Defeated

Cipher stands there his eyes fixed on the rusted dagger in the middle of the circle, his heart racing since he had no clue what would happen, since gluttony was silent and only watched from a few feet back.

The people surrounding him remained silent, their faces hidden by the shadows of their cloaks. Slowly, the rust on the dagger fractured, revealing a brilliant golden sheen beneath. With a sudden burst, the dagger unleashed a radiant shockwave that blasted everyone back.

"Shit!" Cipher grunted as he crashed to the ground, pain shooting through his legs as his hip slammed against the hard floor.

Gritting his teeth, Cipher pushed himself up, each movement sending fresh sparks of pain through his body. He stumbled forward, the ache intensifying with every step. 

Just as he steadied himself, he noticed the others rising to their feet. Without hesitation, they all bolted toward the dagger in a frenzy, desperation and determination driving their movements.