Chapter 36 – Serran Duel
Leon's ribs ached. Every breath dragged fire across his chest. But he didn't stop moving.
Serran came at him again, blade gleaming in a tight arc aimed for the throat. Leon ducked beneath it, shifted left, and brought his hilt up hard into the noble's ribs. The hit landed—solid—but Serran barely winced.
Their blades met again.
Sparks. Metal grinding. Two sets of boots shuffling across marble.
The crowd stayed silent. Even the nobles held their tongues now.
Leon shifted his weight, using a move Elric drilled into him only days ago. Low slash. Guard break. Rising elbow.
Serran saw it coming.
He parried the blade, twisted Leon's wrist, and nearly disarmed him. Only a desperate grip and a half-step back saved the sword from clattering out of reach.
Leon's knuckles bled now.
His grip was slipping.
Serran pressed.
