Chapter 58: Queen’s Gambit; Windbreaker

Mirumaru’s blade danced through the air. Her strikes landed with pinpoint precision against Soujin’s body. Each twirl sent controlled, sharp cuts across his arms, legs, and sides. The blows weren’t deep enough to kill him, but they were enough to remind him that in this fight, she was still the one leading the dance.

Or so she thought.

At first, the usual rhythm of Soujin’s swordplay was changing. His movements were slowing just slightly. But rather than falling behind, it felt deliberate. The way his sword met hers, the way he adjusted his footing raised Mirumaru’s curiosity.

Mirumaru’s violet eyes flickered with intrigue as she parried his next strike. ‘It feels like he’s not just fighting me anymore… Did he make it to the realm of swords?’

She stepped back and lunged with her blade flashing toward his shoulder. He twisted just in time to avoid the full impact, but still took a grazing cut along his collarbone. He didn’t flinch.