I couldn't bring myself to feel sympathetic for Sorrento and Zandor. Yes, they were murdered in cold blood, but I know of all the deaths they were responsible for, including Art3mis' father.
"Okay, I've done what you asked. Can you let my friends go?"
"Hmm… no. You know what? I think I am going to change the deal. I am taking over Gregarious Games and the OASIS. That, along with IOI, will become the strongest force in the history of the planet. However, I need your friends to gain control of Gregarious Games, since they are the co-owners, but once they've served their purpose, they will have bullets in their skulls too."
"Damn you!" Toshiro yelled.
"Silence!" one of the guards whispered.
"You want this war to end? Defeat me in the OASIS, in an all-out war between IOI and Wolff Inc. and the Wolff Pack. Then, and only then, will the true rulers of the OASIS be determined."
"Fair enough," I said. "Prepare yourself."
"Since I am in such a good mood, I'll even give you a three hour head start to prepare your forces."
"Where?"
"Where all warfare takes place in the OASIS. Planet Doom."
I ran back home to prepare.
I'll save you guys. I promise. Sarah, please watch over us.
I got home and ran up to my room. Spud was sleeping in my bed and woke up when I entered.
"Sorry, boy. I can't walk you now. I have to beat dad first."
Whining sadly, Spud left and went downstairs.
I logged on and entered The Den.
"Sir, what do you need?" Mia asked.
"Gather all of the officers, we need to have a meeting."
"Yes, sir."
Several moments passed before the meeting in the conference room began.
"Comrades. I have gathered you here because we are about to enter the fight of our lives. As we speak, my father is gathering his forces to wage war against the Pack. The winning side will control the OASIS. Ladies and gentlemen, I don't know how long it will last. I don't know how many will fall. But I know one thing, and that is we will emerge victorious!" Who is with me?!"
Everyone stood up and saluted before Mia asked, "What are your orders, sir?"
Prepare ALL artifacts, ALL vehicles, and ALL troops. EVERYONE and EVERYTHING. We leave for Planet Doom in one hour."
The officers march off, leaving me alone with Mia.
"I sense trouble in you, Logan."
"My father was behind Sarah's death, and now plays my friends and the OASIS itself like a sick game. So yes, I apologize if I am a little troubled."
"Everything will be alright. We will win, trust me."
I then felt her fingers on my chin as she pulled her lips to mine. I tried to pull away, but it was no use.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that," she gasped afterwards.
"Get your troops ready," I ordered, trying to change the subject as I exited the room.
I went back to my office and watched my forces prepare. Troops marched in formation, adorned with all types of weapons and armor. Land, sea and air vehicles buzzed and rumbled.
A knock at my door.
"Come in."
A lieutenant entered.
"Sir, it's time to ready up."
I stood up and pressed a bookshelf, which rotated and revealed my personal weapons and armor. Also included were two artifacts. The first was the monster artifact that Halliday gave me. The other was the Infinity Gauntlet from The Avengers.
I retrieved both. Now for my weapons.
I selected Thor's Mjolnir, Batarangs and Pac Man grenades, which released Pac Men that ate enemies.
For armor, I chose Stormtrooper armor cloaked with miniature tesla coils. These can produce a cloak of electricity that would prevent any projectile from getting close to making contact.
Once ready, I sat in my chair. I decided to fly to Planet Doom alone and rendezvous with my forces there.
The hour had arrived. As I descended to Planet Doom, aircraft and airships large and small flew. Some deployed troops, vehicles and supplies. Others flew as protection. Our Death Star even fired a blast. The explosion created a crater. Spaceships flew down to fill it with water. From there, our navy and ships were dropped.
I landed, and one of my generals ran to me.
"Welcome, sir. Your orders?"
"DESTROY. THEM. ALL."