Akaza landed first.
His heels carved two shallow trails through the road before he stopped. Several metres away, the Grey Pike captain struck the ground with her spear to halt herself.
Neither remained still.
Akaza pushed forward.
The woman twisted her spear and met him halfway. Its silver point passed beneath his fist, changed direction, and rose toward his throat.
Akaza tilted his head.
The blade missed him by an inch.
His elbow descended toward the shaft, but the woman released one hand, allowed the weapon to dip beneath his strike, then drove her palm into his chest.
Aether exploded.
BAM!
Akaza slid backward, his feet never leaving the ground.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
She was stronger than him.
Not merely because she was C-rank. Her movements were refined. Every step supported the next attack and left her prepared to defend.
She was a true martial artist unlike many demons he had fought in the past.
The captain raised her spear.
