Ryan took a fighting stance.
His heart pounded wildly—but his mind remained calm.
Breathe. Focus. Flow.
Just as Sophie and his grandfather had taught him.
The criminal attacked with a rapid flurry of punches. Ryan dodged one after another, his body moving instinctively. His movements were sharper, faster—more precise than ever before.
When he saw an opening, Ryan struck the attacker's wrist with an energy-coated palm.
The man staggered backward, shocked.
"Well done, Ry!" Sophie shouted while subduing her opponent."Keep it up!"
Encouraged, Ryan refined his control, minimizing wasted movement and conserving energy.
The criminal grew frustrated.
"How can a beginner fight like this?!" he yelled.
Ryan's eyes hardened.
"Power isn't about how long you've trained," he said firmly."It's about what you use it for."
He focused all his energy into his palm and delivered a precise strike to the man's abdomen.
The impact sent the criminal flying backward, crashing onto the ground unconscious.
At the same time, Sophie finished off the last opponent.