[HI3] Protocol Stigmata

Chapter 13 - Duel

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as I faced Fu Hua at the opposite end of the arena. Valkyries surrounded us, their eyes fixated on the impending duel. Among the onlookers, Bronya, Mei, and Kiana stood, their presence adding to the intensity of the moment.

"So you're here." Fu Hua poised herself, her readiness evident. "Let's get this done."

"Absolutely." I drew my katana, assuming a fighting stance.

The air thickened with tension, the silence hanging between us. Then, in an instant, we both surged forward, the clash of our blades resonating through the arena.

The clash of blades echoed through the arena as Fu Hua and I engaged in a fierce duel. Each strike was met with a swift parry or a well-timed dodge.

The valkyries watching from the sidelines observed the intense exchange with keen interest.

Fu Hua's movements were calculated and precise, a testament to her mastery of martial arts. Her attacks flowed seamlessly, making it challenging for me to predict her next move.

I focused on trying to read her patterns and find openings.

As the duel intensified, the onlookers could feel the energy in the arena. The sound of blades colliding, the swift movements, and the occasional sparks created a captivating spectacle.

Mei and Kiana exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the intensity of the match.

As our swords clashed, Fu Hua smoothly deflected my strikes with her bare fists, a fluidity to her movements that mirrored a dance. "Your swordsmanship is elegant," she remarked between parries.

"Your gloves offer quite the defense," I observed, adjusting my footwork to maintain the pressure, aiming for an opening with each slash.

The arena crackled with energy as Fu Hua and I faced off, our swords clashing in a whirlwind of strikes and parries. Her swift movements were mesmerizing, her precision impeccable.

I couldn't help but admire her technique—the elegance in her footwork, the fluidity of her strikes. It was like a dance, each move calculated and purposeful.

I focused, acknowledging her skill while keeping my footwork agile, slashing and evading her strikes.

Her gloves were intriguing—swift and precise like her movements, deflecting my attacks effortlessly. Is it made from Schicksal?

I had to stay focused. Fu Hua's swift strikes and impeccable precision made her a formidable opponent. But I was determined to match her skill, to prove my mettle in this intense duel.

The duel escalated quickly as Fu Hua's movements became even faster, her strikes more precise. I found myself constantly readjusting, trying to keep up with her blurring speed.

"You're getting serious now," I muttered, trying to anticipate her next move.

She didn't respond, her focus entirely on the fight. Her strikes came at an alarming pace, each one a calculated attempt to find an opening in my defense.

I focused on my footwork, dodging her strikes narrowly. But her agility was astounding, and soon, I found myself struggling to keep pace.

"Alright, you're not holding back anymore," I observed, feeling the strain of her relentless attacks.

Stop tryharding...!

Her silence spoke volumes. Fu Hua's determination was evident in every movement, every strike aimed with unwavering precision.

Meanwhile, Bronya's calculating gaze never wavered, observing our every move with an intense focus. Her mind was a whirlwind of analysis, dissecting the duel as if it were a complex puzzle to be solved. "I'm surprised, Shin can last long..."

I needed to adapt, to match Fu Hua's speed and precision. This duel was far from over, and I had to find a way to keep up with her increasing intensity.

I shifted my strategy, mixing feints with my slashes, trying to create openings. As she dodged and countered, I saw an opportunity.

"You're not the only one who can get serious!" I exclaimed, launching a series of feints before delivering a swift kick toward her midsection.

Fu Hua swiftly blocked the kick, but it took me a moment to adjust. I continued, my strikes transitioning into kicks, aiming for unpredictability.

The audience watched in anticipation as the fight intensified, a flurry of calculated movements and swift counters. Fu Hua maintained her composure, parrying my kicks and countering with her own agile strikes.

I adjusted my stance, preparing for the next exchange but then I could feel the air shift around Fu Hua as she took a deep breath, her aura shifting, the tension palpable.

Clenching her fists, she launched herself forward at an incredible speed. Her strike landed squarely in my stomach, nearly knocking the wind out of me.

"Urgk!" I gasped, the impact threatening to send me sprawling. But I gritted my teeth, refusing to succumb, and swiftly regained my footing.

"Shin...!?" Bronya exclaimed, her concern evident in her voice. Her eyes widened as she observed something unusual. "How could this be...? I can sense honkai energy from his body."

I wiped the dust from my cheek, trying to stay composed despite the impact. "That was close... really."

Fu Hua's voice cut through the tension. "Ho? Did you survive that? I'm surprised."

I chuckled softly. "Heh... as expected of an A-Rank Valkyrie..."

"It's just a rank... what matters most is strength..." Fu Hua's voice was measured, and firm.

"That's right," I responded, swiftly maneuvering behind her. "But for me, speed is my forte." I attempted a slashing move, but she reacted instantly, countering with a swift backward kick that intercepted my attack, forcing me to block instead.

"Now this is getting interesting... Speed or Strength?"

Yes... I wonder who would win?