Chapter 37: Break Through in the Heat of the Moment
Dot hovered inside his chest placing her hands on the shard, her tone uncertain but eager. "Let's try it!" She clapped her small hands together, her tiny form glowing faintly as she pressed her palms over Elias's shard. "Just like last time, maybe!"
As the pole began to materialize in Elias's hands, Yui struck again. He moved with blistering speed, appearing in front of Elias in an instant. His fist shot out toward Elias's stomach, but this time Elias managed to react. He slapped Yui's arm away, the force sending a faint shock through his hands. Surprised, Yui's eyes narrowed.
Elias's counter was instinctual. He twisted his body, attempting to deliver a spinning kick to Yui's side. But Yui adjusted faster than Elias could follow, ducking low and pivoting. His heel came up in a blur, connecting with Elias's head before he could block.
The impact sent Elias skidding across the dirt, his vision blurring momentarily. A faint warmth trailed down his forehead—blood. The pole in his hands flickered and dissolved, unfinished.
Yui stood tall, his expression unreadable. "Don't worry," he said coldly. "I didn't kick with full force."
"70%," Yui muttered, his tone sharp and emotionless as he advanced.
Elias scrambled to his feet, his body aching from the repeated blows. This time, there was no pause. Yui was already in front of him, throwing a rapid series of palm strikes. The first struck Elias square in the face, snapping his head back. The second smashed into his shoulder, sending a jolt of pain down his arm.
How do I activate the damn thing I did before?! Elias thought desperately, his mind racing.
Dot, hovering frantically nearby, was almost in tears. "I have to do something!" she cried, her tiny form trembling.