Alex shot forward first, applying all pressure on his left foot before digging it into the ground to solidify his balance. Then, he brought his right foot forward alongside Durendal, moving his anterior delt forward.
Durendal's tip approached Roland's sternum, traveling at terrifying speeds.
However, Roland didn't unleash his strike. Instead, he sidestepped before gently tapping Alex's approaching sword. The amethyst-eyed boy felt his grip loosen, and Durendal's hilt slipped to the side.
He was quick to regain his grip, but his eyes were wide. 'I swear my grip wasn't that loose… how did he make Durendal slip from my hands simply by tapping the edge? I'm not that weak, and he, in this ethereal world, is not that much stronger…'
That could only mean it was simply a difference in terms of swordsmanship. Strength and experience were not taken into account. Roland was simply a much better swordsman than Alex.