He looked at Varik's coat as it came off, dark, reinforced. Faint scorch marks on one sleeve. Not from today. From older things. Harder fights.
Underneath, a simple grey shirt. Fitted armor weave. No flare.
His arms were scarred. Forearms layered with old burn marks, blade trails, one that looked like it had come from acid.
Lucen's thoughts flashed.
'Each one of those lines is a reminder. A stat check. A tax receipt for surviving.'
He exhaled, slow. "You better not hold back."
Varik smiled. First time.
It wasn't nice.
"I'm not the one who needs to worry."
Lucen stepped back, just slightly. His hand flicked low.
[Shockweave Bolt]
[Mana: 112 / 112]
Varik's eyes flicked to it. He didn't flinch.
Didn't move.
Didn't even shift his stance.
Just said, "You'll only get better if you try to kill me."
Lucen's system buzzed again.
[EXP Boost: +320% — Confirmed]
[Class Benefit Triggered: Combat Enhancement Adaptation Active]
Lucen stared.
