1. Your name is Lady Mercedes Vida, a delegate fighting in a tournament to become God of the grand Order.

  2. You have a super-human power called ‘Her Last Cry,’ which has the ability to distort an individual’s reality via continuous eye contact.

  3. Your power can only be used for up to 60 seconds within a 5-minute interval. Use the watch given to keep track usage.

  4. Overuse of your power will result in a full-frontal lobotomy in real time, causing permanent amnesia, nausea, and thunderclap headaches, among other symptoms. These symptoms will eventually result in death.

  5. Do not panic and remain calm. Most importantly, beware of Sokushinbutsu and Death’s Spiral.

  These are the words that were tattooed on my arm; just in case the lobotomy-induced amnesia continues to get worse throughout the remainder of the tournament. I was also given a modified watch that counted in 5-minute intervals that included a stopwatch. I definitely owe Lottie with my life. Although I may not remember anything she did prior to my amnesia, it’s comforting to know that someone truly cares that much for me. Her actions continue to inspire and encourage me to fight fervently until the end.

  My mind is transported back to the real world as the elevator dings, marking its final descent. Stepping through the open doors. I am met with the familiar sight of the monolithic walls, the solemn crowd, and the soulless soldiers with their sights locked onto me. I honestly don’t know how to feel as I approached the metal gate. My wish is finally granted; I can finally exact my revenge against the person who has wronged me for so many years. The problem is that I’m scared. I don’t care if I lose against him, what I’m afraid of is failing everyone who helped me through this wretched competition. I’m afraid that I won’t be reunited with those I love the most. Am I worthy of redemption? I’ve done nothing but commit vice after vice, and that’s not even mentioning the sad reality that I’ve killed two people and potentially more. I knew it was done out of pure necessity, but it still doesn’t erase my mortal sins. Will I be forgiven? What about my life after this tournament? Say that I survive and assume the Godhood, would there even be a reason for me to live anymore? As much as I despise his existence, Brett has unfortunately been my only reason to live. When he’s gone, what next? Do I just off myself? … … …There’s no reason to perseverate on any of this. Nothing I do right now will change the course of my salvation, afterlife, or my purpose in life. The only thing that matters is that I am in the present and I’m about to compete in the hardest match-up thus far.

  I finally approached the metal gate, waiting for the officials to raise it. Above me is a stone arch with a phrase scribbled in blood, although the words themselves are barely legible. The words feel familiar, but I don’t really know why. Before the gates are raised, I decide to write my own phrase over the existing space. All of the air is then suddenly forced out of the corridor and into the center, enticing me into the arena of death and despair, You’ve told me how much you’ll relish in my suffering, you’ll get to watch me suffer. You’ve told me that you can’t wait to watch the light fade from my eyes by your own hands. The light will fade from my eyes, but you’ll have to earn it. Prepare to sacrifice everything to achieve your goal, but knowing you, you’ll want to prioritize your own safety and comfort while trying to hack along at mine…You’ve always been the type of person to want your cake and eat it as well. You should know full well that a delegate must be willing to put everything on the line in order to become God. Are you ready, Dominus? Because I know I am. You wanted a battle…Well, I’m bringing a war!

  ■■■

  Enter the arena this time was drastically different than the previous two. For one, there was no announcer, which meant no “glorious” introductions. Both Dominus and myself walked out at the same time, locking sights almost instantly. Not a word was sais said to one another, further adding to the tension. Only the sound of footsteps stomping up on the cement could be heard reverberating against the giant walls. We both eventually met in the middle of the ring, waiting for the countdown to begin. The moment I’ve wished for is finally here. My body constantly twitches from a mixture of adrenaline, excitement, and fear. No matter what happens here, let it be known that I will give everything I have to defeat Dominus, no matter if I live or die. I refuse to go down without a fight! Mom, wherever you are, please…please stay by me.

  10…

  “Pssst, Mercedes.”

  9…

  “I have a feeling you haven’t figured out my ability.”

