Ren managed to interpose his right shoulder, absorbing part of the kick's impact.
But the power behind the blow was monstrous. His shoulder got crushed and gave way instantly, and the enormous force, still far from being countered, made Lin's leg slide upward.
The secondary strike connected directly with his left temple.
The world exploded in white lights and distorted sounds. Ren was launched sideways, his body spinning like a broken doll before crashing with a violent impact against the ground.
His partial fusion deactivated immediately. The small jade scales that had covered his skin vanished like smoke, leaving him completely human and vulnerable.
Lin blinked several times, her accelerated regeneration already working to repair the damage to her eyes. The tears dried and her vision began to clear. When she could finally focus, she saw Ren motionless.
A deep sigh escaped her transformed lips.
