The Sacred City of Ruin.

 

Among the many cities scattered around in this world continent, the city of ruin is perhaps more remote than the more remote cities existing…

[Resident data verification.]

[Resident number, 68th period, 80999, section C-63.]

[Fei Theophilus, welcome back.]

 

A city surrounded by thick steel walls ~

 and towards its entrance was a young man lost in self-thought.

 

“To be looking for a missing person for as long as 6 months… I… What am I even doing?”

The black-haired boy with his resident card tucked into his pocket, looked up at the wide sky and sighed loudly.

 “Even now the girl is without a trace. None can find her. Not even me. If this was the case, perhaps, just devoting myself to the ‘Play of Gods’ would have been better. But it’s too late for it now.”

“Oh well!”

Let’s just get back on track. Thinking about the lost time won’t change a thing.

I slapped my cheeks and started walking.

The city’s public roads were wide and beautiful. The electric cars driving on them are perhaps still the latest. As I look up, I see skyscrapers glowing in soothing dull colors.

It’s the same as six months ago.

The streets of this hidden city Ruin is still full of wonders, overflowing with life in all corners.

But, despite the scenery~~

One thing especially made Fei stop in his tracks. It was a huge screen latched on the building wall. The words displayed on the huge screen were

 

[No. of Apostles Playing]

 

Hundreds of spectators were engrossed in watching this ‘LIVE’ that was being broadcasted on this huge screen.

“Game battles with Gods? That too three Gods playing simultaneously?”

In those three Giant screens was broadcasted three different Gods with dozens of apostles challenging each of them.

[TL Note: A.k.a. Gamers]

 

[–A head-to-head Brain Battle Games between Gods and Humans]

 

Hundreds of spectators continued watching with bated breaths, praying for their success. Fei also continued to watch them from a distance.

And then, it was settled.

Within the few minutes of Fei’s oncoming, the victor was decided. Almost simultaneously, as if inevitable; on all these three screens, at once.

 

 — “Defeat” vs. Spirit Salamander, 82 hours of attack time, all 16 Apostles eliminated.

 –Defeat” vs. Nacht the Demon God: 7 hours, all 40 apostles eliminated.

 –Defeat” vs. Infinity God Ouroboros: 15 seconds, 69 apostles surrendered.

 

All in the audience let out a despondent sigh.

The sigh was so loud that even the birds on the tree branches flew away being surprised.

 

“The Salamander battle was too close, ……”

“Yes, even the match with Nacht could have been won if we could have just kept running and dodging for another hour. ……”

“Yeah… But the team… that drew out Ouroboros …… really a bad luck. ……”

 

The murmurs began subsiding as the spectators gradually began to disperse.

This became the best Box office entertainment as well as the greatest challenge for the entire humankind,

 

“The Play with Gods”.

 

This scene is actually quite a common occurrence, especially in respect to this game.

 

“Why am I just standing here! Even though, I am also one of them!”

As he was about to turn back and leave reminding himself of thus~~~

 

“Hey! Isn’t that Fei?!”

. . .

(The people look at him)

. . .

 

“That’s Fei!”          “I haven’t seen you around here for a while.”          “Where were you?”

The spectators who had noticed Fei shouted and pointed at him at once.

 

“wai..wai..Wait! I am not a person who is comfortable with that much attention!”

And so, he immediately started running. . .

…But…

probably that was the better mistake.

 

As soon as the people around him took notice, they started rushing towards him. The size of this mass immediately increased exponentially.

 

Why won’t they let me be?

The answer is quite simple actually… Because he is the best new rookie in the history of humankind itself.

 

“AH C’MON! I JUST RETURNED A WHILE AGO GODDAMN IT!”

. . .

 

 

Shaking the masses off track, what reflected in front of his eyes was just one massive building,

The Mystic Court.

This is the first time in six months that Fei has returned to the home of the apostles. The ones qualified to challenge Gods in their games.

 

In this world…

 There are many spiritual beings that humans are incapable to see and perhaps even, understand. In them , higher than any other, they are the so-called “Gods.”

 Spirits, Demons, Angels, Dragons.

 They have been called by a variety of names since ancient times, throughout cultures.

 

But, a question naturally arises. How are humans now able to understand and come to cognition to such spiritual beings, who were supposed to be imperceivable to the naked eye?

The answer is quite simple actually, but well, disappointing.

The extremely sovereign, unoccupied, free Gods, having too much time on their hands, took upon themselves, the responsibility to make themselves great again in front of their followers.

But… in normal circumstances, confrontation with them is just impossible.

So, to make humans able to perceive themselves, they empowered some select few Humans who fulfill their accepted criteria, and make them able to know, see and perceive them. [TL note: Well, to deliver them off boredom perhaps.]

 

 The phenomenon, the blessing, became widely known as

Divine Spell – ‘Arising.

 

These humans, granted with Arise, gain power that can be classified as either superhuman or supernatural type based on physical or magical enhancements respectively.

