Abyss (Part 2)

"Last, but not least, the difference between a good and an expert swordsman lies in the footwork!" Tepper ignored Lith's words and performed a feint to the face before side stepping to stab at his exposed shoulder.

Unfortunately for the Sergeant, footwork was something Lith had learned back on Earth and it was the first thing he had practiced as soon as his body allowed him to. Tepper's blade hit only air.

Lith had sidestepped too and his blade was barely an inch away from the opponent's leg.

The Sergeant inwardly cursed at himself for performing such an ample movement to impress the unit. Lith and Tepper were too close. At such distance, even a small opening was the difference between victory and defeat.

"In the next five months you'll either become good swordsmen or you'll start searching for a new job." Tepper's voice was perfectly relaxed, not revealing the surprise nor the anger he was feeling.

"As for you, maggot, get down and give me forty!"