  8…

  “Astral projection? Telepathy? How do you think I infiltrated your mind?”

  7…

  “No response? Well…whatever you may guess, it’s wrong.”

  6…

  “Fuck you, Brett!” I shout with great force.”

  5...

  “Well that wasn’t nice. Wanna see something cool?”

  1…

  Without warning, the fist of my enemy flawlessly connects with my face, causing a loss of sight and balance. Immense pain radiates from my face as I gather my scattered senses. I immediately scramble backwards and cover myself, as any attempt to fight before the countdown ends results in instant elimination from the guards; however, as I take quick glances around the arena, none of the soldiers took aim for the countdown had properly concluded. 4 seconds passed within a blink of an eye. This must be *his* doing. I must remain vigilant. I must remain focused.

  I start the stopwatch, observing for a potential skip in time. Two…Three…Four seconds. Not a single skip. I know there was a skip. I’ve done this tango before. Is he trying to mess with me? Is he trying to throw me off-guard? When will he use his ability? HUH?!

  ‘Yoohoo! Right behind you, Mercedes!”

  I whip around immediately to see Dominus and another fist aimed at my face. I attempt to dodge it, but within an instant, he corrects his form and connects another punch via an uppercut!

  I stumble backwards as another wave of searing pain ripples across my face. I regain my balance, while maintaining a defensive stance. Looking at the clock indicates no time was skipped. Was I wrong about the time skip? No! I know I’m not wrong! But if that’s the case, then how did he teleport behind me? Is his ability some sort of time manipulation? No! It can’t be! What about when he infiltrated my mind? Then what about the teleportation? Is it some sort of super speed? Hold on, remember what he said to us before the match started about pinpointing his ability? Is there any correlation between astral projection, time manipulation, and teleportation? There’s no direct relationship beside being all bases for Demisegame powers; however, that doesn’t get me closer to discovering Dominu’s ability. The stopwatch continues to tick on normally: twenty-seven…twenty-eight…twenty-nine…wait a second! Is that the missing link? This isn’t good at all! I need to—

  Like a flash of lightning, my adversary teleports in front me. “Thirty.” The singular words leave my lips as I am once again transported to the astral plane. Instead of the realm being that of my inner oasis, the scene is that of an apartment, similar to the one I used to live in. In fact, a little too familiar. No…I know this is my apartment…and I know what day it’s supposed to be.

  “Doesn’t this place just fill you with nostalgia, Victoria?”

  Turning around, I see Dominus, slowly walking about the room, a can of beer firmly gripped in his hand.

  “Don’t you feel the same? Don’t you know what day this is? I’m sure you do…”

  “You’re doing this to fuck with me!” A mixture of anger and fear brewing within me.

  “Looks like I struck a sensitive nerve! I know you guessed it! He says back to me with a devilish grin. “So toll me: what day is it?”

  “…Grrrr…...”

  “Hmmm? I couldn’t hear you. You mind speaking up louder?” He states while continue to taunt me.

  “It’s the day where…. you left me for dead like a coward!” I lashed out toward him.

  He suddenly paused for a few moments, attempting to collect his thoughts: “now, now. You know it’s not polite to label your savior as a “coward”. I could’ve easily ended your pathetic life here that night!” He snarled at me, clearly annoyed from being called a coward.

  “Well, if you hate me that much, then why didn’t you kill me? Too weak to actually go through with it?” I quickly glance at my watch: thirty-five seconds. Time seems to be ticking much slower here than in the real world. If my assumptions are correct, then he’ll practically be invincible here. I’ll need to escape the astral plane rather than later.

