Lyra wasn't finished.
Her expression sharpened again.
"You still took an unnecessary hit."
Ryn blinked.
"Oh."
Lyra continued calmly.
"The arrow that struck your side. You could have avoided it."
Ryn rubbed his ribs unconsciously.
"I let my guard now and relaxed after claiming the core"
"You did"
Her answer came without hesitation.
"You relaxed for half a second before adjusting your stance. That is enough time for an experienced marksman."
Selene quietly crossed her arms but didn't deny it.
Lyra continued.
"I taught you how the mana layering technique could be used defensively."
Ryn sighed.
"Yeah… I remember."
"You should have tried it."
Arthur raised an eyebrow slightly.
That caught his attention.
He indeed learnt and practiced the technique with her before.
Lyra's gaze remained steady on Ryn.
"Your defense should be tighter by now. The moment you felt the arrow's pressure, your instinct should have triggered that technique."
Ryn nodded slowly.
