Fate's Gamble

A surge of energy coursed through Excalibur, causing the sword to blaze with a brilliant golden light. The surrounding sand was pushed away by an invisible force as the sword's radiance illuminated the area.

"You're quite stubborn, aren't you? Can't you just give me your head willingly?" Jibril's voice was tinged with annoyance, but her playful demeanor didn't match the danger she posed.

But no one in their right mind would underestimate her; she was a monster in every sense.

"If you can withstand this attack, you can have it, Jibril!" Riku retorted, his voice dripping with confidence and provocation.

She scrutinized him, her eyes narrowing. "This energy... You provoked me, wanting to test your limits, and I'm genuinely intrigued by your strength. I'll indulge you just this once."

With that, Jibril gathered energy in her hand, shaping it into a spear. This black energy spear crackled with thunder, exuding a formidable power. It may lack fancy techniques, but its sheer purity and condensed energy made it immensely destructive.

"Excalibur!" Riku bellowed, slashing the sword with all his might.

In an instant, a colossal beam of light surged toward Jibril, encasing itself in a barrage of treasures.

"Heavenly Smite!" Jibril responded, hurling her partially-powered technique toward Riku with interest.

"Boom!"

The two attacks collided like meteorites, their impact causing shockwaves that rippled outward. Wind howled, thunder roared, and it felt like a scene from the apocalypse.

"Aaaargh!" Riku, undeterred, channeled more energy into Excalibur, intensifying the attack.

"Interesting, but my attack isn't that simple," Jibril remarked with a hint of amusement. She poured more power into her attack, maintaining the deadlock. She was genuinely curious to see how far Riku could go.

Riku sneered suddenly, his eyes locked onto Jibril. In an instant, their attacks met at the epicenter of their clash.

"Boom!"

The combined energy erupted, creating a cataclysmic explosion. Shockwaves and energy waves radiated outwards, shattering the very reality they stood in—their battlefield.

"Darn you!" Jibril didn't anticipate Riku's audacity as she hastily reinforced her defenses.

But she couldn't prevent the shockwave from engulfing her. Did Riku intend to take them both down?

The explosion had the potential to harm her, but it was far from fatal. However, Riku, with his limited power and body, would likely be reduced to nothing.

"My precious leader skull!" Jibril's rage and disappointment were palpable. She didn't expect Riku to sacrifice himself. Did he want to take her down with him?

As the energy storm raged, her Sky Shift was rendered useless. Employing it recklessly without adequate defenses could lead to severe injuries.

Meanwhile, Riku, concealed by the explosion, remained unperturbed. He had anticipated this outcome and had a plan. Before the shockwave hit, he activated his most robust defensive treasure—the Seven-Rings That Cover The Burning Heavens.

While this imitation treasure couldn't fully withstand such an explosion, it provided ample protection. He seized the opportunity to use his Teigu's Dimensional Transfer: Shambhala, transporting himself out of the danger zone.

Seconds later, the explosion subsided, leaving behind a shattered Reality Marble and a colossal crater outside. Jibril's clothing was tattered, and she bore minor injuries.

"Oh my God, my prized leader skull!" Jibril lamented silently. If she had known the outcome, she would never have toyed with Riku. Killing him was child's play for her.

Yet, what Jibril remained oblivious to was Riku's gamble. He had skillfully manipulated her psychology, making her think he would go down with her. In reality, he had used Shambhala to escape.

Although revealing his spatial abilities wasn't ideal, everything had gone according to Riku's plan. Jibril was convinced he had perished, which meant she wouldn't relentlessly pursue him—at least, not immediately.

Riku had a hunch they'd cross paths again, but this time, he was confident he wouldn't meet defeat.