Chapter 57 - Attack (2)

Nathan flew through the woods, his wings cutting through the air with precision as he followed the trajectory of Jero's crash landing.

He had been sent flying into the dense forest, and Nathan wasn't about to let him recover.

He landed softly on the ground, his katana gleaming in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.

Jero was already on his feet, his sword in hand, his expression calm but his eyes burning with intensity.

"You guys really made a grave mistake coming here," Nathan said, his voice cool but laced with anger. His wings flared slightly, the feathers sharp and ready. "And now this ends."

Without another word, Nathan launched himself at Jero, his katana slashing through the air with blinding speed.

Jero raised his sword to block, the clash of metal ringing out as the two fighters engaged in a deadly dance.

Jero's sword was heavy and precise, each strike carrying enough force to shatter trees.

Nathan, however, was faster, his wings giving him unparalleled mobility.

He darted around Jero, his katana flashing as he struck from every angle.

Jero countered with wind-based attacks, channeling mana into his sword to send razor-sharp gusts of wind at Nathan.

The attacks sliced through the air, cutting through branches and leaves, but Nathan dodged with ease, his wings propelling him out of harm's way.

Nathan retaliated by using his wings as weapons.

He spun in midair, the sharp edges of his feathers cutting through Jero's defenses.

One of the feathers even grazing Jero's cheek, drawing blood.

The bald man growled, his calm demeanor cracking as he swung his sword in a wide arc, forcing Nathan to backpedal.

The fight escalated as they began to even incorporate hand-to-hand combat in it as their weapons were out of their hands.

Nathan landed a punch to Jero's ribs, the impact sending the bald man stumbling back.

Jero then responded with a kick aimed at Nathan's chest, but Nathan blocked it with his forearm, the force of the blow sending him skidding across the ground.

Nathan smirked, his wings flaring as he launched himself back into the fray. "You're strong," he admitted, his tone mocking. "But not as strong as you think you are."

Jero's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on his sword. "Ohh. Then show me what my strength is."

They then grabbed their swords again as the fight reached its climax.

Nathan feinted left, causing Jero to swing his sword in that direction.

Nathan then used the opening to slash at Jero's arm, the blade cutting cleanly through flesh and bone.

Jero's arm fell to the ground, blood spraying from the wound as he let out a scream of agony.

"Arrggh!"

He staggered back, clutching the stump where his arm used to be.

Nathan didn't even bother giving him a moment to recover.

He darted forward, his katana flashing as he slashed off Jero's other arm.

"Arggh!"

The bald man screamed again, his voice filled with pain and desperation. Nathan grabbed him by the collar and slammed him into a tree, his wings pinning him in place.

His voice was cold and detached as he leaned in close, his katana resting against Jero's throat.

"And now, now you talk," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "How did you get here? What happened to the security? Are the instructors dead?"

Jero, still writhing in pain, stammered, "W-why should I tell you anything?"

Nathan's expression didn't change. Without a word, he slashed off Jero's legs, the blade cutting through flesh and bone with ease.

"Aaaarrrrrgggghhhh!"

Jero's screams even louder this time echoed through the forest, his body trembling as blood pooled beneath him.

Nathan then punched him in the ribs, the force of the blow cracking bones and causing Jero to vomit blood.

With a cruel smirk on his face, Nathan leaned in closer, his voice low and menacing. "So you can die painlessly."

Jero's eyes widened in fear, his body trembling as he realized the gravity of his situation.

He opened his mouth to speak, but Nathan's katana was already at his throat, the blade pressing lightly against his skin.

"Talk," Nathan said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Or I'll make sure your death is anything but painless."