Three Seconds of Combat

"After all these years..."

Facing The Dead Crow's utterly ruthless words, Nikolai calmly replied, "Monty, this is the first time you haven't argued with me."

It was as if he had lost all his emotions in the previous moment.

"You can't even be bothered to argue anymore?"

However, the only response to Nikolai between the cracks in the rocks was the low sound of wind.

And then—

"Whoosh!"

Hearing the sudden sound of a crossbow, Tales' breath caught.

Nikolai's body lurched violently. He awkwardly twisted aside, dodging a deadly bolt that tore through the air!

"Thud!"

After a muffled impact, a short bolt was firmly embedded in the ground not far from Starfaller's shoulder, its shaft still trembling incessantly.

"Beautiful evasion."

Monty's voice came again from behind the rocks.

Lying on his side, Nikolai breathed heavily. Though he had done his utmost to dodge, the powerful bolt had still grazed the light armor on his left shoulder, leaving behind an ugly tear.

"But with that bolt in you, how many more times can you roll?"

Starfaller frowned slightly. He turned to glance at the shaft behind his right shoulder, then looked toward the wound on his chest with pain. The tip of the bolt was faintly visible, and blood flowed freely.

Clearly, his evasive movement had worsened his injuries.

"Why?"

Nikolai rasped, "What benefits did the Starry Sky Person offer you?"

"Monty!"

Before he could finish asking, Nikolai's expression changed sharply. He braced his left hand against the ground and dodged again!

"Bang!"

The crossbowstring sounded again, and another bolt split the air.

"Clang!"

Another crossbow bolt struck firmly into the ground beside Nikolai's thigh, leaving behind a frightening, muffled impact.

It tore through Starfaller's leg armor, and spots of bright red showed through his clothing.

Beside the stream, in