Bab 164: My Oath

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

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 easily blocks my strikes, her wooden sword moving faster than I can follow. Whenever I think I've got her, she slips away, leaving me open to another punishing blow.

My body is screaming in pain, and my breath is coming in ragged gasps. I'm giving it everything I have, but it's just 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.