"Damn it! These reflexes are superhuman, capable of deflecting projectiles as fast as bullets!" Johnny cursed in despair. The bitter revelation hit him like a ton of bricks; this place was definitely not Earth, and he realized that individuals with superhuman abilities were not a rarity exclusive to his home planet. Confronted with the obvious superiority of his opponent, he understood that it was imperative to adapt his combat strategy.
After hours of relentless attacks, Johnny was mentally exhausted from trying to wear down this natural aberration.
The stones emerged in the air, summoned by magical runes floating in the environment. In a frenzy, they hurled themselves toward the swordsman, flying in a chaotic and unpredictable formation. The skilled warrior watched closely as dozens of them descended upon him, each following a unique and winding path. With a swift and precise motion, the warrior raised his sword, which emanated a blue glow, and shattered them in a single wave of aura. Then, he smiled in satisfaction, making it clear that he had mastered the pattern.
Johnny whispered, almost like a lament, "Let's go to plan B!"
Both were in the middle of the forest, with the sun shining brightly in the blue sky above. The swordsman was sweating, his body moving with agility to avoid the fast projectiles.
As the swordsman skillfully evaded the attacks, Johnny began to understand that his opponent, unlike him, showed no sign of fatigue. The swordsman's attacks were fast and precise, but there was no decrease in their speed or strength. It seemed the swordsman could use his aura for an indefinite amount of time.
However, Johnny's mental exhaustion was starting to weigh him down. He knew he would soon slow down, making the game easier for the enemy. After all, launching erratic attacks while constantly changing position in the ravaged forest was draining. Deep down, he knew he would soon lose his primary advantage, the element of surprise.
Johnny was aware of the urgency of defeating the swordsman as quickly as possible. It was at that moment that he noticed something subtle: the swordsman maintained an expression of intense concentration. His eyes were firmly fixed on the horizon, and he appeared completely absorbed in the conflict.
It was at this instant that Johnny had an idea!
Watching closely, Johnny realized that, despite the swordsman's mastery, there was always a weakness to exploit. Narrowing his eyes, he made one last mental effort.
The stones began to fly in even more erratic attack patterns, making defense even more challenging. In response, the boss narrowed his eyes, tightened his lips, and raised his eyebrows, revealing his clear frustration in the face of the complex situation.
The swordsman, as skillful as he was, tried to keep up with Johnny's new attack rhythm. However, as the battle unfolded, he began to show signs of frustration. Johnny saw this momentary opening and, with calculated precision, launched an attack aimed at his henchman, named Luiz.
The swordsman's concentration flickered for a brief moment, surprised by his opponent's bold move.
Luiz couldn't see the projectile due to its high speed, but his fear heightened when his boss directed the blade toward his neck. However, the blade stopped just a few centimeters from his collar; within milliseconds, a metallic sound accompanied by sparks could be heard.
With a swift sword movement, the swordsman managed to intercept the attack that threatened Luiz. A shiver ran down Johnny's spine as he witnessed his opponent's impressive agility. The swordsman proved to be much more than just skilled with a blade; he had a keen sixth sense, capable of detecting imminent dangers.
The concentrated expression of the swordsman didn't waver, but his gaze narrowed, revealing a hint of surprise and suspicion.
Johnny realized that he had revealed an ace up his sleeve, and the swordsman was now aware of his attempt to target the henchman to weaken him. He knew that this type of attack wouldn't work again.This left Johnny with a dilemma: how to defeat an opponent who seemed invulnerable?
The chief's sword continued to cut through the air with a unique grace as it glided through space, meeting the thrown stones. Each precise strike was executed with a beauty that inspired admiration, as if the blade were a natural extension of the swordsman. When the blade came into contact with the stones, instead of brutally destroying them, it seemed to caress them with a gentle touch, guiding them away from their original path. Each stone was deflected with a graceful motion, as if it were being cradled by a soft and tranquil song.
Johnny narrows his eyes, searching for a solution, but upon surveying the landscape, he realizes he only encounters destruction all around him. The once majestic trees now stand as twisted skeletons, with blackened trunks and broken branches. The remnants of withered foliage and fallen trees form an uneven carpet beneath his feet. His ears pick up a silence occasionally disrupted by the metallic sound of the blade shattering projectiles. The air is heavy and difficult to breathe, saturated with a suffocating atmosphere, where visibility is limited to just a few meters ahead due to the dust raised by the debris.
In the midst of the whirlwind of attacks, the chief of the bandits finally realized that he wasn't dealing with just any threat. His eyes scanned the scene for the source of so many skillful shots until, with unwavering confidence, he exclaimed, "I've found you!"
His fingers enveloped in an aura of energy, the chief delivered a powerful sword strike toward a cluster of tree debris. The impact was astounding, causing the debris to split into two parts that flew in opposite directions. As the fragments separated, a figure was revealed in the midst of them.