Chapter 2 Beginner/Amateur

Part 1 —In a past that was far too long ago. The Old Deus competed with the ultimate prize of being the supreme, sole G.o.d on the line and started a war, along with their servants and created beings. The skies darkened with the fury of their clashes, and the very fabric of reality trembled under the weight of their ambitions. Legions of followers fought valiantly, each believing they would tip the scales in favor of their chosen deity. Betrayals and alliances shifted like the tides, as power-hungry entities sought to claim dominion over all. The echoes of that cataclysmic conflict still lingered in whispers, shaping the world in ways both seen and unseen, a testament to the destructive nature of divine rivalry. This war lasted for a long, long time. So long, it felt numbing. No land was not stained with blood, and cries of agony had never ceased to echo through the skies. The civilized races hated each other, slaughtered each other, and continued to repeat their countless killings. Each battle only deepened the chasms of animosity, where the memories of past grievances fueled the flames of vengeance. The Elves, with their ancient magic, cast spells that twisted the very elements against their foes, while the Dragonias unleashed their fury from above, their roars shaking the ground beneath. The werebeasts, driven by primal instincts, prowled the shadows, turning the night into a hunting ground. In this relentless cycle of violence, alliances were forged and broken, and the promise of peace remained a distant dream, overshadowed by the bloodshed and sorrow that defined their existence. The land itself seemed to mourn, bearing witness to the devastation wrought by hatred, as the echoes of war reverberated across the ages. The Elves had small villages as their bases, and they cast magic to hunt their enemies. From hidden groves, they unleashed spells that ensnared their foes, weaving intricate barriers of light and shadow. Their agility and cunning made them elusive, striking swiftly before retreating into the depths of the forest. The Dragonias used their bodies for killing purposes, and the werebeasts devoured their prey like animals. With scales that glimmered in the sun, the Dragonias soared through the skies, using their powerful claws and breath of fire to dominate the battlefield. Meanwhile, the werebeasts, driven by instinct, hunted in packs, their primal ferocity turning them into relentless predators, consuming all in their path without remorse. In this brutal world, each race exploited its strengths, weaving a tapestry of violence and survival where only the fiercest could endure. The barren land that was already swallowed by the sunset was also engulfed by the deeper. Darkness due to the wars waged between the old deities. The ‘Demon Lords’ and their allied monsters that were created by the Phantasma went rampant. And dominated the land. In this kind of world, it did not matter how many nobles, beauties, or warriors there were. Humans were just an insignificant existence. They had to bet their lives on building their countries and forming clans just to survive. The legendary hero who could be hailed by the bards did not appear—and just like that, it was a blood-stained era. This was a story that was far longer and older than the skies, seas, and land—called the ‘Disconnect Board.’ In this grim reality, power struggled against power, and the bonds of kinship were tested by greed and ambition. Each clan fought to carve out its domain, forming alliances that could shatter with a single betrayal. The absence of a unifying hero left a void, one that was filled only by the echoes of battles fought and lives lost. The ‘Disconnect Board’ became a symbol of the fractured world, where once-thriving connections between races and clans had dissolved into mistrust and animosity. Legends faded into mere whispers as the blood-soaked history of the land unfolded, a reminder that in the quest for survival, humanity's greatest enemy was often itself. However, the war they thought would continue for eternity suddenly ended. The skies, seas, Land—and even the stars that filled the skies. They lost the will to continue this unending, weary war where they died needlessly and without enjoying life. The once-vibrant fields lay barren, and laughter was replaced by the haunting silence of loss. Hope dimmed as the realization sank in that their struggles had spiraled into a cycle of despair, where each fleeting victory was overshadowed by the weight of grief. Dreams once bright grew dim, overshadowed by the relentless march of conflict, leaving behind only the echoes of what could have been—a life filled with joy, love, and unity, now a distant memory lost in the chaos of their self-inflicted torment. And just like that—at this point, the Old Deus with the most amount of power left sat on the only. Throne for a sole G.o.d. And so, this Deus who had been watching from the sidelines all this while, abstaining from the war from the beginning till the end, finally stirred. With a gaze that encompassed the suffering and strife below, the divine presence contemplated the choices made by mortals, each decision leading them further into darkness. The weight of their suffering resonated in the heavens, and the silence was broken by a resolve to intervene. The Deus, embodying the essence of creation and destruction, prepared to step into the fray, not as a savior, but as a force that would challenge the very fabric of their existence. For in the chaos of their conflict lay the potential for redemption—or total annihilation. The Deus sat on the throne, looking at the devastation of the land around him. He declared to all. The people roamed the land. "—To everyone who used up all extremes of strength, violence, desperation, and death. Show me proof that you, who built towers of corpses, are civilized beings as you so claim. What is the difference between you and the ‘unintelligent beasts’?" This challenge echoed through the hearts of those who heard it, forcing them to confront the brutal reality of their actions. In their relentless pursuit of power, they had forsaken compassion and understanding, blurring the lines between humanity and savagery. As they gazed upon the ruins of their once-great civilizations, they were left to ponder: had they truly evolved, or had they merely traded one form of brutality for another? The question hung heavy in the air, a haunting reminder of the cost of their choices and the fragile nature of what it meant to be truly civilized. All the races unanimously said that there was no need to prove their intelligence. But, in front of this barren and abandoned world, this discourse was too empty. Their words felt hollow against the backdrop of devastation, echoing through the silence like ghosts of a forgotten past. As they stood amidst the remnants of their arrogance, they realized that mere claims of superiority could not mask the truth of their actions. The absence of life and laughter served as a stark testament to the futility of their pride, leaving them to confront the bitter reality: True intelligence lay not in domination but in understanding, healing, and the courage to forge a new path from the ashes of their mistakes. Ultimately, no answer was accepted by G.o.d G.o.d said: —From this piece of Heaven, I command that there will be no plundering or bloodshed. Those words became an [Oath], becoming the absolute unchanging law of the world. In that moment, a profound silence enveloped the land, reverberating with the weight of divine authority. The promise echoed through the hearts of all beings, a binding force that transcended their past sins. With the Oath forged, the cycle of violence was halted, and the people were compelled to confront their actions. They began to seek understanding and reconciliation, striving to build a future where compassion reigned over conflict. The shadow of war faded, making way for the possibility of unity, as the world slowly transformed into a realm where harmony could flourish under the watchful gaze of the divine. From that day onwards, [War] disappeared from the world. But the population that considered themselves rational sent complaints to G.o.d in unison. Even if [War] has disappeared, [Conflict] still exists— G.o.d said, in that case- Those of the [Sixteen Races] that claim to be the most intelligent creatures. Those who use all extremes of your reason, intelligence, ability, and financial resources. Build towers of wisdom, and through that, thou shalt prove thine own intelligence. G.o.d took out sixteen chess pieces—and laughed maliciously. Thus, the [Ten Oaths] were born, and [War] disappeared from the world. All disputes were resolved by [Games]. Each race, once driven by the thirst for conquest, now engaged in strategic contests that tested their wits and skills. As they faced each other on the board, the stakes were high, but the cost of defeat was no longer measured in lives lost. Instead, it was a battle of minds, where diplomacy and cunning replaced swords and shields. The games became a new arena for proving strength, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration among the races