A God’s Game: Tiebreaker Part 2

By Andrew Whyte

Failure. Abuse. Loss. Pain. That is what Warterria brings, that is what the remaining players of this deadly game have experienced. And that is why so many are willing to do whatever it takes to win. Every human in Warterria has their own life to live and they aren’t willing to give up on it so easily. With their dreams, goals, beliefs, and desires on the line, everything is coming to a head. So with the final stage set, it only makes sense for the self-conscious Rift to challenge the condescending god, Vokai, to one more game. A game between man and god that will decide the outcome of how everything else will go for the humans trapped in Warterria. Will everything Rift learned and experienced be enough to topple a god or will centuries of godly gaming knowledge overwhelm this one human? Will the humans finally be free of this gaming torment, will the three gods finally proclaim one of them as the true god of games, or will human unpredictability flip everything on its head in this heart-pounding conclusion of a god’s game?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798823018760

Andrew Whyte

Creative, methodical, and passionate. These are the traits that best describe the fresh, new author, Andrew Whyte. He was born and raised in New Jersey and graduated from Kean University. As a child, Andrew spent most of his free time doodling and developing short comics. As he got older the doodling stopped, but his desire to tell stories continued to grow. When he isn’t reading comic books, watching anime, or playing games, Andrew enjoys turning his overactive imagination into full-fledged fiction novels. Some of his favorite stories contain psychological, suspenseful themes that focus on morality and human nature. Andrew’s goal is to become a writer that blends together the wonders of fantasy with the cruelty of reality into epic tales you won’t want to miss. A God’s Game: Tiebreaker, Part 2 is his third book and the last installment in the A God’s Game series. To ask questions and learn more, connect with Andrew on Twitter @Andrew_Comics or Instagram @andrewxcomics.

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© 2024 Andrew Whyte. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 12/12/2023

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1878-4 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1877-7 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1876-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023923468

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Author’s Note

Prologue

Character Chart

Chapter 1    Take the Time to Talk

Chapter 2    Move Up Two Spaces

Chapter 3    Place Your Bets

Chapter 4    A God’s Counterplay

Chapter 5    Godfall

Chapter 6    All In

Chapter 7    A Game to Die For

Chapter 8    A Victory to Strive For

Chapter 9    A Game’s Beginning

Chapter 10   Boss Battle: God versus Nonbeliever

Chapter 11   And the Winner Is

Chapter 12   Restart

Epilogue

About the Author

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Thank you for taking the time to pick up A God’s Game: Tiebreaker Part 2. This novel is the third book I ever wrote and published. So it is important to make clear that this is the third and last book in the A God’s Game series. So it is highly recommended to see where the craziness began. The series starts with A God’s Game followed by A God’s Game: Tiebreaker Part 1. This book gives a brief summary of everything that has happened so far. But the best way to experience this epic is to read everything from the beginning. I hope you enjoy the heart-pumping finale of this thrilling story of life and death.

PROLOGUE

G reg was a true believer in the idea that all the humans in Warterria could find a way to get out if they all worked together. He believed that they didn’t have to submit to the will of the gods. He believed this was true all the way up to the day that he died. However, unity, communication, trust, teamwork. Life has a way of having all those concepts crumple when you least expect it. This is t ruth.

However, there is another truth: human beings are like cockroaches, they don’t go down easily. Greg may be gone, but his drive to save the remaining players in the game lives on in others. Rift is not the confident, hopeless optimist that Greg was. However, after surviving the situations he didn’t think he would survive, fighting the battles he didn’t think he would survive, and having Greg entrust his research to him, how could Rift not take up the mantle of not giving up on everyone in the game?

After finding new clues and leads to escape this death game, Rift decided to meet with enemy groups, like Shaun’s and Skylar’s, only to be met with rejection. However, with the help of allies like Xavier, Nina, Jess, Axel, and Allison, Rift was eventually able to reach a new phase in his survival plan: meeting a grumpy, restless author, Malcolm Barkley. Noticing that the characters from Malcolm’s early fantasy novel, Titan Wars, closely resemble the appearance and personality of the gods of games, Allgomac, Bograv, and Vokai, Rift sought to get as much information as he could from the isolated author to find some type of weakness to use against his game-loving overseers.

