Lr stories part 1: Power royale

Chapter 23: Jackpot

**Announcer 1:** "Alright, folks! Get ready for another twist in the Power Royale! Just when you thought things couldn't get crazier, we're introducing a new rule that's going to shake the battlefield to its core!"

**Announcer 2:** "Indeed. The stakes have just been raised. When a contestant receives a donation of 10 million dollars, they get a jackpot that boosts their power significantly. This could change everything."

---

The night was calm, save for the crackling of the campfire that flickered in the middle of the dark clearing. William, Angelo, and Kindliker sat around the flames, each lost in their thoughts after the brutal day they had endured. The air was thick with tension, the scent of charred wood mixing with the metallic tang of blood that still lingered in William's nostrils.

Angelo poked at the fire with a stick, his face illuminated by the orange glow. He was quiet, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced by something more somber. Kindliker sat with his knees to his chest, glancing nervously between his two companions, his usual blabbering silenced by the events of the day.

William leaned back against a tree, his arms crossed, eyes scanning the surroundings. He was tired but restless. Bordy's words still echoed in his mind—"You can never truly kill a patriot." The former senator had been delusional, but there was something unsettling about his conviction.

The silence was broken by the familiar booming voice of the **Announcer 1**, his energy palpable even through the distant loudspeakers scattered across the landscape.

**Announcer 1:** "Attention, Power Royale contestants! We've got some exciting news for you! As of now, any player who receives a donation of 10 million dollars will unlock a jackpot power boost! That's right, folks! The audience can now directly influence the game by making their favorite fighter even more powerful!"

**Announcer 2:** "This could drastically shift the balance of power. Contestants, take note—your fate might just rest in the hands of the audience."

The announcement reverberated through the darkened forest, hanging in the air like a storm cloud ready to break. William raised an eyebrow, his mind racing with the possibilities. He could feel the anticipation building within him—this was a game-changer.

"10 million dollars, huh?" William said, breaking the silence as he leaned forward, the firelight casting sharp shadows on his face. "Looks like we're about to see some serious power plays."

Angelo frowned, his eyes still focused on the flames. "That kind of money... it means the richest contestants, or the ones with the most popular appeal, will become even stronger. This isn't about skill anymore—it's a popularity contest."

Kindliker looked up, his eyes wide with fear. "But what if someone like Benito gets it? That guy's already dangerous... imagine him with more power!"

William smirked, though there was little humor in it. "That's the game, Kindliker. Adapt or die. If someone gets that boost, we'll have to deal with it. Simple as that."

Angelo shifted uncomfortably, his thoughts turning to his family's bakery back home. He had entered Power Royale for a noble cause, but this new rule made everything feel even more unpredictable. He had done the right thing, stayed true to his morals, but he wondered how long he could keep it up in a game that seemed more rigged with each passing day.

The fire crackled louder, a spark shooting into the night sky, as if the universe itself was responding to the tension that hung between them.

"Do you think any of us will get it?" Kindliker asked, his voice small and trembling.

William glanced at him, then at Angelo, before shrugging. "Who knows? Maybe. But don't count on it. We need to focus on what we can control."

"Yeah," Angelo added, his voice steadying. "We're still in this, and as long as we're alive, we've got a shot."

Kindliker nodded slowly, though he didn't look convinced. He had always been the underdog in this competition, and the idea of some players getting an instant advantage only made him feel more hopeless.

Suddenly, the crackling of the fire was interrupted by the distant sound of cheering—an echo from somewhere far off in the night. It was faint but unmistakable. Someone, somewhere, was celebrating.

William stood up, his senses on high alert. "Sounds like someone just hit the jackpot."

Angelo quickly followed suit, his animal instincts kicking in. "We need to be ready. Whoever it is, they're going to be more dangerous than before."

Kindliker scrambled to his feet, his heart pounding in his chest. "But what do we do? We don't even know where they are!"

William's eyes narrowed as he looked out into the darkness. "We stick together, keep moving, and don't let our guard down. No one is invincible—not even with a power boost."

The three of them exchanged determined glances, the firelight casting their shadows long and fierce against the trees. The night was no longer calm—it was filled with the promise of chaos, as the battlefield shifted once again.

As they gathered their belongings and prepared to leave, William couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This was what he lived for—the unpredictability, the thrill of the fight. He wasn't here to make friends or do the right thing. He was here to win. And with this new rule, the game had just gotten a lot more interesting.

---

**Announcer 1:** "Oh, baby! Did you hear that? The sound of power shifting hands! Who will be the first to unlock the jackpot? Stay tuned, because things are about to get wild!"

**Announcer 2:** "Indeed. The Power Royale has always been a test of strength, strategy, and survival. But now, it's also a test of who can capture the audience's favor. Let's see who rises to the challenge—and who falls."

---

*To be continued...*