An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

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.

Aurora locked Crystal’s sword between her dual blades like scissors. With a quick twist of her body, she delivered a powerful kick aimed at Crystal’s lower abdomen.

training. Her mastery of blade techniques was exceptional, and her hand-to-hand

with no discernible weaknesses. She was confident she could defeat her opponent even

The impact echoed with a dull thud before they both

brief exchange had left neither

Aurora remarked. “But now, get ready to witness the

of her dual blades together. A twist followed a sharp click, and the two crescent blades fused into a singular, strange, S-shaped

Aurora gripped the hilt with her right

wildly, leaving a blur of afterimages as it hurtled toward Crystal with astonishing

like a leopard. At some point, she had slipped

though appearing soft as silk, were made from the extremely rare mithril, making it impervious to weapons and immune to

her like a fan, Crystal wasn’t sure how

closed the distance. She swiftly

straight at Aurora’s throat.

without her weapon. Aurora would

grabbed Crystal’s

as her longsword quivered in her grip. Suddenly, a surge of energy erupted and shook Aurora’s hand. The sword writhed like a serpent before striking

as the sword seemed poised to strike, a sharp whistle pierced the

toward Crystal. It nearly grazed Crystal’s