The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 58: Champion

Chapter 55: Champion

Somewhere sometime before the end:

"You-you can't do this," Ardent yelled to the woman in front of him. He had gone through too much for it all to end now. The woman looked at him with firm eyes. There was indifference, there was rage, pity, disappointment, love, melancholy and so much more in those eyes. They looked at him and swam with emotion.

"This world must end," the woman spoke back. "It has gone too far and must be reborn."

"Fuck that!" Ardent screamed in passionate anger. "There are people worth saving. We are not done! We can keep going. I got here. After everything, all those tests, I proved we could make it."

"You," the woman eyed him. "You are an exception but... I am the End."

"No," Ardent grit his teeth. "You've just given up. I can prove it. I will prove it! We deserve to live. This world broken by demons; I'll show you we stand a chance."

"And just how will you do that?" the woman asked curiously. "You who clearly has an agenda."

"Of course I do. I want my family to live. I want them to be happy. I'll show you a world where we win."

"So be it," the woman smiled, both sincere and callous. "Use the Void that was passed on to you. Go and prove your determination."

Ardent stood proudly, "So it shall be."

**

Veranvanter:

The waiting room common area currently had two occupants, Vanter and Arvel. The two sat a metre apart on the large couch that sat before the holographic screen showing the current match of the tournament. It was the fight before the final fight. The match to see who would come third and fourth. The two players on the screen, Bon-Hwa and Crozen.

"They're doing rather well all things considered," Arvel began as he picked up a small glass of amber liquid and sipped it. With only the two of them in the waiting room, he had removed his mask, setting it on the table in front of them. He grinned, "I know its virtual alcohol but it's still pretty good. It's unfortunate you won't get more than a little buzz from it."

Vanter looked at the man currently embodying his best friend's avatar, "Have you ever tried the real thing?"

"On occasion," Arvel looked at the liquid favourably. "Dwarven fire whiskey. You get the same burn and spice, but the kick after just can't compare."

"Really, who the hell are you?" Vanter sighed the question.

Arvel's smile turned to a smirk, "Patience my friend. Win the coming match and all can be yours and more."

"I'm not your friend," Vanter replied dryly.

"I guess the feeling only goes one way then," Arvel laughed. Vanter looked at him in cognitive dissonance. The man's laugh was rough and bled confidence compared to the real Ardent and seeing it come from the avatar that was made to look exactly like him felt strange.

Vanter faced the screen again. Bon-Hwa and Crozen were really going at it. They were both showing off techniques they didn't have the opportunity to show during their previous matches. The back and forth between them was action packed as it came. The two on the couch however didn't pay them much mind.

"Can I ask you a question?" Vanter began.

"You already have," Arvel chuckled, "but yes, go ahead."