As Kirito and Eugeo predicted, Alice obediently raised her
sword overhead against Kirito's downwards slash. She wouldn't
be able to guard her middle when the downwards slash connects
to a middle one with her speed.

The sword Kirito swung down turned into a bolt of black
lightning and collided with the Fragrant Olive Sword, throwing
off bluish-white sparks.

However, it did not immediately continue into that theoretical
second hit.

After all, compared to how Alice's sword had barely moved,
Kirito, the one on the offensive, was heavily repelled backwards
like he had hit a large rock with a twig, destroying his stance.

“Uoah...”

Turning towards Kirito who had lost his balance on the
slanted surface and staggered for two, three steps, Alice
approached with footwork as smooth as a flowing stream.

(Alicization Rising, 325)