Moss sat cross-legged on his bed, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor. His mind replayed every sparring match he'd lost against Zack, the agent with the uncanny ability to see into the future.
"Damn it!" Moss slammed his fists onto the bed, frustration boiling over. "Why did Arkea have to pair me with the one guy who can predict my every move?" Moss later finds a letter written by Arkea near his door and as he reads it he understands what he must do.
Zack's ability allowed him to see only one minute into the future, every ten minutes. But could Moss last even a minute against him without getting defeated?
The tournament bracket hung on the wall, mocking him. Many agents had fallen, and now it was his turn to face Zack, a formidable opponent.
The arena erupted in cheers as Zack entered the ring. He was known for his exceptional strength and abilities, surpassing his current C-rank.
As Moss entered the arena, the crowd's lukewarm applause contrasted sharply. Moss's unknown origin and lack of powers made him an underdog.
"BOO! Agent wannabe! Arkea's charity case! You don't deserve your rank!" The jeers stung, but Moss focused on the fight ahead.
At the sidelines, Tiger and Shiline watched with mixed emotions.
"Tch, and Arkea assigned him as our guide," Tiger said, looking away in disgust.
Shiline, however, held a glimmer of hope. "Moss," she whispered.
The referee explained the rules: win by knockout or ring out. Zack and Moss faced off, their eyes locking.
"Well, Moss, I've already got this stage in the bag. To be honest your just a peddle trying to crack a diamond fighting me," Zack said, his smile confident.
The bell rang, and the battle began.
Initially, the fight seemed even, but Zack soon utilized his ability to predict Moss's moves. He landed a series of swift kicks, sending Moss crashing to the floor.
Moss sprang up, determination burning within. He pulled out his bow and arrow, but Zack easily dodged and disarmed him.
"You should've stayed out of this tournament, Moss," Zack sneered.
Moss's eyes narrowed. He recalled Arkea's words: "Sometimes, the greatest strength lies in adaptability."
With newfound resolve, Moss charged at Zack, using the arena's terrain to his advantage. He created a dust storm with his feet, obscuring Zack's vision.
Zack stumbled, momentarily blinded. Moss seized the opportunity, using his agility to evade Zack's wild swings.
"In a fight, it's not just about seeing the future – it's about reading the present," Moss said, landing a swift kick to Zack's stomach.
Zack doubled over, gasping. Moss pinned him against the ring's edge.
"Time to change the future," Moss whispered, stabbing an arrow into Zack's leg and kicking him off the ring.
The crowd erupted in shock and outrage, but Moss stood tall, his chest heaving.
"I may not have powers," Moss declared, "but I have my wits, and that's all I need."
END OF CHAPTER 3