An Assassin's Adventure: The Great Conjunction

Chapter 23: Acrimony

Wind swept through the grassy field, causing the thin blades to shimmer rhythmically in the harsh sun. Insects fluttered about, seeking sources of nutrition, while birds cut through the sky. This peaceful scene would soon be disturbed as two combatants stood 10 metres apart.

The shorter fighter squatted herself down to perform side lunges: each leg bent intermittently, whilst the other extended parallel to her body, still resting on the soft grassy battlefield. Tiona Hiryute finished by straightening herself up, and performed cross arm stretches. Her golden hair ornaments and necklaces sparkled just as brightly as the radiant smile she cast at her sparring partner. "Give me your best shot, Hit! I won't be going all out, so you don't have to worry!"

A tall, purple haired boy stared back at her, sternly. Scarlet eyes analysed her muscle movements for any weaknesses, or clues to her fighting style. He wore his usual dark grey trench coat and under armour; his refusal to take damage had not necessitated a replacement. In contrast, Hit hadn't performed any readying exercises; they were unnecessary for him. The teen's body was perpetually ready for battle, due to his eclectic exercises. "Don't underestimate me."

The girl's grin widened, and she picked up an enormous double-sided sword. Two rounded gold and adamantite blades, each over half the girl's height, were separated by a thin grip. Small hands made the multicoloured leather creak in excitement. "Are you sure I can use Urga II? I don't mind fighting you bare handed..."

Hit got into his serious stance, shocking the bystanders. The high-level adventurers were spectating from nearby, happy to take their minds off debts and dungeon mysteries. "Use your preferred fighting style. I need you to push me as far as possible."

The energetic girl swung the gargantuan sword around and held it to her side. "Alrighty! I'll be sure not to kill ya!"

Riveria was standing off to the side, holding her hand out. "Remember, this is a spar, you must respect your training partner. There will be no maiming."

At the two combatants' nod, the elf lifted her arm up to the sky, ruffling her grassy hair. "Begin!"

*CRACK*

Hit instantly dashed at Tiona, faltering slightly due to his recent awakening. 'So... this is the power of the falna.' The boy grinned and ran forward at greater speeds than ever before in this world.

"Wow!" Tiona was stupefied as Hit's fist approached far faster than expected, forcing her to weave to the side. Her heart beat: she would not need to hold back as much as she thought.

The girl's cloaked pursuer followed after her, relentlessly delivering a lightning-fast assortment of roundhouse kicks and jabs. Unfortunately, Tiona either parried them or allowed them to cut through thin air. "Heh, you're pretty fast, but ya can't catch m..."

*Shing*

*BAM*

A fist punched the girl's smug face through time and returned to its former position.

"Yaaa!" Black hair ruffled in the purple light, as the hyperactive girl startled and stepped back from shock, patting her nose. "W-What did you do?"

Her mysterious opponent smirked and flexed his fingers in a beckoning motion.

Tiona rubbed her nose and grinned, before running at her enemy. The giant-killing blade swung down like a cleaver. "Guess I'll have ta find out myself!"

Hit dodged the blunt sword swing and moved to Tiona's side. "Get serious".

*Shing* *BAM* *BAM* *BAM* *BAM*

Newfound speed allowed hit to deliver four quick jabs to the girl's chest, while time was stopped. He made sure to leave the last one at its mark, making it look like the hand had been teleported.