Clang, clang, clang!
Each time the blade came rushing in along a graceful curve, Celine’s body retreated another step. Before long, bewilderment was plain on the face of the girl holding the long saber.
It was the complete opposite of their earlier exchange.
Of course, there was no way the difference in their abilities had somehow reversed in the meantime. The only reason Celine was now struggling just to respond to Seria’s slashes was that she had yet to bring her confusion under control.
Why?
Celine was nearly devoid of emotion, but that did not mean she had lost her capacity for rational judgment. Which only made it all the harder for her to understand.
Why had the woman before her come back?
The difference in strength was clear.
Every time Celine knocked aside her blade, that fact only became more obvious. Even if Seria had been in perfect condition, her chances of victory would have been slim, yet she had not even properly recovered.
Just look. Her breathing was already ragged.
A real battle was nothing like a practice match. No amount of resolve to stake one’s life on the outcome could easily overcome such a vast difference in skill.
And so, Celine could…