Dan's Departure

"At your command, my lord."

Both wielders pointed their blades at each other. Seconds now felt like minutes as the anticipation among the spectators grew.

"Come—"

Shukha swung her blade at Dan's face, cutting him short mid-sentence. Dan quickly lifted his blade, blocking the attack. She immediately spun around, aiming a slash at his gut, but Dan blocked it and sidestepped, engaging Shukha in a rapid exchange of strikes.

As Luis watched their duel, it became clear to him that Shukha was going easy on Dan. He couldn't follow any of their movements.

"Awesome," Luis exclaimed, his mouth agape.

"Are you going easy on me, Shukha?" Dan asked, blocking all her attacks with little effort.

"Forgive my insolence, my lord. If you insist, I can go harder." Shukha leaped backward, her leg muscles tensing before she kicked forward.