(Thanks to Gabriel Angelos for the generous premium gift. Here's the bonus update.)
The instant the blades collided, sparks burst through the corridor like fleeting fireworks blooming beneath the light of the Stars.
The Laer Blade in Akurduana's hand became a blur.
The blade moved faster than the naked eye could follow, leaving dazzling, rainbow-like trails through the air that wove into an impenetrable web of steel.
Single-handedly, he held all three opponents at bay.
The three Power Swords wielded by Lucius, Chelast, and Tarvitz were like vipers trying to attack an eagle. He effortlessly deflected every thrust, precisely parried every slash, and anticipated every surprise attack.
The clang of metal rang through the corridor like the relentless hammering of a forge, rebounding between the walls in layers of overlapping echoes.
Akurduana's footwork was nimble and precise. He advanced and retreated freely within the narrow corridor, his swordsmanship flowing with seamless elegance, every stroke carrying the rhythm and beauty of a dance.
But it was a deadly dance, every step falling upon the beat of death.
"Tarvitz! Go warn the ground forces! Chelast and I will hold Akurduana!" Lucius's voice rang out amid the fighting.
He gave Tarvitz his orders while fending off Akurduana's attacks.
Even together, the three of them were no match for Akurduana. One of them had to break through and reach the ground to sound the warning.
He and Chelast would stay behind to hold off their master and buy Tarvitz time.
Tarvitz decisively moved to slip past Akurduana's flank.
He shifted left in an instant, his feet crossing rapidly over the floor. He tried to exploit the moment when Lucius and Chelast had Akurduana occupied, break through his defenses from the side, and rush toward the hangar at the end of the corridor.
Yet at