 

This power became the qualification to challenge these gods in a (or to their) game.

 

The Ruin branch of the Mystic Court; Mystic Academy.

 

The building in front of Fei is but a Huge Modern Palace with twenty floors above ground and three beneath it.

The Mystic Court became a world organization for these Apostles challenging the “God to Games”.

Since it is a base for challenging the gods, it had to be magnificent in its own way.

well, probably to keep the impressions correct.

 

From the first floor of such a magnificent building…

“Yo Fei, welcome back”

A female clerk in a business suit with glasses waved at Fei with one hand wandering aimlessly while the other hidden in the depths of her pockets.

 [Miranda; Managing Head.] Was written on her name plate.

 She is the head of this office. Her long slit eyes to the impressive intellectual face indeed gave the vibes of a bureaucratic woman from just her presence.

“It’s been a little over half a year. Looks like you’ve been busy for a while in expeditions. by the way, have you lost some weight, Fei?” (Miranda)

“Ah! Yes, there were a lot of thin… eh… wait…what do you mean by that manager ……?!” (Fei)

[TL note: Nice Tsukkomi Fei-kun.]

. . .

“Ugh… I really thought that I would find her this time for sure.” (Fei)

“Ahaha… by the way Fei-kun, the girl you found out… was she a different person after all?” (Miranda)

“. . . Who was the one to told you that information… Who was it again?” (TL note: Fei angry sadistic face XD)

Damn it… Fei sighed the second time today as the head manager Miranda smiled with a subtle laugh to his reaction.

 

. . .

 

“….. I’m looking for a girl with bright red hair.” (Fei)

“Yes, I know” (Miranda)

“It was a different person at all! Only because that manager told me that they found a girl who matched with the description, I went on to look for her.” (Fei)

“You know right, it might had just been a rumor that the manager came across you know…” (Miranda) [TL note: added this line for better understanding]

“…… , I’m already looking for her desperately. I’ve been looking for her for the past six months! Have some sense damnit!” (Fei)

“Fei is stronger than anyone else in Games; but somehow… you just don’t have that kind of luck heh.” (Miranda)

“Who was the one who told this lie?” (Fei)

“As I said, it was just a rumor” (Miranda)

Miranda shrugged her shoulder while repeating herself.

 

“Anyways, welcome back. Oh, you don’t need your ID for me. There isn’t any apostle more famous than you in this building anyway. Even if it’s been six months, a face pass is just enough for you~.” (Miranda)

 “As usual, but aren’t you a bit too easygoing?” (Fei)

“The trick is to cut the corners moderately. Well, I won’t cut corners in case of administrative affairs. . . Ah well, just come in, come in” (Miranda)

They went inside the building.

The reception lobby was kind of same as found in any typical commercial building.

A cute receptionist… the office staff silently carrying bags in and out of the building…

 

If there was a difference—

 

It would be the presence of apostles in formal attires standing everywhere in this first-floor lobby.

They were dressed in the prescribed white clothes given by the Mystic Court;  and to top it off, all seemed brand new.

 

“Ah. These are the new rookies of this year.” (Miranda)

Miranda smiled slightly as she noticed Fei’s gaze. [TL note: Perfect manager smile you got there Miranda san]

“They just received the Divine Spell – Arise last year. At present, they might be looking for a team to join into.” (Miranda)

 

“How are their performance?” (Fei)

 

“hmm… I have high hopes for them, but; well, there aren’t many like you.” (Miranda)

“You see, it’s not an everyday occurrence to see a rookie who’s been under the spell of Arise for less than a year and winning three games in a row with it in the “Play of the Gods”.” (Miranda)

“I’m still prompted by the headquarters to let you or rather force you participate you know? ..” (Miranda)

 

Miranda shrugged her shoulders in a funny way, as if giving up.

 

“The Apostle Fei Theophilus has been absent for half a year, what on earth is he doing?” [TL note: Miranda acting and telling what the upper authorities asked her continuously]

 

“…… I also thought it to be for at most a week you know.” (Miranda) [TL note: They are talking about Fei here.]

The information was that he was looking for someone over there. and relying on this rumor, he kept looking aimlessly for that person in that given location for half a year. Indeed, an extremely upsetting six months.

 

“That’s why, Head Manager, I wanted to fill in the blanks of those wasted six months right now.” (Fei)

“You want to challenge ‘Play of the Gods’ right away?” (Miranda)

“That’s really like you. I really can’t understand what kind of heart you have to not shy away from an intellectual confrontation with these Gods.” (Miranda)

“I’m just a Gamer you know”. (Fei)

“I know. I know. We won’t argue with you on whether it’s just a game or not, but I’m glad you’re back.” (Miranda)

“So let’s get started~~.” (Fei)

“Or so I would also like to say.” (Miranda)

 

Miranda pointed to the central elevator.

 

“Actually Fei, there’s someone I would like you to see. Come up to the seventeenth floor.” (Miranda)

“Who?” (Fei)

“Hehe~, it’s a surprise. You’ll see when you get there.” (Miranda)

As they got into the elevator,

Fei turned around as he looked at the wall of the elevator next to where he had been standing.

