Game of Divines (GoD)

Chapter VII: The Price of Survival

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the middle of the school field, my hands bound. I tried to stand up, but a sudden pain shot through my head. Blood dripped from a wound on my forehead, pooling onto the ground beneath me.

It was only now that I realized my blood had turned to gold, but it wasn't the vibrant yellow of the blood of the other god candidates; it was a deep rose gold that flowed from my body. I had no idea how this had happened.

I glanced ahead and saw Thaddaeus about ten meters away from me, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

"Ah, so you're awake, Judas district God candidate."

I struggled to stand, desperate to run away.

"Don't even think about trying to escape. The area around you is already rigged with bombs," Thaddaeus said, his voice laced with malice as he stepped closer, red energy crackling ominously around his hand.

"Let me go, Thaddaeus!" I shouted, writhing against my bindings.

I realized that Thaddaeus's disciples had also captured Cain. They were in the building where the other trapped students and teachers had gathered. Panic surged through me—what was I going to do?

"And you too, Cain! Don't even think about leaving there if you want to save the lives of all the students with you," Thaddaeus threatened, advancing towards me, the red energy intensifying in his hand.

In a desperate attempt, I cried out, "You're a monster!"

"Judah. Judah. Judah. I never knew you had a sense of humor," he taunted, his eyes glinting with sadistic glee.

"What are you talking about?!"

"You called me evil, didn't you? You might have forgotten that you're also part of the Game of Divines. You'll do anything to survive in this world!"

"You're mistaken! You'll see, you don't have to—" I was cut off as he raised his hand.

"Sssh! You're rambling like a chicken! Should I blow up that mouth of yours to make you quiet?!"

I fell silent, knowing he could easily carry out his threat whenever he wanted.

"Say your goodbyes, Judah." I shut my eyes, feeling the warmth of his glowing red hand drawing closer to my face.

No... It can't end like this. I'm not ready to die yet.

Suddenly, a loud explosion erupted nearby, jolting me back to awareness.

I turned my head toward the source of the sound.

More explosions rang out from inside the building where the students and Cain were trapped. I saw Cain burst through the door, his face a mask of determination, sprinting toward me. His eyes were filled with urgency, and I could see the adrenaline coursing through him as he navigated the debris strewn across the ground.

"Judah!" he shouted, but I could see the panic in his eyes as he glanced back at the chaos behind him.

"Cain! Watch out!" I yelled, but it was too late; the building shook from another explosion, sending shockwaves through the ground.

I could hear the screams of people inside as they gasped their last breaths amidst the chaos. Body parts and blood splattered everywhere, painting the scene with a gruesome red.

It was as if it was raining blood mixed with human flesh.

"W-What's happening?!" Thaddaeus exclaimed, his surprise evident as he turned to face the ongoing destruction.

"T-That's enough, Cain... They'll all die if you keep this up... Please stop," I whispered weakly, feeling my heart sink.

I had accepted it. I would die... I was going to die.

"Don't worry, Judas god candidate. You're not the only one who will die. You all will!" Thaddaeus sneered, his confidence unwavering despite the unfolding chaos.

I wanted to live.

Help... Someone help me!

"I'll blow them all up at once to celebrate your death!" Thaddaeus cackled, but before he could act, a sharp bone suddenly pierced his arm, severing it completely.

"Urghhhhhhh!" he screamed in agony, falling back as he clutched the stump where his arm had been.

Esau entered the fray dramatically, a surge of energy radiating from him as he manipulated the very bones around him. His presence was commanding, and he directed the sharp bones like weapons against Thaddaeus, each thrust precise and lethal.

"Don't get too comfortable, Thaddaeus God candidate. How dare you harm our god candidate and Cain?" Esau declared, stepping forward with an air of authority, his eyes locked onto Thaddaeus with fierce intensity.

"Sorry for my late arrival, King Judah," he said sarcastically, the smirk on his face contrasting sharply with the gravity of the situation.

"Try to move, Bone Manipulator. You'll ensure that everyone here dies," Thaddaeus threatened, his voice a low growl.

"Are you really trying to scare me? Go ahead, kill them! The only thing that matters to me is that you die, and our god candidate lives," Esau shot back, his confidence unwavering.

"Esau?" I was shocked by what I heard. I never imagined he would sacrifice the lives of others in the Judas district just to save mine. The life of a god candidate.

Why... Why must so many be harmed just for my survival?

"Accept this!" From above, Cain unleashed a powerful punch at Thaddaeus, but he managed to dodge it just in time.

Another sharp bone struck Thaddaeus in the thigh, causing him to stagger backward.

"Ahhhhhhhhh!" Thaddaeus continued to scream in pain from his severed arm and the blow to his thigh.

"It's over, Thaddaeus god candidate. You won't be able to move with all those injuries," Esau taunted, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

"IT CAN'T BE!!" Thaddaeus bellowed, panic creeping into his voice as the situation spiraled out of his control.

Simultaneous explosions erupted around us, and thick smoke engulfed the area, obscuring our vision.

"I can't see! Shit!" Esau complained, frustration etched on his face as he tried to assess the chaos.

"He's trying to escape!" Cain shouted, his eyes scanning the smoky battlefield for any sign of Thaddaeus.

"We will meet again, wretched Judas god candidate and your disciples! The next time we cross paths, I'll make sure you'll never see the sun again!" Thaddaeus roared, his voice echoing through the chaos.

I collapsed and breathed deeply as the smoke cleared, revealing that he was gone.

I had to be careful now, especially since someone recognized me.