Soulless Players

"I do."

The man answered, his face beamed in delight as he looked at the woman across him.

Upon hearing the man's answer, the woman replied with a charming smile, and her eyelids formed mists within.

"You may now kiss the bride."

As their lips met, the air in the church was filled with the resounding sound of clapping hands. The uncontainable happiness of the audience was palpable, evident in every smile and jubilant expression.

This was the wedding of the century between the patriarch of Apple Works Corporation and a three-time Golden Oscar winner for Best Actress, the Phoenix woman who rose from obscurity as an artist.

However, contrary to the joyful occasion, the man's gaze seemed to be lifeless and had a hint of listlessness from within. It was as though this wedding had occurred numerous times to him.

Furthermore, the audience seemed to be moving in perfect synchronization. When one person shouted and lifted their hands, another individual would do the same exact thing five seconds later. It looked like they were all identical copies with unique appearances and builds.

The groom's eyes shook slightly upon noticing this. However, while he was aware, he didn't move nor take action against this abnormality. He just followed the script of being gentle to his newly wedded wife.

The man's name was Steve Works, the number 14 player in the 100th Soulless Game.

In fact, it was his fourth time getting married to the same woman, and he knew that after this ceremony, he would go back to being a college student through an unknown time reversal.

For individuals who seek to rectify their past mistakes, experiencing a rebirth can be a wondrous opportunity. However, for Steve, this was not the case. Instead, it turned out to be a nightmare that he could not escape.

Despite his journey back in time, he found himself utterly impotent to exert any control over his own corporeal form.

He was caught in a peculiar state of being, wherein he was both an impassive spectator and an active participant, unable to extricate himself from his current predicament.

At first, he felt a surreal sense wash over him and believed this was a dream. Thus, he deemed this poignant moment in allowing him to reflect on his many achievements and the wonderful memories he had gathered throughout his life.

From his fortuitous encounter with a lady who sold skewers in the busy street to having an elopement with her and building a company from nothing. Everything, he savored them with delight.

But when he experienced it again the second time. He started to doubt whether it was a dream.

Then after careful examination and contemplation over the life he lived, he arrived at the conclusion that the course of his life had been molded by a sequence of propitious events. He reflected upon this realization with deep thought and consideration.

Then the third life came and he felt terrified. He finally noticed that his life seemed to revolve around the woman who would soon become his wife.

This made him think about whether it was fate or a curse and began questioning his whole life trajectory.

What could have made him fall in love with someone who initially sold street food? Why did she always seem to be there whenever he needed someone to accompany him? Lastly, why did he find himself unconsciously mesmerized by her to the point where he had to leave his family for her?

He had a lot of questions and countless guesses, but he instinctively denied them one by one due to their absurdity.

Upon reaching his fourth rebirth, he was consumed by a profound sense of ennui, as though everything around him was nothing but a hollow facade.

It became all too clear that his sole purpose was to serve as a means of glorifying the woman and aiding her in achieving her own ambitions!

Even his business pursuits and accomplishments, which he valued greatly, were just something he acquired through sheer luck and without much effort!

He didn't know what to think and what not to think. Thus, at the wedding, he was completely listless. He let his own body move along the script as he remained trapped inside it.

It was then after the wedding, the world stopped, preparing for another time reversal.

Suddenly, flipping papers resounded all around as if the whole world was nothing but a mere idea in a book. And when Steve heard them and felt his body moving rearwards, he laughed.

'Ahh, I will experience this monotonous life again. When will it stop? Can I even die?'

As he began to lose his sanity, a luminous sphere suddenly materialized before him.

He was initially stunned but later became happy. It was the first change he had encountered since this phenomenon occurred to him.

He quickly examined it and made an intriguing discovery that he could establish communication with the enigmatic entity. Fueled by curiosity, he proceeded to pose a series of inquiries about the peculiar phenomenon, seeking to unravel its mysterious nature.

What is he?

He is merely a character in a tale. And in the story, he was meant to be the main character in a book with a business theme. However, the author's focus soon shifted to the tumultuous love relationship between him and the female lead.

Why is this happening to him?

For some unknown circumstance, he accidentally develops a consciousness that should have been impossible for a fictional character like him.

However, some guesses might point out its reason. One being is a true testament to the skill of the writer who has brought him to life in such a vivid and compelling way. This showcases the immense power of imagination and the depth of character development that can be achieved through writing.

Can he escape this nonending life?

This is the opportunity that the luminous entity will be given to him once he accepts and joins the game - a game where he will meet players like him and fight to obtain a soul that would help them escape from their unending destiny as a fictional character.

...

He accepted the opportunity as he didn't want to remain as he was. But soon, when he saw the sheer strength of his opponents, he felt inferior especially since he came from a magicless world.

The good thing is that the game was still fair and gave him a power that could combat other players. But, when he knew his power was insufficient, he was left feeling disheartened.

How can he face these monsters using an ability that is mainly used for support and utility? Moreover, he heavily relies on his workforce. He is uncertain about how he can face them with the intention of killing them and is unable to see a way out.

Throughout his entire existence in the simulated world, he has always been extremely cautious, analyzing every move he makes with utmost consideration.

However, his entire outlook on life was forever altered when he came across a young child - who despite his age, defeated an opponent much more powerful and influential than him.

It was at that moment that he fully comprehended the power of innocence and how it could disarm even the most guarded of hearts. From that point on, he came out of his shell and bravely confronted his challenges with a newfound sense of determination and courage.

Shortly after, his obsession with winning the death game was rekindled and he saw the child named Philip as the benchmark.

He believed that only by defeating Philip could he gain the conviction needed to win. Moreover, Philip was the first player he had encountered and he felt an instinctual need to conquer him first.

...

Amidst the murky confines of a desolate alleyway, a frail and undernourished child gazed heavenward, the corners of his mouth curling upward in a faint but genuine smile. With a slight flick of his finger, he conjured forth a tiny flame, its flickering light casting a warm and comforting glow upon his gaunt features.

"I will be the tortoise and be the winner of life." He whispered along the cold breeze of autumn.