Tobias observed as Matt stayed just outside of Misura Larga—a distance at which he could strike by a step, a pass, or a lunge. Given their proximity, it was now more crucial than ever for Tobias to be on his guard.
One lunge or sweeping pass with Matt's reach, and Tobias knew he could end up taking a fatal blow.
Tobias's eyes burned with determination. He shifted the point of his sword to point at Matt and was back in the Pflug guard stance. With one slight shift, he would be close enough to strike.
"You should have listened to vice commander Merrick's advice and saved yourself any more embarrassment. You have already lost to me."
Matt unexpectedly leapt forward with a cut from the left, but Tobias sprung backward, avoiding the strike. Matt withdrew before he could counter with a strike of his own.