as they learned that true intelligence lay in understanding and cooperation rather than destruction. That was the law of the sole G.o.d, and that G.o.d’s name was TET. Part 2 Andalusia continent, the Kingdom of Elchea, the Capital— Elchea. An area limited to the southern part of the equator, stretching to the northeast of the continent, was a small country that was located in the westernmost part, but it was more accurate to say that it was a small city. Nestled between lush hills and the shimmering coastline, this city thrived on trade and culture, its vibrant markets filled with the sounds of lively barter and the scents of exotic spices. Despite its size, the city was a melting pot of diverse influences, drawing travelers and merchants from far and wide. Colorful festivals celebrated the rich tapestry of traditions, while narrow streets buzzed with the energy of its inhabitants, each contributing to a unique communal identity. Yet, beneath the surface of this bustling life lay tensions simmering among the various factions vying for power and influence, hinting at a deeper story waiting to unfold in this seemingly idyllic corner of the world. It was a country that had previously occupied half of the continent in mythical times, but now it. Has lost its former glory. What was left was the last of the once great empire— A small and vulnerable country. —More precisely. This was also the last kingdom for the human species. —At the outskirts of the city not far away. A tavern and inn that could only exist in RPG games was the first floor of a building. Two people were surrounded by many viewers, two girls that were currently. Playing a game on a table. One of the girls looked to be around 15 or 16 years old, having red hair while giving out a sense. Of elegance with her manners and dress. As for the other person— Although she looked very alike in age with the redhead, her temperament and clothing gave out a sense of maturity in other people’s points of view. Wearing a black veil draped over her head, resembling a mourning shawl, was a black-haired girl. As for the ongoing game that they were having, it seemed to be poker. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, revealed a depth of experience that belied her youthful appearance. Each card she played was deliberate, a reflection of her strategic mind, while the veil added an air of mystery that intrigued those around her. The atmosphere was thick with tension as the stakes rose, and the redhead, with her fiery spirit, struggled to read her opponent. It was a clash not just of cards but of wits, as the players navigated a silent battlefield of bluffs and reveals, each move bringing them closer to either victory or defeat in this high-stakes game. The expressions on both their faces were in deep contrast, with the redhead having a stern look due to anxiety. On the other hand, the deadpan poker face on the black-haired girl's face made everyone peek at the color of calmness. Anyway—the red-haired girl was losing thoroughly. With each round, the chips piled higher in front of the black-haired girl, her serene demeanor unshaken by the mounting pressure. The redhead’s heart raced, her thoughts spiraling into self-doubt as she struggled to maintain her composure. Around them, the spectators leaned in closer, captivated by the unfolding duel. Whispers filled the air, speculating on the outcome, as the tension reached a breaking point. The game had become more than just a test of skill; it was a battle of resolve, where every decision could alter their fates in ways neither could foresee. "......Hey, can you hurry it up?" "Annoying. I am still thinking." —It was a pub, and the already drunken audience roared with vulgar laughter in broad daylight. The air was thick with the smell of spilled drinks and smoke, a chaotic blend of mirth and raucousness that filled the room. At the bar, a lone figure sat nursing a drink, her brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to drown out the noise. The vibrant chatter and boisterous shouts clashed with her thoughts, making it increasingly difficult to focus on the problem at hand. Around her, patrons stumbled over one another, exchanging boisterous tales of past exploits, oblivious to her struggle. Yet, beneath the surface of their revelry, she sensed an undercurrent of tension, a hint that not all was as carefree as it seemed. As the laughter echoed, she knew she had to find clarity amidst the chaos. This added a shade of distress onto the red-haired girl’s face. But in any case—it was a scene. Bustling with people. ............— During a game that was held outside the pub, sitting at a table in the open air, a young girl who was wearing a hood peered through the window from the side and said, "How lively... what happened?" Her voice was barely audible over the raucous laughter and cheers spilling from within. Curiosity danced in her eyes as she watched the patrons, their faces flushed with excitement and the thrill of competition. The sunlight bathed the scene in a warm glow, contrasting with the cool shadows under her hood. She shifted slightly, straining to catch snippets of conversation, eager to understand the source of their merriment. With each shout and cheer, she felt a pull, as if the energy of the crowd beckoned her to join in. Yet, a part of her hesitated, wondering if she truly belonged in such a boisterous gathering. "Ah? Don’t you foreigners know anything at all? But then again, there aren’t any other human countries left." Sitting next to the girl who was peeping into the window were two people who were playing a game on the table. The players were a teenage male who was also hooded just like the young girl, as well as a bearded middle-aged man with a bulging beer belly. The man chuckled, his laughter deep and resonant, as he leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the game. "You’d think they’d have heard of the great tournaments by now!" he said, gesturing animatedly with his hands, sending a few drops of beer onto the table. The teenager remained focused, his eyes narrowed as he calculated his next move, a stark contrast to the man’s jovial demeanor. "It’s not just about knowing; it’s about surviving," he replied, his voice low and serious. The girl, still eavesdropping, felt a mixture of intrigue and apprehension. She wanted to join their conversation, to understand the stakes of the game that seemed to hold everyone’s attention, but the weight of the world outside her hood kept her rooted in place. The teenager replied, "Ah—because we are from the countryside, we are not clear with situations regarding the metropolis." Coincidentally, both of them were also playing the same game as the ones inside—poker. As he laid down his cards, the bearded man raised an eyebrow, a smirk spreading across his face. "Country folk, huh? Well, you’ll learn fast enough if you stick around. This city has a way of teaching you the ropes—or chewing you up and spitting you out." The young girl, still listening intently, found herself caught between their banter and the lively chaos inside the pub. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere crackled with tension, each player vying for dominance. With a flick of his wrist, the teenager placed a bet, his expression steady despite the weight of the man’s words. "We may be from the countryside, but we know more than you think. Sometimes, it’s the quiet ones who surprise you the most." —Only, the bargaining chips they used were bottle caps. Because of the teenager’s comment, the middle-aged man said doubtfully, "The so-called humans that don’t live in this country... aren’t they hermits?" "Haha, that is true. Okay, so what is all the commotion inside?" The teenager leaned back, glancing toward the open window, where laughter and shouts spilled out. "I think they’re in the middle of a big poker tournament. Word is, the stakes are higher than usual tonight." The man chuckled, his belly jiggling as he took a swig from his beer. "Ah, then it’s no surprise! Those city folks love their games—always looking for a chance to prove who’s the best. But be careful; it can get a bit rowdy." The young girl shifted closer, her curiosity piqued. "Do you think they’ll let us join? I’d like to see what all the fuss is about." The teenager exchanged a glance with the man, a knowing smile forming. "Why not? It might be fun to dive into the chaos. Just keep your wits about you; it’s not just a game of cards but a battle of minds." The bearded man was shot back with the same question after cleverly avoiding it. "Right now, there is currently a gambling tournament to elect the next king for Elchea." With eyes watching the situation in the pub, the hooded girl continued asking, "Elect... the next king?" The teenager nodded, excitement sparking in his gaze. "Yeah! It’s a tradition here. The strongest players compete, and the winner gets to claim the throne. It’s a wild way to decide leadership, but it keeps things interesting!" The girl furrowed her brow, intrigued yet skeptical. "But isn’t that dangerous? What if the wrong person wins?" The middle-aged man chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ah, that's the