The Ascendance Deceiver

Reciprocity and Beauty

Amidst the somber atmosphere of the darkened realm, where gray clouds closed in on the majestic sky, a sprawling cathedral-like palace stood, emanating an ethereal grayish glow that permeated every corner of its illusory structure. It appeared as a boundary, a threshold between the realms of good and evil, encapsulating the essence of all things.

Above this grand palace, raven-like creatures soared, their wings brushing against the palace's pinnacle or perching on its sides, their piercing gazes penetrating the depths of the human spirit. Within the palace, at the farthest end, rose a throne fashioned from spears and thorns, an imposing sight to behold. Seated upon this majestic throne was a being bearing a human-like resemblance, their countenance blurred and enshrouded in a mystical gray light and swirling mist. With a gaze that seemed to encompass the entire world, as if privy to the past, present, and future, they held the very fabric of existence within their grasp.

A smile seem to appear on this enigmatic being's face. "Dance upon the stage that has been created solely for you, my dear avatar. Unleash the full extent of human potential. Demonstrate to him the epitome of authority. Let him comprehend. Revel in the sheer delight that awaits. Let them understand that who's authorities are really superior, Hahaha..." A bone-chilling laughter reverberated through the halls of the grayish palace, shaking the very foundations of the illusory world in which it resided.

As the enigmatic being sat upon the throne, their attention was drawn to a translucent screen, forged from an ethereal crystalline substance, suspended before them. Within its shimmering depths, the scene unfolded—a tableau capturing the compassionate act of Alayn, consoling Neo and lending a helping hand to raise him from the ground. The image projected on the screen perfectly mirrored the grandeur and intricate design of the throne itself, serving as a poignant reminder of the authority it symbolized.

From the depths of their blurred countenance, a subtle shift occurred, the flicker of intrigue and satisfaction reflected in their eyes. They watched as Alayn's presence embodied the qualities they sought—a calculated blend of empathy and strategic manipulation. It was a performance worthy of the grand stage they had meticulously orchestrated, and the resonance of their laughter reverberated through the grayish palace, adding a touch of sinister delight.

Within the illusory realm, the raven-like creatures perched on the palace's parapets seemed to stir, their beady eyes fixated on the throne—a homage to the entity that held dominion over their realm. Their caws echoed through the air, a chorus of silent approval, as if acknowledging the significance of the seat of power before them.

In this vast tapestry of shadows and illusions, the throne reigned supreme, its presence a constant reminder of the authority and control held by the enigmatic being who presided upon it.

...

"Um, Brother Alayn," Neo's voice, barely above a whisper, reached Alayn's ears, drawing his attention. With a subtle shift in his demeanor, Alayn turned to face Neo, his expression a curious blend of puzzlement and confidence. It was as if he had anticipated this moment, prepared to address any question Neo had for him.

"Yes, what is it?" Alayn responded in a hushed tone, his eyes flickering between Neo and the other three players. He observed the man striking up a conversation with the woman in the blue dress while Aiden sat beside them, his gaze fixed on the ground. Alayn maintained his attentive posture, fully aware of Neo's presence and the need to resolve any doubts that lingered within him.

Neo's voice carried a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty as he began to voice his concerns. "I don't mean to question your actions, and I genuinely appreciate the trust you've placed in me by involving me in this covert scheme," Neo started, his words punctuated by a touch of hesitation. "But can you enlighten me as to why you've chosen this path? Why not reveal the option of selling the question to others, and more importantly, why sell it in the first place? Wouldn't it be more advantageous for us to gather more information using it?"

Alayn let out a soft sigh, recognizing that Neo's doubts needed to be addressed for the sake of their partnership. "Ah, I anticipated he would harbor these reservations," Alayn thought to himself, his mind already formulating a response. As he prepared to speak, he considered the delicate balance of providing an explanation while maintaining the illusion of reciprocity.

