B8C11

I didn't see any of that, too focused on driving Crocea Mors down against Vernal's curved blades, trying to split her head in two. I pressed down, resting all my weight on the sword. Even if she was a higher Level, she couldn't keep up with my A-Stat Strength. The blade inched lower.

Cursing, Vernal spat into my face, catching my eye. I hissed and faltered for a second, which was enough for her to roll and drive a knee into my side, dislodging me. Crocea Mors slammed into and through the decking. I had the presence of mind to roll in the other direction, tearing my weapon out the shattered wood as I did. Coming up, I saw both weapons hurtling in.

I stepped to the side and brought up my own to parry, then twisted back and tried to score a blow on her in turn. Vernal was faster than me. Almost as fast as Blake. She snaked back and then struck again, driving one weapon up under my guard and into my side, where it slipped past my breastplate and into the meat of my flank.

Past the pain, I managed to slam my elbow down and pin it against and into my side. Before she could draw back and gut me, I brought Crocea Mors down on her hand, forcing her to be the one to let go. She did so, content to still have one weapon that came around for my neck.

"Dividing Slash!" I roared, eyes blazing with light as my hands moved of their own volition. My sword cut into hers and shattered it immediately. Vernal gaped like a fish and nearly lost her head for it as I came back around. As it was, she stumbled back and dodged by a hair's breadth, then kicked back and drew a much smaller knife form her belt.