A glowing blue portal had appeared within the area.

The brightness was so much that some people covered their eyes so as not to be blinded.

Unlike the others, I was immune to the effect because of my strength so I gazed into the portal without it hurting me.

I had a sneaking suspicion as to what lay within and it was soon confirmed.

A crystal came into view and I released a sigh I didn’t know I was holding.

I recognized it as an item that held a considerable amount of (G) Essence hence it was very useful for his growth.

It was what we were all looking for and I wondered if the others also recognized it.

I looked back to see that it was the case. The leader had the same hungry look I had.

She knew that this was it.

Our eyes met briefly and I looked away.

I didn’t know how her ability worked and if she could see what I was planning in my mind.

I was considering killing everyone in the area to get it. I didn’t mind her abilities anymore. No matter what she saw, their death couldn’t be averted if I wanted to go along with my plan.

"Let’s play a game?"

"What did you say?" I asked her not sure if I heard her correctly.

How desperate could she be to survive.

"I said that we should play a game." Whoever wins the game gets to keep the item."

I couldn’t believe my ears but then again I couldn’t blame her. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

She didn’t know how good of a strategist I was.

Her confidence stemmed from her ability.

Beside her, I saw Torin, the hot tempered guy from earlier, trying to talk her out of the idea, but she reassured him that it was fine.

"I really think that you should listen to Torin. Why do we have to play a game?"

"Don’t tell me that you’re scared of losing."

"I’m not scared of losing but even if I was, my fears wouldn’t be entirely unfounded. Would it?"

"How so?"

I found it hard to believe that she didn’t see how she had the advantage or maybe she was just trying to be modest.

"For one, you can see the future. The game is rigged in your favor," I pointed out, narrowing my eyes at her. She smiled, a thin line of amusement playing on her lips.

"I see the most probable outcomes, not certainties. I cannot see all futures," she replied. "If you’re as skilled as you believe yourself to be, you should have nothing to worry about. You’re stronger than me after all."

Her confidence was maddening. I glanced at the others; they seemed eager for this unexpected twist, their greed for the crystal evident in their eyes.

The portal hummed ominously behind us, a constant reminder of the prize at stake.

"Fine," I said, my voice steady. "What game do you propose?"

She raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased with my acceptance.

"Nothing serious, just fighting. Whoever gets the first strike wins. A game of wits and strength. Are you game?"

I nodded slowly. "Alright, let’s do this. But know this—if I win, there will be no mercy. The crystal will be mine, and anyone who stands in my way will face the consequences."

She didn’t flinch. "Agreed. And if I win, you will leave peacefully, no tricks, no violence."

We shook hands, sealing the pact.

The tension in the air was palpable, and I could feel the eyes of the others boring into us, watching, waiting.

At this point, I was so intrigued by her personality, and curious about her ability that I decided to play the game.

I didn’t see myself losing to her anyway.

Behind me, the crystal, shimmering with (G) Essence, beckoned from the portal, a silent promise of power and growth.

I shook the thoughts from my mind, I was getting poetic and sentimental over an item.

As if her followers were waiting for the cue, they quickly organized a makeshift arena, a circle was drawn hastily in the dirt and the others formed a rough ring around us, their expressions a mix of anticipation and wariness.

I studied her stance, the way she held herself with an easy confidence. Despite her smaller frame, there was a strength in her eyes that hinted at a deeper power.

"Ready?" she asked, her voice steady.

"Ready," I replied, shifting into a defensive stance.

The moment hung in the air, a taut silence broken only by the soft hum of the portal. Then, with a sharp intake of breath, we moved.

She was fast, darting forward with a speed that took me by surprise.

But I was faster, blocking her strike and countering with a swift jab.

~SWISHHHH!~

She dodged gracefully, her movements fluid and precise. We circled each other, testing, probing for weaknesses.

Despite her confidence, I could see the strain in her eyes. She was good, but I was better.

Each exchange pushed her back, closer to the edge of the circle. Victory was within my grasp and the crystal was almost mine.

Then, just as I was about to strike the decisive blow, a voice echoed in my mind.

"Jeremy." It was Sariel, her voice urgent and inquiring. "Can you hear me?."

The word resonated through me, freezing my movements. I faltered, my mind caught between the present and the sudden call of Sariel.

In the split second I hesitated, the leader saw her chance.

With a swift, precise movement, she struck, her fist connecting with my chest.

The force of the blow knocked me back, and I stumbled, falling out of the circle.

The others erupted in gasps and murmurs, the shock of my defeat palpable.

No one was more surprised than I was, it had happened too quickly for me to process it.

She extended a hand to help me up but I ignored it and rose to my feet alone.

I couldn’t believe the words that came out of my mouth next. It was so sour to spit out.

"You win."