Willow's plan had almost worked. He had managed to dodge the Sage's initial QuickDraw attack, but now he saw the error of his ways. The Sage had baited him, allowing Willow to exhaust his chi reserves and leave himself vulnerable. But Willow was not one to back down from a challenge.
He knew that he could not win a battle of skill or speed against the Sage. The Sage was simply too powerful, too experienced. But Willow had something that the Sage did not: the element of surprise.
As the Sage prepared to launch his second QuickDraw attack, Willow made his move. He pushed himself beyond his limits, drawing on the reserves of chi that lay dormant within him. It was a risky move, one that could leave him drained and vulnerable. But Willow was willing to take that risk.
He felt his core expanding, the chi coursing through his veins like a river in flood. He felt his muscles tense, his senses sharpened. He was ready.
