Countered.
Used the Order's flowing movements.
Mixed in Fais' destructive punches.
His movements were smoother than before.
Far smoother.
Taai nodded.
"Better."
Then punched him anyway.
Boom.
Kai skipped across the dirt.
"Oww..."
Taai laughed.
"You've improved."
"But you're hesitating."
Kai climbed back up.
"I am not."
"You are."
"You stop."
"For half a heartbeat."
"Every time."
Kai frowned.
"...How can you tell?"
Taai tapped his own chest.
"I feel it."
"When our fists connect."
"Your strength disappears."
"For an instant."
Kai thought back.
He hadn't noticed.
But...
Now that Taai mentioned it—
Every time he instinctively pushed harder...
Pain answered first.
As though something beneath his skin resisted him.
---
The next exchange came quickly.
Kai rushed forward.
Wind gathered around his feet.
A burst of speed.
He appeared beside Taai.
A punch.
Taai blocked.
Kai followed with a spinning elbow.
Then another strike.
Then—
Pain.
Sharp.
Violent.
It shot across his chest.
His movements faltered.