COZMART: Corner Shop of Visiting Gods

The arena felt transformed beneath the high, clear glow of moonlight, casting an sheen upon the ever-changing terrain. A breeze sighed across the grounds, just sharp enough to send shivers through the gathered teams.

Eathan adjusted his scarf against the cold, glancing around at his teammates. Finn leaned over the balcony rail, eyes sparkling with excitement, and Chewie was already back on her holopad, scrolling through RealmNet's comments that rapidly filled the digital air.

The massive holographic screens above crackled back to life, streams resuming with enthusiasm. Comments cascaded down the visual feeds instantly:

[@missladyvortex]: Back and ready!!!!

[@MoonPie99]: Finally! Mental warfare! Time for commanders to lose friendships!

[@baihusolostan]: ^ Not that there was any to begin with…

Above them, Yverie and Brother Woo materialized onto the central balcony, greeted by explosive applause.

"Welcome back, everyone!" Yverie said, teal braid glittering beneath the artificial lights. "Hope you enjoyed dinner because tonight's second game—Among the Commanders—is going to be a delicious dessert of deception!"

"It's said that the greatest test of divinity is not power, but persuasion," Brother Woo added. "Tonight, we see whose tongue is sharper than their sword."

The spectators' enthusiasm swelled as the commanders descended once more onto the arena's stage. Their steps were measured, though their glances were already sizing each other up beneath outward civility.

The same divine cup stood at the stage's center, sticks of fate awaiting each commander's touch.

Yverie spun lightly on her toes, voice sing-song with anticipation. "Let's quickly refresh! Game Two: Among the Commanders. Think 'mystery script roleplay' meets mafia—"

"—meets divine-level sabotage," Brother Woo finished, setting down his cup. "The Nine Commanders have their powers sealed under the Jade Deity's script. They will play assigned roles based on the stick they've picked, relying solely on wit, lies, and deduction to uncover traitors."

Yverie nodded. "But there's a delicious twist, dear viewers! Our traitors wield special talismans—hidden seals that can silently eliminate another commander, completely unseen."

"Indeed." Brother Woo's eyes were half-closed in meditative acceptance. "Once placed, these talismans vanish immediately, becoming completely invisible. However, they require precisely twenty minutes to fully activate. After those agonizing minutes, the targeted commander's status will switch to [NULL]. They will lose all speaking privileges at once, unable to share any further clues or accusations."

"Survive, accuse, and deduce correctly, or else…" Yverie punched a fist into the air. "Face divine embarrassment!"

In the team lounge, Eathan's face drained of colour. "Invisible elimination with a timer…?"

Willow nodded slowly. "Psychological warfare at its finest."

They turned simultaneously toward the white-haired man on the commander's balcony. Under their gazes, the man adjusted his sleeves, smiling as if savouring the intensity of the scenario. For someone who'd historically skipped almost every non-mandatory event, Commander White seemed oddly invested tonight—an unsettling fact that didn't go unnoticed.

[@CloudScribbler]: Look at the White Tiger's face. Looks like he's finally found his true calling.

[@LiterallyAnEgg]: My popcorn's ready. Who's the traitor?

[@CelestialTeaSpill]: If Seat 001 doesn't get traitor, we riot.

The commanders stepped forward in silence. One by one, they drew their lot, expressions carefully blank. Instantly, the arena shimmered with pulses of energy. Each commander bathed in ephemeral light, their fates sealed by silent decree.

Yverie clapped her hands, pulling attention back to the central balcony. "Commanders, your roles are locked. The scenario will begin shortly. May your accusations be sharp—and your trust be cautious!"

Without further ado, the arena lights dimmed abruptly, plunging into a velvet darkness. Spectators gasped softly as the massive projection above flickered into existence, carrying them away from Kunlun's floating spire and into a carefully constructed illusory realm.

Eathan leaned forward instinctively, squinting as the scene solidified.

Gone was the modern sophistication—replaced now by the sprawling red walls and majestic golden rooftops of an ancient palace:

The Forbidden City, frozen in a timeless grandeur beneath an oppressive storm.

It was stunningly immersive, a vintage, almost film-noir setting that seemed no different from real life. Rain drummed softly, whispering off glazed tiles. Lightning forked above, silhouetting a looming sight that was about to unfold.

A shaky, panicked perspective jolted forward—someone fleeing down a winding path, tall walls shielding all other possible ways. Their breathing was harsh, rapid, and desperate. Lightning flashed, casting the stark silhouette against the cracked ground, interwoven with flickers of flame.

