Something tells me, I already know where that is.

The blood loss had taken a toll on me, my body ached all over as well.

My body could shut down at any moment, but if it does, death is sure to follow.

Which means I had to end this now.

Jasmine disappeared once again. But this time, I was well-prepared.

Before she could reappear with another swipe of her sword, I slashed my blade first to meet hers.

Sparks slid off the blades as they scraped against one another.

We repeated the same attack once again, but this time the brute force of our attacks was too much for the swords to handle.

*Shatter!*

Both of our swords shattered into tiny pieces of metal, but Jasmine was surprised to witness this outcome.

This means she hadn't been paying too much attention to her sword.

Probably because she was too busy recalling some unpleasant memories.

With this being a chance I shouldn't waste, I swiveled my waist and thrust my foot straight into her stomach with every ounce of strength I could muster.

-2

Just beyond the impact, I could feel and hear the cracking sound of her rib cage as several bones broke, sending vibrations across her body as she skidded backward across the grassy field.

Her eyes widened, and she squirmed in agony, clutching tightly to her stomach.

She intends to kill me, so why then should I show compassion towards her?

Although my leg hurts a lot right now with that kick I just made.

With hastened limping steps, I rushed towards her head and forcibly thrust my foot once again to her temple.

But she rolled over before I could make a significant impact and stood up once again while still feeling the pain at the side of her stomach.

"Ugh!!" She grunted in exasperation and vanishes in front of me.

She reappears in front of me, a lot faster than before.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

'F·ck! Was she holding back her true speed all this while?"

A fist flew straight toward my rib cage as well. This time around, the cracking and snapping sounds of broken bones could be heard from me.

-2

[Ding! Cracked. You have two cracked ribs. With your knowledge of first aid, avoid taking deep breaths, twisting your body, and pressure being applied to the injured area. Get yourself a healing potion to avoid continuing your journey with a broken rib.]

But that didn't end there, Jasmine had no intention of offering me a chance to respond, and a more powerful blow was sent toward my gut this time around.

-4

It was fiercer than the one given to my rib cage, my eyes widened with shock as all the air within my body escaped from my gaping mouth.

I dropped to the ground and screamed in pain at such a destructive force.

Just how strong is a level 2 player? The difference in speed and strength far outweighs anything I could have ever imagined.

I sneaked a peek at my HP and my eyes widened in dread.

[HP: 1/10.]

'What?... How?' I was aghast by the figure displayed in front of me.

Currently, I am standing on my knees. My stamina had been depleted.

I could barely rise to my feet again.

I had no strength in me to move any part of my body.

On the contrary, Jasmine glared at me with eyes gleaming in rage.

Unlike me, it appears she has a ton of stamina left in her to spare.

She darted and appeared before me, ready to thrust her feet toward my face.

I closed my eyes, prepared to receive the impact of yet another powerful attack from her.

This attack will probably be the one to end me.

'He-he... You stupid boy,' I thought to myself.

I can't even remember why I provoked her in the first place.

So, this is how it ends for me, huh?

'For real, this time, I'm going to be killed.'

Too bad it has to end this way.

I was rather interested in knowing her backstory and why she is still crying even while fighting me.

*Plop!*

The sound of Jasmine dropping to the ground in front of me made me open one of my eyes.

She lay on the grass in front of me, facing the sky with one of her arms covering her face while breathing heavily in exhaustion.

I guess I'm not the only one feeling tired.

I fell to the ground as well with a sigh, facing toward the sky, just like Jasmine.

The only difference is that Jasmine covered her face with one of her arms, while I didn't.

I can't believe I almost died yet again.

Her arm was still on top of her eyes, but that didn't stop the tears from coursing through the side of her face and onto the grass.

"You, idiot… Why would you let me remember something so cruel," Jasmine cried.

Hearing her weeping and saying those words, a part of me felt like a jerk for provoking her in the first place.

Maybe, I shouldn't have touched a topic sensitive to her.

Several minutes passed by, and the violent wind finally settled down.

Currently, there is nothing between us but silence.

Oh, Jasmine has also stopped weeping as well.

The darkness of the night was fast approaching, and the atmosphere suddenly felt colder than it was before our duel began.

I'm guessing it won't be long before the rain falls.

"I lost my parents at the age of five," Jasmine began.

It looks like she's about to tell me about herself. I'm too tired to lift myself to listen properly.

I'll have to listen while in my current position.

"It was just me and my sister,"

"With no guardian or relative to raise us, my big sister took it upon herself to take good care of the both of us,"

" She worked several shifts to pay for her college tuition and soon managed to secure a job in a good company,"

"I, being the younger sister, couldn't be more proud of the responsibility my big sister took in taking care of me as well,"

_______

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