A brightly lit room.
Jason sat alone by the window, gazing at the landscape outside. But a closer look at his eyes revealed that his attention was nowhere near the scenery. His right hand was open naturally, a stream of yellow fluid energy dancing between his fingers like a sentient spirit.
After an unknown amount of time, the door suddenly swung open. Jason's lips curled into a slight smirk. On Sakaar, there was only one person who would enter without knocking: Valkyrie.
"Everything's ready."
"Good. Let's go."
Jason withdrew the yellow energy into his body, stood up, and walked out.
The two remained silent as they took the elevator to the Grandmaster's palace. Inside and out, the place was swarming with people. Men and women in flamboyant attire were everywhere, and the vast hall was filled with tables, chairs, and exquisite delicacies.
Today was the Grandmaster's birthday. The city's elite had gathered to celebrate him. Jason and Valkyrie passed through security and stepped into the hall. The Grandmaster, dressed in a brilliant yellow ceremonial robe, was holding a glass and chatting with guests. From the broad grin on his face, he was clearly in a magnificent mood.
"Hey! Look who's here!" His eyes darted over, and he immediately broke away from the crowd to rush toward them. "My Champion! Having you at my party makes me very happy."
Jason smiled and handed over a gift. "Grandmaster, happy birthday. The honor is mine to be invited."
An attendant took the gift, and the Grandmaster laughed. "Have fun today, but remember not to get too drunk. We have the procession later."
The procession involved flying the Grandmaster's ship in a loop around Sakaar while setting off massive amounts of fireworks so every resident on the planet could feel the birthday spirit. Jason had participated in this tedious event twice before. He nodded in agreement and then led Valkyrie to a corner to observe the crowd while they ate and drank.
Before long, a woman who still possessed quite a bit of charm approached them with a glass in hand. "Hey there, strong Mr. Champion. Might I have the honor of a drink with you?"
Jason raised his glass. "Of course." They clinked glasses with a laugh and drained them. "Enjoy yourself!" She whispered with a suggestive wink before departing.
Valkyrie watched with a cold gaze and sneered, "You're getting less picky by the day. She's old enough to be your grandmother."
Jason set his glass down, unfazed. "I've realized that out here in the cosmos, as long as the body doesn't age, years aren't an obstacle. Look at you—you're nearly 3,000 years old, but you look like you're in your twenties."
Valkyrie pouted, reluctantly conceding the point. "I haven't even seen that woman around. How do you know her?"
Jason recalled with a chuckle, "I met her at her sister's 180th birthday. She'd had a bit too much to drink and was wandering the garden. I happened to bump into her when I was looking for a place to relieve myself, and well... let's just say her tricks were an eye-opener. Much more comfortable than you."
"Hmph!" Valkyrie rolled her eyes, having zero interest in his bedroom stories.
Capitalizing on his fame as the premier Champion of the Arena, many socialites came over to chat and toast with Jason. He turned no one down. By the time dusk fell, he had downed three bottles of strong liquor.
The lively banquet was about to enter its second half, and the general guests began to take their leave. The second half was the Grandmaster's global procession, an event reserved for his inner circle and the highest-ranking officials of the planet.
As the hall thinned out, Jason stood up and took a seat closer to the main table. The Grandmaster had drunk a significant amount, yet his face hadn't changed color at all. He sat at the head table excitedly and summoned a military general, ordering him to arrange the procession immediately. Aside from the Grandmaster's personal ship, the military had to provide a fleet to accommodate the guests. The general nodded and exited the palace.
As the party continued, the Grandmaster turned his gaze toward Jason. "My Champion, are you having fun tonight?"
Jason lied through his teeth. "I'm having a blast!" Bullshit. No dancers, no nothing. Fun, my ass.
"Glad to hear it! During the procession, you'll stay with me..."
BOOM!
A massive explosion cut him off. Immediately after, shouts and the sounds of clashing weapons erupted outside.
"What was that?"
"Where did that explosion come from?"
The officials' faces turned pale as they stood up to look outside. The Grandmaster looked bewildered. "What is happening?"
"Grandmaster, I'll check it out!" Jason left his seat and ran out. Minutes later, he came sprinting back, looking panicked. "Grandmaster! The gladiators held in the Arena have started a mass revolt!"
A wave of commotion hit the hall. The pampered officials began to lose their minds. The Grandmaster's jaw dropped. "What? How could those slaves revolt? Where are the guards? Where the hell is everyone?"
Just as panic was setting in, the general responsible for the ships burst back in, ignoring all protocol. "Grandmaster! The slaves have broken through the perimeter and are storming the building!"
"Quick!" The Grandmaster roared. "Deploy the army! Crush them! Execute every last rebel!"
The general's face was ashen. "Director... the majority of the soldiers have joined the rebellion!"
BOOM!
That revelation ignited total chaos. Order in the palace vanished as the elite guests trampled over each other to reach the exit, hoping to escape on their private ships before the rebels arrived.
The Grandmaster slammed the table in a rage. "Useless! Cowards! All of them!"
Jason stepped in front of him, fluid energy shimmering around his body. "Grandmaster, do not worry! As long as I am here, these rebels are nothing."
"And me!" Valkyrie kicked a chair aside and stood by Jason's side.