In truth, Alayn had intended to answer these very questions before Neo had even voiced them, aiming to solidify the trust Neo had placed in him. However, time had slipped away, and now Alayn had to navigate the situation carefully, making it appear as though his actions were motivated not solely by personal gain, but by an unwavering trust in Neo. Alayn desired to establish himself as the only person Neo could truly rely on, surpassing the trust Neo had in those he had known before. As Alayn considered this, he couldn't help but inwardly smirk, realizing that Neo may have experienced disillusionment with his previous acquaintances, likely due to bullying or similar mistreatment. Alayn's observation about Aiden being a typical school bully and Neo potentially being a victim aligned with his suspicions. Furthermore, if Luverne, being one of their teachers, was aware of the bullying and didn't intervene, it was understandable why Neo might have lost trust in those individuals.

Understanding the possible dynamics at play, Alayn saw an opportunity to position himself as someone Neo could rely on without reservations. He planned to fill the void left by others' inaction and gain Neo's unwavering trust by showing him unwavering support and guidance. By doing so, Alayn aimed to create a strong bond with Neo, surpassing any previous relationships and ensuring that Neo would rely on him as a pillar of support in this virtual world.

With these thoughts in mind, Alayn prepared to provide Neo with an explanation that would reinforce their trust and solidify their partnership even further.

Alayn paused, absorbing Neo's question, before a knowing smile graced his lips. "Hm, Neo, let me ask you a question in return," he began, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue. "Imagine someone hands you a platinum credit card and tells you that you can purchase anything you desire with it. However, the catch is that you won't know the exact worth of the item you're buying. The card holds hundreds of thousands of currency, but the value of the object remains unknown. In that situation, what would you do?"

His gaze locked onto Neo's, Alayn continued, his voice steady and confident. "If I were in your shoes, I would seek an alternative approach. Rather than relying on the card's uncertain value, I would strive to obtain the cash in my hands. With tangible money, I could make purchases at my own discretion, knowing precisely the worth of each item. You see, Neo, I advised you to sell the question precisely because I believed you could acquire something of greater value. What is the point of possessing a valuable question time if you remain unaware of the best way to utilize it?"

Alayn's expression softened, genuine admiration shimmering in his eyes as he regarded Neo. "I trust you implicitly, Neo. You are the only person I confide in within this realm. While that boy may paint a picture of shared hardship in the real world, our circumstances have changed. With your intelligence and acting prowess, you possess the power to surpass others effortlessly. You have the ability to discern and acquire what truly matters."

A sense of gratitude permeated Alayn's words as he concluded his explanation, a smile of genuine appreciation gracing his face. It was as if he held Neo in the highest regard, admiring his qualities from the depths of his heart. This explanation felt akin to expressing his unwavering loyalty to a superior, recognizing Neo's potential and reaffirming his role as a trusted ally.

"I still have one more question," Neo's voice reverberated in a hushed tone, laced with a hint of anticipation.

"Shoot," Alayn replied, his voice equally low, maintaining the air of confidentiality that surrounded their conversation.

"What the hell did you do with the thousand credits you obtained from selling the question? Or did you even sell it in the first place?" Neo's question hung in the air, the weight of curiosity evident in his voice. He couldn't help but notice the subtle transformation within himself—a newfound self-assuredness that had been kindled by Alayn's previous response. Gratitude swelled within Neo, a deep appreciation for the level of trust Alayn had placed in him. Alongside that, a tinge of embarrassment colored his emotions. While he didn't detest the praise he had received, it was unfamiliar territory for Neo, unaccustomed to being lauded in such high regard.

A momentary pause enveloped the space between them, allowing the significance of the question to settle. Alayn's eyes met Neo's, his expression reflecting a blend of sincerity and understanding. With a measured breath, he responded, his voice carrying a sense of transparency and warmth.

"Rest assured, Neo, I did indeed sell the question as we had planned. However, the destination of those credits remains shrouded in mystery for now," Alayn's words held a playful tone, teasing Neo with a touch of intrigue. He acknowledged the curiosity bubbling within Neo, their connection deepening through this shared secret.

Gratitude welled up within Neo once again, mingling with a sense of awe at Alayn's unwavering trust. He felt a renewed determination to prove himself worthy of such faith. While the accolades Alayn bestowed upon him brought a flicker of self-consciousness, Neo recognized the genuine admiration beneath them. It was a new experience for him, navigating this realm of praise and high regard, yet he found himself appreciating Alayn's unwavering belief in his capabilities.

