New World, New Rules (2)
* * *
The classroom was in chaos, students shouting and moving about frantically.
The doll, Po, floated calmly in the center of the room, as if completely unfazed by the pandemonium. It hovered for a moment, and then, with a soft hum, a blue window flickered into existence in front of each student.
[System Message]
---
Phase 1: The Domination Game
Welcome to the first phase of your trials.
Rules:
1. King Selection:
- A single "King" will be selected from each group of people. The selection process will occur immediately. The King is the leader who must conquer and expand their territory to succeed.
2. Territory Expansion:
- Objective: Each King must work to expand their territory by conquering other territories.
- Methods of Conquest:
- Defeat: A King can take over another's territory by defeating the opposing King in battle.
- Surrender: A King can also gain control if the opposing King surrenders voluntarily.
- Territory Control: Once a territory is conquered, it becomes part of the victorious King's domain.
3. Subjugation:
- Rules for Subjects: The subjects living in a King's territory must follow the rules set by their King. Non-compliance or rebellion against the King's rules can lead to severe consequences.
- Governance: Kings can impose various laws and policies within their territory. The subjects are expected to abide by these rules strictly.
4. Territory Management:
- Resources: Kings must manage the resources within their territory. Efficient resource management will be crucial for maintaining and expanding their realm.
- Alliances and Rivalries: Forming alliances with other Kings can be strategic, but beware of rivalries that may lead to conflict.
5. Victory Conditions:
Domination: The phase ends when one King has managed to dominate all territories or achieve a specific unification goal set at the end of the phase.
---
The window flickered off, leaving the classroom in stunned silence.
The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. This was exactly like the novel I had read—Hero's Hero.
The situation unfolding before me mirrored the novel's description of the "Domination Game." The familiar rules, the selection of kings, the conquest for territories—it was all there. That was why this situation seemed so familiar.
As I looked around at my classmates, many of whom were frozen in shock, the connection became undeniable. This wasn't just a bizarre coincidence. This was the world from the novel, and somehow, it had become my reality.
Did I get transmigrated into the novel? Is this some kind of twisted dream where fiction and reality have merged?
But no, that couldn't be right. My school, my friends, everything was the same as it had always been. The familiar faces, the classroom—nothing had changed in that sense.
So what was this? Was it possible that the world had merged with the novel's universe, rather than me being transported into it?
My thoughts were interrupted as Po's voice cut through the confusion. The doll remained composed, its presence commanding our attention. "As you have read, this is the beginning of your trials. The Domination Game is a test of strategy, power, and leadership. Only the most adept will survive and succeed."
The classroom was quiet, the noise of panic and confusion giving way to a tense silence as Po prepared to explain the next part of our new reality. The doll's voice was calm and authoritative.
"Now that you understand the basic rules of the Domination Game, let me explain how the system works," Po said. "First, I want everyone to say 'System' aloud."
A murmur of uncertainty rippled through the room, but as everyone complied, including me, a series of blue windows materialized in front of us.
For a brief moment, the air was filled with the soft hum of the windows appearing one after another. I looked at mine, and this is what I saw:
[System Window]
---
Name: ???
Age: 18
Strength: 8
Agility: 7
Vitality: 8
Intelligence: 12
Magic: 2
---
"This window displays your personal stats," Po explained, floating serenely in the center of the room. "These are your basic attributes that will affect your performance in the game."
Po continued, "The average stat for an adult male is 5. Any number above or below reflects your personal strengths and weaknesses. Note that the 'Magic' stat is notably low for everyone, as magic was not present in your world before this game began."
I studied my stats with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. My Intelligence was higher than average, while my Magic was pitifully low. It was strange to see these numbers laid out so clearly, almost like a character sheet from a game.
"Stat points can be used to increase these attributes," Po said. "You will gain stat points through various achievements and challenges. These points can be allocated to any of your stats to improve your capabilities."
"Now, let's move on to the store," Po instructed. "Please say 'Store' aloud."
Once again, everyone followed the command. In response, another blue window popped up, this one showcasing a virtual shop interface.
[Store Window]
---
Welcome to the Store!
[Search: ]
Coins: 0 Karma: 50
---
"This is the store where you can purchase a wide variety of items," Po explained. "You can buy food, weapons, armor, stat points, skills, and other necessary items for this game. The two main currencies used here are Coins and Karma."
"Coins," Po continued, "are used for trading between candidates. You can earn them through various means, such as completing tasks or defeating rivals. Karma, on the other hand, can only be used within the shop itself. It is earned through fulfilling certain criteria within the game."
"To help you get started, each of you will receive an initial allocation of 50 Karma," Po announced. "You can use this Karma to purchase items or upgrades from the store right away."
The classroom buzzed with murmurs of understanding and curiosity. This was a lot to process, but it was clear that these new rules and mechanics were essential for navigating this transformed world.
"That's all for now regarding the new rules and system," Po concluded. "You will learn more as you progress through the trials. For now, prepare yourselves and adapt quickly. The Domination Game is about to begin."
With that, Po's presence seemed to fade slightly, leaving us to grapple with our new reality. The gravity of the situation was sinking in, and the once-familiar world of school was now a battleground for survival and domination.
Po floated in the center of the room, its tiny form silhouetted against the eerie red sky visible through the windows. The doll's mechanical voice cut through the tense silence.
"Before we begin, I need to ask the most important question," Po said, hovering in a slow circle. "Who is your king?"
The classroom fell silent. Every student looked around, unsure, the weight of the question hanging heavily in the air. Eyes darted from one person to another, an unspoken search for someone to lead.
The glances started to converge on one individual—Yunji, the class president. Her leadership role had made her a natural focal point.
However, Yunji's response was far from enthusiastic. She looked away, her face a mixture of apprehension and resolve, clearly uncomfortable with the prospect of being thrust into such a perilous role.
I understood her reluctance. Being chosen as the king meant bearing the burden of authority, with all its inherent dangers and responsibilities. She could be a target, her life at constant risk.
I saw the unease in her eyes, the tension in her posture, and it was clear she was not willing to step into this leadership position.
So I raised my hand, a confident smirk playing on my lips.
My mind raced with the knowledge I had gained from the novel. I knew the future of this world, the hidden secrets, and every possible trick to get stronger. This was my domain now, and I intended to exploit it to the fullest.
"I'm the king," I declared, my voice steady and filled with conviction. "I'm the king of this group."
A ripple of surprise passed through the classroom. Yunji glanced at me with a mix of relief and surprise. She seemed to acknowledge my decision, though her face remained unreadable.
As I looked around, I could see the uncertainty and apprehension in the eyes of my classmates.
They were probably wondering why I would willingly step into this role. But I knew that embracing this position of power was the key to navigating the complexities of the Domination Game.
To myself, I mused, 'According to the novel, there are only about eight individuals in this world that I need to be cautious of. But with the knowledge I have, I'll become far stronger than them.'
I could already envision the paths that lay ahead, the strategies I would employ, and the power I would amass.
The thrill of this new challenge surged through me. This was my opportunity to reshape the world, to outmaneuver those who would stand in my way, and to fulfill my own ambitions.
With a sense of purpose, I prepared to lead my group through the trials that awaited. This was just the beginning, and the game had only just started.