The Grand Battle [Game Over!]

Originally posted on MSPA by Dragon Fogel.

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"Lifeform Drake is responsible for Amethyst's entry into this contest, then?" Eximo inquired.

"Correct." The Gentleman readied himself, expecting an attack. But it did not come.

"Data noted. Please confirm: it would be detrimental to lifeform Drake if lifeform Amethyst were to be eliminated from this competition."

"Well, yes. The Director is hard to read, and I'm not sure if he's offering any official prize, but we have our own side wager. Not to mention that choosing the winning contestant would be quite good for one's reputation." Drake seemed suspicious of the vacuum. Why would it ask questions at a time like this?

"Data noted." Eximo sped off past Drake, surprising the Gentleman. "This unit's orders are to destroy the other contestants. Current course of action: Seek out and destroy lifeform Amethyst. No orders exist requiring the destruction of lifeform Drake."

Drake couldn't help but chuckle. The machine was trying to manipulate him into stopping it before it could kill Amethyst! How amusing. Arnold had outdone himself with this one.

Of course, the problem was that Eximo was headed back the way it had came. It had already observed most of the path. Drake realized right away he would either have to be more direct, or more creative.

***

Amethyst sent a crystal into the middle of the arch.

Light from the edges flowed into the crystal, causing it to explode. The arch remained, and continued its advance.

Arnold smiled. "You have good tactical sense. You have no idea how many fools would assume themselves to be safe as long as they don't touch the arch itself. Of course, it can't simply be disarmed by throwing absolutely anything into the center..."

Amethyst barely took in his words. She quickly scoured the bookshelf nearest her, pulling every book off and tossing it to the floor in front of her.

"I hope you can disable the effect. Otherwise, you will have to inform the Director of the loss of a significant portion of his collection."

Arnold laughed. With a wave of his arm, the arch vanished, seconds before it reached the pile.

"Well played. But don't think yourself too clever just yet, my dear lady. I am quite willing to destroy the books if there is no alternative." He lowered his arm, and his sword vanished.

Thinking quickly, Amethyst moved to the side. The sword flew past, barely missing her and flying back into the Gentleman's hand.

"And as you can see, there are still plenty of alternatives."