"Good! Good!" A look of relief finally crossed the Grandmaster's face. "True friendship is found in times of trouble. I'm glad you're here. However..."
His expression shifted instantly. His soft, panicked demeanor sharpened into the presence of a ruthless emperor. "Today is my birthday! It was supposed to be my happiest day! And these suicidal fools dare to ruin my mood? They deserve to die!"
"Today, I shall show them the fury of the Grandmaster!"
Jason said with concern, "Grandmaster, let us handle the rebels. I worry about your safety..."
The Grandmaster snorted and cut him off. "Jason! Never underestimate me! To quote what you said three years ago during your Champion's match: 'When have I ever shown you my true power?' Ha! I've finally said it. It really does sound quite cool."
"But..." Jason hesitated.
"No more words. Get behind me!"
PEW! PEW! PEW!
Moments later, the sound of laser fire reached the doors. The screams of the palace guards were relentless. With a deafening blast, the electric iron gate was blown open by a laser cannon. A mob of gladiators and defected soldiers stormed the hall, shouting: "Kill the tyrant! Kill the tyrant!"
The Grandmaster stood before them, Jason and Valkyrie at his back. He straightened his collar and roared, "I won't even ask about the slaves. But you—you were my warriors. Why join them? When did I ever mistreat you?"
A soldier in full armor stepped forward. "You didn't mistreat our wallets! But you are cruel and capricious. One small mistake and we're sent to die in the Arena. We've had enough of living in fear!"
"Is that all?" The Grandmaster asked.
With someone leading the way, others found their voices.
"Why should a useless old man sit on that throne?"
"We won't be ruled by a fossil!"
"That's right! That seat belongs to us!"
"Oh, so you covet my throne!" The Grandmaster looked at them with pure contempt. "Then tell me, do you know why a useless old man has been able to rule Sakaar for so many eons?"
The people in the hall looked at each other. No one had an answer. History said Sakaar had existed for billions of years, and the Grandmaster had always held the throne. Has no one ever opposed him? There were rumors of a rebellion millions of years ago that he had suppressed single-handedly, but most thought that was just propaganda to keep the peace.
The Grandmaster didn't wait for an answer. He spread his arms wide. "Let your lives provide the answer."
"Stop posing! I'll hack you down myself!" A gladiator lunged from the crowd, swinging a jewel-encrusted axe at the Grandmaster's head.
The Grandmaster stood his ground. Just as the axe was about to hit, he reached out and caught the gladiator's wrist. The weapon stopped dead in the air. The gladiator struggled, but it was futile.
"I think I remember you," The Grandmaster said, studying him. "The gladiator most likely to become a Champion. 93 wins, wasn't it? A pity. Truly a pity."
"Die, tyrant!" The gladiator pulled a serrated dagger from his belt and stabbed at the Grandmaster's heart.
Clang!
The blade snapped as if hitting vibranium. The Grandmaster was untouched. As the gladiator stared in disbelief, the Grandmaster slapped him on the forehead. The gladiator's body instantly disintegrated into a spray of gore.
This sight paralyzed the rebels. After a second, someone screamed, "Fire! Kill him!"
The rebels launched a total offensive. Lasers, lightning, flames, and sword beams all converged on the Grandmaster. He stood there, arms wide, taking it all. To their horror, he didn't have a single scratch.
"You fools! Let me tell you," The Grandmaster mocked. "My body is immune to all physical harm! You could hurl a star at my face, and I would be unscathed."
The rebels began to panic. What was the point of trying to kill someone who couldn't die? Some dropped their weapons; others turned to flee.
SHUA!
The Grandmaster blurred, appearing at the exit instantly. He waved a hand, killing several rebels. "No one escapes!" He shed his ceremonial robe. Aside from his invulnerability, his speed and strength were monstrous. Anyone hit by his fists was reduced to mincemeat.
Watching this, Jason's blood boiled with battle lust. "Grandmaster! Let me help!" He jumped into the crowd and joined the slaughter.
"Hahaha! Good! Let's see who kills more, me or my Champion!" The Grandmaster laughed, drenched in blood.
The rebels were in despair. Facing these two, their fate was sealed. Just as the two met in the center of the hall to fight side-by-side, Jason suddenly reached out and slammed his palm against the Grandmaster's chest.
"You—"
The Grandmaster's eyes widened in shock. But before he could react, a surge of yellow energy bored into his body. His expression froze instantly. He had lost all control of his physical form.
It happened so fast. Why would Jason attack him? Even more chillingly, the surrounding rebels didn't say a word. They fell silent and backed away, clearing a space. Their synchronized discipline made it clear—everything that had just happened was a performance.
Valkyrie stepped forward, Dragonfang sword in hand. The hall became deathly silent. Jason closed his eyes, his brow furrowed. The Grandmaster's expression was vacant. The two of them were engaged in a fierce battle in an unknown mental realm.
"AAAHHH!"
After a moment of stalemate, the Grandmaster's eyes turned pitch black. He threw his head back in a scream of agony. Jason, sweat pouring down his face, roared: "DO IT!"
Valkyrie didn't hesitate. She swung Dragonfang in a blinding arc through the Grandmaster's neck.
Thump.
A heavy head fell to the floor.
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You can read advance chapters and view R-18 images of the characters on pat reon page.
pat reon.com/GreenBlue17
500 power stones.
Top 100. All time.