The Arbiters Game Chapter 1

I am the Arbiter of Hollywood. I decide who becomes a legend and who becomes a ghost. Ascension or annihilation—it all comes down to my judgment.

Based on a nationwide vote, five of the biggest names in the industry will be brought before my tribunal. And I, Cassandra Stone, will pass sentence on a live broadcast for the entire country to see.

Those who pass my judgment will ascend to a new stratosphere of fame.

Those who fail… die.

* * *

The decennial Reckoning is about to begin. Five celebrities, chosen by the American public, sit before the tribunal table.

The moment the broadcast goes live, the energy in the studio—and online—crackles.

【Our king, Liam Davenport, has been waiting for this day since his debut. He’s the definition of a law-abiding, good man. A 26-year-old saint who’s never even had an on-screen kiss. What could he possibly have done wrong?】

【OMG, I spent ten straight days voting to get Dylan Shaw into the top five. Hubby, you better not let me down!】

【To the user above, your ‘hubby’ might not be thanking you lmao. I didn’t dare vote for my fave. The list of shady shit he’s done is longer than my arm.】

【Smart move. Not only did I not vote for my guy, I coordinated with other fanbases to vote our rival, Noah Evans, into the top five. Can’t wait to watch him get torn to shreds tonight!】

A voice, deep and authoritative, echoes from above the tribunal stage.

“This Reckoning will be conducted with fairness, impartiality, and total transparency, broadcast live for all citizens.”

“The public is invited to scrutinize every moment. Should any evidence of tampering be found, the Arbiter will die on the spot.”

【DAYUM, they’re really raising the stakes this time.】

【Wait? So if they fail, my fave is actually gonna die? I shouldn’t have voted for him…】

【You really think they’ll kill him? It’s just a publicity stunt to get ratings.】

【Do you newbies even do your homework? At the last Reckoning, ten years ago… no one survived.】

Amidst the storm of online chatter, I walk from the wings to center stage.

“Good evening. I am your Arbiter, Cassandra Stone.”

My voice cuts through the noise.

“The Reckoning… begins now.”