"Does that count as cheating?" Rick asked in a weak voice.
"No. Your bonds are a part of you, just like my dragon nature is a part of me. It's the same as me using my natural strength." She stopped. "But Rick, they can only do so much."
"Your spirit may be willing, but your body has limits. Be careful not to go too far, even magic can't fix it."
...
Day Five was a turning point.
Vyra, Rick's opponent, was a tactical fighter who was adept at figuring out what his opponents were weak at and using that knowledge to win. She would have beaten Rick in a matter of minutes under normal circumstances.
However, Rick had spent the last four days engaged in combat with some of the Dragon Kingdom's top fighters. He had learned, even though his body couldn't do everything that his mind now knew.
He didn't try because he couldn't match her strength. He couldn't keep up with her, so he changed.