thrill of it! In Elchea, anything can happen. The people love the unpredictability, and it keeps everyone on their toes. Who knows? The next king might be a complete novice or a seasoned pro." The girl contemplated this, her curiosity deepening. "So, anyone can participate? Even us?" "Yes. These were the previous king’s last words before dying." [The next king shall not be inherited by blood relations, but the coronation of "Humanity’s Strongest Gambler".] Continuing to add on the bottle caps, the bearded man said. "In the fight to gamble for the country, the human species was defeated. Now, there is only. Elchea, which is also the capital of this country—so there was no time to look decent now." "Huuu, [Gambling for the country], eh.......that seems to be something very, very interesting." The hooded teen replied. He was very much like the hooded girl, feeling concerned and peeping into the pub to look at the situation. "—Well, why? Are those kids like the candidates to be the next king?" "Un? The so-called word [Candidate] seems wrong because as long as you are a human, anyone is eligible to participate." The girl’s eyes widened in surprise. "Anyone? Even if they have no experience?" "Exactly," the teenager said with a hint of a grin. "It’s part of the chaos. You could have a skilled gambler going up against someone who’s never played a hand in their life. It makes for some unpredictable outcomes." The middle-aged man nodded, his expression almost gleeful. "That’s the beauty of it! It’s not just about skill; it’s about luck, determination, and sometimes sheer audacity. It’s what makes the tournament so thrilling to watch—and participate in." The girl pondered this, her thoughts racing. "So, you think we should join? We might not be experts, but it could be an adventure." Just—adding these words, the man moved his line of sight towards the tavern. —Playing poker, yet she does not seem to know the meaning of the word "poker face." Giving a glance to the red-haired girl whose whining voice could be heard and her intent while staring at the opponent’s hand could be felt, the man said, "Look at her. She’s practically giving away her hand with every twitch. If you want to succeed, you need to keep your emotions in check." The teenager nodded in agreement. "Exactly. It’s all about reading the room and maintaining your composure. If you can’t do that, you’re setting yourself up for failure." The hooded girl listened intently, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "So, we need to practice our poker faces, then? Can you teach us?" The man chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, I can teach you a thing or two. But remember, the best players are those who can bluff while making it look effortless." "That red-haired girl over there is called 'Stephanie Dora'—the previous king’s blood kin. If they followed his will, about a non-royal nor blood-related person becoming the king, then she will lose everything, so her goal is to become the next king." The blood kin of that guy who made humanity lose never expected to have such desperate children... added the man before sighing, bluntly commenting on the noise inside. "You can feel the tension in the air. She’s not just playing for the throne; she’s playing for her legacy." The teenager glanced at Stephanie, who was now animatedly arguing with another player. "It must be tough for her. The pressure to win must be immense." The man nodded. "Indeed. And that’s why poker here isn’t just a game; it’s a battleground. Everyone has something to lose, and she’s fighting harder than anyone else. If you decide to join, just remember: you’re not only playing against cards but against each other’s dreams and fears." ".........Huuu....." "Un.......[Gambling for the country]—even the so-called borders are decided with games, right?" The hooded girl and the teen expressed their feelings. The girl felt admiration. The teen felt interested. "Whatever the case, the system of the gambling tournament is heating up considerably." ".........Round robin?" "As long as you are a human, anyone can be the next king, so long as you register your name. Regardless of the methods, it will be decided with a game. The loser will be deprived of qualification, while the last man standing will be the king." —So, the rules are simple. The easier it is to understand, the better it is. But the hooded teen doubtfully said, "That sounds too straightforward. What’s to stop someone from cheating or using underhanded tactics?" The man shrugged, a knowing smile on his face. "Ah, that’s where the real challenge lies. While the rules seem simple, the players are anything but. Deception and strategy are key. The tournament is as much about wits as it is about luck." The teenager frowned, contemplating the implications. "So, it’s a gamble not just with cards but with people’s lives and ambitions. That’s risky." "Exactly," the man replied, leaning forward. "And that’s what makes it thrilling. Everyone has something at stake, and it’s up to you to navigate the chaos. If you can outsmart your opponents, you might just find yourself on the throne." "…It is that casual, eh? Wouldn’t there be any problems?" "As long as you respect the [Ten Oaths], with both sides judging each other, there would be no restrictions, nor any restriction on the competition mode—including who, what to use, and at what time. After all, it is a national gambling thing for the country." The hooded teen raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet cautious. "So, it’s a free-for-all? That sounds like it could get out of hand quickly." The man nodded, a serious look crossing his face. "It can. That’s why the Oaths are so important. They ensure fairness and honor among the players. If someone breaks them, the consequences are severe—not just for the cheater, but for their entire lineage." The girl listened, her heart racing at the thought of the stakes involved. "So, it’s not just about the game; it’s about your family’s reputation too?" "Exactly," the man said, glancing back at the tavern. "That’s what makes this tournament so intense. Everyone is fighting not just for themselves but for their families and futures. It’s a gamble that can change everything." "No, I don’t mean that." The hooded teen muttered in an eloquent tone while looking into the pub again. The girl whispered to the teen, "Of course, total defeat." "Ahh, we think of the same things." Saying it to each other, the teen took out a square-shaped item from his pocket. Facing towards the tavern, he operated it for a while before it sounded with a ’Kacha.’ The device lit up, displaying a series of intricate symbols and numbers. "This is a betting slate," he explained, his eyes focused on the screen. "It allows us to place bets and track the tournament in real-time. It’s essential if we decide to join." The girl leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. "So, we can see everything happening inside from here? That’s amazing!" "Exactly," he replied, tapping a few buttons. "We’ll be able to gauge the competition and make informed decisions. Knowledge is power, especially in a game like this." As the tavern buzzed with energy, the girl felt a surge of excitement. "Let’s do it! If we’re going to take part in this chaos, we should be prepared." —After that, the middle-aged man secretly laughed. "So, little brother? It isn’t the time for you to think of the outcome of other people, right?" Apologizing, the man suddenly spread out his cards. "Full house. Sorry, eh." The man who was convinced that he had won thought of the people that would be his later and leaked out a nasty smile. —But looking at the hooded teen, he still showed that disinterested face he had since the start. But now a reaction came, and he gave out a response. "Is that so?" the teen said, his voice calm and measured. "You seem quite confident for someone about to lose." The man’s smile faltered for a moment, confusion flickering in his eyes. "What do you mean? I have the best hand here!" The teen leaned forward slightly, a hint of amusement in his tone. "You might want to double-check your cards. A full house is impressive, but it’s not unbeatable." The man’s expression shifted, uncertainty creeping in as he glanced down at his hand. "What are you playing at?" "Just a friendly warning," the teen replied, a slight smirk forming. "You never know what surprises might be lurking in the shadows." "Eh? Ah—sorry. Oh, yes." Saying this, the teen casually revealed his poker, and the middle-aged man stared in disbelief. "A ro, royal straight flush—!?" Toward the man who stayed emotionless and yet received the best hand in the game, the man got up and roared, "You guys cheated me, right!?" "Hey, hey, hey, how rude... do you have any evidence?" Facing the teen who exposed a thin smile and was preparing to get up from his seat, the man continued speaking mercilessly. "The probability of getting a royal straight flush is only 1 in 650,000; there’s no way you could get it so easily!" "Then today must be the day where I hit that 1 out of 650,000 chances right, Uncle? You do have bad luck, eh." Leisurely leaving behind this sentence, the teen spread his hands