The second floor reminds me of a horror movie when they’ve finally found the killer’s lair. Blood and severed body parts decorate the floor. There aren’t any teams that we come across but occasionally we find messages written on the wall. They’re all different, but they give the same message; turn back now or prepare to die. The message is heard loud and clear but we keep going, knowing there’s not going to be another chance.

The pulsating purple line leads us to a large open room where it terminates. Before us sits and old man with long white hair. A black digital visor covers his eyes with a single red ring flashing. He wears a tact vest over his bare chest along with military cargo pants sporting various straps. A white band across his chest holds the katana on his back strapped in place.

The red ring turns green and he speaks, “you’ve come in search of the key?”

“We do,” Daamin replies.

“Then defeat me,” in a single motion the swords man rises to his feet and draws his katana.

I draw my shotgun and Kai summons the small spherical drones but Daamin holds up his hand. “I’ll fight him.”

“You don’t have to fight him alone,” Kai says.

“No, I must, because this is a fight of honor. A fight between men.”

“Dude, look at him. He could kill you,” I add.

“It is foolish to fear what we have yet to see and know,” Daamin draws two of his swords.

“He has chosen his fate,” The Swordsman speaks.

“It is the fate of us all,” Daamin answers. “The only fate that people share is death.”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“Wise words,” The Swordsman and Daamin begin to circle.

“This is insane,” Kay shouts.

“You wouldn’t understand, there are things a man has to do,” Kai replies.

Daamin takes the offensive, two quick swipes but the swordsman dodges. The swordsman returns but Daamin dodges the first, and deflects the second. They pick up speed making use of the entire room as they continue to clash. They meet in the center of the room, sparks fly from both their swords. Each seems to have powered up their swords with electricity. The swordsman takes a wild kick at Daamin’s chest but misses the two are back to their starting position again.

The swordsman comes down with a heavy swing Daamin sides steps before countering with two swings of his own. They clash sowrds several more times deflecting each other’s swipes. Daamin comes in fast with a swing from his left sword but the swordsman dodges only to have his throat slashed by the right sword. He drops to his knees. The fight is over. The blind swordsman throws a hand full of powder into Daamin’s eyes before rising to take another swing. Daamin manages to dodge it but makes several wild swings unable to see. The swordsman slams an elbow into the back of Daamin’s head dropping him to a knee, losing a sword in the process. The swordsman kicks away the sword and brings a heavy strike down but Daamin is able to block it with his remaining sword, barely able to keep the sword from coming down on his neck. Daamin draws his third sword from his waist and uses his shoulder to knock the blind swordsman away in a single motion. Daamin launches a furious attack at rapid speeds. The swordsman is unable to block as Daamin side steps and stabs a blade through his chest and uses the other to slice his throat.

The swordsman kneels as Daaminsteps back. He takes large but shallow breaths unable to catch his breath. Reaching into one of his pants pockets he pulls out a key and slides it across the floor to Daamin. Without another word the swordsman nods his head a Daamin before producing a short sword. There’s a pause before he jams the sword into his own gut. The green light on his visor turns slowly to red before blinking several times and vanishing completely.

“You were so brave,” Kay says rushing to Daamin’s side.

“Fear. That is what we live with. And we live it every day. Only in death are we free of it,” Daamin stares at the key.

“You handle that like a real man,” I pat Daamin on the back.

“A real man,” Kai gives him a thumbs up.

“Seriously, are you all okay,” Kay asks.