"Begin whenever you're ready," Sera said, settling into a fighting stance that looked deceptively casual but somehow conveyed the impression of a coiled spring ready to explode into motion.
Jack tried to mirror her stance, drawing on half-remembered martial arts movies and the basic combat training his system had provided. He raised his hands defensively and began to circle, looking for an opening.
Sera watched him with the patient attention of a predator studying wounded prey. "Interesting," she mused. "Your footwork is all wrong, your guard is too high, and you're telegraphing your intentions with every muscle in your body. But please, don't let me stop you from making the first move."
Stung by her casual analysis, Jack lunged forward with what he thought was a solid right hook. Sera moved like liquid mercury, sliding aside from his punch with minimal effort while simultaneously striking out with her palm to catch him in the solar plexus.