wide. The crowd around them began to murmur, drawn into the escalating drama. The man’s face flushed with anger. "You think you can just brush this off? You think this is a joke?" "Not at all," the teen replied, his tone still light. "But maybe you should consider that sometimes luck swings in unexpected ways. Perhaps you should reflect on your strategies instead of pointing fingers." The tension in the air thickened as eyes turned to the man, waiting for his reaction. He clenched his fists, caught between disbelief and the realization that he might have underestimated his opponent. "Then, could you get me what you 'bet'?" "You deserve to die." Clucking his tongue, the man took out his wallet and purse. "Article six of the [Ten Oaths], ’As per the oath, the wager will be unconditionally adhered to’— Okay, I will accept it." ".....Thank you......Uncle." The hooded teen stood up casually after finishing and left. "Hey, although we were all watching from start to end, why did you have to bet on 'everything you had'?" "Ah... Oh my God, what am I going to do about the living expenses?" His friend raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "Seriously? You put all your savings on the line for a game?" Sighing, the bearded man ran a hand through his hair. "I thought I had a good chance. The odds were in my favor, or so I believed." "Yeah, but betting everything? That’s insane! What were you thinking?" "They said they were from the countryside and wouldn’t know a good hand if it slapped them. I thought I could outsmart them." His friend shook his head, clearly frustrated. "So what’s the plan now? You can’t just walk away from this." "Well, I guess I’ll have to find a way to make it back. Maybe take on some odd jobs or—" "Odd jobs? You need to think bigger! What about the stakes? What did you bet?" The bearded man hesitated, then muttered, "They said something about 'the freedom to do whatever they wanted with us.'" "Wait, what? You can’t be serious! That’s a whole different level of risk." "I know! But I thought it might work... Now I’m not so sure." "Well, you better figure it out fast. You’re in way over your head!" "No, compared to that, what did they bet on, making you put up all your living expenses?" Sighing, the bearded man responded listlessly. "They said [Free to do whatever you want with us two]." "What—" "Although I felt it was a little too fitting ......But I thought it would work, seeing that they are from the countryside.........So how?" "You can’t do anything about it.......Oh yeah, which one would you choose?" "Ha?" "But... bisexual or lolicon, both are out of your league, eh..." "Wuh- hey, hey, wait a moment!" "What, ah~ don’t worry, I will keep it a secret from Kamei-san. As a consideration, you have to treat me♪." "No, not that! Moreover, my cash has already been taken away! Compared to this—" "The condition bet did not only include the girl’s chast.i.ty, it was also equivalent to [Betting two peoples’ lives], but the case of getting a royal straight flush while looking so absent-minded? What exactly is backing up those two guys?" —......... "........Nii.....cunning." "Ah? Why did that come out from you too?" ".......Deliberately using......that kind.......of cheat that sticks out by a mile." —Yep, it was exactly what the man had said. The royal straight flush could not have simply appeared that easily. Coming up with this kind of hand was tantamount to declaring openly that you were cheating. But— "Article eight of the [Ten Oaths], once cheating has been discovered in a game, it will be deemed as a defeat—" The teen muttered out the rule of this world he had just remembered. "—Which means, as long as you are not found out, then you can do it. Isn’t receiving acknowledgement nice?" The teen’s argument revealed that he had only conducted a simple Experiment before stretching his waist. "Well, at least we earned some military spendings." "........Nii............understands.....how the money works here?" "It’s impossible to know, right? But, leave this to me- this is within your brother’s field of expertise." The teen said it with a tone that the bearded man and his friend had never heard, Before walking into the building that had the inn and tavern. Part 3 Despite the bustling commotion due to the heated game on the central table, two people walked to the counter. Reaching the counter, the hooded teen took out his wallet from his purse and emptied the coins before asking slowly. "I’d like a room for two. One bed is enough. How many nights will this amount of money get us?" The figure, which had a boss-like aura, glanced over quickly. After a moment of hesitation. ".........One day with three meals." However, the hooded teen laughed at this remark— and with his eyes covered by the hood, continued talking. "Ah haah~I said. Ah, after trekking for five nights straight, the fatigue is enough to kill me. We are exhausted already—so could you quickly tell me, [How many nights can we stay]?" "What?" "Although we do look like country people who don’t know the monetary value, it’s fine with me if you want to raise the price. But, I recommend that when you lie, please take note of your line of sight and tone of voice, ’kay ~♪" The teen laughed while saying these words- it appeared that his eyes had a keen radiance that saw right through him. With the boss sweating nervously, he sucked in his lips and replied. ".......Che. Two days, then." "You see, lying again... let’s just compromise this- ten days with meals provided, then." "Wha! What kind of compromise is that? You, fine... three days with meals, how meddlesome!" "Ah, so it’s like that, eh. Then a discount, five days with food attached." "Wuh—" "You are trying to deceive customers into pumping out their oil before lining your own pockets with the money, then splurging it all, right?" "Whu, wait, that sort of thing—" "And you are the owner of this tavern but not the owner of the inn, right? Should I report you?" He had kept a smile on his face since the start of the conversation. But facing this teen who spared no pains to negotiate with him, the boss could only make an awkward and stiff expression before replying, "Little brother, you have a worldly expression, but you’re unexpectedly ruthless, eh..........I get it, four days with meals provided, how’s that?" "Okay~, thank you for the hospitality♪." Still wearing that smile, the teen took the room keys from the man’s hand. "Your room’s at the innermost corner on the third floor. What’s........your name?" The hooded youth replied to the somewhat impatient boss who was holding onto the register. "Un~..........Kuuhaku[8] would do." Sora purred and spun the keys on his fingers. He suddenly patted the head of his little sister, who was ecstatically watching the climax of the game on the central table. "Look, I finished negotiations, We get to stay for four days. You may quickly wors.h.i.+p your oniisama— What are you doing?" S.h.i.+ro was staring at that Stephen... something, the person introduced by the bearded man early on. A distressed expression was exposed on that girl’s face. Her askew expression made people think that that, without a doubt, she did not have a hope of victory. "........That person— will lose." "Probably. So what?" Revealing her emotions without hiding them, even if there was a chance, she still would not win. Maybe it was as the bearded man had said, the lineage of the royal family is stupid. Just when this idea was emerging in Sora’s mind—he realized. "—Ah!" Then, after figuring out the intentions of his sister’s words, he could not help but sigh. "Whoa, so it is that kind of meaning......How scary..." "..........Un." S.h.i.+ro was sizing up the black-haired girl while nodding at the sighing Sora. "Really..........This world’s cheating methods are truly incredible. I don’t even want to meet against these kinds of opponents..." ".........Nii, shameful....." Probably provoking him, Sora suddenly got serious and countered back. "Heh, don’t be silly. No matter how clever a cheat is, it depends on how you apply it." "......Nii, could you.....beat it?" "—But this is worthy of a fantasy world, eh....... There isn’t any sense of reality here, yet we both have a comfortable and relaxed feeling........Is it because we’ve played too many games?" Sora did not answer his little sister’s question but instead headed for the third story of the building while rambling about non-related topics. "...........Really, I asked........a stupid question," s.h.i.+ro suddenly apologized. —Indeed, for 『 』 , failure was almost impossible. Then, after making contact by the shoulders. For some reason, Sora turned toward Steph. Whatever, the red-haired girl. He thought about it in his mind for a moment before whispering. ".......Oh, come on... can’t you see you’re being cheated?" "Eh?" The girl with the striking red hair and contrasting round blue eyes suddenly glanced over. Even as he felt the girl who was mysteriously told off stare at his moving figure.........Sora did not utter another word and went straight toward the door of the room. Part 4 Along with the turn of the key in the lock came a lack of sense of security when the metal hinge let out a squeaking sound before the door opened. Inside the room— it was wood that was quite similar to the kind in Skyrim, making the house look kind of cheap. The room was small, and creaking could be heard with every footstep on the floor. The table and chairs that were arranged at the corners looked very perfunctory. As for the other things, there was only a bed and a window. The interior was quite simple. Walking into the room and locking the door, the both of them removed their hoods. Wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers with matted black hair—Sora. A mess of long white hair covered her red eyes, and she was a skinny girl who wore a sailor uniform— s.h.i.