The Discarded Punching Bag

Han pulled on his gloves and fired his signature right into another bag. The chain rattled from the impact. Heat surged from Lu's feet to his fist. The mechanics of pushing, rotating, and contracting opened in his mind like a transparent blueprint. [First-mover condition fulfilled.] [Copied: EXPLOSIVE POWER.] Lu raised his hand but did not punch. He could feel the strength—and the warnings from his ribs, wrist, and tendons. Talent had opened a door. Beyond it waited a cliff. Han's new partner snorted. “Trying to steal Brother Lie's technique? You can copy the movement, but you can't replace the engine.” Lu removed his glove, tightened his wrist wrap, and reduced his power to thirty percent.