A carpet of red [1]

Gazing at my opponent, I bitterly thought.

'Looks like I can no longer afford to fight like before...'

He was simply way too strong for me to not use my sword against. 

SHIIIIING—!

Unsheathing my sword from my scabbard, I distanced myself from my opponent who did not give chase. It was clear that he became a little bit warier once he saw me release my aura. 

This was good. 

It bought me enough time for me to prepare myself. 

Lowering my head and glancing at my sword, which was not the same sword Malvil gave to me, I took a deep breath. 

"Huuuu..." 

Slowly, I calmed my mind as I felt the grip of the sword in my hand. 

The sword felt a bit unfamiliar, but it was still alright. I wasn't planning on using the [Keiki style] just yet, so there was no need to work myself up over the unfamiliarity.