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.

blades like scissors. With a quick twist of her body, she delivered a powerful kick aimed at

had undergone extensive training. Her mastery of blade

multiple martial arts styles with no discernible weaknesses. She was confident she could defeat

Aurora’s kick landed, Crystal countered with her foot. The impact echoed with a dull thud before they both stepped

had left

disciple of the Sword Union,” Aurora remarked. “But now, get ready to witness the ultimate technique of

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

hilt with her right hand and flung it

of afterimages as it hurtled toward Crystal with astonishing

At some point,

made from the extremely rare mithril, making it impervious to

strange, spinning weapon whirled toward her like a fan, Crystal wasn’t sure how to deflect it. Instead of confronting it head-on, she swiftly dodged to the

her chance and closed the distance. She

a thrust of her longsword straight at Aurora’s throat.

be vulnerable without her weapon. Aurora would

Aurora anticipated the move. Instead of dodging or retreating, her other hand grabbed

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

sharp whistle pierced the