The third exchange was Jelo's.
He let Nylen set the shell first—watched the fingers move through the sequence, counted the three-point configuration as it landed in the space between them. Nylen was fast with it now, faster than the first exchange, the placement tightening as he found his rhythm. The shell covered the direct approach angles. Coming straight at him through it was not an option.
Jelo didn't come straight.
He fired a Dragon Claw at a steep angle—not aimed at Nylen, aimed at the floor two meters to Nylen's right, forcing Nylen to track the projection and adjust his shell orientation to cover the new angle. The claw struck the floor and the impact sent a concussive wave outward. Not significant damage. But enough noise and force to demand attention.
Nylen's hands moved to reorient.
Jelo was already in motion.
