Despite being completely exhausted, Kaito's movements were still as fast as ever. Perhaps it was because his reflexes were enhanced by adrenaline, or because he didn't want to die in some ditch in the middle of the Dry Swamp.
The pain coursing through Kaito's body was intense, but he tried to ignore it.
The mud made it harder than ever to move because while it was easy to slip because of it, it was normal to get stuck. However, he adapted, using the very instability of the terrain to his advantage to dodge the Atrocious attacks. Each time his sword met the creatures' flesh, a sense of triumph mixed with the exhaustion that overwhelmed him. He knew he could not fail.
As he fought, Kaito looked for an opportunity to reach Edward to take him to safety. He knew he couldn't carry his companion on his back the way he had before, but he had to reach him before the Atrocious devoured him.
