As the shadowy figure moved, Haruto looked again, trying to figure out what it was. He stepped back, confused about this thing, just being moving.
The man stepped fully into the faint light spilling from the house, his cloak swaying with his movements. The large sword strapped across his back glinted ominously, catching just enough light to reflect its deadly edge. His face, partly obscured by the shadows of his hood, revealed a cruel grin.
"Hey kid," the man repeated, his voice low and gravelly, each word dripping with menace. "How would you like to die?"
Haruto's pulse quickened. His grip on the book tightened instinctively as he took another step back.
"Who are you?" Haruto demanded, trying to steady his voice despite the fear threatening to overwhelm him.
The man chuckled, his grin widening. "Who I am doesn't matter. See my blade is hungry for blood and so Am I…Now it's time for you to die.
Haruto's pulse raced, but his thoughts were sharp and focused. His eyes darted to the man's weapon, then to his stance. Every instinct screamed at him to run, but he forced himself to stay rooted, gripping the book tighter.
"I've trained before," Haruto muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the pounding in his chest. "But I've never been in an actual battle. I don't know how I'd fare against a real blade…"
The man's grin widened, his bloodlust almost tangible as he stepped closer. "You're quiet, kid. Thinking of a way to die?" He let out a low, menacing laugh. "It won't matter. That little farmhand strength of yours won't be enough to stop my blade."
Haruto shifted his stance, his muscles tense as he scanned his surroundings for anything he could use. The yard was dimly lit, the moonlight casting long shadows over the uneven ground. His hoe lay near the shed, too far to reach without turning his back on the man. He glanced at the fence post behind him—sturdy but splintered. Maybe he could break a piece off…
The man noticed Haruto's flickering gaze and chuckled darkly. "Planning something, are we?" He pointed the sword at Haruto, its tip gleaming dangerously. "I like when they struggle. It makes the kill so much sweeter."
Haruto swallowed hard, his thoughts racing. Stay calm. Panicking will get me killed. He's strong, but he's not invincible. There has to be a way out of this.
The man lunged suddenly, closing the distance between them with terrifying speed. Haruto barely sidestepped, feeling the rush of air as the blade swung past him, narrowly missing his shoulder.
Haruto's breath hitched. That was close. Too close.
"Quick on your feet," the man said, almost admiringly, as he straightened. "But you won't be dodging forever."
Haruto's heart thudded in his chest, but he kept his focus, his mind scrambling for a plan. He took another cautious step back, his hands itching to grab something, anything, to defend himself.
"You know, kid," the man taunted, taking slow, deliberate steps forward, "the more you back away, the weaker you look. You're just making it easier for me."
Haruto gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling beneath his fear. He clenched the book tighter, his knuckles white. Think, Haruto. You can't fight him head-on, you need to outsmart him.
As the man swung again, Haruto darted to the side, his movements more deliberate this time. His eyes locked onto the fence post behind him. If I can just get there…
"You're annoying," the man growled, irritation flickering in his voice. "Stop running and die like a man!"
Haruto ignored the taunt, his focus narrowing. He had no intention of dying tonight. He just needed one chance.
The man lunged again, his sword slicing through the air with frightening speed. Haruto barely dodged, the blade grazing the sleeve of his shirt and leaving a shallow tear. He stumbled but quickly recovered, his back now almost against the fence post he had been eyeing.
Stay calm, he thought, swallowing his fear. He's fast, but he's overconfident. That's my opening.
The man smirked as he turned to face Haruto again, his sword resting casually on his shoulder. "You've got spirit, kid, I'll give you that. Most people would already be begging for their lives. But spirit won't save you."
Haruto's breathing was ragged, but his gaze remained steady. If I can just get my hands on that post, maybe I can use it to parry his strikes—or at least slow him down. He shifted his weight slightly, testing his footing on the uneven ground.
The man seemed to notice Haruto's subtle movements and grinned wickedly. "Still plotting, huh? You're a clever one. Shame it'll all be for nothing."
He lunged again, the blade coming down in a powerful arc aimed straight at Haruto's chest. Haruto reacted on instinct, diving to the side and rolling to his feet. The sword struck the ground with a dull thud, sending a spray of dirt and debris into the air.
Before the man could recover, Haruto grabbed the splintered fence post behind him, yanking it free with a grunt. The wood was heavy and uneven, but it was better than nothing.
The man straightened, his grin fading into a look of mild surprise. "You're actually trying to fight back?" He laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "That's adorable. Let's see how long you last."
Haruto raised the branch defensively, his hands trembling slightly as he squared off against his opponent. "I don't want to fight you," he said, his voice firm despite the fear coursing through him. "But I won't just stand here and let you kill me."
The man's eyes narrowed, his grin returning with a more sinister edge. "Good. A fight's no fun if they don't put up a struggle."
He moved in quickly, swinging his sword with precision. Haruto braced himself, using the branch to block the strike. The impact sent a jolt through his arms, nearly knocking him off balance, but he held firm.
He's strong. Too strong. I can't keep this up for long.
The man stepped back, sizing Haruto up with a predator's gaze. "You've got guts, kid. I'll give you that. But guts won't stop me."
Haruto tightened his grip on the post, his mind racing. He's toying with me. If I don't find a way to turn this around, I'm dead.
The man lunged again, his strikes faster and more relentless. Haruto dodged and parried as best he could, each blow sending tremors through his arms and threatening to splinter the makeshift weapon in his hands.
Finally, one of the strikes slipped past Haruto's defenses, the flat of the blade slamming into his side and knocking him to the ground. The wind rushed out of his lungs as he hit the dirt, the branch rolling out of his grasp.
The man loomed over him, his sword raised for the final blow. "Any last words, kid?"
Haruto's chest heaved as he struggled to breathe. His body screamed in protest, but his mind refused to give up. His hand closed around a rock on the ground, his fingers curling tightly around it.
"Yeah," Haruto said, glaring up at the man. "I'm not done yet."
With all his strength, he hurled the rock at the man's face. It struck him on his nose, shouting a grunt of pain and causing him to step back.
Haruto seized the moment, scrambling to his feet and grabbing the branch once more. This time, he swung it with all his might, aiming for the man's legs.
The branch connected with a sickening crack, and the man let out a snarl of pain as he stumbled to one knee.
Haruto backed away, his chest heaving and his grip tightening on the branch. The man glared up at him, his expression twisted with rage.
"You'll pay for that, enough fooling around, time to end this game." He growled, his voice low and dangerous