In the same fluid motion, using the momentum from his drop to add power, Kelvin thrust his spear upward at Griminir's now-exposed midsection. It was a perfect counter—using the opponent's committed attack against them, striking at the moment of maximum vulnerability.
But Griminir had anticipated exactly that response. His free hand came down in a blur, gauntleted fist swatting the spear tip aside with a metallic clang that rang across the training ground. Then, without pause, he immediately reversed his axe swing using nothing but raw arm strength, bringing it around in a backhand horizontal strike that forced Kelvin to roll desperately away, his spear coming up in a defensive position.
"That's nice!" Kelvin called out, genuine praise in his voice despite being forced onto the defensive. "But you're still telegraphing your recovery. Watch your footing when you reverse direction—your back heel lifts half a second before you commit to the swing!"
