Mary came at me again, this time moving with much more speed. Her strikes were wild, designed to catch me off balance. But each strike was easy to deflect. I blocked in rhythm with her strikes, sending every blow aside without much effort.
"Keep going," I told her.
She grunted in frustration but didn't cease. A few slashes angled at my sides met quick parries.
She was a bit sloppy in her form, and her strikes lacked power, but she didn't stop. Her breath started growing heavier as she continued to attack, though she couldn't break through my defense; she wasn't even close.
"Five seconds left," I said calmly.
Mary doubled her effort, trying a quick jab into my chest. I twisted my wrist, and the strike sailed wide without my having to apply much effort.
"Time," I said, and both of us stopped. She stepped back and took a breath.
"My turn," I said, nodding slightly and Mary took a stance.
