Trickery

They take the fifty-minute journey back. Shina’s speed increased once again due to the recent consumption. The tension within the group was so high that no one even spoke besides Ayuri and Toki, under the annoyance of Falsity as she flew them.

They were nearing the end of the forest as the camp before them seemed to be completely levelled to the ground from afar, all the tents being knocked over, and all the logs were displaced. There wasn’t a hint of remorse within the other group from their view.

Silas flew up towards them, his mechanical attire standing firm as he opposed their path. “It is time, Lady Falsity, where we have to fight it out.”

“You mean they will fight it out? You don't have the guts, despite how cunning you might be. Silas” Falsity spoke condescendingly towards him; she knew that he wasn't going to give up. Their entire relationship from the moment they met was just business and contracts.

Silas laughed out loud. “I wouldn't be so naive. The fact that you actually survived from attacking Purity is shocking, but also the fact that you tried to warn this pitiful camp that was coming is another.”

“I did no such thing; maybe it's the fact you've gotten so predictable it hurts you more than it does good,” Falsity scoffed.

He put his arm out towards them all. They all seemed on high alert. What was he about to do?

“Then let's see if you predicted everything, gamemaster.” He puts his hand up before squeezing it firmly; a loud bang in the distance shockwaves across everyone's ears as a flash of light from below comes straight at them.

It didn’t hit Falsity, nor Ayuri or Toki; their eyes were darting towards every member. Shina seemed to have only grazed, but the real target was behind her, and on her side was an injured scientist lady held by Era.

“Targeting the biggest risk to your plan? You shouldn't have hit her then. Let Era have her moment and finish this clown show.” Falsity laughed; she didn't care about this random girl. She instead instantly dashed down towards the ground, letting go of both of her riders and letting them prepare.

Toki, instantly seeing a guy in brown formal attire surrounded by guns, turns to Ayuri. “Ayuri, get rid of his ability.”

She nods quickly before casting her hand out. She prepares to use her ability, aiming towards his plain face, her eyes catching a blinding flash once more.

Shina comes from the side, swiftly executing her orb before blocking Ayuri’s face from the bullet; her reaction time matching that of a mechanical gun was impressive considering all.

“Cast it,” Shina ordered as well. Ayuri snapped out of her momentary fog as she used her magic towards the figure before seeing the guns around him vanish into thin air. There were only three threats left now, and they used an important ability before even knowing what else they got.

“Shina, take Dohoqu. I don't have his ability, so it's better if a deity of sorts deals with that.” He spun his spear around before walking towards the group one step at a time.

Silas, watching from nearby, looks towards Falsity. “Are we going to play something as well?”

“What could you possibly offer to me that could be worth it?” She scoffed.

Silas puts his hand under his chin as his grey hair ruffles slightly under his hand. There wasn't anything he could do to a goddess like Falsity in any game or scenario. There was something, however, that Shina could do to him. Falsity was thinking about the possibility that Shina could take Silas, the connection from her power coming between them.

“I will try my best, Lady Falsity,” she muttered quietly, her words letting Falsity out a small smile.

Era was on the ground holding her scientist in her hands; the bullet seemed to shred her side away, and recovering her was impossible. The only thing Era could do was offer comfort in her death. Falsity watching her trying to help a mortal out gave her an ick down to her deepest core.

Toki continued walking towards the group for another couple of minutes.

I walked over fifty metres, and they still haven't tried to attack me in the last minute. They tried to even attack me; their range must be only that of the gun user. That guy with metallic boots and gloves looks like a close-range fighter, and Dahoqu and the girl each possess the abilities Falsity said, but who is who?

He steps towards the group, and they are on alert, but they know Toki wouldn't just randomly attack them out of his own goodwill.

“Glove guy, I think we should settle ourselves if you want one on one.” Toki gave him a cold glare, his spear lightly spinning in circles, trying to impress with his mastery.

He hit his metallic gloves together before stepping towards Toki as well. The weight of the boots is causing the dirt underneath to shift uncomfortably.“I’m Nao; just remember that name before you die.”

As he's about to lunge, Silas steps in between them. The outcome was already decided in his eyes, so there wasn’t a point in starting anyway.

“Falsity, I think we should battle out, actually. Having this battle would just end up in my loss.” He turned his head towards Nao, giving him a side glare. It was obvious that he was strong, but trying to outperform Toki with the support of a two-powered user and a deity-empowered consumer wasn't ideal.

“Have it your way,” Falsity floated down towards Silas before manifesting an orb within her hands. It was similar to Shinas except that it projected a faraway image of her and Silas standing there.

She hands it down to Toki and manifests two more for Shina and Ayuri to stare into as well while they battle it out.

“I'm going to show you the difference between me and a pretender trying to match me.” Falsity laughed out loud before turning her head towards Era.

Era, seeing her gaze, instantly nodded. “My scientist died; I'm going to be leaving the games now.”

She waved her hand upwards before vanishing with the girl's body in her arms. Despite seeming indifferent about it, she was clearly a bit hurt that her favourite representative had died. Not having much experience also means she wasn't so casual about life and death like Falsity.

“That leaves two groups, two deities, and only one winner to be left,” Falsity added. She floats herself up into the air before waving towards Silas to follow her. She dashes at the speed of sound, what seems to be a kilometre away from where they were fighting; Silas follows close shortly. The Battle of Two Deities was about to begin.