However, things, as we know, don’t always go as planned. As Rift sought to find a solution, other problems continued to occur in this inescapable life-or-death game. Allison met a horrible end after being forced by others to fight the insecurities in the back of her mind once again. The constant abuse that Pete received at home pushed him to the point of murdering his cruel, spiteful father in a fit of rage. And a religious Miguel, who lived his life with a seemingly unshakeable faith in God, had his faith and mind broken after pieces of his life fell apart one by one.

And to top off the bad news, the gods of games received word that they are being summoned back to their realm and needed to wrap up their game. So, with time now being an added enemy to the players, this is it. The end of the road. The last lap in the race. The final turn in the game is here. A lot of problems will reach their final resolutions, but the biggest question that will finally be answered is: How will this all end?

CHARACTER CHART

To help you better understand and differentiate between each human in A God’s Game: Tiebreaker Part 2.

CHAPTER 1

Take the Time to Talk

I remember back in my high school years, my family was in the middle of celebrations—numerous loved ones, lots of food, loud music, and smiles and laughter everywhere. From what I can remember, my younger sister had just impressed everyone, being the lead at an end-of-the-year play, and my older brother recently informed our parents of an amazing job offer he got at a residential architectural firm right out of college. So I guess it was a dual party of sorts to celebrate both their talents and successes.

At one point when things calmed down and people were about to talk more in depth, my brother and sister were surrounded by members of the family praising and congratulating them. Those two were at the center of attention, but as their sibling, I suppose I shouldn’t have been shocked that unwanted attention eventually spilled over to me. One of my uncles asked how things were going with me, pretty much expecting me to list out all my overwhelming achievements. But that wasn’t the case. I spoke up about a short story I had been writing, but it didn’t take long for interest in my life and in me to quickly disappear. It’s weird—sometimes it is the smallest moments humans remember so vividly. I think this moment lingers in my head because it was the moment I truly understood that I was unnecessary and insignificant. I wasn’t my siblings. I wasn’t smart, confident, strong, artistic, outspoken, or charming. I was nothing. And that way of thinking hasn’t changed since.

However, even though I understood my own worthlessness, I was—am—still alive. Because of that, I still dream, the same as everyone else. There are things that even someone like me wants to do, to achieve, to reach. If I’m not living my life doing what I want, then what the hell is the point of living? I don’t believe in my own ability to reach my dream, yet I’ve lived my life by those words. I didn’t know how else to live. Not too long ago, a friend told me to continue to live even when our situation seems hopeless. Well, if that is what I’m going to do, I’ll do so trying to reach an impossible goal because, after all, what the hell else am I living for?

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Ready to set things in motion, Rift quickly rolled out of bed, brushed his teeth, and changed his clothes. Rift rushed out of his house with a set destination in mind. While on his journey, Rift took out his phone and tried to call Axel. As Rift jumped from building to building, going from city to city, his call went straight to voice mail.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that he’s ignoring me. This ain’t something easy to recover from. But, unfortunately, now isn’t the time to worry about that, Rift thought.

A few minutes later, Rift arrived at his destination. He walked up to an apartment building and examined it. He saw a floating green arrow on one of the floors. After walking up several flights of stairs, he traveled down the hall and made it to the door that had the green arrow behind it. He knocked on the door and waited. When the person he was looking for answered the door, Rift said, We need to talk.

