The moment Amaniel's strike landed, something in the air changed.
Aeron's grip on his sword adjusted—subtle, but deliberate. His breathing steadied. His eyes, previously warm with friendly competition, sharpened into something far more dangerous.
Oh.
Amaniel barely had time to process it before Aeron moved.
This time, there was no hesitation. No holding back.
A storm of steel descended upon him.
Clang!
Amaniel barely parried the first strike.
Thwack!
The second grazed his shoulder before he could react.
Aeron wasn't just fast—he was relentless. Every step, every swing, was calculated, pressing forward without mercy. Even with Observant Eye and Echo of Life, Amaniel could only barely keep up—anticipating the attacks but lacking the muscle memory to counter them cleanly.
Then—
A feint.
Aeron's blade flicked left, and Amaniel instinctively raised his guard—
CRACK!
A sharp, stinging impact exploded against his ribs—his blind spot. The one area his stance left open.
