Her hand tore into the scales, and then she ripped it away. She held the scales of the python for him to see with a grin on her face.
What she did was a confirmation that humans didn't need weapons to fight beasts at the second mortal coil. Their ability to wield life force into a weapon capable of overwhelming the life force of other beings is enough to put them on par with beasts.
She hadn't actually crushed the scale with flesh. What she had done was cause the matter that made up the scale to break down.
It is more accurate to say that she had attacked the scales from within because it is the bonds that hold it together that were attacked. So it is an impressive thing.
She didn't need a weapon, but she used one anyway because using life force like this is expensive. It burns a lot of stamina, which will weaken her.