You gotta be kiddin’ me, Jamal said. After Rift insisted, Jamal reluctantly let him in. Jamal led him to the living room. Rift took a thorough look around Jamal’s apartment. He saw that the place was pretty cramped. A lot of old junk was piled into several corners. The wooden floor had missing parts and looked scratched up. The ceiling had blots of stains in different places. Jamal picked up his little sister from her playpen. Jamal’s mother walked out of her room, yelling at Jamal to take care of Sara. She was startled when she realized someone else was in their home. Rift greeted her and apologized. She told him not to worry and then told Jamal to take care of his sister because she was going to the store. After his mother left, Jamal walked into the kitchen area while carrying his baby sister. Rift took a seat on a stool next to the kitchen counter. There was a long silence as Rift watched Jamal put a milk bottle into the warmer.

I heard from Axel that Emily has been trying to reach you and you haven’t been answering, Rift finally said.

What I got going on ain’t your business. What does it matter to you? Jamal complained.

Just doesn’t seem like you. Doesn’t seem like you to give up, Rift acknowledged.

Hey, I never said I gave up! As if I’d just throw my life away! Jamal argued as he pointed at him.

That’s true, especially with the reward at the end. Whoever wins gets their wish granted. That could really help when one has a run-down lifestyle, Rift explained as his eyes darted around the apartment. Which raises the question, why did you do it?

What?

You spared Axel. If you didn’t, I don’t know if I would have been able to save him. So why?

It’s whatever. Just got tired of Skylar’s bullshit. That’s it, Jamal snapped.

Even so, you could’ve put up with it long enough to get what you wanted, he countered.

Maybe I found my own way of doing shit. All right! Jamal shouted. The shout made baby Sara begin to cry. Jamal tried shaking her more gently as he reached for her bottle. Damn it, he whispered as he held up the bottle for his sister to drink from.

Found his own way? No one’s heard from him in a while. He’s just been here, Rift thought. He looked up and saw Jamal passionately caring for his sister. With a sudden realization, Rift said, You’ve just been here taking care of your family—using the power of the warrior mode, I bet.

We’re in a death game with unnatural powers. Damn right I’m gonna use them to make their lives better while I still can, Jamal confessed.

You and I may be different people, Jamal. But I believe that deep down we want the same thing, Rift explained as he stood up.

I ain’t about heroics like you are all of a sudden, Jamal said.

Ha, well, you never know until the time comes, he replied as he started to walk away.

Where the hell are you going? You never said what you wanted, Jamal called out.

I did. I said I just wanted to talk. But I’m in a hurry. There are several others I have to talk to as well, he explained.

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Over in California, Skylar continued to spend time alone trying to clear her mind. While at home, she spent the morning trying to stop her father from calling her mother and convincing him to forget about her. Eventually, her father’s therapist arrived at the house to talk with him. The two went to her father’s studies while Skylar cleaned up around the house. Eventually, she stepped out onto the porch of her backyard. She received a text message from Emily. Feeling unresponsive and saddened, she didn’t reply and put her phone back in her pocket. She sighed before lying back in a lawn chair and closing her eyes.

To her surprise, a chill ran down her spine, telling her an enemy was near. She popped up out of her seat and entered warrior mode. Everything around her felt quiet and still. The only thing she could hear was a gentle breeze and the deafening sound of her heartbeat. She examined her backyard nervously. Just then, pieces of debris fell from the roof. She immediately turned around, raising up her daggers. She deflected her attacker’s strike at the last second. Her attacker jumped from the roof and lunged at her. After getting blocked, he landed on the porch and turned to her.

Impressive. I see you definitely keep your skills sharp within the game, Miguel said as he raised up his daggers.

Shit. Wait, I don’t want to fight—

Before she could finish, Miguel began charging at her. She raised her guard up just in time to block the hit. The punch, however, sent her flying back. Skylar sailed over her porch and landed on the grass of her backyard. She quickly got up when she saw Miguel coming after her. Miguel came at her with a barrage of strikes from his daggers. Skylar, panicked, stayed on the defensive, evading Miguel’s attacks. Skylar gradually retreated back as he kept coming after her. With knowing and understanding the terrain of her backyard, she dodged Miguel as he went for a big swing. Miguel managed to strike the tree that was behind Skylar, causing his blade to get struck. As Miguel tried to pull out his dagger, Skylar quickly explained, Listen, you are obviously after completing this game! It will be easier if you have an unexpected ally! I can tell you where other people on my team are with ease! We can make a deal!