  “Too weak? Too weak?! I’ll show you who’s the weak one!” He throws the can and lurches forward, aiming for my throat. Predicting his moves, I roll over to my right to avoid his grasp. He pounces on the floor, missing me by mere seconds. I immediately cock my leg and kick him in the face, stunning him momentarily. Utilizing the small window of opportunity, I take to a nearby vase and smash it over my opponent’s head. A steady stream of blood flows from the wound, confirming injuries in the astral planes transfer to the real world, all the while I relish in the feeling of a slightly sadistic satisfaction from his injury. He pushes himself off the floor, placing his hand on top of the wound, quickly gauging the severity of the cut. As he pulls his hand away, the blood drips heavily, indicating a moderate gash. Watching the blood fall, his face lights a deep red; anger, blood, and adrenaline coursing through his veins. His arms start to shake, eyes fluttering, nose and lips twitching. Then, he finally snaps: “Oh, you’ve done it now, Victoria!”

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  In an instant, my opponent makes a move, targeting my throat once again. I attempt to read his movements, dodging to the left as a result. Unfortunately, he read my movements as well; he grabs my sling, then gripped tightly onto my wounded arm, making me wince from the pain. I pull in close and punch him in the face, but he reminded unfazed. Still holding onto me, he reciprocated and punched me as well, knocking to the ground, my arm suspended over me. Having the advantage, he stomps down on my back, forcing my head onto the carpeted floor, all while slowly raising my arm, adding to my misery.

  “Did you really think you could pull a fast one, Victoria? Your attitude may have changed, but you’re still, oh so, predictable!”

  He pulls my arm higher, yelp escaping my lips.

  “Oh, does that hurt you? Are you already craving the sweet release of death?”

  “Not until I’m through with you!” I yell back at him, denying him any satisfaction from my suffering.

  “Remaining steadfast in your pursuit for revenge, I see…Oh, how I can’t wait to break you completely; physically, mentally, emotionally! In every way! I will have you begging me to end your misery, Victoria!”

  “Oh, yeah? Didn’t you say the same thing about ‘having me beg’ when we were together?” Now, time for the killing blow: “I had to fake it every time to help you compensate for your pathetic excuse of a dick!”

  “You’re fucking DEAD TO MEEEEE!!!” Imbued with an inhumane amount of pure rage, he attempts to pull my arm back, with the intent on shattering it to pieces. Calculating his actions, I force my shoulder down toward the carpet, bracing for the imminent pain. With an audible pop, my shoulder dislocated, letting out a guttural cry from the pain. Brett, stumbles back from the force of the dislocation, giving me another opportunity for a counterattack! With my good arm, I punch him with full-force, right in his throat. He immediately falls back, grabbing his throat while gasping for air. Leaving no room for a response, I kick him in the crotch, then punch him square in the chest soon after. Finally, after trying to withstand the attacks, Brett collapses to the ground, groaning to soothe the pain.

  With newly gained high ground, I rush toward him and sit on his chest. With Brett primarily focused on his recently shattered balls, I land a couple more punches to his face as I attempt to open his eyes. Realizing what my plan is, Dominus grabs my face, but predicting his moves yet again, I pin his right arm with my knee. As I try to subdue his left hand, his leg wraps around mine, leaving me virtually defenseless. He continues to resist opening his eyes as I continue to pry them open. Then his hand grips my face, yet again. This time, however, his fingers inch closer and closer toward my eye. I know what he plans on accomplishing. The problem is: do I want to make such a sacrifice in order to keep living? Is this pain I’m about to endure worth it? Is it worth sacrificing my sight? … … … Will ‘Her last Cry’ even work with one eye? … … … There’s only one way to find out… …

  With a raise of my hands, I slam down on my ex’s nose, breaking it instantly. As he writhes in pain, I go back to opening his eye, all the while his fingers hover over my right eye. Crossing the point of no return, I completely ignore his hand and continue on forcing ‘Her Last Cry’ onto the one who forced all of this onto me!! No more tears! No more crying! No more second chances!

  The pain is beyond immense as his fingers ore themselves into my socket. Every beat of my heart pulses against his fingers as he tries to pull the nerve out, every tug making me cry in pure agony. Every second is torturous and unending, but I…. I refuse to waiver! As the vision in my eye burs, bleeding a deep scarlet, then fading to black, his eyes finally open, giving me access to his soul… … … … .. .. . . . . .

