Chapter 164: My Oath

Ayame dances back, completely unfazed, her movements as graceful as ever. Every time I try to close the distance, she's already gone, and then her strikes land with ruthless efficiency.

She's everywhere at once- always just out of reach, always one step ahead. My frustration grows with every missed attack, every failed attempt to land a hit. She blocks my strikes with ease, her wooden sword moving faster than I can follow. Each time I think I've got her, she slips away, leaving me open to another punishing blow.

My body is screaming in pain, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I'm giving it everything I have, but it's just simply not enough. Ayame isn't just better- she's leagues ahead of me. Every move I make, she counters with a fluidity and precision that makes me feel like I'm swinging in slow motion.