Miguel finally pulled the dagger out and stared at her blankly. He began walking toward her as he said, How dishonorable and malicious. Is that any way to play this game? Tell me, do you make this deal because it will help your team claim victory or simply to increase the chances of your own survival?

Is there a right answer to that question? she thought, entering a cold sweat. She insisted, Look, I’m sure we can help each other! Just—what do you want!

Miguel raised up his daggers and got into a fighting stance. He declared, We all have our role to play in this game. I am Miguel Diaz, warrior of the dagger, and my goal is to help Bograv claim victory in Warterria. To do so, I must eliminate every other game piece on the enemy teams.

Are you insane? Skylar cried, backing away.

No, just awakened, he answered as he rushed at her.

Miguel began attacking her again. Still panicked and unfocused, Skylar was stuck on the defensive. Miguel kicked Skylar back, making her crash through the fence. When Miguel stepped through the broken fence, he looked around for her. As he scanned the neighbors’ backyard, he got a glimpse of her running away. Skylar was now traveling on the rooftops. As she jumped from roof to roof, she thought, I can’t do this. I can’t do this right now. Damn it. I don’t think I have the energy and focus to survive this. My only chance is to get to Emily so we can fight this crazy bastard two on one.

Immediately after thinking this, Skylar took out her phone to try to contact Emily. As she woke up her phone screen, she dodged out the way when something came flying at her. The sudden attack of a flying, spinning dagger caused her to drop her phone. She looked back to see that Miguel was right on her tail. Realizing she didn’t have time to retrieve her phone, she tried to speed up. Barely looking where she was going, she eventually ran out of rooftops and jumped above a highway. She landed with a thud on the container of a truck. She began rolling but caught herself by stabbing her dagger in the top of the container. She looked back in time to see Miguel on a bridge above the highway and jumping down onto one of the cars. With the brief moment of relief she had, she called out for Vokai and asked him to send Emily a message that she needed her help. Vokai disappeared and reappeared instantly to confirm that he had sent the message. However, he reminded Skylar that it might take some time before Emily got to her location.

Miguel jumped from car to car, slightly denting the roof of each one as he got closer to the truck. Skylar threw her daggers at Miguel, but he evaded them with each jump. She called them back continuously trying to hit him. Eventually, he got to a car that was close enough to the truck. He started running to catch up to the vehicle. When he was next to it, he jumped at it and dug his daggers into the side of the container. Once he was able to get his footing on the side of the truck, he jumped up to where Skylar was. Realizing she couldn’t get away, she charged at him. The two began fighting on top of the truck. The two changed positions at one point, with Skylar now standing at the far back of the truck. They traded swing for swing, trying to stab the other. During the close combat, Miguel stabbed her in the side. Skylar growled in pain as she looked up past Miguel. Her eyes widened in fear. Then she quickly grabbed Miguel, making sure he stayed in front of her. When he saw her close her eyes and embrace herself, he looked behind him to see what she saw. Before he could react, the two bashed into the side of a bridge above the highway. The two went flying off the truck and landed in the dirt at the side of the highway. The two had broken bones and were bleeding everywhere. They looked like half-dead corpses as they struggled to get up before the other.

Bograv, as your humble game piece, give me strength. I hope I can put all that you showed me to use, Miguel thought as he raised up his dagger and stared at it. The symbols on the blade of the dagger transformed to English so Miguel could read it.

I shall forever ally with shadows and strike without hesitation, Miguel read on the dagger. As he finished reading the assassin’s oath, a surge of energy emitted from Miguel’s body. Skylar watched in confusion and disbelief as she felt the force coming from Miguel. She closed her eyes as intense winds whipped around the area. When she opened her eyes, she watched in horror as Miguel stood up completely healed and shrouded with a purple, glowing aura.

