Chapter 54: Arthur vs Aziel
Arthur’s muscles tensed, making him momentarily flinch from the pain in the gash on his leg. The wound from the Nightreavens’ battle throbbed, reminding him of his vulnerable state. It wasn’t bleeding anymore due to his enhanced body but it was still causing a lot of pain.
’Damn it, I’m already outmatched, but it’s also daytime and I’m covered in wounds. What does he really hope to gain from this? Or does he just want to hit me?’
Arthur rolled his eyes and then took a step forward. Then another, then he was running. His footfalls crushed the delicate rose petals beneath him, releasing their sweet fragrance into the morning air. Each step sent a jolt of pain up his injured leg, but determination pushed him forward.
Aziel didn’t move as he gripped his spear with a smile on his face, waiting patiently for Arthur to arrive. The lightning around him pulsed rhythmically, casting eerie blue shadows across his features. His stance was casual, almost bored, as if he faced no threat whatsoever.
Arthur was stomping through the ground with force, preparing a mighty swing with his sword as he closed in. The blade gleamed in the sunlight, consuming all the light around it as he raised it. His breathing came in short, controlled bursts, his focus narrowing to Aziel’s exposed neck.
He made it in range and swung his sword diagonally at Aziel, who still didn’t move. The blade cut through the air with a whistle, its trajectory aimed directly at the junction between Aziel’s shoulder and neck.
’Why isn’t he reacting? If this hits him, it will kill him... should I pull back? ...crap, too late.’
Arthur let his blade swing through the air and down at Aziel’s neck. But just as the concerned Arthur expected the sword to slice through his flesh, Aziel calmly pulled his head back at the last second, dodging the blade. The movement was so effortless, so precise, that it seemed almost insulting.
Arthur’s blade met nothing but air, and with all the momentum he had put into it, he lost balance as his body was thrown forward with the sword. His center of gravity shifted dangerously, leaving him completely vulnerable.