Kael inhaled deeply. Flicked his blade once, clearing grime and blood from the edge. His body was already beyond its limit. Muscles screaming and bones aching. Vision blurring at the edges.
But his mind? That still burned bright.
He wouldn't fall first.
Kael moved in. Not charging or rushing his attack. Just weaving low, footsteps quiet against the stone.
The Construct struck with a sweeping punch.
Kael ducked, stepped inside, and slammed his elbow into its side, then twisted the blade upward toward its armpit.
Clang!
The joint sparked. Metal ground against metal. He'd hit something. Maybe a control node or a tendon line. Something important.
The Construct flinched.
Kael didn't wait.
He reversed his grip and brought the dagger down hard on its collarbone.
Shhkkt!
The steel bit deep. Deeper than before.
The Construct's arm spasmed. Then dropped limp, useless.
Its right side was completely disabled.
Kael's heart pounded like a war drum in his chest.