This is how it has to be for people on opposing teams. However, I do feel a kindred bond with you, us both being dagger wielders and all. But only one god can win. Good game, Miguel said as he walked over to her.

Just then, Miguel turned when he sensed someone else closing in. Rift came running in to see Miguel and a bruised-up Skylar. He panicked. Holy shit.

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My god. That’s pretty heavy stuff, Troy remarked, walking alongside Axel.

Yeah, Axel whispered, looking down at the sidewalk.

Axel had been able to find Troy. The two went for a walk as Axel explained what happened between him and Rift. Seeing that what happened weighed on Axel’s shoulders, Troy touched his shoulder and said, Try not to think about it too much.

If only it was that easy, Axel whined.

Unfortunately, you have to make it so it is. You are both teammates after all, Troy said, stretching his arms and then putting his hands on his head.

Well, yeah, but come on. How would I—

You’ll have to do something. Even if Rift no longer wants to talk to you, there is a lot at stake here where he’ll have to, whether he wants to or not, Troy said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Actually, he has been trying to contact me today, he said, rubbing his neck and looking away.

What! Well, that’s great. So what’s the problem? Troy said.

Axel turned to him, causing them to stop in the middle of the sidewalk. He snapped, What’s the problem? What if he is just angry with me? What if he just wants to curse me out or tell me never to talk to him again? Aah, what if he’s just trying to warn me that he is sending Xavier after me?

Okay, now I think you’re overreacting a little, Troy assured with a chuckle. Does Rift seem like someone who would do that?

No, I guess not, Axel whined, sounding uncertain as they continued to walk.

You know, I had a feeling that you were, ya know, he revealed.

Wait, really? How—

Back when you came up to talk to me at Darrell’s apartment. I wasn’t a hundred percent sure, but I had my suspicions. Troy smiled.

Probably should have just told you back then, but … it just isn’t easy for me to come out and say it, confided Axel as he held his arms nervously.

You should know that you never need to. You don’t owe anyone that. Your business is yours alone. However, if you want to talk about it with someone that’s another story. Trust me, I know it isn’t easy. You’re not alone in that, he said. But anyway the reason why I’m telling you I had my suspicions is because you’ll be surprised by who you could tell and everything will still be fine. I really think you should talk to Rift and see what he has to say.

And if it’s nothing good? Axel argued. I mean, he looked super pissed when he stormed out of my house.

Then at least you’ll know for sure. And plus, I’m still here if you want to talk, Troy answered.

Thanks. By the way, how are things with your teammate? asked Axel.

Troy’s face turned pale as he said, I … don’t know. He runs away every time he sees my arrow get close. Which means he must be in warrior mode all the time. I’m really afraid he’ll end up doing something that will cause even more chaos.

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The sound of bells chimed as the front door of a convenience store opened. Skylar looked up to see Rift walking out of the store. He walked over to her and reached out with a can of soda in his hand. Feeling very tired and slightly baffled, Skylar stared at him before sluggishly taking the soda. Then she handed Rift back his phone that she used to tell Emily that she was now okay. The two sat on a bench outside of the store. Skylar tried sitting up, then groaned, holding the side of her stomach.

Try not to move around so much until you finish healing completely, Rift advised.

Skylar popped open the soda and said quietly, Thank you.

You’re welcome. I wasn’t sure what kind you wanted, so I just went with Sprite, he explained.

I wasn’t talking about the soda, she said.

There’s no reason to thank me, Rift said, deadpan. I didn’t really do much of anything.

That doesn’t change the fact that I would’ve been dead if it wasn’t for you showing up, she said.

Rewinding back to where Skylar and Rift first met up, Rift stared in horror at Skylar, beaten up and covered in cuts, and Miguel standing over her with a dagger in each hand. Rift was taken off guard seeing the purple aura surrounding Miguel. Rift took a fighting stance as he tried to compose himself.

This fight is over. Walk away now! demanded Rift.

