Timeless Assassin

Chapter 1065: Game Selection

(A few days later, Planet Granada, Mauriss’s POV)

Ever since Mauriss sent the proposal to Leo, he had been waiting with quiet anticipation for a response.

And hence, when word arrived that the Cult had officially responded, Mauriss did not delay even for a moment, calling for the messenger to be brought before him immediately, as he preferred to hear the proposal directly rather than through second-hand reports.

"My Lord, here is what the Cult has proposed," the messenger said, kneeling deeply while carefully unsealing the scroll that carried Leo’s response.

Mauriss tilted his head slightly, a faint smile forming as he gestured for him to continue, his attention sharpening without a word.

"Lord, the Cult Master begins by thanking you for the opportunity to win the holy water of Granada. He states that after much contemplation, he has finalized a game he wishes to play against you... one that tests battlefield creativity and fast wits through artificial constructs," the messenger continued, his tone steady despite the pressure in the air.

Mauriss did not interrupt, though the slight curl at the corner of his lips suggested the idea had already begun to interest him.

"In this game, both participants shall be assigned one identical stone golem each, constructed with equal strength, equal durability, and equal responsiveness, such that neither side holds any inherent advantage," the messenger went on.

A quiet breath escaped Mauriss, almost amused, as if he had expected nothing less than an attempt at balance.

"The participants themselves shall not engage directly, but instead command their respective golems through a system of pre-selected action cards, which dictate the movements and attacks that the constructs shall execute."

Mauriss shifted slightly, his gaze narrowing just a fraction, as the concept unfolded in his mind faster than it was being explained.

"Each participant shall be given a set of ten action cards, identical in nature between both players, with each card representing a distinct combat maneuver that the golem can perform."

The explanation continued smoothly, the messenger now more confident in his delivery.

"These actions include direct strikes, defensive guards, evasive dashes, feints, heavy blows, counters, grapples, leaps, area slams, and recovery techniques."

Mauriss’s eyes flickered faintly at these words, as although he did not react outwardly, internally his brain already began to process all these variables.

"Each of these ten cards may only be used once throughout the duration of the game, and once expended, cannot be reused under any circumstances.

Additionally, both participants shall be given five multiplier cards— x2, x3, x5, and two undisclosed multipliers whose effects shall remain hidden until revealed during gameplay."

That earned the faintest lift of his brow. Not surprise, just acknowledgment.

"These multiplier cards may be applied to any action card to enhance or alter its effect. However, each multiplier may only be used once and is removed from play after use."

Mauriss remained silent, though his fingers tapped lightly against his arm now, slow and deliberate.

"The game shall proceed in rounds, where both participants must select one action card and optionally one multiplier, placing them face down before revealing them simultaneously at the start of each turn."

That was where the air subtly shifted.

Mauriss’s smile deepened, becoming both wider and sharper, as he finally saw the genius behind Leo’s game selection.

"Once revealed, the chosen actions shall be executed exactly as declared, with no possibility of alteration or adjustment once the cards have been flipped."

A low breath left him, almost like a suppressed chuckle.

"The outcome of each exchange shall depend on how the actions interact, as certain maneuvers may counter others, amplify damage, negate effects, or create openings depending on their combination."

By now, Mauriss’s fingers had stopped tapping entirely.

"The objective of the game is to destroy the opposing golem completely. The first participant to achieve this shall be declared the victor."

The messenger fell silent.

For a few seconds, nothing moved.

Mauriss stood still, not reacting immediately, as he let the structure settle in his mind, not because he needed time to understand it, but because he enjoyed that moment of pause before responding.

"I see... creative, creative indeed, Leo Skyshard."

Mauriss said, a quiet chuckle slipping through as his gaze drifted slightly, as though replaying the entire system in his head.

"You have still chosen a combat sport, one that complements your tactical instincts well.

However, since you cannot defeat me directly, you choose to fight through constructs instead, removing speed, reaction, and adaptability from the equation," he continued, his tone almost appreciative.

"You force simultaneous commitment... locking both of us into decisions before they unfold, attempting to eliminate my ability to adjust at the last moment."

A soft laugh followed.

"Very clever... very, very clever indeed," he said, clearly entertained now.

Then his expression shifted, subtly, but unmistakably.

"I will give you full marks for creativity.

But unfortunately for you, it will still not be enough to beat me"

His voice dropped slightly, the amusement still there, but something colder settling beneath it.

"You misunderstand something fundamental," he continued, his eyes sharpening as they returned forward.

"It is not my divinity that makes me dangerous... it is my unpredictable mind that does"

A grin spread slowly across his face.

"If we play this game a hundred times, you may win once... perhaps twice, if fortune favors you," he said, almost casually.

"But the rest... will belong to me.

Most times, I will win this game rather than not.

And hence, this is a challenge that feels acceptable to me...."

He said, before breaking into a mad laugh, as the rain fell against his face and slid off onto his chest.

"Messenger!"

"Go deliver my message to the Cult that, aye, the Deceiver accepts their proposal to play this game.

And that Leo Skyshard should come visit me sometime next week to see this proposal through to the end."

Mauriss instructed as the messenger bowed deeply before taking his leave, clearly eager to get off Granada as soon as possible before Mauriss killed him on a whim.