Second Genesis

"Welcome one! Welcome all! Congratulations on surviving the events of the Tutorial. It warms my heart to see that you’ve made it so very far. The struggles of a Cracked World are rarely observed in the Genesis Games, but I must say that you have done more than I could have ever expected.

"You are quite sinister for a group of unseasoned warriors as well."

The Great Udon’s voice boomed with laughter, but it somehow felt so very dark at the same time.

"You have all elected quite the champion this time around. He finished in record time, ranking amongst the best of the best, not just of you, but of all the Races.

"I honestly did not expect such a thing. Maybe the world needs to stop underestimating Cracked Worlds so much. It’s hard to treat a group of people like babies in a cradle when you yourselves kill babies in cradles, no?"

Everyone in the city square was looking straight up by this point. And those not yet present were quickly making their way back. Though it hardly mattered. The Great Udon’s voice could be heard clearly even from outside the city, and his face was projected even farther than that.

"I’m very curious. I don’t see this valiant hero. Where is he now?" The Great Udon made a show of looking around, but Grey was, indeed, not in the square, nor was he rushing there now.

However, with a snap, a projection of Grey skidding to a stop manifested in the air.

A face marred by a black mask and an iron jaw. All that could be seen of his head were those two glowing crimson eyes that were only growing more ruby in color. The hair of wiggling grey-black worms only made the sight all the more harrowing.

It felt like they were looking at something demonic rather than human. The fact that they focused more on Grey’s head than the state of the rest of his body emphasized that all the more.

"Oh my. I did not know you humans could become like this. Have you all been holding out on me?"

There wasn’t a single laugh in the city square, but the audience that was watching was a different matter entirely. A chorus of laughter filled the stands, and the Great Udon let his words hang heavily.

Grey heaved for breath, and part of him guessed what happened even before the projection of his own image became quite clear to him.

’Damn. A face only a mother could love.’

"But maybe this sort of face makes sense for someone so sinister," the Great Udon continued. "You see, this game is about camaraderie, trust, love for your fellow man. So it is sad that the best among you, the cream of the crop, would have such a vindictive soul." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

An image of Sabrina appeared.

"Strip." Grey’s words echoed through the city, and then came Sabrina’s scream of fury.

Grey watched in silence as he ripped a sword through Sabrina’s gut, twisting and tearing it out of her side.

Scenes of Eli played soon after. They painted him as the hero saving a damsel in distress, only to get sliced into countless pieces by Grey.

Grey’s lips pursed. He had to admit, he looked kind of badass wielding a sword like that. He should have cut the bastard’s tongue out too.

The cherry on top was the cut to Joaquin screaming helplessly in the forest before running. It was quite good, all the way up to Joaquin’s valiant speech at the end of it all.

"I will continue to try and clear my name, and I won’t apologize for trying to do so," Joaquin’s words echoed in the replay.

Grey chuckled. "How noble."

Despite his words and laugh, his tone was even darker than the Great Udon’s, and his eyes were filled with an even more murderous light.

"I am not one to speak of the value of life. All those under the stars are equal. However, I would be remiss if I did not mention that these two were part of the second-fastest team of Zone 234. And of the first-fastest team, only this man remains. I wonder what happened to them?"

The Great Udon let the words hang in the air for a long while, but then he shook his head.

"Ai, such is life. I have actually come here today to introduce the Registration Round to you all."

"Great Udon, if I might speak!" Joaquin spoke as loudly as he could. He half expected to be brushed off like the Holy Knights had, but he could smell this conspiracy from miles away.

Clearly, this was a signal of some sort from the Producers. Why else would they prove his innocence without him having to do so? Plus, they had painted him in the best light possible when they could have easily made things several times worse for him.

"Oh? Would you all like to hear what a member of a Cracked World has to say about this?"

Those in the square couldn’t hear what was happening, but from the Great Udon’s chuckle and smile, it was obvious the response was positive.

"Sure, what would you like to say?"

"Please give me the chance to avenge my teammates!" Joaquin said loudly, clenching his fists.

The Great Udon laughed boisterously. "Ah, there is fiery spirit in a Cracked World after all. I am but a host. I cannot give you such an opportunity. You will have to fight for it yourself.

"But I can give you a hint since I’m in such a good mood."

The smile of the Great Udon spread wider.

"Your target gained an edict that allowed him to break a rule in the city. Lucky for you, he’s a bit slow in the head and, despite his power, decided to use it on Registration for some reason.

"The funny part about this is that he didn’t seem aware that Registration comes in tiers, and right now, he is a commoner of the city while you have the chance to become a Knight or, in a rare instance, even a minor noble.

"Now... I wonder what a noble could do to a commoner within city limits... hmmm...?"