The dungeon's shadows were behind them, but Kael's chest still throbbed from the adrenaline. The golden die pulsed faintly in his pocket, a reminder that even a single roll could shift fate.
"I don't like this," Liora muttered, scanning the glowing board squares ahead. "We survived the dungeon, but that's only a taste. The board is… alive. And it's hungry."
Thane remained silent, eyes narrowed. Kael wished he had that calm focus, but all he felt was the pulse of fear mixed with exhilaration. He had survived, but barely.
Ahead, a town square glittered with banners and market stalls. Merchants and NPCs bustled about, selling everything from potions to magical trinkets. But Kael noticed movement that didn't belong—another player, standing confidently near the center of the square, a black-and-gold cloak swirling with faint magical energy.
"Looks like we're not alone," Kael said. His fingers brushed the die in his pocket, feeling the warmth of opportunity—and danger.
The figure noticed him and smiled, though it wasn't friendly. "Ah, the newcomer," the player said, voice smooth, teasing. "And you've already earned your first treasure. Impressive… but beginner's luck rarely lasts long."
Kael stepped forward, sword in hand. "Who are you?"
The stranger bowed theatrically. "Call me Riven. And I suppose I'll be… your first real challenge."
Liora's eyes narrowed. "A player. Be careful, Kael. Not everyone on this board is friendly. Some are predators."
Riven circled, examining Kael like a predator sizing up its prey. "You roll that die well," he said, pointing a finger at the golden cube in Kael's pocket, "but every roll has a cost. And I intend to collect."
Kael's stomach twisted. He had survived traps, shadows, and a dungeon—but now he faced someone with experience, someone who could outthink, outmaneuver, and exploit the board itself.
Riven snapped his fingers, and the town square shifted. A street suddenly became a mini-arena, the banners twisting into walls that enclosed them. "Let's test your skill," he said, eyes glinting. "One round. Win, and you keep your treasure. Lose…" His smile darkened. "…and you'll wish you had never rolled that die."
Kael glanced at Liora and Thane. "We… we can do this," he said, though doubt tugged at his chest.
The first round began. Tiles beneath their feet glowed and shifted with every step, creating hazards and bonuses. Kael realized quickly: this was not just combat—it was strategy. Each movement, each attack, each roll mattered.
He rolled the die. Three. The tiles in front of him glimmered, forming a safe path. Carefully, he moved, swinging the sword when shadows attempted to intercept him.
Riven smirked, rolling his own die. Six. The arena tilted, forcing Kael to leap, dodge, and react with every ounce of attention he had. A spike trap shot from the floor, barely missing Kael's leg, but the die's warmth pulsed again, guiding him.
Round after round, Kael learned: this was more than a fight—it was a lesson in the board itself. Movement, timing, luck, and strategy all intertwined. By the final round, Kael had survived, and Riven backed off, clapping slowly.
"Not bad for a beginner," Riven said. "But remember this: I'll be watching. And so will the others. The board isn't kind to those who are careless."
Kael's chest heaved. He had survived—but this first rival encounter left a taste in his mouth: excitement, fear, and the bitter realization that every player he met could be a threat.
Liora placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're learning fast," she said softly. "But remember, Kael… every win comes with risk. Every friend, every enemy, every roll… has consequences."
Kael nodded, looking at the golden die in his pocket. The warmth was comforting, yes—but also a warning. He had survived the dungeon, defeated shadows, and faced his first rival. But the Monopoly board had only begun to test him.
And somewhere, deep in the shadows beyond the board, the Syndicate was already taking note.
Kael clenched his fists. The game was far from over—and he had no intention of losing.