Cocytus vs. Brain

But a minute was a long time with anyone this strong.

Cocytus stepped forward—

—and into Brain’s range.

Zanshin swung down—

Brain’s sword swung back—

And then—

the loud sound of flesh being cleaved apart rang out. Cocytus swung the imperial blade once more, cleansing it of blood and fat. He stowed the katana in space once more and plucked his halberd from the ground, gazing down at the man he’d slain.

A fine warrior.

Cocytus had not a scratch on him. His foe’s blade had never reached him. Yet, this was still a warrior worthy of praise.

FAR FINER THAN I’D HEARD.

It was a shame to kill him.

If it was up to him, Cocytus would have spared the man’s life and had him swear loyalty to his master. He could easily have snapped the man’s blade, deflected his blow, or broken his legs. But that was not the way of a warrior.

***

Volume 14, Chapter 4.2