Usurping the Universe

Alex quickly moved on from the disturbing boy, reluctant to spend more time with Damien. The others did not protest, giving her the items with unexpected willingness. Aside from getting some snot on the item, even Charles did not fuss. Charles looked like a swollen shrimp with his swollen eyes and quivering lips. Imani and Luca should have given her the most trouble, but they acted obediently, opposing their characteristic temperaments. This aroused some concern within Alex, though very little.

Alex surmised they had seen the information on the fifth stage and realised the magical items would likely not be useful. Alex was more interested in the effects themselves- even suspecting she would feel a supernatural energy like mana after use. It may be outlandish, but she believed it was possible. 

'The zombie shards could have awakened something- like mana sense, maybe even...' 

At this moment Imani looked at the stone-faced Alex, outwardly appearing calm, but he felt he saw a somewhat hysterical look in her eyes. He ignored such thoughts and brought forward his proposal.

By now, everyone had calmed down considerably, recovering from their wretched states.

"Alex, we will still battle, but you'll do everything this time."

"What?" Maria blurted out. She did not sound disapproving, but curious instead.

"We won't do anything. Alex and a twin or Dahlia- I don't care who- find the enemies and kill them before the timer while we try to overcome the beast's power over our minds."

"But what if they can't kill them in time?" Surprisingly, Avery joined their conversation. 

"Simple. Alex will single-handedly fight the beast. Ultimately, She has all the magic items." Imani's voice carried his certainty, assuring them his words were undoubtedly factual. 

"Wait, what if someone else opens their eyes and overcomes the 'trap'? Would they have to fight as well?" Charles stopped sulking and questioned Imani hesitantly.

"Only Alex will deal with the boss while we overcome our fears. She is right, if we can't do this now, we won't be better off in whatever magical world we're going to." Damien spoke up this time. He exuded an undeniable resolve, his presence amplified within the room. He would have been more convincing if he wasn't licking an empty can.

"Overcoming fears is not the only thing. From what I understand, the better we perform now, the better prizes we'll get from the Game master." Even Elijah joined in, and everybody seemed more excited, ignoring his strange way of referring to the deity.

'When did I agree to any of this?' Alex just sat back and watched, willing to see how things would unfold.

"This is the last match, right? It must have a real-time limit, meaning Alex can stall the beast and even if she can't win, we'll live!" Charles perked up at the thought and Isaiah, usually quiet, built on his idea.

"Good idea, but the stage is not time-based. It is about the number of people still alive. Either way, she can still stall for us with all those magical items we gave her."

"I'm in." 

"Yeah."

"Sounds good."

"Can I get more chicken?"

They chorused their approval and finally turned to look at the main pivot of their plan. Alex sat on the ground, donning her characteristic look as they decided on a plan revolving around her. 

'Funny.'

"That is quite unkind. You won't even try to help me fight such a creature? I don't think I have any obligation to agree with this. I'll stick with the points I have."

"Stingy."

"Traitor."

"What do you want?"

"A favour."

"From all of us?"

"Each person owes me one favour."

"Tsk. Fine, I agree."

Seeing Isaiah agree so easily, the others joined in as well. Avery was very reluctant until Alex assured her she would not ask her to become a slave or commit suicide.

"Great! Please note, as part of my... payment, you can't kill each other or yourself until I've retrieved all my favours. From henceforth, you all owe me."

Avery and Elijah gave Alex suspicious glances, but the others did not seem too concerned by her words. It was just one favour.

°°° 

Alex opened her eyes instantly, spared a passing glance to the hulking beast, and then nimbly navigated past the rows of frozen figures to Isaiah.

She stood facing him for a few seconds, observing his quick breaths and sweating face. After two minutes, a pair of dilated pupils greeted her. Much shorter than Alex had expected. Isaiah was truly impressive. Though he and his brother were abnormal in some areas, they were leagues above most people in their intellect.

"Why did you wait?"

"Incinerating people may be counted as killing them."

"Makes sense."

Seeing he understood, Alex headed towards a very familiar monster-shaped hole in an unfamiliar wall. They were teleported to a plain, minimalistic room: white, standard but not impressive wardrobe and a bed in the same design. Sunlight streaked in from the open oval-shaped windows, illuminating the tiled room. Alex had gone deep into a dark corridor and Isaiah followed closely behind her. After a few minutes of walking, they stumbled upon a staircase leading to a lower level. The staircase was starkly different from the hallway, with its dome-like ceiling and rough walls. Their boots thumped with each step, the same boots they wore in the previous round.

Alex silenced her steps, walking as quietly as she could. Isaiah noticed this and copied her movements. Soon enough, a faint light streamed from below, reflecting off the stairs and onto the walls. The dimly lit stairway was entirely wooden, yet the air smelt invigoratingly fresh.

Now they could see an exit and the people beyond. Two people stood against three- locked in battle. They wore the same clothing as Alex and her teammates. It was tattered, thoroughly riddled with cuts, leaving behind a bloodied rag. Wounds littered their bodies, a testament to their fearsome encounters.

'They look close enough.'

With this thought, Alex gave Isaiah a flame-shaped item. He needed no more directions. Running forward, he got close enough before throwing the item. His throw was accurate, landing at the centre of their pathetic battle.

The physical effects expressed themselves quickly. Alex noticed a look of horror as one of the worn team members recognized the seemingly inconsequential item that was thrown. 

Too bad it was too late.

Isaiah instantly retreated.

Rapid blasts occurred, and torrents of flames erupted, consuming the wooden platform and those on it. Their cries of agony pierced the air, increasing in ferocity as the temperature soared. The air bubbled with heat, flames swallowing everything in its path, trapping the adolescents within a searing cage of blazing anguish.

'Wait- a wooden platform.'

Isaiah also realised this and glanced behind himself, only to see the back of an unhurriedly leaving Alex.

"..."