Yano had landed a blow and was about to press his advantage, but Kane, with his superb Riding Skill, had already readjusted his posture. He expertly maneuvered his lizard mount to leap nimbly backward, steadily creating a safe distance between them.
He gazed intently at Yano, the initial surprise in his eyes quickly fading, replaced by a deeper, more profound calm—the kind one gains after being taught a lesson.
The spectating Cave Dweller Knights were even more astonished than Kane himself. They began to whisper amongst themselves.
"He pushed Captain Kane back... is it true he hasn't even had his class advancement yet?"
"Maybe he's already passed a trial related to strength."
"What do you think?" Chen Yu asked Nili.
Nili pursed her lips and stretched lazily. "It's far from over," she said. "Getting my little secret recipe won't be that easy."
