘‘‘
POV : WAR
Nadir’s forces, bloodied and battered, finally broke. The overwhelming resilience of Atlas’s army, especially the unrelenting trolls, had crushed their morale. Nadir, watching in disbelief as yet another wave of his men fell to the unstoppable tide of Atlas’s forces, clenched his fists.
"Fall back!" he roared, his voice carrying over the battlefield. The seasoned warriors pulled back in a disorderly retreat, scrambling through the wreckage and dead bodies as they ran. The second-class citizens, those who had survived, looked around in panic, some fleeing wildly into the wasteland without any direction.
The retreat was chaotic, dust rising in thick clouds as Nadir’s army stumbled over themselves, desperately trying to escape. Nadir jumped out of his palanquin, and watched with fury etched on his face. He couldn’t believe it. He, who had marched with divine conviction, was being forced to flee from these... infidels. And those tall attackers, ‘were they not human? How did they heal so quickly?‘
This was a question that might never be answered because the Portal Crushers were bearing down on him hard and fast. Ripping through his rear guard, the Portal Crusher’s army seemed invincible, a relentless steel beast that threatened to consume everything in its path.