Bab 643: Kneel.

Ryu and the Heaven's Warrior shot out a fist at the same time. Battle intent blazed in Ryu's gaze and billowing plumes of dark gold flames erupted from within the Heaven's Warrior. 

The moment their fists met, Ryu felt as though his entire arm was collapsing. Having long since lost his sleeve to the violent surge of dark gold fire from earlier, his fair skin was in plain view for all to see. Veins warped like flood dragons beneath his skin, beautiful Heavenly Patterns of blue overlaying them all, crackling about like particles of crystalline ice. 

Ryu was immediately pushed several heavy steps backward, but the Heaven's Warrior was likewise forced a single step back, the heavy clinking of its armor resounding through the arena.