The combat rhythm changed after that.
The administrator stopped using projectiles and currents — it entered fully into hand-to-hand, with level five speed and strength plus access to all documented combat systems in Aethon.
Kai took more hits than he gave.
Not for lack of technique — for difference in processing speed.
The administrator had access to complete catalogs of movement patterns.
But Kai kept standing.
And every time the administrator used a new sequence, Kai took it once and didn't take it the same way the second time.
The process was visible — painful, costly, with marks accumulating on his left forearm and right side and the knee that had been protesting since level 3 of the labyrinth. But visible.
The administrator noticed it after the sixth exchange.
"You're learning in real time."
"Yes."
"At a speed not documented in any combat system in Aethon."
Kai blocked a hook and countered with a kick to the side.
"I know."
"How?"
