But the instant her foot touched the trial zone, Baranga's gaze snapped to her.
Its monstrous eyes bore into her, unblinking and cold.
Freya froze, every instinct screaming at her to run, but the beast didn't charge as it did with Micah and Isaac.
Instead, Baranga turned slightly, positioning itself in front of Marcus while keeping Freya in its sights.
The two of them were now caught under its watchful eyes.
Further ahead, the four players who had already gained distance saw this as an opportunity.
They exchanged quick glances and stepped forward, testing their luck while the beast's attention was divided.
But then, something changed.
Baranga's massive head twisted sharply, far quicker than before, its focus narrowing like a predator spotting fresh prey.
The sudden movement was jarring, and it locked onto George, who had just landed from a leap forward.
"No!" George's voice cracked as panic seized him.
