Sparring

Swoosh!

Aether threw a punch.

Thud!

The punch landed on Alden's abdomen.

Swoosh!

Boom!

Alden's body flew backward, slamming into a nearby tree.

"Cough!" All the air left Alden's lungs. His vision blurred. That punch landed on his bare body. He could not even coat his abdomen in spiritual energy.

His eyes whited out for a second, and he almost passed out, but he managed to grit his teeth and hold on.

Thud!

Alden fell on his knees.

"Bleeh!" 

Alden puked.

 He struggled to breathe.

"You see, that was the effect the killing intent could have in a battle. If you could startle your opponent for just a second, it would be enough."

Alden didn't say anything. He could not.

"Alden, your mistake in this spar was being unable to resist my killing intent. You let fear overtake you.