  Overcome by own misery, he pushes me off of him, swiping the blood away from his nose. He plugs his nostril and expels a blood clot, clearing his airways. As for my eye… he holds it in between his fingers, fiddling with it like a stress toy.

  “I have to say, Victoria, I gotta hand it to you! I wasn’t expecting you to actually stand up to me. Unfortunately, without this, your power is completely useless against me! To me, it truly like this is ‘Your Last Cry!’ HAHAHAHAHA!!!!”

  “My last cry toward you was shed the moment you decided to lay your hands on me in this very room and leave me for dead! I spent so many time sobbing by myself hoping that you’d change for the better! I tried to be understanding! I tried to be your number one fan and cheerleader! I even tried to fix myself believing that *I* was the problem in your relationship! After years of trying, after countless tears cried in vain, after all of my futile attempts to get you to love and care for me, I finally realized that no matter what I do, you will always blame others for your shortcomings because deep down inside…. URRGH…you know that you’re nothing but a weak, broken, and shallow individual that won’t amount to anything in this life!” As I pour my heart out to Brett, I stumble and land on one knew as I begin to succumb to the intensity of my pain. With hazy vision, I instinctively look at my watch: “2:35:00’. Time flows naturally again, indicating that my ability also counts normally. I wish I can take Lottie’s advice but I need to push myself pas the 50 second limit. As long as Brett doesn’t figure it out…Hngh! Shit! I wasn’t paying attention! He teleported toward me again!

  “So, I’m the broken one, hmmm?” Brett says as he grips my throat once more. “Because from what I can see, you’re truly the broken one! Dislocated should…a limp arm…and now…visually impaired, well, partially. What’s wrong with me? A broken nose and some swollen balls? These will heal up just fine. As for you…oh, we’re just getting started, Victoria! I’ve waited so long for this moment. With no powers, no strength, and no sight, the only thing that’s left to break is your will and determination! That’s the only thing I haven’t been able to take away from you. One your hope is snatched and destroyed before your eyes, killing you will be so much more satisfying! So then, let’s play a game, shall we? It’s called ‘Force of Will.’ Will your will to live be able hold back and resist against my will for bloodshed? Good luck! You’re gonna need it, Victoria!”

  Just as he did minutes ago, Dominus decides to cycle through each of his abilities in an attempt to physically wear me down. While maintaining constant eye-contact is rather difficult during his sprints of super speed, due to Brett’s cockiness, however, keeps his eyes fully open as he lands blow after consecutive blow upon me. In order to continue concealing my ace card, I willingly take every hit he manages to land. I don’t know how much strength left to use ‘Her Last Cry’ as I normally do. The only way I can potentially win is for Brett to be his worst enemy. With every kick, punch, jam, and slam I take, the more I feel my wanting to break and fall apart. Broken bones, bruised muscles, and radiating pain from where my eye used to be. My threshold for pain is about to reach its limit. Finally, after multiple beatings, I fall on my back, exhausted and physically dying from the pain. With a torturous turn of my neck and lift of my arm, I gauge the time: “9:15:00”. I’ve unfortunately crossed over the five-minute limit again, but so has my opponent. There’s no telling what will happen when he realizes it.

  Suddenly, he steps on my good arm, right on top of the watch, adding further pain and agony. He looks at me face-to-face, looking usually sluggish and fatigued, a tell-tale sign of Demisegamne overuse.

  “Have you…have you had enough, yet?” Brett says while he punches me in the face several times. “What…say you…Victoria?”

  “Pfff-fuck…you, Brett!”

  Another punch connects with my nose, breaking it upon impact. As my mouth and airways fill with blood, I use what little strength I have to forcibly spit it all into his face. He blindly punches and misses my face by mere inches. I attempt a counterattack by punching his nose once more, which successfully lands. As he reels from the pain, I push him off and escape his grasp., disappearing from his view.

