The man manages to weaken your blow ever so slightly. Alas, it isn't nearly enough, as you fist solidly connects with the man's side. With a gasp, the man collapses.
"Shit! That clerk is good! Leave the chump armour, take out that guy!"
The men who were fighting with Spider move away from him and towards Nanashi. As they swing their knives, you can here the distinctive click of a soulgem trigger being readied.