The Trickster King, ever the sadistic strategist, glanced at the Ziggurat and smiled. “Tick-tock, boys. Looks like time’s up!” he taunted, his scepter crackling with chaotic energy.

And then, the Ziggurat’s countdown reached zero.

Game Message: “Mark of the Ziggurat reaches zero! All creatures on the battlefield are destroyed, and 10 damage is dealt to all players for each of their creatures lost.”

A dark wave of energy erupted from the Ziggurat, sweeping across the battlefield like a tsunami of pure destruction. Jaeden, Xander, and their armies were engulfed in an instant. The Risen Infernal Goliaths crumbled to ash, the Necro-Lord was torn apart by sheer force, and even the Celestial Guardian was vaporized by the catastrophic blast.

Jaeden fell to his knees, as the shockwave of negative energy poured into him, tearing through his core. He felt a grim satisfaction as he heard the pained cries of King Cicero as the overwhelming force of the Ziggurat reduced their health to zero.

In the midst of the devastation, he was able to make out the sound of the Trickster King as he clapped his hands, a cruel smile spreading across his face. “I win again,” he declared, his voice dripping with dark satisfaction. “Such a fun game.” Just as the final waves of energy erased them from the field.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

With the battlefield a smoldering ruin, Jaeden felt his body fading, his consciousness slipping away. But then, as if by instinct, he reached for the card he had been saving for this exact moment. Tears of the Phoenix, their last, desperate chance to turn the tide.

Game Message:

Trap Card Activated: Tears of the Phoenix - The Last Hope!

In a brilliant burst of fiery light, the battlefield is engulfed in the radiant tears of the Phoenix, resurrecting all who have fallen, allies and enemies alike, and restoring their strength. All hope seemed lost, but from the ashes, your army rises anew, stronger than before! Watch as your enemies tremble in disbelief -your forces are back, and they won’t fall again so easily!

As Jaeden’s real body reconstituted itself, he felt a relieving pulse of healing energy fill his heart and lungs before it spread down his spine and along his nervous system.

The card activated with a brilliant flash, filling the battlefield with a radiant, golden light. The dark wave of the Ziggurat was pushed back as the Tears of the Phoenix took effect, a soothing warmth washing over Jaeden and Xander’s fallen creatures.

The Risen Infernal Goliaths were now golden-hued as they stood once more, their bodies reforming from the ash, now stronger and more resilient. The Necro-Lord reassembled itself, its aura of dread intensifying as it drew on the power of the Phoenix. Even the Celestial Guardian returned, its divine light piercing through the darkness.

Jaeden himself felt the rejuvenating power course through him. His health was restored, and his strength renewed. He staggered to his feet, his sword glowing with renewed energy.