9 Astros (1/2)

The earth as we know today has 7 continents, but in reality, there is an eighth continent present, hidden by magical barriers, away from the greedy claws of humans.

This continent belongs to 'the creatures of the dark'. This continent is surrounded by portals from all the sides. Humans entering in these portals or when they come near the portals, they automatically get transferred to the other side of the continent. They seem to lose a bit of their memories while transferring, therefore, human calls this area as 'Dark Area'. But the real name of this continent is Asteros.

Astros was said to be a land of magic. But as the time progressed magic declined. There are few people left in the continent who can travel to the human world. These people have a bit of magic in their blood but they are very weak from their ancestors. These people are called 'The Travelers'.

When these Travelers saw the magic declining in Asteros. They introduced human technologies to them to make their life a bit easier. So, for the growth and development of the continent, Travelers are highly treasured. They get special privileges across the continent and are highly sought after.

Astros is divided into five countries. The west country of the continent is called Westeros which belongs to the Vampires. Currently it is ruled by Collins. The southern part of the continent is called Achlys, where deadly creatures of the land lives. They are far more dangerous than werewolves and vampires combined. Achlys is surrounded by a barrier, keeping other creatures safe.

In the east, lies the country called Easteros, land of werewolves. It is the largest and the richest country. Between Westeros and Easteros lies Coral Bells. Coral Bells was once a part of Easteros but some 200-300 years ago due to the conflict between two brothers it got divided. In these 300 years Easteros developed by leaps and bounds leaving Coral Bells in the dust. Well, it is known that the development of a country can be seen through its citizen's thoughts.

Coral Bells are even inferior to the Westeros.

The northern part of the continent is a mysterious land surrounded by fogs and mists. To date no one is able to enter it. This place is called 'The Land of Waiting' or Asteria. It was said that this land was the capital of Asteros, when the continent was not divided among different countries. The legends say that this land is waiting for its new owner, a person carrying Queen Aster's blood and heart and the true ruler of the continent. Because only he can remove the mist from the land, opening it.

Alyssa, Arthur, and his lackey, called Smith, sat around the table and the dealer began the game.

In the first game, Smith got 10,5. Arthur got K, 7. Alyssa got 9, Q. The dealer showed his one card and that was 8. Smith took one more card, 3. He lost. The dealer revealed his second card that was J. Alyssa won the game.

The second round was then played between Arthur and Alyssa.

Arthur got card 4 and 8. While Alyssa got 9 and 10. The card in the dealer's hands were 7 and 6. Arthur got one more card, it was Q. the dealer took another card, it was J. Both of them got busted making Alyssa once more a winner.

Another match happened between the dealer and Alyssa where Alyssa got A and J, hitting the 'Black Jack.'

Arthur's patience was running thin. Seeing Alyssa winning every time he roared in frustration.

”You are cheating.” He declared.