Chapter 76: The Sovereign Deck
Alistair rested both hands on his cane, his voice echoing clearly across the vast stone hall.
"As I mentioned, the world currently exists in a state of fragile peace. No major pantheon, demon lord, or human faction wants to initiate an all-out apocalyptic war. However, that does not mean conflicts do not arise. Daily disputes over territory, ancient artifacts, dimensional boundaries, and high-tier resources occur constantly behind the scenes."
Grandfather paused, a subtle, intriguing glint flashing in his eyes. "Centuries ago, to prevent these localized disputes from spiraling into bloodshed, the Devil Queen, Lucifer, proposed a grand, universal system of resolution."
He looked down at me. "Seth... do you know what a standard deck of playing cards is?"
I raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the sudden shift in topic. "You mean fifty-two cards, four suits, plus two jokers?"
"Precisely," Alistair nodded smoothly. "Lucifer took inspiration from that mortal concept and forged a set of high-tier conceptual artifacts known as the Sovereign Decks. Across the entire supernatural realm, there exist specific individuals chosen to act as Sovereigns. Each Sovereign is bound to a single Sovereign Deck containing fifty-four conceptual slots, four suits of thirteen cards and two Jokers."
I listened intently, fascinated by the concept.
"A Sovereign can freely invite qualified individuals to join their Deck, binding them to a specific card, such as an Ace, a Knight, or a Queen," Alistair explained. "It grants those individuals high-tier conceptual protections, shared spiritual authority, and access to the Sovereign’s domain. However, it is a heavy commitment; once a card is assigned, only the Sovereign themselves or Lucifer can dissolve the bond."
"And how does this stop wars?" I asked, leaning in slightly.
Alistair smiled warmly. "When two major factions or individuals enter a high-stakes conflict, instead of sending armies to slaughter one another, they put the stakes on the line in a Sovereign Game. Two Sovereigns step into a controlled, non-lethal arena, pitting their Decks against one another in strategic, high-stakes battle."
Grandfather’s dark eyes locked onto mine, his voice booming with pride. "Nobody dies, the conflict is absolute and legally binding, and to top it off... the games are broadcast live across every supernatural realm. Sovereign Games are, quite literally, the single most popular, high-stakes sport in the entire universe."
[OHO?!] Paige’s voice instantly chimed in my head, practically vibrating with uncontrollable excitement. [A high-stakes, broadcast card-combat sport where you collect a deck of super-powered beauties?! Seth! This is literally the most peak anime trope in existence!! It’s a Deck of Harem!!]
My eyes sparkled as I stared up at Grandfather, a genuine spark of excitement igniting in my chest.
Alistair reached into his inner suit jacket, pulling out a sleek, obsidian box etched with glowing silver and gold runes. With a gentle flick of his wrist, he tossed the box downward.
It drifted through the air like a feather, landing neatly in my outstretched palm.
"That is an unbound, master-tier Sovereign Deck," Alistair declared smoothly, his smile widening as he looked down at me.
"And as of today, Seth... you are officially one of the Sovereigns of humanity."
The obsidian box resting in my palm felt unexpectedly warm.
I looked down at the intricate silver and gold runes carved into the dark surface, pulsing with a faint, rhythmic heartbeat. It didn’t feel like a simple metallic container, it felt like a dormant, high-tier artifact waiting for its master’s call.
Curious, I brought my left hand up, placing my thumb on the polished latch to open it.
Click.
The latch unsealed, but the heavy obsidian lid didn’t budge an inch. I applied a bit more pressure, trying to force it open, but the box remained completely rigid, as if it were a solid block of stone.
I blinked, staring at the stubborn deck in confusion before raising my head to look back up at the azure balcony.
"Uh... Grandfather?" I called out, raising my hand. "Why isn’t this opening? Did you give me a broken unit?"
Alistair rested both hands on his cane, letting out a quiet, booming laugh that echoed through the vast sanctuary. "Hahaha! It is not broken, Seth! A Sovereign Deck is an absolute conceptual artifact. You cannot simply open it with physical strength. You must first establish a spiritual blood bond with the deck to claim ownership."
I stood there on the central stone platform, staring up at him with a deadpan, thoroughly unamused expression.
’Seriously?’ I thought dryly. ’You handed me the box and just stood there waiting for me to ask why it wouldn’t open? Was that really necessary, or do old people just love dramatic pauses?’
[PFTTTTHAHAHAHA!] Paige erupted in my head, practically rolling in virtual hysterics. [Host, your grandfather literally lived through the Middle Ages! Of course he loves dramatic reveals! It’s in his blood]
’I swear, this family is absurd,’ I sighed mentally.
Fortunately, before I could voice my annoyance out loud, Cyrus leaned over his silver balcony, waving his hand with a bright, energetic grin.
"Don’t mind the old dinosaur, Seth!" Cyrus called down playfully, winking. "The bonding process is super easy. Just bite your thumb, drop a single droplet of your blood onto the center emblem, and recite the Oath of Sovereignty."
Cyrus cleared his throat, adjusting his posture into a regal, dramatic stance as he recited the ancient chant for me:
"By blood spilled and soul aligned,
The domain of cards is mine to bind.
Let kings submit and fate obey—
I claim the board, I lead the play!"
"Got it," I nodded.
Without hesitating, I brought my right thumb to my mouth and bit down firmly. The sharp pain barely registered as a single droplet of crimson blood welled up on the tip of my thumb. I pressed my thumb directly against the glowing silver emblem in the center of the obsidian box.
TSST.
The blood droplet was instantly absorbed into the dark stone, turning the silver runes into a fiery, radiant gold.
Taking a deep breath, I recited the words clearly, my voice echoing through the silent sanctuary:
"By blood spilled and soul aligned, the domain of cards is mine to bind. Let kings submit and fate obey—I claim the board, I lead the play!"