The Stillness Breaks

After a few tense words exchanged, Alden's expression shifted into something colder. With deliberate movements, he placed the helmet back on his head.

The metallic sound echoed briefly, signaling that the real confrontation was about to begin.

The First Move

Alden shifted his stance, his feet sliding into a balanced position that looked all too familiar.

Neo's eyes widened as he recognized it instantly. "That's the same stance Ronan used in our last sparring match. A quick, precise opening strike meant to overwhelm the opponent before they can react."

Alden's radiant blade was angled slightly downward, his grip loose but controlled. His body was perfectly aligned, the weight distribution in his legs suggesting he could lunge at any moment.

"The stance is deceptive. It looks relaxed, but it's designed for speed and power. If I move too early, he'll adjust. If I hesitate, I'll be cut down."

Neo crouched slightly, adjusting his grip on his daggers. His mind raced, recalling every detail from his sparring sessions with Ronan.

"He'll aim for center mass—a clean, decisive strike. If I sidestep too slowly, I'm done for."

Neo braced himself, his focus sharpening as he watched for the slightest twitch of movement.

Alden's weight shifted ever so slightly, and Neo's instincts screamed at him. "Now!"

He moved, but Still took hold.

For a split second, Neo misjudged the timing. His body felt sluggish, and as he twisted to evade, the radiant blade tore through the fabric of his coat, grazing his ribs.

The shock of it sent a chill down his spine. The wound wasn't deep—it hadn't even broken skin—but the sheer closeness of it made his breath hitch. He stumbled, clutching his side, his daggers trembling in his grip.

Alden paused mid-strike, tilting his head slightly as he took a step back. His helmet obscured his features, but the subtle tilt of his head betrayed faint surprise.

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"You dodged," Alden said, his voice muffled but sharp. "Barely."

Neo tightened his grip on his daggers, his chest heaving. "I miscalculated because of Still. That's why he's so confident—his aura slows everything around him just enough to throw me off."

Alden straightened, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword. "Interesting."

The Lightning Strike

Alden lunged again, and Neo twisted his body, throwing himself to the side at the last possible moment. The blade missed his chest by mere inches, the force of the swing causing his hair to whip back.

Neo stumbled but managed to stay on his feet, his breathing ragged as he clutched his daggers.

Alden straightened, his posture deliberate, his tone calm. "You're faster than I expected, even with Still. Interesting indeed."

A Dance of Survival

Alden's stance shifted again, and Neo braced himself. The radiant blade came toward him in a deadly arc, and Neo barely managed to parry with his dagger. Sparks flew as the impact reverberated through his arms, almost knocking the weapon from his hands.

Neo twisted his body, sidestepping another strike as the glowing blade whistled past his shoulder.

"He's faster, stronger, and more precise than Ronan."

Alden continued pressing forward, his strikes relentless. Yet, Neo dodged and parried with every ounce of his skill and instinct.

"I can't keep this up for long."

A Trick with Daggers

Realizing he needed to create an opening, Neo adjusted his grip on one of his daggers, revealing a length of rope attached to its hilt.

With a flick of his wrist, he threw the dagger straight at Alden. The knight sidestepped with ease, deflecting it with his blade.

Before it hit the ground, Neo yanked on the rope, pulling the dagger back into his hand.

He repeated the motion, throwing the rope-bound dagger again and again, each strike coming at a slightly different angle.

"Creative," Alden remarked as he parried the attacks, his voice calm despite the flurry of strikes. "But not enough."

Neo adjusted his angle and threw the dagger one last time—but this time, the blade sailed wide, embedding itself into a nearby tree.

Alden tilted his head slightly, his tone dripping with mockery. "A miss? Getting desperate, are we?"

But before Alden could finish his taunt, Neo yanked on the rope with all his strength. The dagger dislodged from the tree, and the motion caused a branch to snap loose.

The heavy branch fell, striking Alden's helmet with a loud crack, causing the knight to stumble slightly.

Neo smirked, adrenaline surging. "Not a miss."

Alden steadied himself, his hand brushing against the dented spot on his helmet. His piercing blue eyes narrowed through the visor, his calm composure now tinged with irritation.

"You're resourceful," Alden admitted, his tone quieter but colder. "But tricks like that will only delay the inevitable."

A Flour-y Distraction

Neo used the distraction to grab a small pouch from his bag.

As Alden lunged forward, Neo threw the pouch directly at his helmeted face.

Alden instinctively sliced through it with his radiant blade.

A cloud of white exploded in front of him.

Flour.

The fine powder clung to Alden's armor and helmet, obscuring his vision. He coughed, momentarily disoriented.

Neo's eyes widened. "Now's my chance!"

Without hesitation, Neo lunged forward, daggers flashing as he aimed for Alden's unprotected spots.

The Counterattack

Neo's blade came within inches of Alden's side when the knight moved with startling precision.

Despite being blinded, Alden shifted his weight and stepped into Neo's attack, slamming his shoulder into Neo's chest with brutal force.

The impact sent Neo sprawling backward, his daggers clattering beside him as he gasped for air.

Alden, still partially blinded, removed his helmet in one smooth motion, revealing his sharp features once more. His piercing blue eyes burned with a mixture of irritation and newfound interest.

"Did you think a simple trick would give you the upper hand?" he asked, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

Neo gritted his teeth, clutching his ribs. "He's not just strong—his instincts are incredible."

Alden wiped the remaining flour from his face, his tone colder now. "You're resourceful, I'll give you that. But this game is over."