"Who the hell does the Jade Deity hire as their cinematographer…?" Eathan whispered breathlessly, grip tightening on the railing.

The camera surged forward as if chasing the fleeing figure. Footsteps pounded unevenly, urgency sharpening with each rapid heartbeat. The camerawork trembled, signalling a fall. The figure in shadowy robes stumbled, turning abruptly with back now pressed against the floor—wide eyes reflecting pure horror as unseen danger closed in.

A piercing scream echoed, raw and chilling.

The projection snapped to black instantly, silence gripping the arena like a physical force. Several tense heartbeats passed before RealmNet exploded in stunned awe:

[@WTigerFanclubOfficial]: who produced this?? raise their pay asap

[@PenguinSubscriber]: Forget the game—adapt this into a full-length drama right now!!!

Without pause, the scene shifted again, now pulling the viewers into the shadowed Hall of Supreme Harmony—a place once proudly hosting national ceremonies but now tarnished by betrayal. Inside the main hall, curtains hung tattered and furniture lay cracked. A sense of oppressive gloom permeated the space.

Above the lavish yet crumbling palace, a spectral clock took form, its digits glowing:

[TIME REMAINING]:

02:59:59

In the next instant, the nine commanders materialized at once. Eathan stared, transfixed, as their appearances were subtly transformed into historical court attire. They wore muted robes, subtly embroidered to signify their status, each tailored to reflect ancient positions of power and prestige.

At the center of the hall, two holographic avatars appeared, voices echoing against weathered stone.

"Esteemed Commanders, your roles within the Imperial Court have been assigned," Brother Woo said. "It begins now—the mental ballet, the careful dance between truth and deception."

"Exactly! Our commanders are now fully immersed." Yverie clasped her hands, leaning towards the projection. "Remember, viewers: their divine powers are sealed, their personas constrained strictly within this intricate scenario. Their only weapons tonight are words."

RealmNet buzzed with excited predictions:

[@ImmortalGossiper]: I've got fifty karmic tokens on Peng being the traitor.

[@AoBingStansUnite]: Please, he'd never risk another humiliation. My tokens' on Qiongqi again.

"A divine murder mystery. Quaint."

Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the commanders exchanged glances around a golden round table. Taeril glanced down at his sleeve, fingertips tracing the embroidered tiger motif, as if admiring a new addition to his wardrobe.

Lady Foxfire laughed lightly, adjusting the scarlet silk sleeves cascading from her wrists. "Quaint indeed. Almost too fitting—betrayal hidden beneath glamour."

A deep, resonating voice echoed from the Cloud-Jade Ledger, vibrating through the decaying manor:

"One among you has broken the Oath. One among you has spilled immortal blood."

Commanders exchanged glances beneath their newly donned personas. Ao Bing's lips quirked; Erlang Shen's brow tightened almost imperceptibly.

This was the joy about mind-based games, that even the rule syntax may hide subtle information. "One among you," repeated twice—was it the same person who'd committed both sins, or were they two different individuals?

As if on cue, a luminous scroll unfurled at the commanders' central table:

"A divine murder has been committed within these palace walls. Prince Xuan, Second Prince of Emperor Huang, was discovered lifeless. You, esteemed immortals, were present."

"Speak your truth. Uphold your part. Deceive, and be deceived."

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

The ancient hall shuddered, signifying the commencement of the game.

Lady Foxfire clapped her hands. "Slain officials and broken oaths? How charmingly vintage."

"A murder is no occasion for frivolity, Foxfire," Erlang Shen said, voice as formal as his dark-grey armour robe. "It appears our roles come with heavy responsibilities."

Qiongqi snorted. He waved an arm, the jagged crimson patterns on his cloak shimmering under candlelight. "Spare us your piety. Who here doesn't have bloody hands?"

Taeril smiled. "Eager to confess already, Qiongqi?"

"There's a difference between war and treachery," Ao Bing said, eyes narrowing at his calm visage.

Taeril met the Sea Prince's glare evenly. "Ah, treachery—always a matter of perspective, isn't it?"

From the spectator seats, Eathan blinked. "So, how has Mister White not been banned from official negotiations yet?"

"It's his first real game in decades." Finn leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper. "Usually, he's 'mysteriously' unavailable. Everyone's excited just to see the White Tiger engage—whether friend or foe."

On the holographic screen, the commanders' assigned role descriptions appeared at once, rolling out in a scroll for the audience's convenience.

