---
[Ding! System notification- HP: 5940 → 4560.
Aura: 5660 → 5440.
Warning: compromised region targeted. Prediction: enemy will continue pattern exploitation.]
"No," Kai thought back at the system, teeth gritted. "Really."
He shoved Vorak's spear away with a grunt, then let himself fall into the familiar rhythm of ignoring pain. Pain was a bad advisor. It always wanted to talk about itself.
They circled each other, sand scuffed and churned underfoot.
The next exchange was faster.
Vorak blurred forward, spear describing a short, tight arc that somehow offered three different threats at once – a faint flick toward the eyes, a likely main cut for the neck, and a sneaky butt jab for the knee. Kai met the central line, counting on Adaptive Armor to absorb anything that slipped past.
Steel rang.
His spear caught Vorak's mid-shaft. For a heartbeat they locked there, wood straining, muscles taut.
Vorak's lips moved.
