Safe & Sound in the Arms of an Elite Knight: Volume 3 [Parts 1 to 5] by Fuyu Aoki

Author:Fuyu Aoki
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter Three: Closing the Distance

“Haaaaaah!”

Daz’s warcry split the air over the First Order’s training complex, his sword carving a merciless path towards Lloyd—only for Lloyd to sidestep clear of it in one short motion. Daz clicked his tongue. He followed up with a second and a third strike, all missing the mark.

The onlooking knights watched in awe from the stands. The duel was only a training exercise, the swords made of wood, but the skill and intensity on display had them all on the edge of their seats.

Last time, Daz had managed a victory against Lloyd. However, a single triumph, set against a backdrop of countless defeats, appeared to everyone, including Daz himself, as nothing more than a stroke of luck. Eager to prove it was more than just chance, Daz had entered this bout full of determination, but as the fight progressed, that determination quickly began to wane.

“I can’t freakin’ hit him!” he growled in frustration. He’d tried every angle and tactic he knew, but none of his attacks came close to landing. Exhaustion and irritation began to take their toll on Daz as he sustained his futile project to land a blow. Lloyd, conversely, was in a state of sharp focus, vastly different from his fugue from just two days prior. His senses were heightened, his mind crystal clear. Every aspect of Daz’s swordplay—his gaze, his movements, his breathing patterns—was apparent to Lloyd. It was as if he could predict Daz’s every move, allowing him to dodge with an almost precognitive accuracy.

Lloyd’s eyes narrowed with intent, and he uttered a single word under his breath: “Now.”

Daz, overcommitting to a powerful swing, left his torso exposed. Seizing the opportunity, Lloyd moved with lightning speed, darting beneath Daz’s raised arms.

“What?!” Daz could barely register Lloyd’s rapid advance before he found himself unbalanced. His legs were swiftly swept from under him, sending him crashing to the ground. He scrambled to defend himself, but it was too late—the tip of Lloyd’s sword already loomed over his neck.

“And that’s game,” Lloyd said calmly, addressing a stunned Daz who was still trying to comprehend his swift defeat.

“Lloyd wins!” the referee bellowed, igniting a wave of cheers among the spectators—the compelling comeback story seemed to have sparked their fervor.

Defeated, Daz lay sprawled on the ground. “No way...” he muttered in disbelief as onlookers filed into the arena from the stands.

“I hate to say it, Daz, but Lloyd had you outclassed!” one knight commented.

“His speed is unreal,” added another, clearly impressed. “One moment he’s there, the next he’s right up in Daz’s face!”

Luke, ever the enthusiastic squire, sauntered into view. “Well fought, Master Lloyd! Here, your towel!”

Lloyd, however, was focused on extending a hand to help Daz up. “You let your frustration get the better of you, Daz. Your swings became sloppy, giving me ample room to exploit them.”

Daz, accepting the hand, conceded, “Anyone would lose their cool seeing their attacks dodged like that. Good duel.”

“Good duel, but...” As Lloyd pulled Daz to his feet, an enigmatic spark glinted in his eye—a glint that scared Daz, very, very much.

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