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THE ARCHDUKE hurried up the stairs, his breath coming in jagged bursts. He held his chest, fighting to breathe as a sense of urgency seized him. Every sound boomed around him, louder and more urgent than before. On each step down the hall, a resonant murmur, and a fortune's cry. Broad, deep shadows floated in the air, a gentle reminder that luck was not on his side.

A palpable quiet surrounded him, infused with a menacing aura. He could feel it lurking around, a shadow of danger moving ever closer.

His hands were visible, adjusting with his gloves—once a symbol of calm, now a cause of mounting anxiety. The archduke adjusted his buttons in an outward attempt to remain calm, but within him, a surge of desperation slammed down, sparking a burning need to run. At that point, it felt like his dignity was slipping through his fingers like sand.

A droplet of sweat dripped down the nape of his neck, combining with his pounding heart, which beat like a war drum in his chest. He was consumed by a natural instinct: the want to flee the man looming behind him, whom he feared more than anything.

Adrenaline rushed through his veins, forcing him to keep going. To pause now would mean his absolute doom. So he rushed, driven by a desperate longing to be free.

As Henry went through the kingdom, memories flooded his mind: legends of the Cosmos—the darkness where the stars live and all order resides. These were no longer just legends or myths; they were real. They talked about the destruction of Olympus and all that ever existed, implying that it was the result of humanity's own downfall.

Henry had a lot on his mind as he thought back to the forbidden magic he'd known ages ago. He'd learned that the universe was where everything got started, bringing Chaos, Darkness, and Order together in one spot. Now, though, he was facing something way darker—the place where destruction began, where the gods had fallen, and humans had taken over.

Henry could feel himself shivering as he stepped one foot, sweat running down to his brow, and clenching his teeth. I don't  want to do this, but I have to. He whispered to himself.

His heart beat so fast that it felt as if the ground beneath him were to break and swallow him whole, taking him down into a shadowy abyss. The air around him quivered, bearing faint echoes of long-lost souls' cries, unheard for thousands of years.

Their sorrow drifted on the breeze, mingling with tears and surrounded by hundreds of silent aches, each whisper a witness to their unwavering pain.

He stayed still, a rage gathering inside him. His heart was filled with deep sorrow and an ice chill. Despite this turmoil, a single resolve emerged: Justice or Vengeance. It may have been an unavoidable sin, but it was the result of the bitterness that penetrated into his entire soul, repeating in his tortured cries.

He felt a heaviness sink into his ribs, a pounding pulse racing through his veins, a constant reminder of his purpose. Could it be his fault? Is he the mastermind behind this devastation, or is he just a pawn in the cruel grip of sinister hands?

He was in the dark, baffled by the mystery that escaped him. But a spark of determination arose within him. He would reveal the truth. And perhaps, just maybe, by doing so, he will finally be heard.

Questions hung in his head, persistent and unwavering. The gods' legends and the battle that once raged on Olympus—a fight between scientists and the gods—hold the answers. It was a fight that wiped out not only the deities, but the entire cosmos.

Henry felt an immense burden weighing on him, just as the cosmos balances darkness and light. This was a conflict between right and wrong, the past and the present, when love and vengeance came together in one place.

At this point, he realized that he was a part of something far bigger, a mystery he couldn't fully fathom. There was a power at work, a source of support that no one understood. The downfall of Mount Olympus marked more than just the end of a kingdom; it was an important turning point that resonated across history, affecting realms beyond what he could understand.

The Cosmos has long been considered a mysterious region, often conflated with the Universe. It goes by many names—The Darkness, The Void—but it's far more than just nothingness. It represents order, in opposition to chaos, and serves as the massive basis for everything that exists, including the Universe, worlds, and planets.

Cosmos transcended its simple existence as a world. It is a gloomy expanse with just glimpses of the realm's joy plainly apparent but, once you enter this realm, you can't escape.

Consider Hera as an example. When was finally banished by after the events of the third book, Hera was happy as she was going to walk right back into , however, she realizes that it's only a projection that's drawn back into the darkness by the eerie cosmos.

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She hears say "The Cosmos is a place of darkness. You cannot be freed, nor leave. I've been lonely. Let's talk." After this, Hera screams, realizing she's trapped forever.

And now there's a realm called Twilight Vale. This is where light and darkness have remained untouched for a thousand years. The heavens persist in a constant state of day and night, a creation whose origins remain unknown. The atmosphere here is heavy with mystery, and shrouded in darkness. Once inside, returning is an impossible dream.

It's said that once you're swallowed by the Twilight Vale, you'll be consumed by the very realm of Chaos itself. Even the gods trembled at the thought of it, for this is where chaos takes root.

