Zerthon charged forward, his sword flashing in the dim light of the windmill. Black Steps, the figure in dark robes, met him with a calm and collected demeanor. Their eyes seemed to gleam with an otherworldly intensity, and Zerthon could sense the power emanating from them.
As the battle began, Zerthon quickly realized that Black Steps was no ordinary opponent. They seemed to be able to walk through the air, disappearing and reappearing at will. Zerthon's sword strikes seemed to pass through empty air, and he stumbled backward as Black Steps reappeared behind him.
"You're a formidable opponent," Black Steps said, their voice low and menacing. "But you're no match for my abilities."
Black Steps raised their hand, and a blast of wind shot toward Zerthon. He raised his sword to deflect the attack, but the wind was too powerful. It knocked him off his feet, sending him crashing to the ground.
As Zerthon struggled to get back to his feet, Black Steps began to circle around him. Their eyes seemed to be boring into Zerthon's soul, and he could feel a creeping sense of dread.
Suddenly, Black Steps vanished. Zerthon spun around, trying to locate his opponent. But before he could react, Black Steps reappeared behind him. Their fist flew toward Zerthon's back, attached to a blast of wind that would amplify the impact.
Zerthon barely had time to react. He raised his sword, and the blade bit deep into Black Steps' arm. But the attack didn't seem to faze Black Steps. They simply disappeared again, leaving Zerthon stumbling backward in confusion.
As the battle raged on, Zerthon began to tire. Black Steps' abilities seemed to be endless, and Zerthon was starting to doubt his own chances of winning. But he refused to give up. He knew that Tessie was counting on him, and he was determined to save her.
With renewed determination, Zerthon launched himself at Black Steps. His sword flashed in the dim light, striking true again and again. But Black Steps seemed to be able to absorb the blows, their body seeming to shift and flow like a living shadow.
Just when it seemed like the battle would never end, Zerthon heard a faint cry from below. "Zerthon! Help!" It was Tessie's voice, coming from the basement.
With newfound strength, Zerthon launched himself at Black Steps. His sword bit deep into their shoulder, and for a moment, Black Steps stumbled backward. That was all the opening Zerthon needed. With a fierce battle cry, he charged forward, his sword flashing in the dim light.
Black Steps tried to disappear, but Zerthon was too quick. He struck again and again, his blows raining down on Black Steps like a storm. Finally, with a defeated cry, Black Steps collapsed to the ground.
Zerthon stood over them, his chest heaving with exhaustion. He had won the battle, but at what cost? He knew that Black Steps was just a pawn in a larger game, and that the true enemy was still out there.
With a deep breath, Zerthon turned and made his way to the basement. He had to find Tessie and make sure she was safe. The battle may have been won, but the war was far from over.