Episode 14: A Glimpse in the Shadows — Part 2

Bobby charges forward without hesitation, aiming a swift Strike at Ryn’s midsection. She sidesteps effortlessly, redirecting his momentum with a gentle push of her Ember Heart Pulse.

Ryn: "You’re telegraphing your movements. Be unpredictable."

Bobby tries again, this time spinning into a low kick infused with Oblivion Storm Reaper, but Ryn blocks with her shin and sends a pulse of Flame Blossom Strike that knocks Bobby backward.

Bobby (thinking): "Why can’t I even land a single hit?"

Ryn: "Now stop. From here on, I’ll be the one attacking. You just try to dodge."

Bobby: "Okay."

Ryn: "And one more thing — I’ll increase my power with each strike. One finger means ten percent. Let’s see how long you last."

She raises one finger.

Ryn: "Here I come!"

She dashes forward with incredible speed, launching a precise Flame Blossom Strike. Bobby manages to dodge, but the shockwave pushes him several steps back.

Bobby (panting): "Damn... she’s too fast. And powerful. I never thought she was this strong."

Ryn (serious): "Keep your eyes open, Bobby! You can’t slack off in a fight. Stay focused!"

Bobby (thinking): "She’s completely different now. Not the gentle person I met before. This... this is her real strength."

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As the fight continues, Bobby is able to dodge her strikes at ten percent of her power. Ryn raises her second finger.

Ryn: "Now I’m at twenty percent. Come at me too. Let’s see how you handle pressure."

Bobby charges again. They exchange several fast-paced blows — Bobby weaving, ducking, and countering with surprising sharpness.

Ryn (smirking): "Hey, you’re getting good at this. Keep it up."

She raises her third finger.

Bobby (thinking): "Now she’s using thirty percent..."

Suddenly, Ryn launches a sweeping Flame Blossom Strike — a basic but strong technique. Bobby dodges, but the shockwave knocks him off-balance.

Bobby: "She’s holding back..."

Ryn: "Here I come again!"

As Bobby attempts to dodge, he twists his ankle. Ryn notices it instantly and tries to pull back her attack.

But Bobby gathers all his resonance into his fist.

Bobby: "It’s too late now...!"

He counters her strike directly with his Own Hand, and a massive shockwave erupts from the collision. Wind and force explode outward from their clash.

Bobby is thrown through the air and crashes hard onto the ground, unconscious.

Ryn (rushing to him): "Oh no... Bobby!"

She kneels beside him and tries to wake him. He doesn’t respond.

Moments later, she brings him to the village medic.

Medic’s Room

The medic carefully treats Bobby’s wounds while Ryn watches anxiously.

Ryn (regretfully): "This all happened because of me… if only I could’ve held back more, none of this would’ve happened."

Medic: "His hand is hurt badly, and he’s exhausted a great deal of his resonance. He needs rest. He’ll likely wake up by tomorrow morning. You should go home for now. We’ll take care of him."

Ryn heads back home and sits alone. Garron returns and finds her looking troubled.

Garron: "Hey, Ryn. I’m home." (pauses as he notices her expression) "Hey, what happened?"

Ryn tells him everything that happened during the fight.

Garron: "Hey, it’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself. He’s strong. He’ll be fine."

Garron (encouraging): "Come on, get up. Don’t worry so much."

Ryn: "Okay."

Garron (smiling): "I have an idea. Let’s cook together tonight."

To be continued...

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