The moment we closed in on each other, our swords clashed. The sharp sound of metal meeting, one blade real and the other made from concentrated mana, echoed through the air. When our blades collided, I felt the full force of his strike firsthand. So this was the power of someone trained in swordsmanship since childhood, huh? Just as expected of the Sword Saint's son.
Despite his strength, I stood my ground. As soon as I created some distance between us, I stepped back, but Johanne was right on my heels, relentless in his pursuit. Closing in again, he launched another slash at me, which I managed to block. I countered with a sideways strike, expecting him to retreat, but instead, he countered with a sidelong sweep of his own. His reaction time was impressive, far beyond what I had anticipated. And his footwork was impeccable. It was hard to believe this guy was only 19.
