Neuro pulled himself up, legs shaky. His left hand pressed his cracked visor.
[Neurolink Recovery Buffer] kicked in.
His balance returned slightly. He breathed in short, sharp bursts.
Velra stood ten meters away, arms at her sides, one foot angled forward.
Her body swayed gently, like she was dancing with the wind.
"You're slowing down," she said. "Your perfect timing's off."
Neuro's voice was calm. "Your kicks… have layers."
He stepped forward. Barely a second passed.
Velra moved in fast.
Neuro activated [Phantom Cut], slicing toward where she should be.
But she didn't dodge.
She stepped into it, letting the blade graze her ribs. Blood flicked out.
At the same time, her knee smashed into his chest. [Velvet Demon Kick].
The poison laced into it slid under his armor.
Neuro dropped to one foot, stabbing his sword into the ground to stay up.
"Why?" he asked. "Why take a direct hit?"
Velra spun once, brushing dust from her leg.
