Cold wind crawled up Ki's legs, freezing him in place. His chest felt heavy, like his heart was about to burst through his ribs. His knees threatened to give out.
Still, he forced himself to stand against the man before him.
His fingers tightened around his blade.
He had never killed anyone before.But if he didn't kill this man… he would be the one to die.
The scarred man's presence was overwhelming. Malice poured from him like poison. His killing intent crushed down on Ki, suffocating him. It felt like standing inside an execution chamber. Death was right in front of him.
Every instinct screamed at him to run.To survive.
Ki searched desperately for an opening.There was none.
The scarred man stepped forward slowly. Even the forest seemed to fall silent around him.
Ki couldn't take it anymore. His body trembled violently. He tried to steady his breathing but failed. Still, he forced his shaking eyes to lock onto the man.
Seeing Ki's glare, Scar Face clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"So you've grown some wit," he sneered. "Now let's see how well you perform. Entertain me."
In a flash, he dashed forward.
Ki barely managed to raise his blade in time. Metal clashed. The impact numbed his arms. He counterattacked—but his movements were too slow. Scar Face dodged effortlessly.
The next instant, Ki was slammed into the ground. A crushing force pressed his head down. His vision blurred.
Scar Face sighed.
"Seriously. Why am I wasting energy on a rat like you? Killing you would be faster. This is boring."
Ki thrashed weakly. With his last bit of strength, his hand found his blade. He swung blindly upward.
For the first time, Scar Face was caught off guard.
The blade nearly split his face.
He twisted aside just in time.
That single opening was enough.
Ki tore himself free and ran.
His legs screamed in pain as he pushed them beyond their limit.
Behind him, Scar Face's lips curled into a grin.
"What a nostalgic scene," he laughed softly.