Talent Has a Price

The world did not slow, but invisible rulers covered the floor. Lu knew how many centimeters his hand lacked and when one more step would enter countering range. Jiang stopped him. “No testing your limit today.” “Afraid I'll steal too much?” “Afraid you won't survive to face me. I won't accept a walkover.” That night, Shen circled like a precision compass. Whenever Lu advanced half a step, he retreated half a step. Whenever Lu stopped, a jab touched his nose. For the first minute, Lu only absorbed strikes. Commentators began calling his rise a fluke, and Luo relaxed into his seat. Su alone noticed Lu's sole rubbing away a fleck of painted sponsor logo each time he was hit. He was measuring.