Suddenly, a sharp, khaki-colored fin sliced through the mud wall, splitting it in two. The gaping mouth of the Mud Dragon lunged at him, wide enough to swallow him whole. Ryan, though taken aback, was quick to react. His enhanced speed from the [Male Fire Dragon's Sorrow] allowed him to sidestep deftly, positioning himself alongside the beast.
With a swift upward arc of his flaming sword, Ryan leveraged his strength against the Mud Dragon's underbelly. The impact was severe, the protective mud armor shattered, revealing the softer scales beneath. As the dragon reeled from the strike, Ryan hoisted his sword onto his shoulder, gathering his energy for a critical follow-through.
Breathing deeply, Ryan channeled his physical and spiritual strength, focusing intensely as the Mud Dragon struggled to regain composure. He had only enough time for the "first stage of power accumulation"; waiting for a second would cost him dearly in this rapidly evolving fight.