An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Aurora’s strikes were swift, but Crystal’s reflexes matched them. As Aurora’s crescent blades sliced through the air, Crystal’s sword was already in motion.

“Windbreaker Slash!” Crystal called out as her longsword trembled violently. A flurry of sword shadows appeared and clashed fiercely against Aurora’s dual blades like a raging wind.

The metallic clangs echoed as Aurora’s attack was instantly deflected.

Crystal lunged forward from behind the dissipating shadows and aimed her sword at Aurora’s chest and abdomen.

With the remaining shadows masking her move, the thrust was silent and undetectable. It was deceptively harmless but filled with hidden danger.

“Aurora, watch out!” Alicia’s expression changed.

She recognized Crystal’s skill in swordsmanship and extensive combat experience. With a single deceptive move, Crystal shifted from defense to offense and took control of the match.

“Huh?” Aurora’s eyes widened in shock. She didn’t need Alicia’s warning, as her instincts had already kicked in.

She leaned back sharply and crossed her blades in front of her chest just in time to dodge the incoming strike.

A harsh screech of metal rang out as Crystal’s sword scraped against Aurora’s blades, sending a shower of sparks flying.

sword between her dual blades like scissors. With a quick twist of

had undergone extensive training. Her mastery of blade techniques was exceptional, and her hand-to-hand combat

martial arts styles with no discernible weaknesses. She was confident she could defeat her opponent even without

Crystal countered with her foot. The impact echoed with a

exchange had left neither with an

skills for a disciple of the Sword Union,” Aurora remarked. “But now, get ready to

Aurora brought the hilts of her dual blades together. A twist followed a sharp click, and

gripped the hilt with her right hand and flung it

spun wildly, leaving a blur of afterimages as it hurtled toward

forward like a leopard. At some point, she had slipped on a pair of

soft as silk, were made from the extremely rare mithril, making it impervious to weapons and immune to fire and water. They were perfect for both

wasn’t sure how to deflect

saw her chance and closed the distance. She swiftly delivered a

Aurora’s throat.

Aurora would be vulnerable without her weapon. Aurora would likely be impaled before her punch

the move. Instead of dodging or retreating, her other hand grabbed Crystal’s sword. Since the mithril gloves protected her, the sword failed

arched an eyebrow as her longsword quivered in her grip. Suddenly, a surge of energy erupted and shook Aurora’s hand. The sword writhed

poised to strike, a sharp whistle pierced the air. Crystal sensed imminent danger and swiftly