  After regaining his sight, Dominus desperately attempts to search the apartment, but to no avail. As he continues to spin around in circles looking for any trace of me, I decide to speak to him:

  “have you… finally figured it out? Why you can’t… fin me? Why you’re suddenly tired and sweating profusely? Well… I can tell just based on those symptoms that you’ve exceeded your powers’’ limits. Do you know… what our drawbacks are? How to mitigate its effects? I know I have. I exceeded my limits ago, but I don’t give… two shits about the drawbacks anymore. As long as I know for sure you’re dead, it’s worth… being lobotomized. Oh, and one more thing: you should probably check the time. The astral plane, if I remember, doesn’t run on conventional time.”

  Suddenly, my ex lifts his arm and wipes away the excess blood to look at the time. His timer: “9:30:00.” In that moment, the illusion of the astral plane crashed around him; the apartment he previously envisioned completely dissipated, revealing that ‘Her Last Cry’ was in effect all along, the final nail in his coffin.

  “No! No! No!!!! Wait! Wait! Wait! I can’t! Not like this!” Brett’s voice once very confident and domineering, now quivering and cowering. Suddenly, he stumbles backward, nearly tripping over his own feet. His eyes dart from left to right, bouncing back and forth. The sweat profusely forming on his brow. His breathing and heart rate becoming tachycardic. Then, it finally started: the skin on his hands turned pale white as it started to harden, causing the bones, the nerves, the blood, and the flesh to petrify. As it continued to travel throughout his body, he attempts to choke himself, a last-ditch effort to escape the thralls of Sokushinbutsu, but before he could even place his hand over his throat, his other hand petrifies as well. Then suddenly, Dominus screamed at the top of his lungs as his eyes glazed over with a milky white substance. Running out of options, he looks to the sky, pleading to me: “Victoria! Victoria! Please! Please kill me! Please! Help! I surrender! I surrender! Okay? You win! So, please! SAVE ME FROM THE SPIRAAAAAAALLLLL!!!!!”

  As he looked for a reply, he only heard the one thing he feared the most: Silence… … …

  With no other choice, Dominus take his petrified hands and attempts to smother himself, one over his mouth and the other over his broken nose. He thrashes about, struggling for air, as he tries to escape the Spiral, uncontrollable emptying his bowels in the process. Then, just before he accomplished in his mission to end his life, the body of Dominus Exalted, stiffened instantly, his skin white as marble statue, finally succumbing to the all-powerful throes of Sokushinbutsu.

  With the battle won and finally done, I decide to walk up to Brett and say my final words to him: “Honestly, I though seeing you like this would make me really happy, satisfied even; payback for everything you’ve done to me. In the end, it’s sadly bittersweet. Without your presence, I have no drive, no motivation, no anything anymore. My hatred for you and quest for vengeance fueled me here all the way until this moment. Now, I need to find another reason to continue fighting and stay alive. Unfortunately, I will most likely forget all of this momentarily. As for you, you’ll have more than enough time to remember what I’ve told you, as my voice will reside inside your head long after I’m gone. And before I leave…a present for you. You were playing with this earlier; I thought you might…want it back!”

  I place my own eye, nerve and all, on the concrete floor, making sure to place it in full-view of Dominus’s vegetative husk. As the announcer declares my victory and the spectators offer their congratulations, I begin to step back from my ex-lover.

  “Well, looks like this is it, Brett… I guess this is goodbye. I know I shouldn’t even do this but to give you at least some sort of dignity, I say: ‘Farewell, Dominus. Take care.’”

  As I leave the body and limp toward the exit, an overwhelming sense of emotions overpowers my psyche, causing me to weep uncontrollably. With the close of the doors, I continue to fixate on the stiff corpse of my old love. The woman who denied her own emotions ended up shedding more tears for the man who caused her endless torment, thus breaking the promise she made to herself. For this was truly ‘Her Last Cry’ for him… … …