"Come on, Lycus, let's see what you've got!" Kaene called out, his voice cheerful but with a hint of challenge.
The men lingering around the hall's edges quickly gathered, sensing a good show. A few of them exchanged grins, nudging each other as they anticipated the usual outcome—Kaene took it easy on Lycus at first. Lycus countered with impressive but restrained maneuvers. It was how things used to be.
But not this time.
As soon as Kaene stepped forward, throwing a test jab, Lycus reacted with an almost frightening speed. His fist shot out, narrowly missing Kaene's face. There was no hesitation, no playfulness in his moves—just raw, calculated aggression. Kaene staggered back, barely managing to block the next strike.
The fight began with a flurry of strikes. Kaene's usual fluidity no
