A drop of blood trickled from the stump of Aramen's left wrist, but his remaining hand held the sword firmly.
"I'll go easy on you, rat." Adam smirked. "I won't be using spells. So, come. Show me what you got."
Without a word, Aramen charged forward.
Their swords collided, producing a deafening clang that reverberated throughout the forest.
Adam's weapon was a blade one moment, its edge aimed at Aramen's throat. The next, it transformed into a whip, bending around the old man's guard and lashing toward his ribs.
Aramen twisted aside. The black whip grazed his armor before snapping back.
Adam pulled his arm and the Viper hardened into a blade once more.
Clang!
Aramen barely managed to parry the descending strike. He retreated half a step and thrust toward Adam's chest.
Adam twisted his torso, allowing the blade to pass along his side, but Aramen had anticipated the movement. He turned his wrist and drew his sword across Adam's abdomen.
Splat!
