After having his arm broken, his dominant arm, no less, Max was finding it incredibly difficult to keep up the fight against Dud. Every movement felt sluggish, every dodge a second too slow, and the pain pulsing from his injured limb was impossible to ignore.
It appeared even Dud had gained confidence. No longer relying solely on his grappling skills, he was now using his fists and legs to dish out brutal, punishing strikes. Each hit was more devastating than the last, and Max could feel the damage piling up.
Getting hurt in a fight affected someone more than they usually expected. It wasn't just physical, it was everything. It messed with your head, shattered your concentration. It robbed you of your ability to breathe properly, and it made calling upon your strength feel like trying to lift a mountain. With every heavy blow, it felt like Dud was hammering away at more than just Max's body, he was chiseling away at his will.
