Chapter 27
They moved at the same time.
Clash.
Paul's strike met Rudeus's—
And stopped.
Not deflected.
Not redirected.
Stopped.
Paul's eyes widened—
Just slightly.
He held it?
That shouldn't be possible.
Not without Touki.
Not at this age.
Rudeus stepped forward.
Applied pressure.
Paul's stance shifted back—
Just one step.
But that step—
Changed everything.