And with that, we’re all caught up to the present! I am currently waiting in one of the several large lines to officially register for the tournament. Luck…is that what they’re calling this? Yeah, right. If you thought I was going to imitate the cliche “Recollection of Events of how we got here and repeat the same 3 sentences I started with” framing device; I’m sorry to disappoint you, although I was very close to doing it. But anyway, back to the registration line. What I thought was going to be heavily dominated by muscular, buff, and cocky gym bros turned out to be represented by a diverse group of individuals. People from all walks of life, races, genders, creeds, and everything in between. It was definitely a sight to behold, even with the situation everyone finds themselves in.
"And you’re all set. You’ve been successfully registered, and your new name finalized. Glad to have you as my delegate: Miss Mercedes Vida.” Mr. Tanaka gleefully remarked as he handed over my certification, along with several other pieces of paperwork. Now I know this is going to sound very pretentious, but I decided to correct him about my new name.
“Actually, it’s Lady Mercedes Vida to you!” I rebutted.
“Ah, being assertive, aren’t we? I’m glad to see you passed my first test. In order to be a God, one must be assertive, but do so with elegance and respect.”
So he did that on purpose, guess I was wrong…for now. After we passed through the turnstiles, I decided to pick up my conversation with Mr. Tanaka:
“Mr. Tanaka, I…”
“Please, call me Riku.”
“Are you sure?”
“Indeed. ‘Mr. Tanaka’ feels way too formal, especially since you’ll be doing all of the heavy work. So please: I insist.”
“Okay…Riku, Something’s been bugging me since last night.”
“And what would that be?”
“Why are you treating me so kind and regal-like? It just feels a bit off.”
“Well, I believe in that philosophy that you and I are equals, and by treating you as such, you will come to trust me and move to having an honest, open, and professional relationship.”
“Then if that’s the case, why do you want me to address you by your first name only instead of by ‘Mr. Tanaka?’”
“Once again, that title is too formal, and by using it, it would continue to reinforce the false notion that I have more superiority than you.”
“Then why would you have to address me as ‘Lady Mercedes’ when you just call me ‘Victoria?’”
“Because ‘Victoria Lee’ doesn’t exist anymore. It is merely a fragment of your former life. You are now Lady Mercedes Vida, the delegate running for the candidacy of Godhood!”
“Well, what happens if I don’t want…”
“Quiet!! Don’t you even dare to utter those words here!”
“And why is that?”
“Because if you do, you won’t even make it past that door at the end of the hallway alive! Have you even noticed the guards yet?”
As a matter of fact, I didn’t even acknowledge the guards’ existence until Mr. Tanaka, I mean, Riku pointed them out to me. They had no face and showed no skin. They were covered head-to-toe in black and copper body armor, something akin to what a motorcyclist would wear. The helmet reminded me of those worn by prominent knights from the Middle Ages. With a sleek design and a copper finish, no emotion leaked through, only a menacing sense of despair and dread.
“You can ignore me or hate me if you want, but whatever you do: do NOT say anything remotely related to your unwillingness to participate in this tournament, or else you will be killed on sight!”
I would’ve dismissed it as a scare tactic any other time, but between the quivering grip he had on my shoulder and the trembling voice trying to whisper the warning without crying showed me that he isn’t joking at all. Looking into his eyes and sensing the fear welling inside them, I could understand what was on his mind: Someone in this atrium was going to die very soon. While lost in my own thoughts, The young CEO took my arm and started pulling me further into the atrium. Without hesitation, I immediately followed him to one of the many doors at the end of the hallway. As we squeezed through the throngs of people, I realized what Riku was pulling me away from: another female competitor forced on her knees with her hands in the air, pleading for mercy. Above her, a knight aimed their drawn pistol at the defenseless girl’s head, finger on the trigger.
“Madam Gerix, Protector of Night and Day: due to your refusal to participate in the Tournament for the Candidacy of Godhood, you are hereby eliminated. I bid thee farewell.”
The knight’s decree was then followed by a single gunshot that echoed through the large hall. The once peaceful crowd of delegates and officials immediately devolved into pure chaos as the reality of a sudden death tournament was forcibly drilled into all of those who just witnessed the vivid execution. As the crowd became harder to control, more guards were assembled to quell the frenzy. I want to move, but the pure terror wouldn’t let me. That’s when a shock of pain ringing throughout my face snapped me back to reality. Instead of waiting for me to react, Riku dragged me into a nearby room, shutting and locking it shut after we entered.
“What…the FUCK was that?!” Having no time to assess the situation, those were the only words I could muster.
“Like I said, if one refuses to play this game, it’s grounds for instant elimination. That poor girl is now lying in a pool of her own blood, along with what I probably say are several other delegates who thought that breaking the rules of The Grand Order was a heroic action. That’s what you get for trying to be a hero down here!” Rika shouted in pure frustration.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
“Why…why is this happening to us?” I said as tears rolled down my cheeks.
“Because Mercedes, The Grand Order doesn’t care about you guys. All you are is a ticket to gaining control of this country and its massive economy. But you know what? I only care about you. Fuck the other delegates! That doesn’t mean that I don’t feel bad for them, it’s actually rather heartbreaking, especially the defenseless and scared ones. I don’t want you to meet the same cruel end; a life thrown away for the purpose of a mega-corporation’s future finances! Fuck! I knew it! I knew I should’ve gone with your scummy ex! At least I wouldn’t have to feel any remorse. But no, I was too afraid the other company scouting you would have discarded you like a piece of trash. And why the death threats? What’s so important or useful about an asshole who treats their significant other like nothing more than a personal blow-up doll?! Fuck me! Why did The Grand Order want you in this competition? Haven’t you suffered enough already?? First your mom dies from cancer, then you can’t even attend the funeral because your job overworks you. Then to top it all off, your abusive boyfriend cheats, blames it on you, fucking assaults you, and then leaves like a fucking coward! I am so sorry I dragged you into all this. If you feel the need to release your anger on me: go for it. It’s what I deserve.”