Miguel turned to Rift and just stared at him. A chill ran down Rift’s spine, while being uncertain of what to do next. Miguel then said, You’re that boy. The one who was at the church pleading with Shaun to stop playing the game.

Uh, yeah. I want to put an end to this madness without losing any more people, Rift declared.

In other words, you want to go against the desires of our gods. As pieces in this game, it is our goal to gain victory for our corresponding god, Miguel explained in a cold and matter-of-fact tone as he raised his dagger up, pointing it at Rift. But you wish to ignore the very essence of this game.

Wait, what? What are you saying? Rift said in a panic, holding up his hands, showing that he didn’t want to fight.

"You play this game only to go against its concept and purpose. You are a grieforus and need to be punished," Miguel declared.

What?

Miguel started to walk toward Rift. As soon as he did, Rift raised up his gauntlets and said the oath of the brawler. Immediately, a burst of black aura covered Rift. Miguel saw this and, to everyone’s surprise, put away his daggers. He said without hesitation, I yield.

I-I don’t understand, Rift said.

I was unaware you knew how to activate your aura. As the assassin piece, it is foolish to take someone of equal strength head-on. Even more foolish to get into a drawn-out fight giving you a chance to make it a two on one, Miguel acknowledged as he turned back to see Skylar healing up and crouching one knee. He started to walk away, saying, Looks like I have no choice but to retreat for now. Until next time, may the best game piece win.

After watching Miguel leave the area, Rift sighed in relief.

Back to present, Rift explained the aura that came out of the weapons and how to activate it. Skylar said, I see. And it’s called warrior drive?

Well, not officially; that’s just the name that I gave it, he said, sounding a little embarrassed.

Hmph, she grunted.

I heard you haven’t been in a talkative mood since what happened in the mansion, Rift said in earnest. And I know what you want out of all this.

How can you know what I want? she argued.

You want to win so that you can wish the illness of one of your loved ones to go away, right? he answered.

She whipped her head toward him and snapped, How did you—

Emily let Axel and I know. Plus, you kind of hinted toward it at the mansion. You never finished, but something about how you said it in the mansion made me know you had someone you’re close to who was sick or injured. May I ask who? Rift said. It’s your father, right?

Yeah, my … father. My mother and him … parted ways, and … he hasn’t recovered since, she forced herself to answer.

I’m sorry about that, Rift said sincerely. I’m also sorry that this game isn’t the way to solve it.

What? she replied defensively.

I’m sorry, but I can’t let you kill someone just to help your father. I hate that it has to be this way, but the fact of the matter is that this game isn’t the way to solve your problem. You’re going to have to give up on that, he said in earnest.

Just then, Rift was pushed up against the bench with a dagger pressed against his neck. Skylar held the knife firmly and growled, You got some nerve telling me to give up on my family. What’s stopping me from just killing you right now?

Rift looked at her with soft eyes and smiled. Your father … he’s lucky to have you. It’s obvious you have a good connection with him. I wish I had a family that would go to such lengths for me. Honestly, there are times when I think my parents and siblings forget my name.

There’s—there’s no way that’s true. You think a fake sob story will distract me, she snapped.

It’s not fake, nor is it a sob story. It’s just the way my family is. I don’t have any special connections with them, honestly. As weird as this may sound, the strongest bonds I have are with all of you, Rift revealed, still feeling the blade pressed against his neck.

What? Shut up, you idiot. You sound like a crazy person, Skylar warned with her voice starting to crack a bit.

You, me, and everyone in this game are experiencing the same fear, the same horror, the same anguish. In a way, I feel like that makes us all connected, having to go through this bizarre, unreal situation. This is something that we can’t share with anyone besides us, a pain that we are all going through that I want to help make go away … for all of us, Rift said.

Skylar lowered her head and grinded her teeth. She pressed even harder against Rift’s neck. Suddenly, she pulled back and withdrew her dagger. She growled, There’s no point killing you right now.

