Gekko lunged like a true predator, claws slicing the air with reckless abandon. His wild howls echoed through the wreckage of the crumbled city street as he unleashed flurry after flurry of Essence-powered strikes.
But Riku's eyes were calm — too calm.
He dodged with precise footwork, weaving between attacks like water flowing around rocks. Gekko swiped again, but Riku ducked, planted his foot, and spun, slamming his elbow into the rogue's ribs.
Crack.
Gekko coughed blood, but laughed through it. "You're strong," he hissed, his voice raspy, "but I've fought animals stronger than you."
Riku narrowed his gaze. "That's the difference. I'm not an animal."
In a flash, he summoned a clone behind Gekko. Before the rogue could react, the clone grabbed his arms, pinning him just long enough for the real Riku to slam his Essence blade into the ground.
A shockwave exploded outward in a dome of compressed force, knocking the wind from Gekko's lungs and rattling his senses. The clone released him as the blast faded, and Riku appeared above in mid-air.
"Soul Pressure: Falling Star."
He dropped with a radiant kick straight to Gekko's chest — the impact sent the rogue flying back, skipping across the broken road like a stone across water.
When the dust settled, Gekko was unconscious, his Essence flickering and fading.
Riku walked over, looking down at him. He didn't speak. He simply stared a moment… then turned and walked away.
No absorption.
No flair.
Just judgment.
Three down. Two to go.