Henry staggered, coughing up a mouthful of blood. His lips curled into a pained grin, but his eyes still burned with disbelief.
"F–fuck… who are you?" he rasped. "How can you look so young—cough—but wield aura like this? Your speed… it's comparable to Rank Six warriors!"
Ezra's gaze was cold, merciless, as he lowered his sword.
"Get up. Is this all?"
The words sliced sharper than any blade.
Henry chuckled weakly, his shoulders trembling. "Heh… don't get too proud."
A faint glimmer spread beneath his feet—small runes etched into the earth. In an instant, the circle expanded, releasing a violent shockwave.
BOOM!
Ezra reacted instantly, cloaking himself in a dense mana shield. Even so, the impact hurled him backward like a cannonball, dirt and debris erupting around him.
