The next move—
Wasn't subtle.
It was fast.
One of them attacked.
No warning.
THUD.
Jared blocked—
Barely.
"…THIS IS NEW!" Iris shouted.
"…escalation confirmed."
"…STOP CONFIRMING THINGS AND DO SOMETHING."
"…already am."
Another came from the side—
Jared stepped back—
Dodged—
Countered—
BAM.
The impact echoed.
Students nearby froze.
Some backed away.
"…they're not hiding it anymore," Iris said.
"…no."
"…THIS IS REALLY BAD."
"…yes."
Jared's movements sharpened.
Faster.
More precise.
Prediction improving.
But—
They weren't normal.
They adapted too.
"…he's adjusting mid-fight," one said.
"…increase speed."
The pace exploded.
Faster strikes.
Sharper movements.
Jared blocked—
Dodged—
Countered—
But pressure built.
Too many variables.
"…limit approaching," he muttered.
"…WHAT LIMIT?!"
"…physical."
"…THAT'S NOT GOOD."
Then—
Jared shifted.
Changed rhythm.
Unpredictable.
Pattern break inside combat.
One attacker hesitated.
Just for a second.
That was enough.
BAM.
Direct hit.
Silence.
The others stepped back slightly.
Re-evaluating.
"…he improved again," one said.
"…during combat."
Jared stood still.
Breathing steady.
Eyes cold.
Because now—
This wasn't observation anymore.
It was collision.