Ah, the stereotypical short chapter. Most likely the author is trying to milk it out -- split up a fighting sequence into a crappy four-part chapter sequence, then charge full price for access (if it is in a magazine or for-purchase online).
Okay so it has a core, and that core is in the arm he cut off. So when the sword of failure says 'cutting it wont work' it's talking out it's figurative arse because they clearly need to cut it a whole lot more.