Overlord: The Multiverse

Chapter 25: World Championship 1

After hitting that entry button for the World Championship, I found myself smack dab in the middle of a freakin' Colosseum.

"Whoa, talk about being thrown into the lion's den," I muttered, taking in the chaotic scene around me. It was like a medieval rave, with players of all shapes and sizes—humanoids, demi-humans, and even a few funky-looking heteromorphics—getting hyped up for the showdown.

And let me tell you, the place was buzzing like a beehive on steroids. Folks were cheering, chatting, and probably plotting their strategies for world dominance, all while giving off that festival vibe.

As I glanced around, I couldn't help but notice the massive YGGDRASILL flag fluttering high above, looking like a fancy tree with a blingy gold trim. It was like the official symbol of "Let's Get Ready to Rumble!"

And right smack dab in the center of the chaos was this big ol' blue screen, flashing a bold {10:00} like it's some kind of countdown to doomsday. Well, maybe it was, considering the competition ahead.

And in my system interface, a new option has also been added with two giant swords crossing each other.

In it is a list that shows all the Nine Worlds. And above the choices is a note that tells me I can watch the tournaments of other Worlds.

∆∆∆∆

ASGARD — [8,100/8,192]

HELHEIM — [ 8,192/8,192 ]

JÖTUNHEIM — [ 7,935/8,192 ]

MIDGARD — [ 8,192/8,192 ]

MÚSPELLSHEIM — [ 8,089/8,192 ]

NIFLHEIM — [ 8,054/8,192 ]

NIÐAVELLIR — [ 8,192/8,192 ]

VANAHEIM — [ 8,189/8,192 ]

ÁLFHEIM — [ 8,192/8,192 ]

∆∆∆∆

At the corner of each choice, there's this column of numbers skyrocketing faster than a wizard on a sugar rush. Before I can even blink, each number hits four digits already.

"So, only around 74 thousand can join?" I mutter, doing some quick mental math. It's like trying to squeeze into a packed subway car during rush hour—except instead of sweaty commuters, it's virtual warriors itching for a piece of the action.

Anyone with half a brain cell can see that these numbers are the player capacity for each world. And judging by how quickly they're filling up, it's clear that everyone and their grandma's pet dragon want in on this tournament.

But here's the kicker: it's barely been a minute since these choices popped up, and already the worlds are bursting at the seams. Talk about a virtual stampede!

I guess when the stakes are this high, there's no time for dilly-dallying. It's like trying to snag the last slice of pizza at a gamer's convention—you gotta move fast or risk getting left in the dust.

In Helheim, there are five Colosseums, four of which are buzzing with excitement as the selection matches kick off. With 2,048 participants packed into each arena.

The winners of each arena will enter semi-finals, which will be held in last and the biggest Colosseums in Helheim.

{07:45}

As the player count maxes out and the tension in the air reaches peak levels, a timer above us finally starts its countdown. Tick, tock—it's like waiting for the clock to strike midnight on New Year's Eve, except instead of champagne, we're all armed to the teeth and ready to rumble.

But that's not all—a screen materializes in front of me, displaying the rules and info for the upcoming tournament.

I read the rules and information quickly. It didn't even take me a couple of seconds. It was the same as on the Yggdrasil official web page.

A couple of the key rules are:

No outside assistance allowed during matches. Players must rely solely on their own skills and resources to prevail.

Elimination matches will be decided by submission or HP hits zero: Translation? It's a no-holds-barred showdown where the only way out is through. Whether you tap out or get knocked out, there's no room for mercy in this digital battleground.

No resurrection items allowed here: Forget about stocking up on phoenix downs or revival potions—once you're out, you're out for good. It's like playing hardcore mode in real life, where one wrong move could mean game over.

And some other non-important rule.

"It seems all your preparations are done." Death's voice echoed through my mind, breaking me out of my reverie.

I nod confidently. "Yep, all set and ready to rock," I reply, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

After all, I've practically got the rulebook memorized from my time scouring the Yggdrasil official web page. No outside assistance? Check. Matches decided by submission or HP hitting zero? Got it. And as for resurrection items—well, I'll just have to rely on good old-fashioned skill and luck.

"Good luck, my dear." I give Death a grateful nod, feeling a surge of determination coursing through me.

"Thanks, Death." I reply with a confident grin.

With a final nod of encouragement, I turn my attention back to the looming Colosseum, ready to give it everything I've got. After all, with Death's blessing and my own skills at the ready, there's nothing standing in my way. Time to show this tournament what I'm made of.

{5}

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{4}

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{3}

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{2}

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{1}

Fireworks SFX

As the timer ticks down to zero, the sky above the Colosseum erupts in a spectacular display of fireworks, painting the night with bursts of color and light. It's a breathtaking sight to behold, and I can't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through me.

In the blink of an eye, I find myself whisked away from the sidelines and deposited onto a wide corridor leading straight to the arena. The anticipation hangs thick in the air as I take a deep breath, ready to step into the spotlight and show the world what I'm made of. It's showtime.

~~~