But Gears wasn't giving him time. He moved like a storm—fluid, unpredictable, the drones creating multiple points of attack while his own form weaved between them. Aldric struck at one after another, but each time, he found himself hitting nothing but smoke and metal fragments.
Then, in a moment of clarity, Aldric saw an opening. He lunged, his Cavalier's lance striking true, piercing through Gears' chest—only for Gears to grin, blood trickling from his lips. "Too late," he whispered.
The construct behind Aldric detonated—a controlled explosion that sent Aldric sprawling, pain flaring across his back. He hit the ground hard, gasping for air, his vision blurring. He felt ribs snap under the force, his breath coming in wheezing gasps as the pain drowned out all else.
As he struggled to his feet, he saw Gears standing over him, both swords raised. "Like I said," Gears murmured, his voice almost gentle, "nothing personal. Just the way things have to be."
