Chameleon Part 2

He comes toward me with extreme speed and slashes my shoulder.

I feel an intense pain, as if a flame has been ignited on my skin. Even so, I hold firm, trying to ignore the pulsing pain spreading through my arm. Adrenaline courses through my veins, and every movement I make becomes a concentrated effort, a battle against the weakness threatening to seep into my being. My arm feels heavier now, and the sword Lídia, which would normally be a light burden, has now turned into a weight.

"It’s been a while since I fought anyone. I'm still getting the hang of it."

I say, trying to inject a bit of humor into the situation unfolding before me. I let out a nervous laugh, as if that could ease the tension in the air, but inside, I feel the sweat trickling down my face, and I know I can’t underestimate my opponent. He is quick, cunning, and he’s here to take me down.