Outside the hologram, Eathan tilted his head toward Willow, voice low with curiosity. "You think they picked roles matching their actual personalities on purpose?"

Willow smirked faintly. "What, you think Commander White just accidentally ended up as a controversial inquisitor who exposed divine corruption?"

"…Good point."

Back in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the mood intensified considerably, alliances and animosities already weaving beneath the table. RealmNet had long exploded into fervent speculation, analyzing expressions, stances, and subtle flickers of emotion.

Taeril was the first to move. He leaned, pale robes flickering as he did so.

"Either way, it appears we've been given our stage." A half-smile graced his lips as he broke the silence. "Let's perform well, shall we?"

"This is no performance, Inquisitor White." Erlang Shen fixed him with an unwavering gaze, already in role. "A prince lies dead, and it's clear someone here has much to hide."

Qiongqi immediately snorted, while Great Peng scratched his chin, his golden robe rustling with the action.

Li Wei was already looking as if he'd aged another decade. He unclasped the jade cufflinks of his otherwise simple black uniform. "Indeed. Prince Xuan was no trivial man. His murder signifies a grave breach of the Oath, a disrespect for the royal family. The emperor would not treat this lightly."

Taeril inclined his head in mock agreement. "Captain Li, always our moral compass. How fortunate."

"Save your sarcasm." Li Wei shot him a weary glance. "We have less than three hours."

Lady Meng sat poised, the silver bells woven into her dark hair eerily silent as she scanned each commander. "Speculation leads nowhere," she said smoothly. "Our time ticks away; we should begin by clarifying our roles."

"Then let's start with the simplest question," Great Peng said. His fingers twitched as though longing for a device that wasn't there. "Who found Prince Xuan's body?"

Wen, silent until now, raised his hand slightly.

"I did," he said. "Precisely an hour ago, at the Hall of Literary Glory after cataloguing archives. He was already lifeless."

[@LiterallyAnEgg]: Wen talking? Historical moment.

[@TeamFoxfireFan05]: Marking this on my calendar. Wen just said an entire sentence.

Qiongqi narrowed his eyes at Wen suspiciously. "Conveniently alone? Not exactly a persuasive defense, Archivist."

Lady Foxfire interjected sweetly, "Surely accusations come later, after evidence. Rushing is unbecoming—though not unexpected from Qiongqi."

"Careful, Foxfire." Qiongqi visibly bristled, lips twisting into a sour expression. "Pretty dresses don't shield from guilt."

"Where was everyone else during the murder?" Erlang Shen cut through the brewing tension. "We must establish who was where when Prince Xuan fell. Transparent narratives will isolate inconsistencies."

Back at the commentating platform, Brother Woo softly nodded. "Excellent move by Commander, uh, Ex-General Erlang—imposing structure to extract truth. But it also sets a trap; liars will now weave intricate falsehoods. Watch carefully."

A charged silence fell. Taeril raised a hand. "I was in the palace's main library, if anyone's curious. Reading about phoenix breeding habits."

[@TigerKing]: Why does that sound both fake and exactly something he'd do?

[@AoBingFanForever]: Commander White always has the best worst alibis.

Eathan squinted suspiciously, whispering to Chewie, "Is that code?"

Chewie shrugged, still scrolling through RealmNet. "With the White Tiger, everything's code. Probably."

"I was perfectly content in the cellar, sampling vintages. Y'know, all the 'drunk uncle' classics. Hardly murder-worthy," Peng said with a shrug.

"Wine can loosen tongues and hands, Elder Peng." Lady Foxfire's voice chimed in. "Perhaps you drank more than just memories away?"

Yverie's voice sparked from the commentator booth above: "Lady Foxfire already directing suspicion—classic oracle move! Chaos meter's already rising!"

At the roundtable, Lady Meng raised a hand, cutting smoothly through rising murmurs. "As the Head Stewardess, I was inspecting kitchens and crypt inventory. The eastern and western palaces naturally wouldn't take care of themselves." She paused. "And Captain Li, your alibi?"

Li Wei crossed his arms. "I was stationed at the gatehouse perimeter. Surveillance glyphs confirmed no breach at my position. But entrances are numerous here."

Ao Bing, expression clinical, steered his gaze towards the projection of Prince Xuan's corpse at the center of the round table.

"The body was found in the inner courts. The Grand Hall of the Xuan Residences. From the look of it, the wound was precise—clean, single strike," he said. "You do have military training."

Li Wei shot him a look that could have frozen fire. "And you have medical precision. Physician Ao. Perhaps too much precision?"

