The hit landed deep.
Rhyx's fist drove into Vael's chest with a heavy, solid impact that didn't echo outward.
It stayed in him.
Vael's body shifted back a full step.
Not a slide.
Not a drift.
A step.
Rhyx felt it.
His grip tightened instantly.
"Got you now."
He didn't pull away.
He pushed in.
Another punch followed, shorter, tighter, aimed straight for the same spot.
Vael brought his arm down to block—
Too late.
The second hit landed.
Then a third.
Each one faster than the last.
Each one more controlled.
Rhyx wasn't swinging wild anymore.
He was targeting.
Vael's chest.
Same point.
Over and over.
Vael stepped back again.
Then stopped.
His hand shot forward and caught Rhyx's wrist mid-strike.
Firm.
Unshakable.
Rhyx tried to pull free.
It didn't move.
Vael's grip tightened.
The air around them compressed sharply, pressure building like a silent explosion waiting to happen.
"You repeat," Vael said.
Rhyx smirked, even while stuck.
"Yeah."
Vael's other hand came up.
Fast.
Direct.
Rhyx twisted his body, barely slipping the strike as it brushed past his jaw.
Close.
Too close.
Vael adjusted instantly and drove his knee upward.
Rhyx blocked low—
The impact still forced him back.
His grip broke.
Distance opened for a split second.
Vael took it.
He stepped in and drove a straight punch into Rhyx's sternum.
Clean.
Rhyx's body bent.
Air left his lungs.
Vael followed with a second strike, then a third, each one placed exactly where Rhyx had been hitting him before.
Same spot.
Same idea.
Rhyx's eyes sharpened.
He raised his guard tighter, absorbing what he could, redirecting what he couldn't.
Vael didn't rush.
Didn't overcommit.
Every strike measured.
Every movement efficient.
He was taking control back.
Rhyx slid back, resetting his stance mid-motion, feet planting again against nothing.
His breathing was heavier now.
But steady.
He wiped blood from his mouth and looked up.
Vael stood across from him, calm again, posture perfect.
The crack on his cheek still there.
But his chest—
Barely marked.
Rhyx noticed.
His grin came back.
Small.
"Alright," he said. "So that's how it is."
Vael didn't respond.
Rhyx rolled his neck once.
Then stepped forward again.
Slower this time.
More careful.
Vael mirrored him.
Same distance.
Same guard.
Same focus.
Rhyx exhaled.
"Then let's see who breaks first."
They closed the gap again.
No rush.
No wasted motion.
Just two fighters adjusting, reading, learning.
And neither one stepping back anymore.