"Remember this. When your opponent is faster, more experienced, and your life is on the line, play dirty. Forget the rules of martial arts I taught you. Do whatever it takes to survive. Your life matters more than pride."
It was advice from his combat teacher.
Now, he finally understood it.
...
"Haah..." Luke breathed heavily as he faced the ambusher.
A thin trail of blood ran from his temple down to his jaw. More seeped through his torn shoulder.
The cloaked man stood untouched.
Not a scratch.
He did not even look tired.
Luke's stamina was mediocre to begin with, and with most of his stats focused on speed and intelligence, his strength and defense were pitiful.
He could not adjust them now. The man before him was fast and skilled. If Luke lowered his intelligence, even slightly, he would not be able to keep up.
But even maintaining this balance was punishing him.
It had only been a few minutes since the fight began, yet his muscles already trembled in protest.
