We headed toward the building Haru had mentioned based on the information he gave. After reading the guide, we gained some knowledge about the surroundings. It was true that you could earn game coins by playing games with people. There was also a duel system. If you said to someone, "I challenge you to a duel," and they accepted, the system would arrange a random game within the area, and you would set the stakes together with your opponent.
"Isn't it like the place we were in before?"
"It's normal for it to be similar. We're in a connected place."
Another notification came to our phones. I pulled mine out and checked it. It said the main game would be played in one month, at one in the afternoon.
"They've given us a date for the game too. They must want us to prepare."
"Prepare for what?"
"Things like getting to know the area, developing strategies, building social connections."
"I see. You're right."
The guide mentioned there was a town hall in the center. We decided to go there for more detailed information. Lie nodded, and we started walking together.
As we reached the entrance of the town hall, we saw someone the villagers were watching intently. A young boy with blond hair, blue eyes, dressed in an opulent white outfit. He looked like he came from a royal family. Everyone had their eyes on him—it was clear he had a certain reputation here.
I kept observing the situation as we walked. As I passed by the young man, he deliberately bumped into my shoulder. We both stopped and looked into each other's eyes. He studied my brown eyes, and an arrogant, thin smile spread across his face.
"Watch where you're going, idiot."
I had noticed he bumped into me on purpose, but there was no need to act aggressively right now. I decided to let it slide.
"Sorry."
Lie was watching us. I walked over to her and continued on without a care. Lie fell into step beside me. The young man, seeing my indifferent attitude, gave in to his temper and grabbed my right shoulder firmly. The moment I felt his hand, I turned my face back to him. His face looked like it was overflowing with arrogance. He was furious that I hadn't paid him any attention.
"How dare you ignore me? Who do you think you are?"
"I wasn't ignoring you. I just said sorry."
"Don't lie! You didn't pay me any attention at all! I asked you who you are!"
I thought if I kept letting it slide, he would calm down and his ego would be satisfied. But because I didn't answer, he got even angrier.
"You still won't answer! I challenge you to a duel! You'll pay the price for ignoring a prince like me!"
Hearing the duel challenge, everyone around began murmuring in shock. They were watching the tense scene unfold.
I looked the young man up and down. His hands were covered with clean gloves, his laces were perfectly straight, he wore a gold earring, and there was a ring on the middle finger of his left hand. His clothes were genuinely spotless. Noticing that I was examining him instead of answering, the young man pressed me again, squeezing my shoulder tighter.
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"Answer! Are you scared, loser?"
"Fine. I accept your duel."
"That's more like it!"
Lie immediately came to my side, her face filled with worry. "Rei, I wish you hadn't decided so quickly."
"I didn't decide quickly." I gestured slightly toward the young man with my arm. "Look at this guy. He can't even control his own emotions, not even a little. There's no way I'd lose to such an ugly personality. If I do, I'd deserve to die."
Despite my harsh words, Lie made it clear she was afraid for my life. "Rei..."
The young man grew even angrier when he heard my words. He struggled to hold himself back from attacking me. It looked like he was thinking, "I'll just kill him in the game anyway," and that allowed him to stay in place.
"My name is Premeus! Don't you dare forget it! I am the one who will rule over you!"
The system voice was heard. The duel was confirmed. A notification came to our phones. I pulled mine out of my pocket. The map app had opened on its own. The image of a wide path between two medium-sized mountains near the village appeared on the screen.
Game location determined.
Game name: Battle Between the Mountains.
At the very top of each of the two similarly sized mountains, one flag had been placed for each player. The objective was to remove the opponent's flag from its place.
I examined the visual with my finger. There was a wide path between the mountains. Each mountain had a gradually ascending path that allowed access to the summit. Between the two mountains, there was a long wooden bridge. This bridge provided direct passage between the middle sections of the two mountains.
If anyone on your team removes the flag, you win the game. You don't have to remove it yourself. A person on your team cannot remove their own flag.
You can send a team invitation to any living creature that has a phone. Any creature that accepts the invitation can join your team. No one outside your team can assist you in battle or take part in the fight. You can see the members of both teams on your phone.
A visual showing the team profiles appeared on the phone screen. For now, I was the only one on my team, and he was the only one on his.
A person who joins a team can accept an invitation from the opposing team at any time and switch sides. The team leader cannot remove a teammate from the team. A teammate can only switch to the other team through an invitation from the opposing side. The team leader cannot forcibly remove a teammate.
You must be at the designated area seven days from now at the same time. Once everyone has arrived at the designated area, a thirty-minute preparation period will begin. The battle will commence after thirty minutes.
There is no limit to the number of teammates.
Listening to the rules, I could already tell I was at a disadvantage. But it didn't matter. I had spoken harshly. I had made my decision. I didn't want to lose to senseless arrogance.
Premeus seemed to be realizing he had the advantage as well. His confidence brought a sharp grin to his face.
It was time to set the stakes.
"My wish is simple. Either I'll take your head, or you'll become my eternal slave. Which one?"
"I'd prefer you take my head. As for my wish... I would ask for your prince title, but when I defeat you, I'll probably be known as the one who defeated a prince anyway. So instead, I want all of your game coins."
Premeus's eyes widened. "Don't underestimate my princedom, brat. So be it. Come and take my money." He shouted toward the sky: "The stakes are set! Hurry up!"
The robotic voice was heard. The betting portion of the game had been confirmed. The game had officially begun.
"I'll see you in seven days, pal."
Premeus smacked my right shoulder hard with his palm, showing no respect. With the eyes of the crowd on him, he quickly left the front of the town hall. The moment he was gone, I walked indifferently into the building. Lie came up behind me and tried to talk to me.
"Are you going to be okay, Rei? I'm worried about you."
"Whether I'll be okay or not, we'll see."
"Don't drag it out—just add me to your team right now!"
I hadn't expected her to want to be by my side so quickly. I had wanted to make the offer to her, but I hesitated, thinking it might be selfish. When she said it herself, I felt good about it. I sent a team invitation to Lie from my phone. Lie pulled out her phone and accepted immediately. She was officially on Rei's team now.
Rei's Team: Rei, Lie
Premeus's Team: Premeus
Battle Start Time: Seven Days
Main Game Start Time: Thirty Days
The Battle Between the Mountains was about to begin.