As their conversation continued in muted tones, the world around them seemed to hold its breath, attuned to the unfolding dynamics between the enigmatic duo. Neo's heart swelled with gratitude and a growing sense of self-assurance, buoyed by Alayn's trust and encouragement. However, amidst the exchange, Neo unknowingly realized that Alayn had deftly evaded his question, leaving him to ponder the answer himself.

Unaware of Alayn's omission, Neo chose not to press the matter any further. Instead, he resolved to seek out the answers to his questions on his own. Reflecting on Alayn's words, Neo deduced that if Alayn had indeed sold the question, he must have utilized the credits to acquire the valuable information he had shared with the team, including the note Alayn had given him. Considering the likely cost of such information, Neo speculated that at least 600 credits had been expended, leaving him to wonder how Alayn had utilized the remaining 400 credits. Neo's mind delved into possibilities, contemplating the significance of those unaccounted-for credits. Knowing Alayn's discerning nature and meticulous planning, Neo surmised that whatever Alayn had done with the credits, it would undoubtedly be a venture of worth and importance.

A sigh escaped Neo's thoughts as he acknowledged the complexity of the situation. He had come to understand that Alayn was not one to squander resources frivolously. With a mix of curiosity and anticipation, Neo resolved to trust in Alayn's judgement and await the unveiling of the mystery surrounding those 400 credits. For now, he would focus on the challenges ahead, eager to prove himself and justify the unwavering trust Alayn had placed in him.

"This much should be enough" Alayn sighed inwardly

As their secretive conversation came to an end, Luvern and Serene finally appeared in front of the golden door, joining the others who had been waiting. The man in the two-piece suit and the beautiful woman in the blue dress turned their attention to Luvern.

"He said not to keep him waiting and for the other two players to hurry up and complete their first transactions," Luvern relayed, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.

The man in the two-piece suit nodded in acknowledgment, his demeanor composed and focused. "Understood," he replied.

However, before they could proceed, the woman in the blue dress spoke up, her tone polite and concerned. "Wait, Mr. Mortis. Would it be alright if I go before you?" Her words were accompanied by a beautiful smile, a blend of charm and genuine consideration.

Caught off guard by Aria's request, Mr. Mortis found himself momentarily taken aback, his composure wavering as he assessed the situation. The gears of his mind turned, weighing the options before him. After a brief moment of contemplation, he mustered a response, a subtle hint of complexity flickering across his countenance.

"Ah, yes, Miss Aria," he replied, his voice betraying a mix of surprise and intrigue. With a composed demeanor, he withdrew his right hand from his pocket and gestured towards the golden door, his left hand indicating the path for Aria to proceed. Although he aimed to conceal his emotions, a discerning eye could detect the subtle nuances playing across his face, hinting at a deeper complexity within.

Observing the exchange, Alayn couldn't help but be intrigued by Mr. Mortis's ability to conceal his true intentions. There was something hidden beneath the surface, an enigma that piqued Alayn's curiosity. "He's good at hiding it, eh? Interesting," Alayn mused silently.

"Thank you, Mr. Mortis," Aria said with a gorgeous smile gracing her face. Alayn couldn't help but feel captivated by her beauty, as if she were the most exquisite woman he had ever encountered.

"Something isn't right with her. Ah, Don't tell me, her ability is..." Alayn's thoughts were interrupted by Luvern's voice, breaking through his contemplation.

"I used my question to inquire about the purpose the gods bestowed upon this game. So try not to align your question with mine. We can discuss the answers afterward, once both of you have used your first question," Luvern interjected, addressing Aria without looking directly at her. Alayn sensed that Luvern had grasped something significant, an understanding that connected with his own suspicions.

"He's onto it as well," Alayn silently mused, realizing that Luvern, too, had recognized the enigmatic nature surrounding Aria. This realization heightened Alayn's wariness. For the first time, he felt a complex blend of fear and intrigue toward this women.

Though Alayn had initially dismissed Aria as a non-threat, her presence now seemed to hold a mysterious significance. He couldn't help but question the true nature of her abilities and which god's avatar she actually is. Aria had transitioned from a mere bystander to a potential ally or even a dangerous adversary, adding yet another layer of complexity to Alayn's future plans.