+ro. Sora removed the borrowed robes that, when worn, would not look conspicuous in a world like this, before revealing a relieved look and threw himself on the only bed. Taking the phone out of his pocket, he checked off the task that was planned. "— [Goal]: Ensure accommodation—[Achieved]— it’s safe to say *that* now, right?" "......Un[9], I think... we can." After the confirmation, a thousand emotional words were released from my heart. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, so tired, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh............." These words...... It was decided early on to never say these until the goal was reached. Afterward, bursting out as he could no longer contain himself, were the complaints about the story that came out of Sora’s mouth. "There is no such thing as [definitely impossible]- I can’t believe that at our first reunion with the outside world, we had to walk that far." Similarly, taking off the robe revealed a folded white sailor uniform. Opening the window, she confirmed the scenery. From the window, you could barely see the cliff onto which they fell. "........For humans, as long as there’s a will, then anything can be done." "Yeah, if there is no motivation then nothing will be done— These realistic words accurately express our current situation, eh? Although it was such a negative interpretation, s.h.i.+ro still nodded in agreement. "Honestly, I thought that my legs had become weak from being a hikikomori for so long, so I never expected that we would be able to walk that far." ".........Because.....we control the mice.....with both our feet?" "Oh— I see! The so-called ’mastering one skill so much until it carries into everything else’ thing was true then!" ".........That’s not..........what I originally meant......I meant..." This comical dialogue seemed to have reached its limit. s.h.i.+ro’s eyes were half closed. The little sister, who was staggering as if she was going to faint, fell on the bed that Sora was on. Although it didn’t show on her face, the pained breath from her fatigue could be felt. —This was, of course, a natural reaction. No matter how much of a genius she was, she was still an eleven-year-old girl. Dueling in a chess match after 5 all-nighters was enough to shock anyone with that kind of stamina. Even Sora also felt pain and shifted around (although it was only halfway). For a person To also walk all the way here without complaints was truly worthy of praise. Because Sora had decided before not to utter a single complaint. "You worked hard. How great— indeed, you are your brother’s prided little sister." As if combing his little sister’s hair, Sora stroked her head and said. "Un. Find a place to sleep.......made sure.........that was completed." "Ahhh, and of course, I was afraid of what was going to happen to us when we were attacked by those thieves." —With these words, Sora’s mind drifted back to a few hours ago. That is— when both of them were lost and wandering around shortly after being dumped in this world. Part 5 "Then, what do we do?" "........(Shakes head)" Waking up and regaining a conscious state for the second time. While cursing in his heart that life was being too unreasonable, the fatigued Sora shouted to the pedestrians passing by. After Shiro was temporarily relieved, she let out a sigh. Both of them felt weary, but they still recovered their composure despite being exhausted. Moving away from the edge of the cliff, they then slumped onto the unpaved roadside. ".........Nii, why come.....here?" "You see, in an RPG game, this would be called a [Street], right? I remember it was to let someone go through some sort of..." Although they didn’t know to what extent their practical knowledge about games could help them, this sort of thing should be placed aside first. "Well, first things first, let’s inventory what things we currently have on hand." Just like any survival play-off game, Sora said it like this. Understanding the point, both of them started taking everything out of their pockets. What were taken out— Were Sora and s.h.i.+ro’s respective smart phones, two of them. I have two handheld game consoles. Two multipurpose batteries. Two solar power chargers with multiple charging outlets. And the last thing was a tablet PC in s.h.i.+ro’s hand. .....No matter how you looked at it, it was hard to imagine lost victims with such expensive equipment. And— they were all used to playing games. Because no matter where they were, be it on the toilet or in the bathroom—or even during a power outage- they could always play games, so these were items that could not leave their persons. —Nobody knew whether or not these items could be useful in an actual difficult crisis; they were mysterious and yet substantial pieces of equipment. "..........Sure enough, electrical waves and the like cannot be received in the fantasy world," Sora said while looking at the display screen on his phone that told him he was out of range. —The backlight of the phone could be used as a flashlight at night, and it could also take photos. The map function was, of course, ineffective, but it could still be used as a comparison. s.s. Sora gave a heartfelt thanks to the recent high-level performance developments for smartphones. "...........Okay, s.h.i.+ro, turn off the phone and tablet PC. Take advantage of the sun being up and charge the photoovoltaic power generator. I downloaded an e-book about games onto that tablet, and in the worst case scenario, we will just use the survival guide." "........Roger—" S.h.i.+ro obediently listened to her brother’s words and turned off the equipment while using the solar charger to charge it up. —When encountering unexpected circumstances, listening to her brother’s instructions was the best. S.h.i.+ro knew this due to her own experience. .........After that, using the power of science (Sora’s phone), a direction to head off was determined. However, using the phone, which only had a compass. s.s, their current status was like being thrown into the sea without any nautical charts, so there weren’t any changes in the situation. They were holding the product of the most advanced scientific technology, yet they still got lost in the road of life and fell onto the wayside. "Oh?" Sora spotted a few people approaching from a side street (or a Street), pacing towards them. "OHHH! How fantastic, my experience in RPGs worked!" ".........Nii......they look......weird." Finis.h.i.+ng this sentence, the group suddenly picked up the pace and enclosed them in a circle. Dressed in green and easy-to-walk-in boots— "..........Wowhoa, aren’t they thieves!" Sora could not help but complain to the heavens. They got lost on the road, and their first encounter was actually with [fantasy world thieves!] Facing against this ferocious bunch, in full accordance with a typical bad guy group— Sora s.h.i.+elded s.h.i.+ro with his body while thinking of cursing the heavens. —But what came out of the thieves’ mouths was. "Hehe....if ya wanna get past— ya gotta play a game with us." ............. This one sentence made the two siblings look at each other helplessly— but. "—This, eh...that brat did say that this was [A world where everything is decided by games]." "...........Is that......how thieves here........are?" The two people who quickly accepted that fact compared the thieves from here with the ones from their world. They couldn’t resist but smile after the comparison. This could even be described as a cute scene compared to an encounter with a real thief, thus forcing both of them to break out in laughter. "What are you guys laughing about! If you don’t have a game with us, don’t even think about getting past here." Facing them were two people who were laughing for no reason. The siblings then communicated with each other using a quiet voice that the thieves couldn’t eavesdrop on. "One person deceives the others, then uses cheats to cut off their escape route— what do you feel?" "............Is......good." Finis.h.i.+ng the conversation, Sora clapped his hands with a ’Pa!’ "OK, fine, let’s have a showdown. But unfortunately for us, we are currently penniless." "Heh, no matter, then—" But regardless of what the thieves said, Sora continued. "If we lose, then we are at your disposal, regardless of where we are sold to or what is done to us." "Ah?" The cheeky thief who was about to propose was abruptly interrupted, before getting surprised himself, "In contrast, if we win—" With a chilling smile on his face, the brother said. "You will take us to the nearest street ♪and give us the robes those two are wearing. Because we are still wearing conspicuous clothing due to the transfer of worlds, this is a must. And also about the game rules of this world, truthfully tell them all to me☆" Sora exerted his highly adaptable game brain. He was already convinced that he would win and had even added some additional requests. Part 6 Thinking about back then, Sora whispered. "[Ten Oaths]——eh. s.h.i.