Her wounds had healed, and her stature was taller, prouder. The subtle red hint in her eyes, coupled with the four energy tendrils swirling around her, marked a significant shift in her demeanor.
The captain, acknowledging her resilience with a hint of respect, remarked, "I guess the pup does have a bit of fight left in her." Then, with a mocking gesture, he beckoned her to attack, pumping his open palm towards her twice, an evident taunt.
Kieran, responding with fierce determination, burst off the ground. Her whip, now seemingly alive with its own will, lashed out, cracking and striking independently of Kieran's movements. The captain, however, continued to dodge the whip and tendrils with a fluid ease, his experience and skill apparent in his every move.
