Harem Stealer: Reborn with the God-Tier Sharing System Chapter 489 - Deck of Providence [2]

"I shall know soon."

The Pale Lady's face settled back into composure, deeming it pointless to reveal her genuine nature. She merely fixed her gaze on Noah before shifting it downward once again to the Deck of Providence.

From the deck, cards emerged and arranged themselves along both sides of the table. Seven in total for each side.

Every card possessed a distinct form and hue encircling it. Once all had appeared, floating mid-air, the deck morphed into a chessboard.

A brilliant light emanated from the cards as they soared to the chessboard and landed upon it. As the radiance faded, Noah and Pale observed how the cards had become tiny figures positioned on the board. Noah's bore a crimson-gold tint to their skin; Pale's were ghostly white.

Both observed their pieces intently until Providence's voice echoed through the space, drawing their attention to her explanation.

<Before the game commences, all details will be clarified to ensure fairness.>

At that,

"You're quite confident, aren't you?" Pale remarked, her lips curling into a icy smirk. "You gambled on ignorance of the rules just to strip your foe of every advantage."

Noah shrugged. "I am greedy."

"And a fool." Pale added.

"A fool who can fool a Queen, is he still a fool?"

"You have fooled no one."

Any comeback Noah might have prepared died in his throat as Providence's irritated tone boomed around them anew. <You each possess seven cards, now turned into seven pieces. Each holds a special role, so pay close attention.>

They did.

<Your pieces include a King, a Queen, a Knight, a Priest, a Herald, a Soldier, and a Historian.>

As Providence named each one, the matching piece for both sides shimmered, signaling its identity. The gesture was superfluous.

Noah examined his figures, noting the King and Queen adorned with crowns and opulent attire. The Knight gripped a blade while clad in complete armor, his expression grave and resolute.

He positioned himself near the Queen.

The Priest occupied the center, draped in a hooded garment and clutching a tome.

The Herald featured a broad, mad grin and gaze filled with deadly craving. He was placed at the forefront, to the right among the seven.

Noah nearly overlooked the Soldier, since his look was so

ordinary that he could blend into dingy backdrop, and Noah might have accepted it as such.

The Soldier wore tattered leather gear, his features tired and toughened by endless trials and ceaseless sights of battle. He lingered right after the Priest.

Last came the Historian, seated at a desk with a volume and quill, writing diligently. The King stood nearest to him, yet he remained distant from the rest.

This scene imprinted in the thoughts of Noah and Pale alike, their minds swiftly connecting the pieces.

Providence went on,

<Every piece carries a function, and losing one brings repercussions. Connections bind them, which you'd do well to uncover. Avoid the King's demise above all, as it risks immediate defeat or lasting debuff to the other six.>

<Victory comes from eliminating or forcing your rival's pieces to surrender.>

Pale gave a nod, as Noah pondered his choice to let the Blessing turn this into a contest rather than something simpler.

Matters were growing overly intricate.

Providence herself, the game's overseer, felt unease while reciting the guidelines. She feigned omniscience, yet knew only what her script demanded.

"How do we command the pieces?" Pale inquired, her tone laced with assurance that grated on Noah.

<Through your Will.>

"And who goes first?" She pressed further.

<When players signal readiness, a coin will decide.>

Pale turned to Noah with a grin.

"Son of Heretic, I can't remember the last time The Interpreters watched me

with such delight during my amusement." She stated. "This

contest seems intriguing. Once it's done, I'll allow you to pick your destiny."

"What are the choices?"

"Either become my sustenance or my servant."

"No third path?"

"None."

"Strict in dealings, huh. Then I refuse."

Pale's frosty grin held firm. "Ready to face the game you devised

now?"

Noah mirrored the grin. "Don't rush toward defeat."

He shut his eyes next, while Pale chuckled. Abruptly, she appeared thrilled by the turn of events.

This insight heightened Noah's unease. With a breath, he

reviewed every rule and detail of the match.

'So, I direct my seven pieces via Will to secure triumph. By slaying them all or compelling surrender!'

Noah wasn't naive; he grasped that success hinged on targeting the right foes and strategies to hasten the opponent's yield.

With that in mind, the Prince breathed out deeply, then flung his eyes open sharply.

'Now, Noah, face the consequences of your choices!'

He flashed a contrived smile.

"I am ready. Let's begin."

"Took you long enough." "You've grown rather chatty. Shut it, will you?"

"That bothersome tongue of yours will be my initial target, Son of

Heretic."

"You took the words right-!"

<Let's begin.>

Noah rolled his eyes in frustration at Providence cutting him off.

Providence's declaration brought a golden coin materializing between the pair.

One side showed Pale's likeness, the other Noah's.

Suddenly, the coin spun upward, tumbling repeatedly until peaking, then descended. In his tension, Noah yearned to move first for the edge it offered. Yet the game he'd shaped betrayed him, landing for Pale.

Noah's right eye spasmed at Pale's profound, taunting visage. Briefly, he craved nothing but to reach across and smack her senseless.

Given her frame like a frail rod, snapping her like a limb's offshoot would be effortless.

Yet Noah refrained, observing with a parched throat as gradually...

<GAME! START!>

...Pale giggled like a novice at play and executed her opening play.

Regrettably for Noah, her style proved far from childish.

-End of Chapter 489-