Nathan adjusted his stance, blade angled low like he was trying to bait Merlin into a counter. He'd been watching too much of the academy's training matches, Merlin could see it in the way his weight sat wrong on his back foot.
Merlin shifted his grip, letting his sword's tip lower just enough to make Nathan think he'd seen an opening.
Nathan went for it immediately, stepping in fast.
Too fast for him.
Merlin stepped to the side, hooked Nathan's blade with his own, and spun him halfway around before giving him a light shove in the back. Nathan stumbled forward three paces and caught himself, groaning.
"Damn it," Nathan muttered, rubbing his shoulder. "Thought I had you."
"You thought wrong," Merlin said, voice even.
[Status Update: Energy Differential – 849% Advantage Over Target]
[Projected Outcome in Direct Engagement: Target Defeat in ≤ 9 sec]
'Nine seconds now. He's getting a little better. Still nowhere close.'
