Kieran chuckled softly, shaking his head as the dark cloak he wore shifted slightly with the movement.

“Oh, no. This is personal. Lorian wants answers, but I’m more interested in testing you myself. Let’s see if you’re as skilled as you think you are.”

Without warning, Kieran’s blade flashed as the steel caught the dim light while he drew it in a smooth, practiced motion. His black leather armor creaked faintly, a sign of long use, but there was no hesitation in his fluid movements.

The alley seemed to close in around us. The reality of the situation settled over me. There was no more talking, no more room for negotiation.

This was going to be a fight.

My own blade was in my hand before I even realized I’d drawn it and the familiar weight offered a small comfort.

I took a deep breath, centering myself as I prepared for what was to come. Kieran’s eyes narrowed, and I could see the shift in his stance—a signal that our battle was about to begin.

The tension was unbearable, every muscle in my body coiled like a spring, ready to explode into action.

I could feel the cold sweat on my brow, the rapid thud of my heartbeat in my ears.

Kieran was waiting for me to make the first move, confident in his own superiority.

But I wasn’t about to give him that satisfaction.

With a sudden burst of speed, I lunged forward, aiming a quick strike at his midsection.

Kieran reacted instantly as his blade moved in a blur to deflect the attack.

The clash of steel echoed through the alley, sharp and violent, as our battle began in earnest.

The moment our blades collided, I knew I was in trouble.

Kieran’s strength was immense, and he wielded his sword with the ease of someone who had spent a lifetime perfecting his craft.

My arm shook under the force of his parry, and I had to grit my teeth to maintain my grip on the hilt.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

Kieran didn’t waste any time pressing his advantage.

He flowed seamlessly from defense to offense, with his sword cutting through the air with deadly precision.

I barely managed to block his next strike, while the impact jarred my arm all the way to the shoulder.

It was clear he was toying with me, testing my limits, waiting for me to slip up.

“You’re quick,” Kieran said. His voice was laced with mockery as he continued his relentless assault. “But speed won’t save you. Not against someone like me.”

His blade flicked toward my side, and I twisted to avoid it but the edge grazed my ribs.

Pain flared up, sharp and immediate, but I couldn’t afford to focus on it.

Kieran was already coming at me again. His strikes were methodical, each one designed to wear me down.

I fought to keep up and my mind raced to find a way out of this.

The alley offered no escape, no room to maneuver.

I was trapped, and Kieran knew it.

He was pushing me back, step by step, with his grin widening as he forced me toward the wall.

But as much as he had the upper hand, I wasn’t out of the fight yet.

My eyes darted around, searching for any opening, any weakness in his defense.

It was then that I noticed it—a slight delay in his recovery after each strike, a fraction of a second where his guard lowered just enough.

It wasn’t much, but it was something.

I feinted to the left, drawing his blade away, then quickly reversed my movement, aiming a slash at his exposed side.

For a split second, I thought I had him. But Kieran’s reflexes were faster than I anticipated.

He spun away, avoiding the worst of the blow, but my blade still managed to nick his arm.

His eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and anger as he looked down at the small cut. “Not bad,” he muttered. But his tone was darker now. “But you’re still out of your depth.”

The battle was far from over, and the stakes were only getting higher.

I could feel my stamina draining with each exchange, and I knew I had to end this soon.

But Kieran was right—I was outmatched in every way. If I didn’t figure out something fast, this alley would become my grave.

Quick Footwork would enhance my speed. But against an opponent, likely higher leveled than me, and more experienced, speed wasn't what I needed.

Moreover, that skill would wear down my body faster. Kieran wasn't a reckless idiot like Darius. What worked against him would most likely not work here.

I wasn't about to risk my life to test that theory.

Kieran’s next move was faster than I expected.

His blade struck with a vicious speed that left me scrambling to keep up. My breath came in ragged gasps, and my muscles kept burning from the exertion.

Every strike he landed chipped away at my strength, and it was only a matter of time before he broke through my defenses.

Desperation clawed at me as I realized I was nearing my limit. But in that desperation, an idea sparked.

I needed to push him further, make him show his hand, reveal the skill he was hiding. Only then would I have a chance to turn this fight around.

I let him press me harder, drawing him in, baiting him to go all out.

My body screamed in protest as I blocked and dodged his relentless strikes, but I couldn’t afford to give up now.

Not when I was so close.