Chapter 56

Chapter Continued I, Too, Jump into the Fray Gods’ Games We Play On the eighth floor of the Mal-ra branch office of the Arcane Court, a hall full of photographs displayed dozens of pictures of apostles who had visited this city for friendly matches over the years. All of them were well-known, accomplished figures. As he stood there looking at them, footsteps pattered up to him. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Dax.” It was his team partner, Kelritch, with an armload of files stuffed with documents. “It took me a good three hours, but the Chief Secretary finally cracked. You and I are cleared to dive into that labyrinth as part of the third wave of the rescue operation.” “Exceptional work, Kelritch.” She could almost feel heat radiating from the glow in Dax’s eyes as he turned toward her. She knew what it was—fascination with a game that had never before been encountered in all of human history. “I feel compelled to point out that we could end up trapped in that game, never to return.” “Are you afraid?” “No.” There was no hesitation in her brown eyes. “No game is worthy of my fear.” “They are to be enjoyed,” Dax agreed with a satisfied nod. Then he let his black coat billow behind him. There was no uncertainty, no anxiety. For he knew what was waiting for him—the one rival more deserving of him than any other. He cried, “Fay! I always knew that we were destined to meet again. This maze, this labyrinth, shall become the new crossroads where our lives shall intersect!” “I’m not sure it counts as destiny when you specifically go there to find him.” Kelritch gave an exasperated sigh. Then she said, “Dax, I’ve been hearing rumors. They say the one team that wasn’t part of the rescue operation initially has begun preparing to join the effort.” “Oh. So you’ve finally decided to show your hand, Mind Over Matter!” Mind Over Matter (motto: The Holy See where all souls gather) was composed of only four people, but it was the strongest team in the world. Dax didn’t know whether headquarters had leaned on them, or something else had caused their change of heart—but that notorious foursome was on its way into the inescapable game. “It’s only a rumor, I stress,” Kelritch said. “That’s all I need.” The world’s strongest team would be there. His destined rival would be there. This was shaping up to be the greatest game the world had ever seen, and the curtain was about to rise. “We go forth, Kelritch! And as for you, Fay… Just you wait!” He gestured to his partner. “Onward! Into the fray!” So Dax, the Prince of Games, was determined to test himself against the divine labyrinth, Lucemia.