Release.
Marcus was becoming furious.
"You got lucky."
Elias shook his head.
"Luck doesn't explain the second time."
Marcus charged a third time.
This time Elias caught him in a controlled hold and brought him down.
He could have twisted the joint.
He didn't.
Marcus struggled.
Elias released him.
"Why did you let go?" Marcus demanded.
"Because the goal is not to destroy you."
Marcus stared at him.
Elias continued.
"A martial artist should be dangerous when necessary, but safe whenever possible. If you need to injure someone weaker than you to prove you're strong, you've already lost."
The words landed harder than any strike.
Marcus stood.
But he wasn't finished.
Chapter 7 — The Mask Cracks
Marcus attacked with everything he had.
The technique disappeared.
There were no measured combinations now. Only anger.
Elias continued to evade.
The students watched in stunned silence.
Marcus's breathing became ragged.
His shoulders rose.
His movements became wider.
Elias waited.
Then Marcus made a mistake.
He overcommitted.
Elias caught his arm, turned his body, and guided him down.
Marcus hit the mat.