In it were several strings of words carved.

 

 The seven promises that the gods had given to humans.

 

 The seven commandments to Play with Gods.

 

 Rule 1: Humans who receive the Divine Spell: Arise from the Gods and thus, become Apostles.

 

 Rule 2: These Apostles will gain the power of either a superhuman or a supernatural type. Thus, they can now challenge the Gods in the ‘Brain Battle’ Games with them.

 

 Rule 3: All Games played with the respective God is to take place in the upper spiritual world, in the ‘Playground of Elements’. The Game is to be played using the power which is endowed upon these Apostles.

 

 Rule 4: The power of the Divine Spell Arise can only be exercised in the ‘Playground of Elements’ of the Gods and in the Games with Gods Only unless…

 

 Rule 5: Winning any of the Gods’ Game. In such a case, a portion of the power of the divine spell Arise can be used in the real world.

The more you win, the more power you unlock; that can be used in the real world. But remember~

 

 Rule 6: One will lose the authority to challenge the Gods after a total of three defeats against them. Thus,

 

 Rule 7: Defeat the Gods 10 times to clear the challenge. Also,

 

 Rule 8: Win 10 times against the gods, and you will be awarded the “Divine Glory Celebration”. 

 

 [Play of the Gods.]

 

The goal that was set for humankind is thus, “Win ten Game Battles against these Gods.” [TL note: And prove your worth xD]

 

The conqueror of this Game will be given a “reward” by the Gods themselves.

The content of this reward is yet unknown, but taking heed from several whispered rumors, Gods will grant the victor any wish of their liking. A simple, convenient yet incredible wish for any human.

However,…

The truth remains. Till there is an Apostle or rather a blessed human able to conquer this game,

The contents of the aforesaid “Divine Glory Celebration” will remain a mystery.

“The whole world is still waiting for that person. That one person, who will…. “ (Miranda)

Who will be able to challenge and win against these Gods in Games ten times.

 

The Mystic Court can be categorized primarily to have two distinct roles.

The first is to present and broadcast this “Games played with the Gods” as the world’s greatest form of entertainment.

and above all, the second, (primarily)

To provide mental support to these Apostles who challenge these Gods in such difficult games.

 

“The highest number of victories ever recorded for a single human in the entire human history is not even ten, not nine but eight. The record is of one who was deemed as a Great Genius. It might not even be an exaggeration to even say him to be a hero among the entire humankind (in Games).

But even for such a hero, ten wins was just too far. He was forced to retire after losing the third game on his attempt to win the ninth one.” (Miranda)

. . .

“…… Yeah.” (Fei)

“Although, Fei, I believe that you can conquer them all. After all, you’re the best new rookie I’ve seen in years.” (Miranda)

 

It was true, Fei’s present record surpassed any set before.

 

Three wins and no losses.

 

He is yet to be defeated in a battle of wits against the Gods. and thus, has emerged globally as the best rookie over the years.

The whole world is expecting him to be the first human to win a complete victory in the Game Battles with Gods.

 

“hmm? Do you have any problem?” (Miranda)

“No, not at all. It’s just that; for me, I want to finish my business as fast as possible and then have fun challenging these Gods.” (Fei)

[TL note: OOF]

 

. . .

Miranda burst out in laughter.

“Bwahaha! …… really you!, you… really like games, don’t you? (In truth,) this was supposed to be a really important topic you know? But you’re just the type of person who never minds such intricacies anyway. HAHAHA” (Miranda)

 

Yes.

For Fei; the score of the strongest person in the history of humankind, or having the best rookie score ever.

Nothing matters at all.

All what matters is just.

His fun, to fight against stronger opponents in games.

It’s this pure passion which led him to his confrontation with Gods in Games.

[TL note: A True Game: F (respect)]

 

. . .

“…… Really, I think you two guys might become a good team~.” (Miranda)

“eh?” (Fei)

“I told you right? I wanted you to meet someone? Actually, there’s a girl I’d like you to meet.” (Miranda)

 

. . .

“A girl?” (Fei)

“It’s actually part of the procedures right~” (Miranda)

Miranda turned around. Smiling coyly.

Her smile exhibited a mischievous persona with a half mixture of perhaps anticipating a sweet romantic encounter.

 

“Well, she kind of asked me to bring to her the best Gamer of the current era~  well, other than you, is there any?” (Miranda)

“Right~?, Fei-kun~?” (Miranda)

 

“…… Asked for me? but who? ” (Fei)

 

Miranda replied. . .

 

It’s a God who asked for you.

 

[TL NOTE: I am not keeping a fixed term to signify the Games played with Gods. The term will be variable. Please bear with me on this regard. Please do give suggestions in comments if you feel any need. Please do. Lastly, in time of exams, I might go a bit in hiatus. At present, will deliver a new chapter every week, around the first 3 days of the week. Thank you for waiting.]

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