Gon's real strike came low, fast and precise, aimed straight for Erlo's ribs.
The opening was there.
His blade was already halfway through its arc, the attack perfectly timed, the angle impossible to defend.
Then suddenly, a metallic whir.
A sharp, mechanical hiss cut through the air, quick as a breath.
Before Gon's blade could land, Erlo's prosthetic arm moved… Then clamp.
Erlo's prosthetic moved on its own, snapping into place just in time to intercept the attack.
The metal fingers locked around Gon's blade with a mechanical grip, stopping it dead in its tracks.
The servos inside whined softly, adjusting, holding firm.
Gon's eyes widened for half a second, then he moved.
A sharp breath, a flicker of motion, and in an instant, he tore himself free, leaping back before Erlo could counter.
His boots skidded against the sand, distance snapping between them once more.
His heart pounded. That wasn't just defense, that was a trap.
And he had almost walked straight into it.
