Aiden didn't step back. He stepped in, and steel met steel.
Clang.
The impact rang out sharply, and for a brief moment, both held.
Ren Kai's eyes narrowed.
"…Strong."
Aiden's grip didn't waver.
"Not bad."
He twisted his wrist slightly, redirecting the blade just enough to break the line, then stepped forward and swung.
Ren Kai blocked.
But the force pushed him half a step back.
Behind him, Hao Jin moved.
A wide slash came from the side, fast and heavy.
Aiden reacted instantly.
"Bone Armor."
A thin layer of bone formed over his shoulder and arm just as the strike landed.
Crack.
The impact was absorbed.
Not fully.
But enough.
Aiden turned into it, his sword cutting low toward Hao Jin's side.
Hao Jin pulled back just in time, the blade grazing his clothes instead of flesh.
"Damn," he muttered. "He's fast too."
Cai Wen stepped in next, his rings shooting forward, spinning toward Aiden's arm and weapon.
Aiden didn't dodge.
"Bone Shield."
