"Did Hannibal never teach you when to back off!?"
"Then he definitely never taught you either!"
Amid furious roars, the two warriors clashed at close quarters once more. Their blades traced glittering arcs of silver and deep blue through the air, bright sparks bursting where their weapons collided.
Kaoreish fought with every scrap of courage, strength, and skill he could muster, but he knew it was still hopeless.
Churton easily parried every attack, casually leaving wound after wound on him—deep enough to draw blood, but not enough to kill.
Blood flooded his mouth, and another crippling blow sent him staggering backward.
"Hit."
The swordsman grinned savagely.
"Right on target."
Kaoreish knew only his last shred of determination was keeping him going. This fight would not last much longer. If not for the superhuman physique he had gained earlier, he would probably have been lying on the ground already.
But Churton would soon tire of this game and end his life. Still, perhaps he had bought his allies enough time.
"Had enough?"
Kaoreish asked, coughing up blood.
"You don't have to die here."
Churton tilted his head and advanced on him.
"You're serious, aren't you? You really think you can beat me."
Kaoreish nodded and spat out a mouthful of blood.
"You think you can kill me? Come and try."
Churton let out an irritated hiss and launched himself forward, but Kaoreish suddenly released his sword and lunged at him.
The suicidal move caught Churton off guard. His movements slowed for an instant, and he failed to evade him.
"You were wrong about one thing earlier!"
The two warriors collided. Kaoreish smashed his fist into the swordsman's face. Churton turned his head and absorbed part of the blow, but Kaoreish gave him no chance to catch his breath.
They crashed to