The moment the referee's whistle pierced the air, Zakir lunged at Erik. It was clear from his grin that he was underestimating his opponent.
Zakir drew back his arms and jumped, thrusting his knee forward, aiming a vicious strike at Erik's head.
How could it have been to win against Frant's awakener by knockout? It was bound to give him a lot of renown. Yet Erik avoided the attack, dreading the speed Zakir had just shown.
In midair, Zakir extended his leg in a gravity-defying move as soon as he realized Erik evaded the strike and aimed a sidekick at Erik's chest. With no room to dodge, the young man protected his vitals.
Yet he didn't expect the strength behind Zakir's blow to be that strong.
"AGH!"
Erik fell on the ground, and gasping for air, he managed to roll backward and stand on his feet again.
