Without warning, Stanley's attacks grew faster.
The change was subtle at first, almost easy to miss, but Bliss noticed immediately.
The rhythm of his strikes shifted, the gaps between them shrinking as his movements sharpened.
The earlier elegance was still there, but now it carried an edge, something more aggressive layered beneath the beauty.
Bliss' calm expression finally cracked, her brows pulling together as a faint frown formed on her face.
Stanley didn't let up.
In the middle of another exchange, he suddenly maneuvered in a way that caught even seasoned eyes off guard.
His footwork twisted, his body turning with unnatural smoothness as he slipped past her guard.
In the next instant, he was behind her.
His sword flashed as he delivered a swift slash aimed directly at her back.
Bliss reacted immediately.
Even without turning to face him, she shifted to the side, her body moving on instinct honed through years of combat.
