The never-ending chatter and noise inside the Castle Square finally died down when all the lights floating inside the Square had dimmed down. Just like that, the only light that remained bright was the magical crystal floating above the sky at least a hundred yards away from the ground. Even the whispers and murmurs turned to hush, and everyone was anticipating what would come next.

Now that all of the participants who enlisted their names for the game were gathered, it was finally time to receive the blessing from the emperor. So it was no surprise when the marbled floor on the ground in front slowly rose upwards until it reached a certain height before stopping. The walls parallel to the elevated floor started moving as well and connected itself to create a huge stage high above the air. And as if just for the sake of dramatic entrance, the lights turned back on. It was then that the Imperial Vizier accompanied by a select few Knights finally presented himself to the crowd.

Everyone inside the hall bowed their heads-- for the Imperial Vizier could be considered as the second most powerful person of the empire, just next to the king. He was the Royal Family's adviser and guide, the empire's greatest scholar, and the most trusted person of the Emperor. It was Imperial Vizier Leonhardt Duval. And he was the empire's youngest Vizier in history.

"Raise your heads."

And so they did. Above the stage was a man clothed in a rather simple attire--a robe in a black and white to represent the color of the Royal Family, and a coat on top of his robe that displays his family's coat of arms. His golden blonde hair and piercing emerald eyes were a stunning contrast that made him look younger than his age. Everyone knew he was only twenty when he was appointed as the empire's Imperial Vizier, and that was eight years ago.

The Imperial Vizier smiled at the crowd.

"On behalf of the whole empire, and on behalf of His Majestic the Emperor, I, the Grand Imperial Vizier Leonhardt Duval, welcome you to the 551st Game of the Empire."

The Knights behind the Vizier clapped their hands, and so the rest of the people inside the hall clapped their hands, too. Well, it would be arrogant to say that everyone clapped their hands, because in reality there would be people inside the hall who would be stubborn enough not to clap their hands over a speech they have no need to hear. But that didn't really matter because the Vizier wouldn't pay attention to such trivial matters.

And so the speech continues, "Before the game commences, allow me to inform you that you will need to be  a team of seven before you are allowed entrance to the game area."

Murmurs started among the crowd.

"I understand that the previous games used to be composed of six members only, but His Majesty the Emperor wants to see better gameplay than the previous ones, thus to make it interesting he made up this rule along with the increased difficulty of the game. The nature of the game along with the objectives shall be revealed once everybody has found a team. Each team must select a leader, and the team members will all be up to you. Forty-eight hours will be given to form your teams, and once the time is up, you are to return here along with your team for you shall be enlisted once more-- this time as a team player. Inability to come from the given time must mean forfeiture of the player from the game."

The murmurs grew louder.

"Let me remind all the participants that the stakes in this game are high because your lives are at risk. The moment this speech is over, the protection of the empire shall no longer be in your favor. That being said, the laws imposed by the empire shall no longer apply to you. During the game, you are free to kill whoever goes in your way or whoever tries to disrupt your gameplay. You are also allowed to rob and pillage. However, you must not lay any of your fingers to non-players who do not do you any harm and those who are not related to the game. Do so and immediate disqualification from the game shall be imposed to any violators. The empire still prioritizes the safety of its residents and its people. Now," he took a breath, stared at the crowd and assessed their expressions.

"Just a reminder to our players and participants- the winner of this game shall have their wishes granted. Anything. Wealth, power, freedom, cure..we can grant them all, just not a resurrection of the dead. You are all allowed to solicit aid and support from bidders and/or watchers, but be reminded that doing so would also put their lives in peril. So are there any questions?"

No one raised their hands.

"Then that ends the opening ceremony. Welcome to the Dwellings, and we hope you enjoy your stay at the Castle grounds. Meals are free starting now until the day the game commences. Best of luck."

And the Imperial Vizier finally left the stage. The moment he does, the marbled floor and the walls revert back to their usual form.

Just as everyone was getting out of the hall, a loud blast on the west wing was heard. And when they turned towards the direction, two dead bodies were lying in the pool of their own blood. And so it has begun.

***

Estil and Ueno had to take the little Elois out of the hall as the man who was just standing right in front of her was shot right before her eyes. Estil felt sorry for the little child, as her trembling would not stop at all and the child could not speak due to shock. However, if she would keep acting this way then she would not survive for sure. Ueno seemed displeased, particularly with how sheltered the mage seemed to be.

Estil took the child by the shoulder and spoke to her in a firm manner. "If you plan to survive the game, you must show me your resolve to win. I do not want to see an easily scared brat. The death that you've seen inside the hall is just the beginning. You signed up for this game, then take responsibility. Not unless you want to bail out. Cause if you want to, if you really want to, now would be the perfect chance to leave. Leave, and run back home to your mama."

Ueno could not help but feel a tiny bit of pity over the child, hearing how Estil admonished the little mage in front of him. But she was right. The child would be a liability if she keeps acting this way. Then her next words took the words out of his mouth that left him surprised.

"I signed up for this game to win, so I won't be taking you if you are going to end up a liability in our team. So if you won't get outside of your sheltered shell and stop being a snotty brat, then I'll be taking you to the port myself and ship you back to the Middle Kingdom. What do you say?"

The child's eyes were all watery but she was trying hard not to cry. "I-I-I'm sorry, ma'am."

Estil raised her brow. "For?"

Elois was nearly in tears. "F-For being a s-snotty brat."

"Hmmm."
"I p-promise to do my best! I promise to be stronger next time. Please don't send me back home."

Estil was quiet for a while, then finally she patted the child's head. "Good, good. Do so and I promise to protect you."

Ueno was relieved, and at the same time in awe of the woman Estil had turned into. For never in the life of him has he imagined an Estil he witnessed now.

×××

Hello! Sorry it took a while for the story update. Truth is, I am just recovering from a fever which I seem to have acquired after exercising. Can you believe that? Lol. Even I couldn't. I mean, who gets a fever from doing exercise at home indoors? I guess that's just me. Lol.