As Ethan continued to fend off the relentless assault, the tension in the air thickened with each passing moment. The burly man pressed forward again, his punches like thunderbolts aimed at Ethan's defenses. Ethan danced around the attacks, his movements graceful yet filled with purpose.
"You're quick, boy," the burly man grunted, his voice laced with both frustration and grudging respect. "But speed alone won't save you from us."
Ethan parried another blow, feeling the impact reverberate through his arms. "Maybe not," he replied through gritted teeth, "but neither will brute force."
The wiry man with the whip circled around, his eyes narrowing with malice. "You think you can evade us forever?" he taunted, snapping his whip menacingly. "We've dealt with plenty like you before."
