Ayn had already told Vincent everything he knew about Darien's abilities, so the duke's son came well-prepared.
But that was only what Ayn knew so far.
Vincent's eyes widened when Darien suddenly split into three more versions of himself, each wielding a weapon and moving in the same lethal manner.
All four attacked in synchrony, overwhelming and confusing Vincent as his eyes darted between the shifting afterimages.
In that swift moment of uncertainty, Darien seized the opening he had created, sliding through the boy's guard.
With a savage clash, Hellheart carved a deep, searing line across Vincent's side before the noble's glowing blade deflected the strike with a ringing kink.
It was a refined defense from Vincent, who managed to replenish his magical shield quickly before Darien could penetrate it again.