+ro, do you remember?" ".......Un. Very..........interesting rules," s.h.i.+ro, looking dazed and about to fall asleep, replied. They had learned about the rules of this world from the thieves (they were no longer recognizable now) that had lost the game. Taking out his phone on which he had written the rules, Sora reread them out loud again. 【 Ten Oaths】 —— It appears that these were the absolute rules that [G.o.d] had laid down. Although the little sister seemed to have easily memorized it, the brother had still recorded them. In his phone, which were as follows: 【 1】 All bloodshed, war, and pillage are forbidden throughout the world. 【 2】 All disputes are to be resolved through the outcome of games. 【 3】 In games, wagers will be made on what both parties decide to be of equal value. 【 4】 Unless contrary to "Three", the game content and the things wagered do not matter. 【 5】 The challenged party has the right to decide the contents of the game. 【 6】 "As per the Oath", the wager will be unconditionally adhered to. 【 7】 All matters for group conflicts will be decided by a representative. 【 8】 If cheating is detected during a game, it will be regarded as a defeat. 【 9】 The above rules are unconditionally everlasting, upheld in the name of G.o.d. "And 【 10】 —— Everyone should get along while playing games." —....... "Nine is used to wrap up everything from above it, but Ten..." That is, it was not a mandatory requirement to get along with the opponent, so to speak. Or, said in another way, ’Anyhow, it’s not as if you guys are living in harmony anyways’. Feeling the irony of the 【 Ten Oaths】, the mirthful face of that [G.o.d] surfaced in Sora’s mind. "That kid that dragged us here into this world— if that person is [G.o.d], then he does have good character. Pocketing his phone, Sora said with a wry smile. Just when the thought of lying on the bed came. His fatigue suddenly welled up, and his consciousness began to blur, even his thinking skills. Began to wear down. "........If I think about it, of course it is a natural reaction. Pulling all-nighters for five days and then the sudden onset of this event..." "..........Fuu......." Always thinking about being beside her brother, clutching onto Sora’s wrist, was the little sister who had reached dreamland. Sweeping away the bangs that were on her face revealed white skin that was like ceramic and a beautiful face that was like a work of art. Compared with the girl that had a doll-like refined appearance, saying that the both of them were siblings could be perceived as a start of a bad joke. "Didn’t I always say to at least cover yourself with a blanket? You will catch a cold." ".........Un." Complying with her brother’s words, the little sister used a feeble voice to request him to help her cover herself. Although Sora covered his little sister with the blanket that smelled like dust with a bit of hesitation, he still thought it was better than nothing. Watching his sleeping face and steady breathing, Sora suddenly became lost in thought. (—Then, from now on, where should I start?) Sora started fiddling with the phone, which he had just taken out. He wanted to try and see if there was any software that could help his predicament. (This is a fantasy about being pulled into a different world, so first, I should think about and look to see if there is a method to go back.) —Parents who were no longer in this world. —A sister who was not accepted by society. —Himself who did not accept society. —Besides, the surprise that lies beyond the screen— this world. "........Hey, s.h.i.+ro...the protagonists of alternate world stuff...why did they want to return to ’that’ kind of world?" Even though he knew that she had fallen asleep, Sora still tried to raise this question, but he did not receive an answer. He thought about what he was going to do after the four days. Sora was going to try and improvise— but before the conclusion of his contemplations, the demon of sleep had already cut off his thoughts. Part 7 —’ Tok Tok!’, rang this kind of sound in the air. The reason why he would wake up only due to polite knocking— This was because his senses had been sharpened due to coming to an unknown place. Sora loudly commanded the urges that wanted him to go back to sleep to shut up, then quickly let his brain become active again. ".....Nyaaa~." —But his little sister was different from him. Drool dribbled down her chin, and she was tightly grabbing onto her brother’s left arm while sleeping. With a face that was more comforting than anything else, it would have made anyone jealous of the one who got to see that dreaming expression. "Yeah, thinking about it, in this world, killing, looting, and other things are prohibited...." This means that things such as being vigilant are not necessary in this world. Probably understanding this point— no, she certainly understood. Sora, who looked like he had adapted to this world, gave a wry smile to his little sister, who was in a deep sleep, and showed that comfortable expression. "Indeed, the degree of flexibility in my mind can’t match up to hers..." —’ Tok Tok!’ Hearing the gentle knocking sound again, Sora replied. "Ah- coming, coming. Who is it?" "I am Stephanie Dora. I have something I would like to ask you regarding the thing about today..." ........Stephanie.......Ah! Taking out his phone, Sora confirmed the photos that were taken before. The photo showed someone with red hair and blue eyes, similar to a noble girl. Yes, the pub downstairs was also a venue for games to elect a new king. "Ah, coming, I am opening the door." ".......Miwuuuuu...." "My little sister, it is a brother’s blessing for you to stick to me like that, but could you let go of my arm for a while? Otherwise, I can’t open the door." ".......?.......What?" Although S.H.I.R.O. was in a half-asleep state, she still let go of Sora’s arm. Dragging his heavy body off the bed, Sora stepped onto the wooden floors that creaked and proceeded to open the door. Appearing at the door was an appearance that was a far cry from the photo on the phone— A [Stephanie] that looked like she had suffered a huge blow. "Can you let me in?" "Ah. Ermm, okay." In short, Stephanie was then invited into the room. Sora then retrieved the chair from the corner of the room. He then sat on the chair because his little sister, who was sleeping drowsily on the bed, kept shifting positions. The first to open her mouth was Stephanie. "..........What exactly happened?" "—What? Ah, let me start first, because we are siblings, this is not what—" "....Guu......dumped, by Nii......" —Correction. Not half asleep— but S.h.i.+ro, who was 80% in sleep mode, applied more pressure onto Sora’s back. Although they did not know what common sense was like here, a tentative explanation was still needed. "Then— is it wrong? I’m Sora. The years I’ve been without a girlfriend equals my age, and I’m currently seeking a girlfriend right now, whoa♪." ".............That doesn’t matter at all." But Stephanie completely ignored the meaning of this sentence and feebly continued. "More importantly, I want to ask about something that happened during the day." (Day— day. Un, what was that again?) (Speaking of which, what’s the time now? I can’t even see the sun coming through the windows. Taking a glance at the phone, he saw that 4 hours had passed since the start of the rest— they had probably been sleeping for this long. "Today, right when you had brushed past my shoulders, you said to me something like ’Can’t you see you are being cheated?’" Just when s.h.i.+ro was grumbling vague nonsense, probably something about the current conversation, she closed her eyes and spoke. ".......So you.......really lost?" Stephanie seemed to be agitated by Shiro’s attitude. "—Yes.........yes, that’s right, I LOST! Now, just about everything is over!" Sora covered his ears to m.u.f.fle the shouting coming from Stephanie, who had abruptly stood up. "Ah— because of my lack of sleep, the sound will echo back and forth in my head, so please refrain from shouting so loudly...." Toward Stephanie, who threw a heated temper tantrum that included banging the table with her purse, Sora made only a small and humble request, but it didn’t pass. s.s her ears, and she started crying with an even sharper voice. "Since you knew that the opponent was cheating, wouldn’t it have been good for me if you had explained the cheat to everyone?! I could have won if you had exposed the truth!" Sora then remembered what he had read before going to sleep and said. "Eh........ number eight of the [Ten Oaths]: if cheating is detected during a game, it will be regarded as a defeat..." Which is to say, you win if you know that you are being cheated. But she failed to realize that if it cannot be proved, the person cheating wouldn’t be defeated. "I lost, thanks to you! Arghhh, now I am even eliminated from the competition for the throne!" "......So..........." The drowsy s.h.i.