Honda's strike landed precisely on Almond’s neck. Almond staggered back, almost losing his balance, but he managed to take another step and steadied himself.0

They were in a limbo position. Blood trickled from Almond’s neck, dripping off his chin and nose. Instinctively, he touched his neck and could feel it. He was still alive.0

[HP: 45%]0

Almond had barely avoided a fatal blow. His eyes gradually lowered to see who had struck him.0

[Honda]0

It was Honda.0

Their eyes met and Honda muttered, "A vice commander?"0

Due to the samurai’s [Decapitation] trait, even a glancing blow could be lethal if it struck a vital point, especially for a lightly armored spy like Almond.0

Since Almond didn’t die, it meant he had to be a vice commander. Vice commanders in the fourth era gained a significant health bonus, making killing them nearly impossible with a single blow. He likely lost just over half his hp.0

"They must have placed their bet on you too," Honda said and swung his sword again.0

Saaak!0

The Japanese sword sliced through the air menacingly. Almond quickly straightened up from his limbo position and raised his sword diagonally.0

Kiiing!0

The swords clashed with sparks flying.0

“……!”0

Honda’s footing faltered. Was it luck? The uneven terrain caused him to stumble slightly. 0

Almond used this brief moment to stand...0