James VS Wing
The forest was still, except for the faint crackle of Johan's fire.
Vardan and Jay carefully lifted Leo, who was barely conscious.
"Let's get him out of here," Vardan said quietly.
Jay's hands trembled. "I don't get it… Johan's supposed to be unbeatable. How did Leo lose?"
Before Vardan could respond, a sharp presence sliced through the air like a blade. A suffocating, dark aura crept over them.
Jay froze. "W-What is that…?"
From the shadows, a figure emerged. His katana gleamed in the moonlight, and a twisted, unsettling grin stretched across his face.
"So this is where you've been hiding, Johan."
Vardan's eyes narrowed. He's one of them.
The man's gaze shifted towards Vardan and Jay. "Relax, kids. I'm not here for you… yet."
"Who are you?" Vardan asked, stepping protectively in front of Jay and Leo.
The man tilted his head slightly, almost amused. "Kuro. One of the new Seven Wings. I'm here to test my blade against the legendary Johan."
Jay's knees nearly buckled. "A Wing…? Here?"
Johan slowly stood, sword still in hand. He met Kuro's eyes and smiled faintly.
"You're late."
Vardan exchanged a glance with Johan. They both knew what this meant.
"Take them," Johan said to Vardan, nodding towards Jay and Leo. "Stay out of this."
"But—"
"Go."
Without another word, Vardan dragged Leo behind a thick tree. Jay followed shakily, collapsing next to them.
Kuro stepped forward, his blade resting lazily on his shoulder. "I wonder if the stories are true, Johan. I heard you killed an entire sword clan by yourself. I'd like to see that for myself."
Johan's grip tightened on his sword. "You don't have the experience to stand against me, boy."
Kuro's grin widened. "Maybe. But it'll be fun finding out."
---
The Duel Begins
In an instant, Kuro lunged.
Steel clashed violently, the sound echoing through the forest. Sparks flew with every strike. Their movements blurred, cutting deep into the air around them.
Kuro was fast—too fast.
But Johan matched him step for step, his blade gliding effortlessly to intercept each attack. The two fighters weaved through the clearing, their swords tearing through the trees and slicing branches clean in half.
Jay watched from behind the tree, his heart pounding. "This is insane…"
Vardan didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on the fight, reading every movement.
Blood sprayed across the ground as Kuro landed a shallow cut across Johan's arm. But Johan retaliated immediately, his blade carving into Kuro's side.
Neither of them slowed.
---
The Breaking Point
Minutes passed, but it felt like hours. Both warriors were bleeding—Johan more so.
Kuro stepped back, panting lightly. "You're not bad for an old man."
Johan exhaled, his sword steady. "You're sloppy."
Kuro's smile twisted further. "Let's finish this."
The two rushed each other.
Vardan's eyes widened as Kuro's blade slipped past Johan's defense—too fast.
Johan's sword clattered to the ground.
Blood poured onto the dirt as Johan fell to one knee, his right hand severed clean at the wrist.
Jay's breath hitched. "H-His hand…!"
Johan staggered, gripping his bleeding stump. Kuro laughed, blood dripping from his own wounds.
"Look at you. The great Johan… kneeling."
Kuro stepped forward, blade raised to finish him.
But before he could strike, Vardan appeared between them, sword in hand.
Kuro stopped, his eyes narrowing. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I'm finishing this." Vardan's voice was calm, but his stance was iron.
"You're on the wrong side, kid," Kuro sneered. "We work for the same organization."
"I'm not fighting for the organization," Vardan replied, raising Johan's fallen sword. "I'm fighting for him."
Kuro's expression shifted—annoyance, then intrigue. "Alright then. Let's see what you've got."
---
Vardan vs. Kuro
Kuro lunged, his katana flashing. Vardan parried, the force sending vibrations up his arms. Kuro was relentless, his strikes heavier than expected.
But Vardan didn't falter.
The clearing rang with the clash of steel as Vardan held his ground. He wasn't as fast as Kuro, but he was precise.
A shallow cut opened across Vardan's cheek, but he barely noticed. His focus narrowed—every movement counted.
Kuro grinned through the pain. "You've got skill… What's your name?"
Vardan's eyes burned cold. "James."
Kuro's smile faded. "James?"
For the first time, Kuro hesitated.
"That can't be. James —"
Kuro's confusion gave Vardan the opening he needed.
In a single, fluid motion, Vardan stepped forward and slashed.
Blood sprayed through the air as Kuro's head separated from his body, rolling lifelessly to the ground.
---
Aftermath
Vardan's sword dropped to the ground. His legs buckled, and he collapsed beside Johan, breathing heavily.
Johan's eyes flickered open, weak but alive.
"You… used his name."
Vardan nodded. "It felt right."
Johan smiled faintly, despite the pain.
Jay slowly crept from behind the tree, eyes wide. "Is… is he gone?"
Vardan didn't answer. He simply rested Johan's sword beside him.
The fight was over.