The Raider moved in a flash.
Kael barely had time to block a blow aimed for his ribs.
The impact sent him stumbling back, off balance. The Raider used this to his advantage, swinging his sword with quick precision.
Kael found himself on the defense, barely bringing up his pickaxe in time to block each blow.
Even with the energy pulsing through his body from the gem, he was losing. And badly.
Kael dug his feet into the dirt, trying to counter, but the Raider was already moving again, twisting around him with a speed that shouldn't have been possible.
A heavy knee smashed into Kael's stomach.
The air rushed from his lungs.
Then a fist collided with his jaw. Kael barely saw it coming. He staggered backward, shaking his head as white stars exploded in his vision.
The Raiders around them cheered at the sight of their leader dominating the so-called "man who killed Kreel."
The miners remained on the sidelines, watching in silence.
