---
POV: Third Person
---
In the heart of a dense forest clearing, two figures faced each other. One wore a plain white patient garb, the fabric split into a top and trousers, his feet bare against the ground. The other, a striking figure in a slick black jumpsuit and matching boots, exuded an air of controlled elegance. Her red hair cascaded down, framing her face, while her slender yet powerful body curved in a way that commanded attention.
The man, armed with a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other, stood ready. His opponent held a katana, the blade gleaming with deadly precision.
---
POV: First Person
---
(Battle Start: Defeat your enemy in five minutes)
<04:59>
I have five minutes to defeat her. Five minutes—doesn't sound like much, but if I don't act fast, I'll be the one lying in the dirt.
I surged forward, charging towards her with sword raised. The clash was immediate, her katana easily blocking my strike. My momentum faltered, but I didn't hesitate. This woman was probably far more skilled than I was, but I wouldn't let that stop me. I needed to attack fast and keep her on the defensive.
<04:48>
With swift reflexes, I brought my dagger into play, striking from a reverse hold. She shifted effortlessly, parrying the blow with minimal movement. She was toying with me, but I couldn't let that show.
I pivoted, swinging my broad sword upwards in a mighty arc, hoping to catch her off guard. Again, she blocked it with barely a shift in posture.
She was efficient, too efficient. I realized my basic swordsmanship wouldn't win this fight. To beat her, I had to throw unpredictability into the mix—daring, reckless moves that would throw her off balance.
I allowed my sword to linger in mid-air, distracting her for a moment, then kicked it upward as it neared the ground. My hand grasped it quickly, and with one fluid motion, I spun toward her, striking out with my leg toward her right side.
<04:34>
She didn't block. Instead, she leapt back with impressive agility, narrowly avoiding my kick.
I didn't let up. I grabbed my dagger and rushed toward her again, launching a relentless barrage of slashes and strikes. Every time I thought I had her, she effortlessly parried, dodged, or evaded. I couldn't even touch her.
<03:48>
I was giving it everything I had—random, fluid movements designed to confuse and overwhelm. Yet, she countered every single one, like she knew exactly what I would do before I did it. My attacks seemed futile, like she could read my every move. Was she anticipating my actions? Or was it something more?
I didn't know. I couldn't remember.
Time was slipping away. If I didn't land a blow soon, I would lose.
Then, she attacked.
Her hand extended toward me, and I felt an invisible force push against me—repelling me back with such power that I was sent hurtling through the air.
Before I could react, she closed the distance with astonishing speed. A fist collided with my face, sending a jolt through my entire body.
<02:35>
She had an ability—an insane one, at that. She could attract and repel objects, force me away, and close in with blinding speed.
I couldn't defeat her. Not like this.
<02:05>
I had to do something. Anything. My mind raced.
I remembered the hologram—my interface—maybe it held the key to turning this around. I searched frantically for something that could help me.
There it was. The Copy ability.
---
[Copy: The ability to learn the baselines of an ability or fighting technique witnessed by the user]
Cost: Nil
Level: Nil
---
It wasn't much, but it was all I had.
<01:50>
I didn't know how this ability worked, but I had one shot. If I didn't act now, I'd lose.
I took a deep breath, steeled myself, and retreated. No more random moves. I would focus everything into my attacks—no more hesitation.
With renewed determination, I rushed at her, my movements sharp and deliberate. I swung my sword, my strikes powerful and precise, no feints or flourishes this time. I had to press her, to push her to the edge.
<01:30>
She blocked, her movements still fluid and effortless, but I was starting to feel something. Could she be matching my strength? I didn't know, but the fact she hadn't attacked yet told me something—she was waiting for me to make a mistake.
I swung my dagger at full speed—she blocked it as expected. But this time, I let the dagger fall, deliberately leaving my hand empty.
Then I swung my sword again—faster, stronger. She blocked once more, but this time, I moved in fast, dashing to her side, leaving the sword mid-air, and snatching the dagger up from the ground.
<00:46>
I activated Copy, recalling the motion she used on me. Her ability to attract and repel. I mimicked it.
The pull was instantaneous.
She came flying toward me, her eyes widening in shock. I was already prepared.
With all the strength I had, I rammed my dagger into her face.
≈Clang≈
The sound was jarring. My dagger didn't sink into her flesh; instead, it met something solid—like an invisible shield had blocked it.
<00:30>
What the hell was that? My dagger hadn't gone through. She had some kind of defense. I didn't have time to figure it out.
I backed away quickly, my mind racing for another solution. I could see the time ticking down, and my chances slipping away.
I gripped my sword with both hands, the weight of it grounding me in the moment. I wasn't going to give up.
<00:15>
I was out of time. If I didn't win now, I'd lose.
But then, just as the countdown hit its final seconds, the woman's body began to shimmer, pixels disintegrating her form as she vanished from my sight.
The surroundings melted away, returning to the cold, white hall from before.