---
Fowad moved like a shadow, his knife flashing as he aimed for the man's arm.
The blade bit into flesh, drawing a pained roar from the stalker, who spun around with surprising speed.
"You little....!" the man snarled, drawing his sword in a single, fluid motion.
Fowad barely managed to dodge the blade, the sharp edge whistling past his ear.
His heart pounded in his chest as he darted back, putting distance between himself and his opponent.
The man's eyes gleamed with rage as he lunged forward, his sword swinging in wide, powerful arcs.
Fowad ducked and weaved, his smaller size and agility giving him an advantage, but the man's strength was undeniable.
"You've got guts, kid," the man growled, blood dripping from his wounded arm.
"But guts won't save you."
Fowad gritted his teeth, his mind racing as he analyzed the man's movements.
