Chapter 45
Paul attacked seriously now.
Every strike real.
Every movement deliberate.
And yet—
He couldn't keep up.
Not in strength.
Not in timing.
Not in adaptation.
Rudeus wasn't faster by much.
Wasn't stronger by an overwhelming margin.
But—
He was always slightly ahead.
In every exchange.
"…I'm losing ground…"
And that realization—
Hit harder than any strike.