into the attack, a counter-intuitive, suicidal move. He didn't dodge; he shifted his body weight at an unnatural, staggered angle, a move that purposefully destabilized his stance. This unexpected shift broke the predictable rhythm the Kyroi weapon's ability was exploiting. The Temporal Slip stuttered, unable to adjust to the un-timing.
The staff grazed his ribs, tearing his shirt, but missing the fatal centerline. The momentum of Jett's attack left him open for the fraction of a second he needed.
This was his 100% effort. Tapping into every fiber of his being, fueled by the void's raw energy, Kai spun into a low, complex sweep he had only ever seen in a forgotten martial arts text. He used the graze as a pivot point, slamming the flat of his foot into Jett's knee. Jett's stance shattered, his Kyroi staff clattering as he collapsed in pain.
Kai stood over him, trembling, drenched in sweat and relief. He had won.
But his victory lasted for a mere two heartbeats.
A shadow fell over him, darker and colder than the entire underground ruin. Kai turned, his exhaustion making him too slow, too weak.
Standing ten feet away was the Emperor.
The man moved with a grace that transcended mere fighting—it was a force of nature. There was no wind-up, no noise, no visible action. Kai blinked, and the Emperor was there.
A single, blindingly fast strike, delivered with the back of the Emperor's hand, connected with the side of Kai's head. It wasn't even a punch, but a flick of the wrist.
Kai's vision turned white, then black. He collapsed instantly, the sound of his body hitting the stone floor echoing hollowly in the chamber.
A few moments passed in silence, broken only by the groans of the recovering guards. The Emperor stood over the unconscious boy, his expression unreadable beneath his royal helm.
The Whisperer from the archway glided forward, bowing low.
"He is subdued, my Emperor,"
the Whisperer murmured, their masked voice unnervingly smooth.
"He was strong, but after all hes just a boy"