Brother Woo's steady voice noted from the commentator's booth, "There it is. Ao Bing subtly deflecting suspicion toward Li Wei—interesting maneuver, very cautious."

Taeril lightly tapped the table, bringing attention back. His gaze travelled methodically over each commander. "Precision? Perhaps. But consider motivation. Our retired general over here seems to possess hostility toward Prince Xuan that is well-documented."

Erlang Shen stiffened slightly, his silver circlet catching the candlelight. "Disagreement does not equate murder, Inquisitor White. While I did retire due to an unfortunate injury while sparring with the Prince, it is nowhere severe enough to instigate murderous intent."

"A-huh. Says the guy with a legendary kill record." Qiongqi seized the moment. "You practically bragged about spilling blood."

Erlang Shen's glare intensified, causing the room temperature to drop. "Keep talking, heir apparent, because brash accusations only make you more suspicious."

The tension escalated quickly—Qiongqi bristled, Erlang remained coldly defiant, Taeril watched with amusement.

In a timely manner, Wen adjusted his monochrome sleeves and spoke, voice barely above a whisper: "Every accusation reveals a mirror. Who sees themselves reflected?"

"And your reflection, Archivist Wen?" Lady Meng tilted her head. "If I recall correctly, the Hall of Literary Glory is not exactly in the inner courts."

Wen simply met her gaze silently, leaving his response suspended.

Yverie whispered excitedly to RealmNet, "Wen maintaining mystery—exactly why he's everyone's wildcard suspicion!"

RealmNet burst into frantic theorizing:

[@WenFanClub]: Wen literally gives one line and now I'm doubting my whole life.

[@CelestialTeaSpill]: Anyone else think Erlang Shen's steering conversation in a suspiciously forward way?

Taking in the stream of comments, Yverie hovered over the mic. "Over ten minutes in, and no traitors revealed yet. But the subtle interactions, the probing questions… this is where the real game starts. Each commander is laying psychological traps."

Brother Woo conceded. "Indeed. Qiongqi's aggression drawing attention, Lady Meng quietly gathering information, Erlang Shen forcing transparency, and the White Tiger sowing doubt."

Yverie grinned. "And Great Peng silently panicking without RealmNet. Each has their strategy."

At the roundtable, Great Peng threw his hands up dramatically. "Can someone explain again why I'd kill my nephew? I barely knew Xuan—he was stuffy, dull, and utterly humourless."

Qiongqi snapped back instantly, "And you're loud, embarrassing, and entirely capable of drunken accidents."

Taeril smiled, stirring his tea with deliberate slowness. "Evidently, we can cross 'family harmony' off the suspect list."

The tension lingered, simmering as seconds passed. Ao Bing knocked on the table, cool eyes glinting in candlelight. "Let's not overlook Inquisitor White's conveniently solitary alibi. Alone in the library—isn't that rather suspect?"

Taeril raised an eyebrow. "Respectfully, we were all alone with our alibis. Also, I find solitude far less troubling than your apparent fascination with precision instruments, Physician."

Li Wei sighed, rubbing his temples. "Can we please skip the innuendo and actually investigate?"

Before further argument ignited, a resonant bell tone echoed again, silencing them all. Another glowing inscription flared vividly across the wall:

[TIME REMAINING]:

02:44:59

"The roundtable boundaries are now lifted. You may now seek the truth outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony—but remember, betrayal lurks in every shadow."

Following the announcement, the commanders stirred in their spots. Erlang Shen adjusted his armour. "Captain Li is correct. We're wasting precious time. Truth lies beyond polite accusations."

Taeril nodded, still seated, an unreadable glint behind his obsidian gaze. "After you, ex-general."

Back outside, the audience leaned in, anticipation building.

Eathan stared toward Taeril's composed figure on screen. "If they start wandering, how exactly do we find the killer?"

"We don't. They do," Esther replied. "Now, we watch who slips first."

Contrasting with her flat tone, RealmNet was buzzing with anticipation:

[@MoonPie99]: It's literally mafia, except everyone's divine and ten times pettier.

[@CommanderDramaAlert]: Forget finding the murderer, wouldn't be surprised if they're going to kill each other before that.

A tense hush settled over the round table. One by one, the commanders dispersed, each step echoing softly against the marble floors.

Eathan leaned forward in anxious excitement, while Willow lounged back in her armchair.

"Ten minutes in and they're already tearing each other apart," she said. "Imagine what they'll do in three hours."