+ro spoke with a lisp. ".......So you lost.........and were in denial.............so you came here.........to vent?" Hearing Shiro’s blunt and unabashed opinion, the blood pressure that spiked as a result forced Stephanie to grind her teeth. "Ah~my little sister, can we not pour oil on the fire while pretending to be asleep?" "...........Guu........why did..........you reveal that?" "You woke up after I said [Looking for girlfriend]... furthermore, we don’t have any companions here, sooo, we really should be more friendly—" —But. Sora suddenly stopped speaking. An idea surfaced in his mind. Seeing the idea forming in her brother’s mind, s.h.i.+ro became silent. On the other hand, Sora, who seemed like he had changed his mind, said with a sardonic smile. "But, what my little sister said was also true. Humans who always fail are taken for granted." "........What did you say?" Stephanie’s mouth gaped. But Sora disregarded her shock and, deliberately using vulgar eyes, looked up and down Stephanie’s body. Just like a fantasy world Ojou-sama, she wore a fluttering dress that had lace everywhere. Sora’s eyes seemed to be licking her body, observing her voluminous figure that couldn’t be hidden even if she wore a dress. Carefully selecting words that would set off the opponent, Sora said. "Not even being able to see through cheating of that degree, and then suddenly running here to have a tantrum..........you’re even getting angry at a child hitting the nail— you are a simpleton. And if you are the lineage of that foolish old king, then I suppose failing would be something natural for you." Part 8 Sora said this with eyes that were filled with pity reserved for extremely unintelligent organisms. Widening her eyes and trembling while directing a burning death glare towards Sora, another furious expression emerged on Stephanie’s face. "Please... take that back." "Take it back? Haha, why?" "Be that as it may— I definitely won’t allow you to ridicule my dear Ojii-san!" Facing against Stephanie’s solemn protesting, Sora only scoffed and waved his hands. "The reason why you didn’t notice that cheat was because you were too defensive— rather than taking risks, you tried to choose a safer way to win. This kind of people concentrate too much on securing themselves that they don’t even have the spare capacity to pay attention to the opponent’s actions." He gave a sarcastic smile while tossing out these cheeky words. "A simpleton with a low boiling point that can’t even control your own emotions because you’re so conservative. IMHO[10], that is simply out of the question for a gamer!" "Be quiet. If I wanted your opinion, then—" Preventing his escape from the chair, Stephanie was in a posture like she was ready to grab hold of Sora, but Sora continued to speak. "Then, let’s play a game." "Eh? What?" Stephanie was suddenly confused. But she remained vigilant and questioned Sora about what he had just said. "Nothing, it doesn’t require any complex thinking. It’s just rock, paper, scissors. Heard of it? Rock, paper, scissors." "Rock, paper, scissors—? That... un, I know." "Un, this world is indeed a great help. Then we will use that to determine the winner, just that—" Saying that, Sora put up his fingers. As if saying it carefully for Stephanie to hear, Sora slowly continued. "Not ordinary rock, paper, scissors— do you understand? I will only use paper." "Ah?" "If I were to throw anything other than paper, then I would [Lose]........but, if I beat you with something other than paper, you will also lose, leading to a [Draw]. Of course, if I throw out Anything other than paper and I draw, then I will still [Lose]." "—" (Losing if it isn’t paper? What does this guy think he’s saying?) Stephanie became more alert. "—The wager, what will it be?" It was such a big help of you to be so sensible— Sora thought about saying this, then smiled and replied. "If you win, I will accept all of your requests. Whether you want me to tell you the reason you lost or the truth behind that cheat, or even if you want me to die in repayment for calling your foolish king a foolish king, it doesn’t matter." "......Youuuuu!" "So! Conversely, if I win, you must accept all of my demands." Sora looked happy, but he had on an expression that was colder than ice, with a creepy smile that had emerged. Using a tone that was dirty, ugly, and cold, Sora continued speaking. "We are betting our fates here— so it’s not a problem for you to wager your chast.i.ty, right?" All of the hot blood rushing into Stephanie’s head calmed down due to this coldness. But, because Stephanie’s mind had calmed down, she prudently questioned. "What if— we draw?" "Then I will give you a little hint on how you were cheated... as consideration." Sora’s attitude suddenly changed, and as if troubled, scratched his head and said with a smile. "I can make do with a trivial wish. Although what we have on hand seems like it’ll last us a few days— I’ll be straightforward, after four days of staying here, we’ll have no food or place to stay. And in the long run, we are still worrying about what to do next......." "—Which means, you want me to provide you with accommodations." In response to Stephanie’s reply, Sora only returned a smile.. —Nothing was said. This means that this man was temporarily trying to scrounge a little bit. "So, how do you feel~? Accept, or deny?" "........" "Well, even if you learn how the opponent cheated, you are already disqualified from the throne selection. Not to mention that there is no benefit to taking an unnecessary risk if you are someone who loves a defensive war! So even if you refuse, it’s nothing." Sora brazenly provoked her. Despite it being such a blatant provocation, Stephanie still accepted it without flinching. ".......Okay, let’s do this then— 【 Acciente】 !!!" —That was an oath to make sure the game followed the [Ten Oaths]. A word that declares full intention to G.o.d to perform a wager in absolute compliance to the [Ten Oaths]— swearing to G.o.d, the absolute requirement when gambling. "OK, then I shall also- 【 Acciente】 ." Sora gave a leering smile— that vow from his mouth was both unpredictable and askew. In Stephanie’s mind, she began thinking intensely. (—Only throw out paper?) (Unless he thinks that I would cheerfully throw out scissors.) (Looking at the conditions he suggested— his intentions are obvious.) (The goal of that man is to reach a tie.) (This man is only trying to get food and accommodation— he doesn’t understand the cheat.) (This should not be the truth now.) (If he would lose if he doesn’t use paper, then my chances of winning are—) Rock: 2 wins, 1 loss. Scissors: 2 wins, 1 draw. Paper: 1 win, 2 draws. (He announced that he wouldn’t choose anything other than paper.) (If I innocently sent out scissors, he would choose rock.) (He plans on mocking me by saying, "Haha, just as I expected~ it was hard on you, you single-celled idiot".) (But if that was so, if I used paper— it would be impossible for me to lose.) (But it would still fulfill his goals if the result was a draw.) (This man thinks that I won’t use rock.) (Because, that’s the only choice that I have with a possibility of losing!) (—Treating me like an idiot!) (Both rock and scissors are good; my chances of winning are [2:1]) (Thinking as you wish— I will not let you get away with a draw!) Trying to penetrate through Sora, Stephanie stared at him with sharp eyes. "——" —However, Stephanie, who looked at Sora’s expression, could not help but take a deep breath. Because there was a skinny man that was troublesome— or not. Calmly, the man who was confident that he would win revealed a faint smile. Seeing Sora’s expression, blood rushed into Stephanie’s head once again as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on her. (No, don’t be impetuous, keep calm.) Finis.h.i.+ng those words in her head, Stephanie started brainstorming again. Rashness, emotions, and simplicity- what if he sees through all of these? Stephanie said to herself and noticed something. —Right. This, of course, was an obvious matter. (This guy—this man—declared that paper was the only exception!) (In addition, no matter what other method he uses, he can not [Win].) (So— no matter what I choose, this man only announced that he would choose [Paper].......) (Victory would come to him if he happened to get a lucky draw, and a tie would be expected— that’s right!) (The possibility of losing is the same no matter what!) "Then, should we start?" Sora asked with the air of winner— but. "Yeah, you too. Are you prepared to comply with the Oaths?" Stephanie, who believed that she would win, replied. (I have already seen through your tricks— go on and put on the expression of a lost dog[11]!) "Then let’s begin. Ready- rock, paper...