To be surrounded by people who were as crazy about D.I.E. as I was; it was the most indescribable feeling.

Thousands of people milled around the Events Centre, openly wearing D.I.E. merchandise, talking excitedly about the game, comparing D.I.E. decks.

I walked past stall after stall, resisting the urge to go and buy everything; basic decks, booster packs, special card sleeves for uncommon and rare cards, strategy guides, posters, T-shirts, caps, scarves, badges...

I checked my phone – it was 10.45am.

I told Wes to meet me in the lobby at 11am.

I still had 15 more minutes to snoop around.

I glanced at my itinerary pamphlet.

The Double battles were held in Event Room 202, while the Singles were in Event Room 203.

Damn.

I should’ve just called Wes’ crappy deal off and entered the Singles tournament right from the beginning. My enjoyment at the tournament was more valuable than one lousy card anyway…

I ducked my head into the Singles Event Room.

There was only one other person in the room.

“Sorry,” I said, turning around.

“No, no, it’s okay, I’m not supposed to be in here either,” he said. “Are you a competitor as well?”

“Yeah. I’m Alaric.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Nathaniel.”