This realm was previously intended to represent balance and the flourishing of creation, but that was before Olympus fell. It has now become a jail for those who are trapped within, allowing them to suffer in misery while they wait for someone to save them.

The man fixed his gloves and exacted revenge on the entire city of Ethead. To protect the defenders of this position, Henry penetrated the castle walls where a barrier protrudes from one wall. This contained four large, sturdy buildings built of dressed granite, commonly known as crenellations, that gave them a clear view of the enemy's slow approach.

He had no intentions of offering mercy. He was Hades' son, born into a shadowy bloodline. In this lifetime, he had been reborn into a place filled with the whispers of the underworld.

Few people knew about the mystery that was concealed in the shadows. Only a few decided to accept its truth, but it pressed down on him like a burdensome seal, leaving an indelible mark on his own soul. He was the legitimate successor, blood-tied to a lineage linked with the depths of the underworld, a story long forgotten but still pulsing through his veins.

The scythe was more than just steel; it represented his father's soul, a legacy passed down through centuries. Even Henry, who wielded great magic, found it difficult to enter that place. But he was determined and there was no turning back now.

His fingers wrapped around the dark coin, and bolts of black electricity rustled and boomed from nowhere. Tapos, unti-unti niyang inilabas ang death scythe niya, at bigla niya itong hinampas sa mga pader. Kumalabog at nanginig ang mga ito bago tuluyang gumuho at nawasak.

Dust began to spin and dance, and voices lingered like an echoed storm's last grip. Still, he remained unaffected and enigmatic, his heart covered in quiet, a mask of calmness all. The eyes that watched had little move, for fear had found its way into his depths. His eyes widened, his breath held like a trap, and horror enveloped him—like a shroud of misery. Lips quivered, weak as the final leaf of autumn, trapped in silence and caught in sorrow. Then memories erupted, a chaotic wave of inescapable truths he couldn't bear.

The Church. The orphanage. The people who have died. He lost those he cherished.

"What are you doing here!?" sigaw ng mga logosmiths sa kanya, ramdam na ramdam mo ang takot na bumabalot sa kanila. Ang iba'y nakatayo lang at nakatulala, 'di alam kung tatakbo na ba o haharapin ang lalaki. Logosmiths. Ito ang mga nilalang na sinasabing may malawak na kaalaman tungkol sa lahat ng mga kakaibang eksperimento na kanilang dinala sa realm na 'to.

Henry's lips formed a vicious smirk, and he became even more grim than before. "Maybe think about what you've done. Pero h'wag kayong mag-alala." He pulled back and silence took its place. His smirk widened, growing darker and more sinister than before. "I have some exciting news for you."

As the shadows vanished, a person emerged from the depths of darkness—ethereal and shining, but cloaked in an evil presence. Fear changed his features, as black lightning crackled about him, swirling like a storm, a warning of destruction that would destroy a life.

Napaurong na lang ang ibang mga logosmiths at namutla na lang silang lahat, "A–At pa'no kung hindi!?" Takot na takot silang harapin siya ngayon.

Henry gave them another smile, but this one had shadows, deep and ugly, a mask of joy that hid a more cruel truth, one that twisted their souls and stole them of their youth. The logosmiths grumbled as their dread grew, and as he grabbed his scythe, fate and fear met.

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"Do it, if you can."

The scythe throbbed with restless strength, yearning to fly. Henry gazed at the sparkling edge, gave a quiet click of his tongue, and made a solemn dedication. He infused it with dark and deep shadows, a wide spiral, and unrestrained intents. In a heartbeat, it cut through the night, the wind howling in its hungry bite.

He strengthened his grip, determination flowing through him. Moments later, a dark aura of death energy covered him, and as the scythe let out a thunderous roar, a shockwave pushed forward, rippling toward them with unwavering intensity.

Henry watched them intently, watching how their expressions became cold, with desperation flaring in their eyes. A quiet scream for rescue rang across their minds. The storm he had unleashed was powerful and unrelenting, an uncontrolled force that showed no signs of abating, refusing to give or soften in its force.

"Now, where is she?"

"I recommend you to stay here on Ethead. Kahit ikaw pa 'yan, wala ka nang magagawa pa sa puntong 'to sa pagpili ng isa sa inyong anim. The descendants are essential in this realm, and you know that."

He patiently awaited their response.

But there's no answer.

With a vicious swipe, his scythe glided, its blade cleaving into their side. Astonishment flickered in their widening eyes, as crimson cascaded into the haze. A horrific image, a nightmare unfolded; chaos spun in that tense moment.