And there he was: the CEO of the 10th richest company in the country, groveling at my feet, preparing himself both physically and mentally for an imminent beatdown. If I have the opportunity to make him pay, I should take advantage of it.
“Stand up, now! I want you to look at me as I give you your penance.” As I said those words, he immediately stood up, as he was told. His hands were at his side, a look of sadness and regret painted across his face.
“You’ve taken away my chance of living a normal life, and now I am forced to fight if I want to survive? If I’m going to die, I at least want you to feel a fraction of what I will!” I step back, gathering all of my strength in my legs. With a clenched fist and a guttural yell, I prepared myself with the intent on delivering harm.
*tap*
“There, I think I’d say we’re even!”
The light tap on his cheek caused him to sob controllably. “What do you mean ‘even?’ Why aren’t you angry with me? Take out your anger!”
“But I’m not angry. Has this whole revelation been a headache as well as a nightmare: Absolutely! But my situation could’ve been a whole lot worse if you didn’t show up at that bar last night.”
“...”
“And before you ask: no, I am not experiencing Stockholm Syndrome, nor have I lost my mind. Trust me, if everything up until now hasn’t made me insane, how would this?”
“How would things be worse if I didn’t show up?”
“Well, for starters, I was completely plastered. I could’ve ended up sleeping in an alleyway, sold to sex traffickers, raped or even killed by some low-life pig, you name it.”
“Do you not understand the gravity of your situation? You’re in a Death Game now!”
“Oh, I understand, and I am scared shitless at the mere thought of it. But complaining ain’t gonna do anything now. The only way to survive is to win this dumb game. Besides, I should honestly thank you.”
“And why is that?”
“Like you said before, another company was already scouting me, and per the unwritten rules, I was entered into this tournament the moment I was considered a delegate. The thing is that you had the compassion to make sure I wouldn’t suffer at the hands of a company with a horrible reputation.”
“Victoria…”
“Also, you’ve given me a rather special opportunity! I can finally exact my revenge on him, for all the pain, suffering, and abuse he dished out to me over the years. He can’t be a coward and run away this time. Also, Riku, Victoria Lee is gone. She died in that alleyway behind the bar. Now I, Lady Mercedes Vida, will win this tournament and become God!”
“...Thank you, Lady Mercedes, for your mercy. I can’t guarantee that you won’t get harmed, but I promise that I will watch over you and make sure no one will kill you, even if it cost my own life.” He slowly got up from his grovel and knelt before me.
“I truly appreciate it, but The Grand Order wouldn’t just kill one of the Magnum Decem’s CEOs just like that, right?” I said trying to cheer him up.
“Not without justification or probable cause...But you’re right, I just got caught up in the heat of passion that’s all.”
“I completely understand. I got caught up in moment as well. I mean we're both human.”
"Yes, however, I shouldn't be acting in such a manner, especially in front of your presence..."
"There you go again acting like you're inferior to me. Aren't we supposed to be equals?"
“I-I guess, but...”
“No ‘buts.’ You can’t really object to the rule that you made up! Therefore, as a good delegate, I will bestow to you a new title, and don’t you dare interrupt!”
The tone of my voice stopped him from making any further oppositions.
“Now then, under the power vested in me, Lady Mercedes Vida, I dub thee, Riku Tanaka as my Guardian Angel. You may now rise! There, feel better now?”
“I...do, actually. You’ve helped me rebound at least. Thank you very much. Let my behavior be an example of when you are in the actual tournament. If you act like I just did. The Spiral will kill you.”
“You keep talking about this Spiral, but never about how it’s implemented or tracked. How does The Spiral kill someone?”
“Sadly, this is still classified. I really want to tell you, now if you will excuse me, we should be leaving…Woah!” As Riku started to stand up, he immediately tripped, holding onto my hands for support.
“Riku, are you okay?”
“Yeah, my legs just fell asleep, that’s all. We should get going. The situation outside should be taken care of by now. Shall we?”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Oh my! Your hand is bleeding! I think my ring hurt you when I fell down. I am so sorry. Please go clean it up in the bathroom!”
As I looked at the blood flowing from my wound, Riku briefly flashed his ring, showing me the small blade as it retracted back into itself. He gave me his handkerchief, to stem the flow of blood. Rushing out the small room, I headed toward the bathroom. I couldn’t help but look at the janitorial knight mopping up the splotches of blood that painted the marble floors. Luckily, the pain radiating from my hand stopped me from almost puking on the spot.
Once I made it to the bathroom, I removed the drenched handkerchief and ran my hand under the water, wincing from the pain as a result. There had to be a reason why he cut me. From the weird phrasing to flashing the blood-stained ring, what was the message he was trying to convey? Does the handkerchief have anything to do with this? Without hesitation, I opened the once snow-white fabric, revealing a small, yet intricately placed scrap of paper. I frantically opened the little slip to see what Riku risked his life to tell me!
BEWARE OF DEMISEGAME
Demisegame: what the hell is that? Is this somehow connected to The Spiral? Or is it what causes The Spiral to occur? I need to figure this out as soon as possible!
*Ding-Dong Bing-Bong*
*Will all delegates and sponsors please make their way to the Grand Auditorium. Anyone who is absent before the next bell chime will risk immediate elimination. I repeat: will all delegates and sponsors make their way to the Grand Auditorium at once. Thank you.*
I guess I have no choice but to break this code later. Right now, I have to meet up with Riku and hopefully gain more information about this tournament and Demisegame!
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