Damon took deep, jagged breaths, his chest rising and falling steadily as he studied Xander's paling face. Outwardly, his expression was calm, but his [Shadow Perception] betrayed the stark truth. Being able to sense the light beams' trajectories didn't mean he could always react in time.
A prickly sensation crawled over his skin, accompanied by a cold dread that sank deep into his chest. He recognized this feeling all too well. It was the sensation of death looming near, a stark reminder that he could die at any moment.
He should have been afraid. He should have considered forfeiting. But his [Remorseless] skill dulled such thoughts, showing him a singular path forward. Victory was the quickest way to earn the money he desperately needed—to give his sister a chance at a better life, to pay for her medical care.
'Death isn't going to stop me,' he thought resolutely.
With that, he pointed his glass daggers toward Xander, taking a battle stance.
