Chapter 2: First Capture

The XO Beast lunged, its claws ripping through the air. Free barely rolled aside, feeling the wind of the attack pass over him. Shawn darted to the left, scanning for an opening.

"We don't have a card!" Shawn hissed. "How do you plan to capture it?"

Free grinned. "We steal one."

His eyes flicked to a fallen warrior in the rubble. A single XO Card lay beside them, glowing faintly. Without hesitation, Free sprinted toward it as the beast roared.

Shawn distracted the creature, throwing a broken metal pipe to get its attention. "Come on, ugly!"

The beast snarled, momentarily shifting focus. Free snatched up the card. It vibrated in his hand, humming with power.

He turned to face the beast. "Let's see if this works."

As the creature lunged, Free activated the card. Light shot from it, engulfing the beast. The monster howled, thrashing violently. Then, in an instant, it shrank into the glowing card.

Silence fell. Free and Shawn exchanged stunned glances.

"We did it," Shawn whispered.

Free held the card up, his grip tightening. "We're going to XO Academy."