"For the last time, where is the girl?" Henry's intense stare could freeze anyone who was bold enough to look him in the eye.

He could easily eliminate them if he wanted to, but first he wanted to find the girl.

"I'm not sure..." the man replied.

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Hindi 'to nagustuhan ni Henry kaya't isinara na lang niya ang kamao niya. "Let me ask you once more. Where is she?" May mga sabi-sabi na isa siya sa mga madaling uminit ang ulo, at tipong hindi basta-basta natitinag lalo na kapag alam niyang tarantado ang kausap niya.

"Bakit, ano'ng gagawin mo? There's three of us here, Henry! You're nothing!"Sigaw ng isa sa mga Logosmith habang papalapit ang mga ito sa kanya, kasabay ng pagsara niya ng kamao.

"Do you understand why I struggle to control my powers? Sometimes, I push them too far," he joked. As he spoke, enormous black bolts erupted and cracked around him.

As the gloomy clouds began to gather, they spread across the sky as if to give a bad warning. Distant thunder rumbled in the background, weighing heavily on the air. Shadows grew longer and thicker, and the approaching darkness appeared to absorb the land, drawing everything into its vast, engulfing depths.

"No!" They disagreed.

"Now that we have the gods' relics in our possession, nothing—not even you—can prevent us from winning!" the scientists roared at him.

His vision remains unchanged. He's definitely going to kill.

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During the chaos that erupted after Ethead was struck by a dark flash of lightning, Giovanni began to awaken in the glowing chamber that bathed her in light. The air vibrated with a lively energy, full of possibilities on the horizon. Once calming, the magic that swirled all around began to throb with an ominous weight, implying shadows creeping in from the corners of an unknown place.

The enchanting room features a queen-size bed, a separate sitting area with a convertible double couch bed, eating areas, and a large balcony with panoramic views. What makes it stand out even more are the golden walls beside her and the lovely sparkles that fill the space.

Giovanni gazes out the windows, only able to see the frightening scene of the house she previously called home. The entire region is consumed by flames, and it is in total chaos. The restless souls walking about the mansion worsened the situation which had been created by necromancy.

In the enchanting realm of Mudned, there existed a noble named Giovanni. She stood as the final beacon of his illustrious lineage, the last noble to carry the legacy of her ancestors within her veins. The future of Mudned rested heavily upon his shoulders, as the winds of destiny whispered tales of hope and challenge in equal measure.

You're all aware of the start of this. It begins with the individual who assists Hera in preparing her horses for the chariot and filling the cups with nectar. Everything comes together at that point. It's the beginning, and it revolves on the one person Hebe truly loved—the one who's known as the protector of the fates since that's her job.

And now she has a title: The Holder of Fates. It was handed to her, but by who? It's anyone's guess. This title entailed a great deal of responsibility, as if the thread of fate was connected to her by some kind of decree. People claim that everyone has the ability to determine their own fate, but this is not true for her.

Her only aim was to get out of this place.

The deities have crumbled, their once-mighty presence now reduced to echoes in the void. The world stands on the brink of oblivion, teetering on the edge of its final breath. And through the shadows, a figure approaches, drawn by an unseen force, destined to seek her out.

"That monster is coming!" they screamed.

Giovanni has just awoken. She is distressed by the upcoming news, knowing that her time is running out.

She is having difficulty understanding anything right now; all she sees is a group of maids standing in front of her. Perhaps there are around ten of them? And a military presence is surrounding her, determined to remove her from the mansion.

This isn't the life she used to have. How could she possible share this with anyone?

"Giovanni, let's go!" Agad dumating ang isang lalaki, kumunot ang noo niya, at bigla na lang siyang sumigaw. Bago pa siya makapagreklamo, dinala na siya nito sa isang madilim na kwarto. Wala man siyang makita ro'n, agad niya itong nakilala dahil kapwa niya estudyante sa kanilang paaralan, at alam din niyang parte ito nang militar na nagbabantay sa kanya. It was Alvis.

Are you curious about why this has begun?

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As the logosmiths set out on their quest for their creation, long-buried mysteries began to emerge, indicating that the legends they had disregarded as mere stories were, in fact, connected with the realms they were investigating. However, in their continuous search, they became captivated by the magic of these realms, eventually entering into Olympus, an act that no mortal should dare to commit.

Mount Olympus was regarded as the gods' home, with beautiful marble and gold buildings. The realm was divided into three parts: isa sa Mudned, isa sa Greece, at ang isa nama'y konektado sa Twilight Vale, na siya ring may koneksyon sa First Domain—kung sa'n nangyari ang unang reincarnation mo.

