Chapter 70 – The Prize and the Price
The event had finally come to an end, and the results were clear for all to see.
The White Family stood triumphant at the very top. Red came second, thanks to Godwin's surrender. And as for Green, they ended up in third place—not because they deserved it, but because they had no strength left to argue. Tom Green had already been dragged away by the Security Council of the Coloured, and not even the Green Patriarch lifted a finger in protest.
From Carita, Malik had learned something crucial. The Coloured wasn't just a random guild or in-game group—it was the organization that built the Coloured Empire in the Western Region of God's Realm Online.
It was made up of four great families that formed the General Assembly. And to keep the balance of power, they had the Security Council—a separate arm that enforced rules and settled disputes.
Right now, the old man with the white beard, the President of that Security Council, stood before Malik, studying him with sharp, discerning eyes.
> "Carita said he's her coursemate… Just a normal university student from West Africa. But how can someone move with such balance, such fluidity, and power? Could it be true?"
"Do you play God's Realm Online?" the old man finally asked, his voice deep and curious.
Malik nodded.
The old man's eyes flickered with hidden excitement.
> So the rumors were true… That old hag might've been right. The game's experience really does bleed into reality. That would explain his natural movements, his terrifying reaction speed…
"How long have you been playing?" he asked again.
Malik scratched the back of his head, hesitating a bit. "A little over two months now."
"Two months…" The old man frowned, his anticipation turning to disappointment. Just two months? That doesn't make sense... My hypothesis… it hasn't even been tested yet.
"And your game ID?" the old man asked casually—but Malik's heart skipped.
He clenched his jaw. Should I say it? His name, De Law, had already drawn too much attention in the Black Moon Kingdom. He was a walking bounty. Saying it out loud here might invite even more trouble.
"President, why are you bombarding the young man with questions?" a voice cut in.
It was Mr. White, the middle-aged man representing the White Family. He placed a hand over Malik's shoulder protectively.
"I'm not bombarding him," the old man said with a slight chuckle. "Just curious."
"Well, don't be," Mr. White said with a grin. "De Law is our family's guest. A very close friend of my granddaughter."
> When did I become a close friend to her? I'm just a bodyguard she hired. Malik thought, but kept quiet, grateful for the save.
"Anyway, De Law," the old man said, his tone shifting to business, "you won the game and achieved the highest overall score—killed two bosses and made one surrender. As a reward, you'll receive ₦5 million and an apartment in OTK. You may choose from the listed coordinates we'll send to your device."
Malik's face brightened. "I truly appreciate it, Mr. President."
"That's nothing," the man chuckled. "With your talent, you'll be a pro player in no time. If you ever come to the Coloured Empire, search for President C—I'll personally welcome you to my manor."
"You flatter me too much, sir," Malik replied. Then, turning to Mr. White, "Please help me thank the President."
"Haha! Son, just call me Grandpa," Mr. White laughed shamelessly. "After all, you're a very close friend of my granddaughter."
"Grandpa, stop teasing my bodyguard," Carita interrupted, dragging Malik away like he was her personal possession. Malik felt a thousand wrinkles form on his forehead.
> This family is not normal...
President C stroked his beard as he watched them go. "What a mysterious figure…"
---
Later, Carita approached Malik with two slim bottles in her hand.
"My father asked me to give you this."
Malik's eyes widened. "B-Rank Nutrient Field?" His hand trembled. "These are worth more than the money and apartment combined… I can't—"
He paused. Carita's expression had turned cold.
"You mean this is worth more than my life?" she asked calmly.
The words hit Malik like a slap to the soul.
He had indeed saved her life today, but in his eyes, that was just part of his duty as her bodyguard. But to her… it was so much more.
He bowed his head and accepted the bottles quietly.
"Your job is done," she said softly. "And don't forget we have class tomorrow. You better show up."
Malik nodded, already feeling the fatigue of the day creeping in. His body longed for the world of God's Realm once more.
"You'll be transported to your new apartment by a member of the Security Council," Carita said. "And I've already sent your bank details to them so the money can be transferred directly."
"My… bank details?" Malik blinked, surprised.
Carita leaned in close, her voice barely a whisper in his ear.
"I know you more than you think… Duke of Green Leaf."
Malik's whole body froze. She turned and walked away, leaving him behind with a mind in turmoil.
> No wonder she wasn't surprised during the fight...
She knows. My identity isn't as secure as I thought…
---
Malik did exactly as he'd planned.
He picked the essential stuff from his old apartment. Withdrew some money. Bought a new wardrobe. Changed everything. Disappeared.
He wanted to unplug the VR helmet, but the driver told him the new apartment already had a gaming cabin installed—state of the art, top-tier.
He made sure the apartment was far from his school, in a quiet district not easily traceable. He checked all exits. Studied every corner. Secured everything.
"I need to get stronger... and fast." Malik muttered under his breath as he gulped down one bottle of the B-Rank Nutrient Field, storing the second in the freezer.
A storm was coming. He could feel it in his bones.
He lay down in the gaming cabin, the doors closing over him with a hiss.
> "Login."
And the world around him dissolved into digital stars.