Clang! Clang! Clang!
The clash of blades echoed down the corridor like a blacksmith's hammer blows, each impact sending dazzling sparks flying.
Lucius and Chelast were still fighting Akurduana, their figures darting through the narrow corridor as blades flashed and metal clashed again and again.
They traded blows in a flurry of steel, seemingly evenly matched.
But even a slightly closer look revealed that Akurduana was all but overwhelming Lucius and Chelast.
Akurduana's swordplay was steady and seasoned. Every strike was perfectly judged, wasting not an ounce of strength and leaving his opponents no opening.
His footwork was nimble and precise. Whenever Lucius and Chelast were about to surround him, he deftly pulled away, thwarting their teamwork time and again.
Although Akurduana was not using his favored Bone-Carving Sabres, the Laer Blade in his hand alone was enough to keep Lucius and Chelast utterly suppressed.
His swordplay flowed like water, leaving the two struggling to defend themselves without a single chance to counterattack.
Thud! Thud!
Two dull impacts sounded almost simultaneously.
Akurduana sent Lucius and Chelast flying at the same time, and both slammed hard onto the floor.
Lucius's Power Sword flew from his grasp, clattered to the floor, and slid several meters before Akurduana kicked it into a corner.
"Lucius," Akurduana said slowly, his voice laden with conflicting emotions.
"We could have welcomed the Imperium's rebirth together."
As he spoke, he strode over to Lucius.
Then he raised his foot and kicked Lucius away again just as he struggled to rise.
Thud!
Lucius slammed into the corridor wall with a dull crash.
Heat surged through his chest, and a metallic sweetness rose in his throat. He opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of blood.
Blood splashed across the floor, glaringly vivid beneath the dim lights.
**"You chose