Physical Assessment (16)

*****

Lyrium knew.

He had known it from the start.

No matter how much he tried to fight with just his swordsmanship, no matter how refined his techniques were, no matter how much effort he put into his footwork, stance, and movements—it wasn't enough.

Eugene wasn't just any opponent.

He was a world-class sage, a man who had fought in wars, a legend who stood at the pinnacle of power.

Someone who had crushed opponents far stronger than Lyrium with just a flick of his wrist.

And now, here he was, facing that kind of monster.

Lyrium gritted his teeth.

The way Eugene effortlessly dodged and parried every one of his attacks was beyond frustrating—it was humiliating.

No matter how many times Lyrium adjusted his strikes, no matter how much force he put into each swing—none of it reached.

Eugene dodged everything.

With minimal effort.

Like he was playing with a child.