Grey Skill 13

My left leg throbbed like it was on fire from just a simple kick, but I managed to put enough weight on it to follow up Pallisun’s attack with a low horizontal sweep with Harmony.

The ascender pivoted back, dodging my strike, and at the same time, hooking his leg behind the inside of Pallisun’s knees.

Before I could even warn Pallisun, the ascender kicked his leg back and swung a straightened arm right at his face.

Pallisun’s neck snapped back from the force while his legs flailed up in the air before the back of his head smashed against the dirt floor in a resounding crash.

A guttural yell tore out of my throat as I charged the ascender.

I can do this. I can still read his movements. As long as I can read it, I can react.

The ascender looked back over his shoulder with an impatient gaze, causing me to involuntarily flinch. He turned toward me and began approaching.

Currents of electricity coiled around me, reassuring me that I could win this exchange, while I continued I watched every inch of his body for signs of his next move.

His left shoulder twitched, and I responded by bringing Harmony to defend my left side. Then his right shoulder twitched, followed by his left arm rising. I tried to react and predict all of his movements but by the time he had gotten into range, I realized his hand was by my throat.

His grip was gentle, with just enough pressure to let me know that he had won.

He hadn’t simply won. He had completely used my most powerful spell against me.

Withdrawing my mana, I dropped my sword. “I-I concede.”

It was when I spoke that I realized that I had been holding in my breath. As I acknowledged my defeat, my shoulders slumped and the trapped air escaped from my lungs.

I was frustrated, disappointed, and envious of the man who stood in front of me. But more than anything, I realized I was relieved—relieved that he wasn’t truly my enemy.

Because I knew that had he considered this a real fight, I wouldn’t be alive.