I am a player, and this is my game.

It begins with the push of a button. The single click of a mouse on a field of tiny squares.

Some squares become clear, others become marked.

Marked with numbers. Marked with symbols, like signs beside a road, each pointing to the origin of their existence.

The mines hide beneath the dark squares. The numbers lead the way to them. Patterns form as squares are cleared. Sometimes the patterns are clear; isolated corners point to a single mine hiding nearby. Other times they are complex; a collage of seemingly random numbers that one must study to break through.

I break through the wall, and other squares become clear. More patterns form; more roads are open to me.

Another click of the mouse. Sometimes my finger slips. Other times I misread the numbers. Sometimes the numbers simply cannot be read.

Many times I lose, many times I win. I study the numbers to find patterns, and memorize those patterns. I see the patterns again, and the path becomes clear.

I continue to learn and grow. I become master over the field that lies before me, and I advance. Larger fields, more mines. I expand my horizon and the cycle repeats itself. Again I study. Again I learn. Again I grow.

Again I click the mouse beside the final mine on the field.

Victory, and I advance.

The field cannot grow, so I add more mines. The paths become congested and the roads become blocked. Victory comes with greater difficulty. Games grow longer and the fields harder, yet still I push through.

Still I manage to win.

I progress again, and this time I struggle. Greater difficulty. Victory at greater cost. Yet the knowledge of my victory makes for a greater reward.

Finally I reach a field I cannot beat. I reach a pattern I cannot overcome. I lose, and I try again. Again I lose, again I try. The struggle lasts for many days and countless games. I keep playing and eventually I win.

I progress again. Harder still, and I continue to play. I continue to lose, but I do not stop. Victory has not yet come, but still I play. I still fight, though I do not win. My fight never ends and the struggle never stops, for though I lose, I know my strength.

I know the challenge that awaits me.

I know the patterns that lie before me.

I have not yet won, but it is inevitable. The cycle continues as it always does, and I grow stronger.

It is not yet finished, but I know in my heart it will come. For I am a player, and it is a game.

Sooner or later, I will win.

Sooner or later, I always win.

I am a player, and this is my game.

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-Click-

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Victory.