"Platinum Cavalier, L-shape to F7."
The Knight leapt forward, its lance raised, energy radiating from its glowing form. Ty watched in tense silence as Aldric's piece advanced, positioning itself in a place that threatened both his Bishop and his Pawn. This wasn't just an offensive maneuver—Aldric was forcing Ty to choose. He could only save one of the threatened pieces, and Ty knew Aldric was counting on that hesitation.
Phillis spoke again, "You have 60 seconds to make your decision."
Ty clenched his fists, his knuckles white. His eyes scanned the board, weighing his options. He could see the trap—Aldric was forcing him to react, trying to make him predictable. But Ty couldn't afford to be predictable. He had to break the cycle, to throw Aldric off balance. He looked down at his Life Coins—each one was an opportunity, a weapon he could use to turn the tide.