Olympus was essentially an ancient akropolis—a fortified hill-top and palace complex—located just below the peaks of Mount Olympos. The golden gates of the heavenly fortress were guarded by the three and it contained the palace of Zeus, lesser palaces for the other gods, and stables for the . The buildings were built of stone with bronze foundations and were surrounded by cloistered courtyards with golden pavements.

The main structure was the palace of Zeus. It had a fairly simple layout—as was typical of ancient Greek palaces—with a central hall, private bedchambers and storage rooms. The golden-floored hall served as both a council chamber and feast-hall for the Olympian gods and provided them an expansive view of the world below allowing them to observe mankind from the heights. The golden tables and tripods of the feast were animated by the divine smith Hephaestus, and trundled in and out of the hall as required.

Before the palace of Zeus was a large, cloistered courtyard where the full assembly of the gods would gather—including all of the earth—, river- and sea-deities as well as nymphs. The peak of Olympos functioned as the secondary seat or throne of Zeus, apart from the rest of other gods.

The Olympian akropolis lay above the clouds and the paths of the stars, near the apex of the solid bronze-dome of the sky. It existed in the zone known as the aither—the bright upper-air of heaven or shining blue of the sky. The gods feasted on ambrosia and nectar, substances collected from the meadows of the earth-encircling river Okeanos or the smoke of sacrificial offerings wafting to heaven.

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The conflict between the siblings after Zeus overthrew his father Cronus, he cast lots with his brothers Poseidon and Hades. Zeus won the drawing and ascended as the ultimate ruler of the gods.

Following the overthrow of their father, Cronus, he cast lots with his brothers, Zeus and Hades, to divide the realms of the world. His reward was to rule over the sea, and he was highly revered by sailors.

He's a greedy god with a strong focus on expanding his ranks. Those whose duties lead to a rise in the dead are held in high regard. The Erinnyes are embraced as honored guests. He's very reluctant to let any of his followers depart.

However, the situation changed when Zeus' thunderbolt went missing. The brothers formed an alliance, but Hades opposed it.

With Mount Olympus in chaos, the Teras and Demigods have been sentenced to pay the price for their destinies. Due to the recent events that transpired on Mount Olympus, their fates will be subject to a test.

Hades has no reason to complain, especially since Eleithyia brought her here. Giovanni's frustration intensifies as she remembers the history of their fate, which she finds especially irritating.

Although she can't remember her face, the sound of her voice lingers in her mind. She imagines her as a Goddess, represented by the pitcher and cup.

"Hindi ako sasama sa 'yo," she crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at him, saying, "Alvis, I need to know kung sino'ng papatay sa 'kin." She made her claim, but he didn't even flinch at her words.

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She let out a hissing sound in his direction, feeling betrayed by all of them. Bakit ba sila desperado na malayo siya? Para sa'n? She feels unhappy with the way things are going. She has the right to raise her issues, especially because she's being treated poorly.

Giovanni sighed and threw the knife beside them, saying, "Know your place!" They all wanted to save her, but she knew it was her fate. Because he was going to end her life, she wanted to see it firsthand.

Due to their refusal to let her go, she was compelled to resist. The golden hue of her eyes revealed her lineage—she's the daughter of the Eternal Youth Goddess, Hebe. As she called upon her plant magic, her eyes turned into emeralds, surrounded by twinkling green sparks.

With a decisive tap of her green necklace, she commanded the vines to rise from the soil and follow her will. With a confident flick of her hand, a vibrant green aura filled the room, exploding into a dynamic swirl of light. In an instant, golden flecks danced around her, and the vines blossomed, breathing new life into the space with an undeniable energy.

Now she finally escaped.

Or so she thought.

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The man's gaze have a nasty look in his eyes and rather villainous. Tinapon na lamang niya ang kanyang kutsilyo nang walang pag-aatubiling dahilan upang kumuha ng atensyon ng babae.

Henry has come to seize all the possessions of the House of Mudned by eliminating the last of the nobles in this kingdom. This is his destined path.

He hasn't seen her in years, since the night of the attack. The Archduchess. Memories of her face, as lovely as ever, flooded his mind. He had always considered her important, and he had pledged to protect her.

Once, things were different. Yet now that she's the target, the situation has changed. But could he bring himself to end her life, considering the deep love and affection he holds for her?

"H'wag kang magkakamaling kumilos, kamahalan."

She realized she was in danger when he cocked the gun and pointed it directly at her face. He sought revenge by destroying everything around them.

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𝐂 𝐇 𝐀 𝐈 𝐍 𝐄 𝐃   𝐖 𝐈 𝐓 𝐇  𝐇 𝐀 𝐃 𝐄 𝐒

Betrayal's Game Series #1

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