A Second Chance

Part 7 - Bring it on!

I dropped into a fighting stance, fists clenched and lightning crackling faintly around them.

If I beat this guy, my popularity will skyrocket.

Defeating him was important. It meant earning respect, maybe even from people with real influence. A senator's support, for example, could be huge.

This is going to be a good learning experience too.

"I respect your determination," The Swordsman said with a smirk. "I'll give you the honor of a fair fight."

Fair fight, huh? That made one of us.

We squared off, both slipping into our stances. I had to be smart here—this wasn't some random thug. This guy was calculated, skilled, and ranked 12th in The Vipers.

Let's see. His stance is low... he's charging up.

Suddenly, he launched himself into the air, his sword slicing downward with a precision that screamed practice.

I barely managed to block the strike with a burst of lightning, redirecting the energy to keep it from cutting into me. The impact shook my arms, but I held firm.

I countered, aiming a quick zap of lightning at his face.

But before I could connect, a flash of movement caught my eye, and then—BAM!

A blow struck me square in the face, and I staggered back, disoriented. Before I could even process what had happened, another strike hit me directly on the head, sending me crashing to the ground.

What the hell?

This guy wasn't just fast—he was on another level of speed. He didn't just counter my attack; he hit me twice in the blink of an eye.

"Are they sure you're the right guy?" he wondered. "They told me my opponent was strong."

Damn, he has a big ego..

Gritting my teeth, I retaliated with a powerful blast of lightning aimed straight at his chest.

But with almost godlike speed, he dodged, leaving the bolt to harmlessly fizzle out behind him.

Is this the true power of a higher-ranked fighter in The Vipers?

I wasn't sure if he had powers like me or if he was just that good. Maybe it was like Nightshade—hiding his abilities until the right moment. Either way, my life was on the line, and he was making my lightning look useless.

I had to find a way to overpower him.

"Fine," I said, planting my feet. "Bring it on!"

"With pleasure," he replied, his smirk widening.

I threw a roundhouse kick, aiming to catch him off guard, but his sword shot up like a shield, blocking my attack with ease.

He retaliated with a forward slash. I barely managed to dodge, stumbling back as the blade sliced through the air inches from my chest.

If that landed...

I didn't finish the thought.

I put some distance between us, enough to shoot at him without risking another close-quarters encounter. Lightning bolts flew from my hands in rapid succession, each one aimed to overwhelm him.

But he dodged every single one. Effortlessly. Like it was some kind of game.

"Seriously," I muttered under my breath, frustration building. "How is he this fast?"

"You done playing around?" he taunted, that damn smirk refusing to leave his face.

I went for a spinning hook kick, charging it with lightning for extra power.