“A mere mercenary wielding an Imperial steel weapon? I’m starting to wonder who you are.”1

Garcio readjusted his stance. He stretched his sword out to a medium distance to settle into a defensive stance. He was intending to parry every blow and not give away even the slimmest of chances to Urich.0

‘I’m the one who wins by dragging this on, so I just have to buy time. However…’0

Garcio took a quick glance to his side. One of his mercenaries who was a part of the fortress attack was running back toward him.0

“I heard your bone snapping loud and clear just now. That hurt, didn’t it?” Urich said as he twirled his sword. Garcio maintained his concentration as he stared at Urich without a word.0

‘His stance is solid now. He’s trying to buy himself time.’0

Urich swung his blade at Garcio a couple of times, but it was impossible to penetrate his defense. Their weapons only clashed meaninglessly.0

“Count Daggleton, my brother! Run for your life and don’t look back. It’s all over if they capture you!” Garcio signaled to Count Daggleton, who hesitated for a moment...0