Ash caught the blade mid-swing, steel grinding against steel. The shock rattled through his arm.
'Six.'
He counted again, not in seconds, but strikes. That many blows, and the sword hadn't snapped—but it was bending.
The knight pulled back, raised a foot, and went for a kick.
Ash vanished.
"[Skill: Phantom's Stride]"
He reappeared behind the creature and slammed his heel into the back of its helm. The knight stumbled forward, metal clanging as it dropped to a knee, then surged up like it felt nothing at all.
It charged, sword raised high.
Ash stepped to the side, feeling the wind of the strike brush past him. The knight's head shifted, tracking him. The sword came down again, fast—almost too fast.
Ash blocked, but this time his blade didn't hold steady. He let it slide with the impact, redirecting the strike down and to the left, guiding it where he wanted.
The knight drew back again, not hesitating. Another slash. Ash met it in the same spot. Sparks burst.
