The prince's eyes glinted with curiosity.
His hands rested behind his back as if he did not care.
"Who sent you?" he asked again.
Ben did not answer.
He moved instead.
A sharp crack rang through the air as he blurred forward.
In the next instant he appeared in front of the prince, his fist already flying toward the prince's face.
BAM.
The punch landed, but not on flesh.
A ripple of invisible force flashed around the prince's body, like a tight bubble of pressure.
The impact shook the air and sent debris flying.
The ground beneath their feet cracked.
The prince did not flinch.
He raised his hand and struck back.
BAM.
His palm hit Ben's chest.
The force delayed for half a second, then exploded inside Ben's body like a cannon.
Ben flew back.
His feet skidded over the dirt, his heels carving two clear trails.
He grinned. "What is that?
An artifact from the royal family?"
Ben dashed forward again.
He crossed the distance in a heartbeat.
