Forced pain

As Cassandra, Dallas, and Daniel approached, smiles spreading across their faces, Cassian was still catching his breath, heavy with sweat and fatigue. His arms trembled from the effort, but he managed to offer Cassandra a weak yet happy smile, even as he glanced at the system notification that had popped up, which he ignored as it was just about him killing the one star monster.

Cassandra stepped closer, her praise ringing clear. "That was a great fight," she said, her tone encouraging. "I understand why you didn't want to dodge, but don't think of it as a cowardly move. Cowards are easy to kill, but those who can dodge? They're a different story."

"I wasn't dodging because I see it as cowardice; I just wanted to perfect some of my moves," Cassian replied, wiping the blood off his sword. There wasn't much on the surface, thanks to how smooth and shiny it was.