"Because someone has to punch you in that smug face."
Lucien blinked.
For a moment, he simply looked at the boy in front of him.
Bloodied, swaying and barely upright.
Looking at him he felt something unexpected:
He felt annoyed.
Why wasn't he giving up?
Lucien had landed every blow with precision. Not to cripple—but to break will.
He even mocked the guy like a typical villain in some third rate novel.
Just enough to make him give up.
That was the goal.
Break his will, not his bones.
Yet Aziel was still standing.
Bloodied and barely conscious… but upright.
Why?
He frowned.
It's fine, I just need one more attack.
Then Aziel would fall and this would be over.
He rolled his shoulder, gathering mana again but something was off.
Taking advantage of the small window while Lucien was lost in thought, Aziel shot forward with all his strength.
His feet burst with red mana.
Fire exploded behind him as he blasted forward.
