Chapter 28: Rescue
Ember had read about both of the skill options and knew all their merits and disadvantages. Unfortunately, being chased by an overgrown lizard did not make the decision any easier.
His father had Swordstride back in his time and had told him about all its features. Swordstride specialised in minimal movement, using the body in the most efficient way possible. It was one of the foundational skills for any swordsman. While that might sound excellent, it was also more difficult to master.
Whereas Blitz Steps was quite the opposite of it. It was known for its wild bursts of movement. It was more of an empowered form of Sprint Burst. With increased mana expenditure, it even reduced the physical act of running while only boosting the speed, though its biggest advantage was that it allowed quick shifts in any direction without missing a beat.
Well, Swordstride could achieve that too, despite lacking the same acceleration. Additionally, there was a chance of advancing Blitz Steps into Flash Steps or other elemental forms like Shadow Steps or Wind Walk further down the path.
So, although both choices were equally good, Ember went for Blitz Steps.
An electrifying current ran through his limbs; his muscles twitched, bones and joints snapping in cracking noises. There was also a blistering pain, as Ember’s form slowed down for a moment.
The demonic skink almost lunged on top of him, only for his body to blitz forward, escaping its grasp by inches.
Its piercing cry rattled his nerves. It clearly didn’t like that.
Ember sprang forward like a streaking arrow, each step carrying him over ten metres. His feet slammed against the ground, leaving deep impressions, as though his lower body had somehow strengthened. He didn’t have time to observe properly, but the muscles of his legs, bones, and ligaments felt far more robust and elastic at the same time.