The shift in momentum was immediate.
The third man entered the fight—not aggressively, but decisively. His movements were faster, cleaner, and far more refined than the others.
This wasn't testing anymore.
This was escalation.
Andres felt it instantly.
His body responded, Motion Acceleration activating again—but this time, he pushed it slightly further than before.
Not too much.
Just enough.
The world around him seemed to sharpen, movements becoming clearer, easier to read.
The incoming strike aimed for his center.
Direct.
Precise.
Andres raised his arm—
Not to block.
But to redirect.
At the same time, Mind's Eye mapped the next two possible movements.
Left follow-up. Feint into right.
He adjusted accordingly.
The attack missed.
Barely.
But intentionally.
"…You're adapting mid-fight," the man observed.
Andres stepped back slightly, creating space.
"…And you're measuring me," he replied.
For a moment, neither moved.
Then—
The man lowered his stance.
"…That's enough."
The other two immediately disengaged.
Kael stepped back as well, lowering his weapon but not relaxing.
The tension didn't disappear.
It shifted.
Andres exhaled slowly, stabilizing himself.
He hadn't overused his abilities.
He hadn't lost control.
For the first time in this world—
He had passed a real test.