—" —Rock. Stephanie had used [Scissors]. "What—" She widened her eyes because Sora had chosen [Rock]. "Whu, What— Wh, Why.......like this....." "Although it is laudable that you honestly came out with scissors and did not give into the provocation— in the end, you are still too inexperienced." Saying that, the ruthless edge and thin smile disappeared from Sora’s face. Sora sat on the bed again and lightly talked through the inner thought processes of Stephanie to her. "My provocation was to make rock appear to you as the only way you could lose." "........" "But my calm expression drove in an understanding that only by using paper would I [Win]." "—Wha......I was being read— So that expression... was all an act!?" "So far so good......But choosing [Paper] would have made me lose... this way, not only would you defeat my only chance of winning, you could also double your possibility of winning against me." —Everything was seen through- no, everything was manipulated by him. "Guuu—" Stephanie bit her lips and knelt with her hands supporting her body. The calming down process.....not only that, but even the winning idea that Stephanie had thought out was also predicted. —Finally, this. The reason why Stephanie lost during the day- this was the hint. However, Sora continued. "So, yeah, it was already decided that I would win from the outset of this game." "I know. You were aiming for a draw, right? Okay, what accommodations—" Stephanie, who had lost, casually replied- but. "Well, about that right there. You’re wrong, you know?" ".......Ah?" "Try hard to recall it, okay? How did I say it?" "I can make do with a trivial wish. Although what we have on hand seems like it’ll last us a few days— I’ll be straightforward, after four days of staying here, we’ll have no food or place to stay. And in the long run, we are still worrying about what to do next......." "Right, there’s a problem here! When...did I ever say what the specific contents of my [Trivial wish] were?" "...................Ah!?" Stephanie hurriedly got up and protested. "Eh, because, didn’t you already affirm that you only required accommodation!?" "Un, but I didn’t confirm it~" Stephanie tried to recall what had happened like a video playback with sound, fully utilizing her mind. With no place to stay and no food, how did he conceal the next words? Sora—this man—had only.... Smiled. —So the reason for his wishful thinking was to scrounge for more— "Ah—ah—" "Looks like you understand! Then please listen carefully to my [Trivial wish]♪." With Sora wearing a smile, ’Sha—’ he suddenly pointed his finger towards Stephanie. "Fall in love with me!" Part 9 ..................— .......A long silence. The first to break the awkwardness, the one who was always silent, was s.h.i.+ro, who watched innocently from the sidelines. ".......Erm, Nii?" "Hehehe, what is it, my little sister? Was my plan so perfect that it moved you to speechlessness?" Although he could not understand his little sister’s intentions, Sora was already intoxicated with his perfect command. 【 6】 "As per the Oath", the wager will be unconditionally adhered to. Also, considering the case of the ninth Oath, because of G.o.d’s power, the order couldn’t be stopped by anything. Well, of course, that also includes the individual’s free will! But— "........That.........is..........what is going on..........?" Facing his little sister, who was simply clueless, Sora also made an expression as if he did not understand anything. "Oya, it is surprising that you don’t understand, my little sister. Isn’t there a saying that ’love is blind’? If it is in absolute compliance with the Oaths, then of course she would have to completely [Dedicate herself] to me, right? Accommodation, money, even talent can be gained...isn’t this killing three birds with one stone♪?" Sora said it like this, wondering why she couldn’t understand even though she had such a good mind. s.h.i.+ro muttered softly. "......."Become my property".......wouldn’t that........do?" "———Nn?" ".........For that........you.........get everything." "Eh, ah... ehhhh?" Sora was confused for an instant. After that, he started accelerating his thinking process. If it was just as his little sister had said, the command of [Become my property]... Everything that belongs to a property naturally belongs to its master— "Ah, eh? Wouldn’t that kind of way be much more favorable... huh?" (Why didn’t I think of that——?) Shouldn’t he have said that? Planning policies had always been his responsibility since the beginning, so why would Sora, who claimed that he had the performance and strength, do that? "...............Nii......your wish..........was mixed inside?" "——Ahhhh......." s.h.i.+ro— gazed coldly at him with half-closed eyes, and not because she was still drowsy. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Sora cried and hugged his head. "I, I actually... turned out to be like this!? Was it about that- if I missed this chance, I’d never get a girlfriend?! Did the superficial sense of inferiority of not having a girlfriend cloud my judgment at the last minute? No, I'm...impossible... how could I, I make such a silly mistake—" Impossible. For one of the wings of 『 』 to commit such a mistake, Sora felt dizzy. As if she was unhappy with something, s.h.i.+ro continued to say with her cold voice. "......Nii.........you said you had......no need for a girlfriend.................that as long as s.h.i.+ro was here.......that would be good enough............" "That was me saying too much! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I am so sorry, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" With his little sister pouting on the bed, Sora knelt in front of her as if in a devout kind of worship and apologized. "Af, after all, I am unable to do that kind of thing to my little sister! You are only 11 years old! If I did it, I would be taken away by the cops! And with your brother of age, this sort of desire is natural—" Sora, who was chattering all kinds of excuses. And s.h.i.+ro, who was staring with cold eyes. Furthermore, "—" After being requested to fall in love, Stephanie was thrown aside and had her head lowered while trembling. Yes. Just as Sora had thought, there could be no refusal to the Oaths. Which was this world’s absolute law. But— her cheeks were burning, and the rapid beating of her heart could not be stopped. Because Sora had ignored her to talk to his little sister, Stephanie felt worried. —Even if this was the law of this world. No. Because of this man. Because of this guy. —She actually— "felt jealous"—! "How can I acknowledge thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis!" "Whoa, that scared me!" With the force built up from her anger, Stephanie finally shrieked out. Intending to resist the implanted feelings, she glared at Sora— but. "—Wh, whoaa!" When their eyes met, her heartbeat suddenly quickened, and her face became hotter. "Wh, wha, what what what kind of [Trivial wish] was that! You, you dare toy with a maiden’s heart!?" To try and avoid this effect, Stephanie changed her line of sight and shouted. Despite standing up aggressively, she still lacked a bit of momentum. "Ah, that... about that..." Sora scratched his cheeks and shifted away his eyes with an embarrassed look on his face. He had originally wanted a development to happen, but due to his huge mistake, some of his goals were not achieved, and Sora could not help but be worried. "That, about that, s.h.i.+ro? What do I do?" "........I.....don’t know....." "Guuuuuu..." Losing face and seeking help from his little sister, only to be coldly cast aside— "What a pain— *cough*!" No matter. Sora, who had finally made up his mind, coughed. He decided to treat the mistake as if it did not even happen. Sora, feeling good again, could not help but giggle. "The definition of trivial depends on the person. You only wanted one bite of the dessert, but that one bite was the whole thing[12]..." Probably back to his normal state, Sora fluently said this. "Isn’t, isn’t that a fraud!" But, Stephanie didn’t accept his form of interpretation and strongly reb.u.t.ted. —The voice of Sora that flowed into her ears made her feel embarrassed. Even though she hoped that he would keep his mouth, the problem was that she wanted to listen to his voice. Using a [Request for an explanation] as an excuse to try and do this, she repressed the entanglement in her heart and retorted. With absolutely no idea of how to deal with the kind of feelings entangling in Stephanie’s heart(nor any reason to), Sora (eighteen years old, virgin) calmed down. And as if pointing out a childish mistake, he pointed to Stephanie. "Yup, right there. You were paying attention to the content of the game, yet you ignored its premise. That won’t do; without any specific nature of this statement... for example, even if an alarmist emphasizes hearing the winning conditions, sometimes their focus will deliberately get fuzzed up, get it~" —After all, the purpose of this game was to have a draw. That was the twist that separated the casual players from the strategists. Winning wasn’t just about having the best hand; it was about understanding the underlying rules that governed the stakes. The real challenge lay in navigating the complexities of the game while keeping a clear mind. Only those who could see beyond the obvious would truly grasp the essence of the competition, and in this case, that meant knowing when to hold back and when to push forward.