Chapter 174

Clang!

The outstretched blade was stopped by a blue barrier. Cassion drew back the shield wrapped around himself and swung his sword.

Clang!

A sharp sound filled the practice hall. Cassion's mana-wrapped sword traced a fluid arc, driving Sam back.

Clang, clang, clang!

Sparks flew each time Sam's sword, wreathed in red light, met and parted from Cassion's, wreathed in blue.

Sam deflected Cassion's blade and took a step back. He knew well enough how Cassion tended to move, and he meant to use this to drive straight through an opening.

But what he'd taken for an opening was a trap Cassion had set. Cassion withdrew the blade he'd thrust forward, then drove it straight at Sam's chest.

Sam barely managed to raise his sword, but too late. The tip of Cassion's blade was aimed precisely at his heart.

"Agh!"

"Too slow, Sam. Losing to me every single time —…