However—
Before Karl and Pier could rush into the arena, Adelyn had already steadied her footing.
The two of them stopped in their tracks, their faces filled with worry.
"Sister-in-law!" Karl called anxiously. "Are you alright? Did you get hurt?"
Adelyn merely glanced at him before shaking her head. "I'm fine."
Her expression gradually turned serious as she lowered her gaze to the sword in her hand.
She had originally thought this duel would be simple. Even if the sword in her hand had a bad build for real-time practice, she would still be able to manage it with her strength.
But after exchanging that first strike, she finally realized just how troublesome Karl's beautiful masterpiece actually was.
The craftsmanship.
The balance.
The center of gravity.
Everything about this sword worked just against its wielder.
Quietly, she rolled the blade through her fingers once again. She then subtly shifted her grip, tested the weight and adjusted her wrist.
Again.
And again.
