Chapter 51: Played
Serian got her breath back and looked at the two of them. Leila was cautious, her katana held in a ready stance, but Rura just looked bored, which was almost more insulting.
Leila took a slow step forward. "It’s two against one, princess. You should just give up now."
Serian didn’t answer her, she just watched Rura. The pink-haired girl was a problem, a big one. She couldn’t land a hit on someone who could turn to smoke whenever she wanted.
Leila lunged, her katana a quick, dark line in the narrow alley. Serian parried with her own sword, the clang of metal echoing off the brick walls. Leila was good, her movements were efficient and strong, so Serian had to give ground, taking a step back.
’She’s a trained fighter,’ Serian thought. ’Not like those brutes from before.’
Rura giggled and then she was just gone, her form dissolving into a pinkish haze. The haze moved around Serian, and then Rura was solid again right behind her. Her hand came shooting out, aimed for Serian’s neck.
Serian twisted away at the last second, and Rura’s hand just missed her. This made her stumble forward, right towards Leila. Leila took the opportunity and swung her katana down in a heavy chop.
Serian brought her sword up to block, and the impact sent a jolt up her arm. She was being pushed back, always reacting, never getting a chance to set her own pace.
’This isn’t good,’ she thought. ’They’ve got me completely on the defensive.’