The Black Cherry Blossom Storm

A piercing clang resounded through the dueling arena, the sharp clash of blades echoing like a wail. All eyes in the audience were immediately drawn to the center of the stage.

Neither Jace nor Vera had infused their swords with inner energy. This was a pure test of swordsmanship—a battle fought with skill, not the overwhelming force of supernatural powers. It was, in every sense, a duel of human ability.

'I can't lose like this!' Jace gritted his teeth and moved to bring his sword crashing down, but Vera was faster by half a beat.

As Jace's thunderous downward slash came, Vera tilted her blade to deflect it. In that fleeting moment, her chest was wide open—completely unguarded.

'…A weak spot!'

Just as Jace prepared to slash horizontally, aiming for the gap, Vera's small shoulder drove straight into his solar plexus.

"Ugh!"