“Nexo? Is that you old friend? My oh my, how you’ve grown.”

“Can it Blavier, I’m getting tired of you.”

“And I of you, Nexo. Oh, the numerous times you’ve evaded me. Today it all ends, doesn’t it?”

“I wish I could say so, but past experience has taught me otherwise.”

“I think it does. Today, you elude me for the last time!”

“And if that’s how it’s gonna be, today I finally get to watch you dissolve…”

An intense standoff follows. We eye each other down. Then, Blavier makes the first move, raising another sword and charging forward. I yank the broadsword out of the iron bars and parry the oncoming blow with the heavy blade. Blavier throws force against my blade and I begin to slide backwards. Shifting my hands on the leather grip, I angle the sword and sidestep. Blavier’s sword slides off of mine and he stumbles forward. I take this opportunity to make a slash at his back, but the more experienced swordsman has already regained his balance and therefore parries it effortlessly. The broadsword bounces off of his, reeling backwards. The heavy sword almost carries me with it, but I let go and let it fly away.

“I was getting tired of that thing anyway.” Behind me is another staircase, this one leading all the way up to a guard tower, given the sign that labeled it. I quickly formulated a plan. Drawing out my twin blades, I turn and run away.