Gabby narrowed his eyes and thought, "He used his mana to shield himself from my kick. Impressive."
He smirked and said aloud, "Not bad, Sir Number One."
Jin clenched his fists. "If I hadn't shifted my mana to my arms," he thought, "that kick would've wrecked me. His power is raw."
Suddenly, both fighters dashed forward.
Jin unleashed a flurry of fast jabs aimed straight at Gabby's face. Gabby moved swiftly, weaving and parrying each strike with sharp precision. Not a single jab landed.
Jin pressed harder, fists flashing. But Gabby stayed calm, dodging and deflecting effortlessly.
Gabby spun and threw a heavy right hook. Jin ducked low just in time, the punch slicing the air above his head. As he rose, he flicked a handful of sand toward Gabby's eyes. Gabby raised his arm instantly, blocking the trick.
Jin saw his chance. He shifted behind Gabby, into his blind spot, and gathered mana in his palm—purple lightning sparked to life. He drove the spell toward Gabby's gut.
