The moment our fists connected, I felt the distinct shock of impact travel up my arm. It wasn't painful—more like a gentle reminder of contact.
Ralph's expression shifted from confidence to confusion, then to horror in the span of a heartbeat.
I hadn't used any Inner Strength techniques. No special formations or complicated maneuvers. Just pure, physical force—amplified by the power of my inner core.
"Impossible," Ralph whispered, his eyes widening as he realized what was happening.
The impact launched him backward like a cannonball. His body flew clear across the training field, sailing over the heads of stunned spectators before crashing into the stands. He landed with a sickening thud, directly at the feet of Elder Ignazio Bellweather.
Silence fell over the arena, thick and heavy. Every eye moved between me, still standing with my fist extended, and Ralph's crumpled form.
Stewart's mouth hung open in shock. "What... what just happened?"
