Her breathing grew heavier. She fought with the desperation of someone who had been promised a fortune for a single kill. Poison mist seeped faintly from her gauntlets, corroding small holes into the stones they touched.
Kent's gaze cooled. With one sweeping motion, his blade met her claws in a full-force clash. The impact cracked the ground beneath them, sending dust spiraling into the air.
When the dust cleared, Viperclaw staggered back, a deep gash along her side, blood dripping steadily. Her legs trembled, but her eyes still burned with hatred.
"You… why aren't you finishing me?" she spat.
Kent sheathed his sword. "Because you're just a pawn in someone else's game. Live long enough to realize it."
For a moment, silence hung between them. Then she stepped back, one hand pressing to her wound, and with a sharp whistle a giant spirit hawk swooped down from the clouds. She leapt onto its back and vanished into the horizon without another word.
Outside, the crowd was split.
