“I’ll take back what I just said. You may not be very strong, but you’re hard to take down”, Sajin said, looking at the bear demon.
That was a close call. Kumari wasn’t expecting it; even being able to strike from a distance, the fire demon fired his explosion from close range, combining it with his punch. Not only it made up for his bad aim, but it also made his strikes deadly. The last one had tattered all the left side of his kimono and burnt his shoulder badly. No wonder the metal gauntlets were Sajin’s only clothing from the waist up.
“I’ve never seen someone stand after a hit from one of my explosions. But I’m guessing that, two or three more, and you won’t get up anymore.”
“Why?” Kumari asked, panting. “Why did you do that? Attacking the fox demons’ caravan was worst cowardice I’ve ever seen!”
“You’re calling ME a coward? You nobles are just so full of yourselves…” Sajin huffed in anger. “You judge me, but I’m not the one who’s rambling on with questions just catch up on his breath. Now that’s cowardice to me.”
“I see… So you do have a sense of honor… Twisted as it may be.”
“Say what?”
“Honor is measured more by the reasons you fight for than by your behavior in combat. Hurting harmless fox demons as a prank, even in a toe-to-toe fight, is wrong. Talk about attacking them in the middle of the night!”
“That sure is a way of viewing things, bear. I respect that… but disagree. I don’t have to justify my actions to you. If you doubt my honor, come question it with your sword, and I’ll defend it with my fists.”
“Very well, then…”
Kumari drew his sword and ran toward the enemy. Sajin didn’t pull back because of the weapon; he simply blocked the strike with his left hand, protected by the steel glove. His right fist ignited again, and the counterattack came. However, this time the noble was ready.
Before the punch could reach him, the bear demon hit Sajin’s chest with the tip of the scabbard, and it was his turn to kiss the ground. Kumari sighed, relieved; it was the first time he used his family’s treasure like that, and he wasn’t sure if it would have worked.
“I knew you were hiding something back there…” The warrior snapped his neck and got up in no rush, both of his fists burning wildly.
Kumari gulped, anxious. It’d take way more than that to bring that juggernaut down.
