Jack's fingers twitched. For a split second, nothing else moved. Then his hand dug into the dirt. A low groan escaped his throat as his body convulsed, muscles screaming in protest.
Tip. Top.
Blood dripped from his forehead, soaking into the ground beneath him, yet his grip tightened instead of loosening.
Slowly, painfully, he pushed himself up.
At the sight, the crowd stirred. Some scoffed, some laughed, while others leaned forward, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Still standing?"
"Looks like the prince isn't done yet."
Andre stopped walking.
He turned his head slightly, just enough for one eye to glance back.
"Good," he said flatly. "At least you didn't disappoint me completely."
Jack staggered to his feet, his breathing ragged and uneven. His lightning odachi lay a few steps away, half buried in the dirt.
For a moment, he hesitated. Then he took a step forward.
