96 XCVI. The Promise (1/2)

”During this period of time, I have focused a lot on our fights... the ones we used to do every day before you left. A few minutes ago, your fist was definitely strong, so much that it had crossed my defenses, which are my strong point. But your style is always the same, based on speed and counterattack. No one knows you better than I do, brother” Karl said, smiling and looking at Dag defiantly.

”Very good. I'm glad you can study your opponent with so much skill. But what if my fighting style changes?” continued Dag.

After loading the thrust bending over his knees, he snapped at Karl at great speed.

Karl kept his shield up, ready to parry the blow, but Dag stopped just before coming ahead of him.

Karl put his head behind the shield, convinced that the blow was imminent, but Dag crossed his arms, activating Earth Stomp.

Under Karl's feet, the terrain broke off and tripped him.

As he was about to fall, he tried to hit Dag with a clumsy tomahawk swing, but he dodged and grabbed the weapon.

Hitting Karl's arm from below, his hand open and Dag disarmed him in less than a second.

After Karl fell to the ground, he tried to turn around to protect himself behind the shield, but his tomahawk was already pointed at his throat.

”I must admit it, brother. You really managed to amaze me” Dag said, lowering the weapon and reaching out to his friend to help him get up from the ground.

”What the fuck was that skill? The ground under my feet has cracked and you've taken over, it's not fair! Let me try again!” said Karl furiously, who rose from the ground on his legs, without accepting Dag's help.

Dag looked at him fondly. Within himself, he loved Karl very much as if he was his younger brother.

His defensive-focused fighting style was much improved. The hard training he was undergoing every day was paying off. The way he used the shield was typical of Taya: while the strong Shieldmaiden matched it with a spear, he had decided to use a tomahawk, further reducing the range of his attacks and forcing his opponent to attack first.

Although simple, it was a good strategy.

”If you want to keep fighting, Karl, it's not a problem. But know that you've already passed the test” Dag smiled.

”Uhm? I ended up on the ground within minutes of the fight's start! You won once more! As much as I can train to beat you, you'll always win!” replied Karl.

”Hahaha! It's not true, and you know it. Being a little older than you, I joined a Clan and learned new skills. It's normal that you don't know them, you're still too young” Dag continued, rubbing Karl's hair with his hand.

Karl pushed him away with the shield and tried again to attack him with fury.

Dag quickly lowered himself and dodged the tomahawk. Turning on himself as he bent over his knees, he kicked Karl in the ankles, causing him to fall back to the ground.

As soon as Karl's back touched the ground, Dag punched him in the face a second time and took off his shield.

Karl turned his head behind him and spat blood, then wiped his mouth with his hand.