I don’t want to take up too much of your time, and there are others I’ve got to meet with, explained Rift as he stood up. I know you hate me, so asking you to believe me is probably pointless, but there’s no reason to risk everything killing others. In the end, you have to decide what you want to do. Hopefully you pick something that will help everyone.

Rift started to walk away but stopped when Skylar called for him. He turned to see her head down with her fists on her lap. Then he noticed water dripping onto her fists. Her fists tightened up as she cried, I don’t understand. After everything, why did you save me? Why didn’t you just leave? I hated you for killing Greg, I belittled you, I tried to torture Axel, and I tried to use you as bait. And you saved me. Even now, I just tried to kill you, and you still care! Why do you still care if I live! Why are you still trying to help me?

Why? I guess it’s because the fact of the matter is that we are all in this together, more than you know. And like I said, pain is a bond we all share, and I’d like to ease it … for all of us. Or maybe I’m just crazy like you said. He chuckled.

Skylar’s eyes lit up in disbelief as she wiped her face. And just like that, Rift was off to find the next person he needed to talk with.

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After easily retreating from a two-on-one fight, Miguel made his way to the abandoned church. He calmly entered the building and walked down the aisle. He made it up to the altar, knelt on one knee, and requested an audience with the god of games. Bograv appeared in front of Miguel.

Thank you for seeing me, God, Miguel greeted.

Cease this, Bograv insisted, shaking his head. This formality and worship is unnecessary.

Unnecessary? That’s absolutely not true, my lord. You are God, and I’m just a single human. It’s only fair that I acknowledge your status, replied Miguel.

There was a time none of you believed my status was true. Acknowledgment now is irrelevant. There are more urgent matters at hand, so stand, warrior of the dagger, insisted Bograv.

Miguel complied with the request and stood up. He said with a bow, You are obviously aware of recent events. My apologies for not finishing the kill.

No apologies necessary. You did the right thing, retreating. It was wise, Bograv consoled in earnest.

Which is why I’m requesting your advisement. How do you suggest I move forward? It is unlikely I can claim victory for you entering battles at disadvantages, said Miguel.

Stress not, warrior of the dagger. The answer is simple. This is why you have allies, warrior of the sword being your strongest one, the god advised casually.

Miguel looked away and lowered his head. Bograv noticed and said, Something troubles you?

Last time we teamed up, I failed him. I hesitated, and an enemy got away. I’m not so sure he would want to work with someone like that again, Miguel confessed.

Then it’s a good thing he won’t have to again. Because after all, the Miguel that stands before me now has been born anew. Your eyes are more clear and keen than they have ever been before, Bograv assured.

Your words honor me, god of games, Miguel said with a slight bow.

I thank you. With your help, this game will finally come to a close. Now go forth, warrior of the dagger, and show your opponent which warrior will stand last in Warterria, Bograv declared.

By your command, Lord Bograv, he replied.

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Meanwhile, Shaun was working hard at his house. He had his head in his textbook, studying for an exam for an upcoming class. He wrote very clear and thorough notes as he diligently scanned through his book. As he flipped to another page, he received a text message on his phone. The message was from Rift, asking where they should meet. Shaun frowned at his phone and then looked at his textbook. He replied with a message asking if this could wait. Rift responded with a cunning remark, saying that Shaun requested to be informed of a plan as soon as possible. With no way to argue, Shaun agreed and got ready to head out.

After a few minutes, Shaun came downstairs and headed toward the door. His father called as he got a glimpse of his son leaving, Where are you off to in such a hurry? Shouldn’t you be studying?

I was … Shaun said, crafting a lie as quick as he could. Unfortunately, I seem to have forgotten a book of mine at the campus.

That doesn’t seem like you at all. I hope this isn’t some attempt to goof off. I don’t have to remind you how important it is for you to finish college and get your degree, do I? his father said sternly.

No, sir, mumbled Shaun, looking down.

"Remember how important it is for you to go into the political world. You’ll be able to increase the fame and status of