"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
Sharp, rapid clashes rang out in a steady rhythm, their metallic echoes filling the dedicated swordsmanship training hall aboard the Pride of the Emperor, flagship of the Emperor's Children Legion. Pale lavender marble paved the hall, and exquisite sculpted reliefs and victory laurels adorned its walls.
Each impact scattered a few fleeting sparks, strikingly bright beneath the training hall's soft lighting.
Three men occupied the floor, attacking and defending with intricate footwork and vicious sword strokes.
On one side, two fought together: Lucius, a rising swordsmanship prodigy of the Emperor's Children Legion, renowned for his almost obsessive pursuit of perfect sword technique and his meticulous aesthetics in combat.
His expression was intent, tinged with resentment at being forced onto the defensive. The sleek longsword in his hand, its blade etched with the Third Legion's insignia, thrust, sliced, and parried incessantly as he searched for an opening.
The other was Chelast, an "exchange student" from the Word Bearers. At Lucius's enthusiastic invitation, he had spent decades fighting alongside this elite warrior of the Emperor's Children, the two all but inseparable.
He wielded a plainer-pattern but impeccably maintained legion Power Sword. His techniques were solid, but clearly lacked the elaborate flourishes of the Emperor's Children, who treated combat as an artistic performance. He placed greater emphasis on effectiveness and coordination.
Their opponent stood alone, yet firmly held an absolute, overwhelming advantage.
He was Akurduana, Company Captain of the Emperor's Children Legion's Second Company, acknowledged by the entire legion and Primarch Fulgrim himself as the undisputed Swordmaster of his age. He was also the mentor under whom Lucius had formally apprenticed.
Akurduana's attire was distinctive even among the legion's commanders.
He too wore the signature magnificent, regal Artificer Armour of deep purple, but its gold ornamentation was far more elaborate