Ren Kai moved first.
His foot slammed against the broken stone road as his body shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.
Fast.
Far faster than before.
The thin sword in his hand became a silver blur under the torchlight as he aimed directly for Vermis's throat.
Clang!
A wall of black insects suddenly gathered in front of her neck.
The sword pierced through dozens of beetles instantly, crushing them apart, but the momentum of the strike slowed for just a fraction of a second.
And that fraction was enough.
Vermis leaned sideways.
The blade narrowly passed beside her face.
Ren Kai's eyes sharpened.
He twisted his wrist instantly.
Shhk!
The sword curved back toward her ribs with frightening precision.
Vermis immediately raised her arm.
The insects swarmed together again, layering themselves across her forearm like black armor.
The blade stabbed through the insect shell and sliced her skin underneath.
Blood splattered.
Vermis stepped backward immediately.
