27 Silent Killer

I left the gambling house and went back to the native section. I had to let Valerian know what to bet. At a 2 for 1 odd we could make a small profit without having to make too large of a bet. After letting Valerian know to put in a 5 gold bet I headed back to the contenders section.

When I entered, the quiet of the place struck me for a moment. There was no sound of contenders sparring or practicing their techniques. No sound of moving feet and loud breathing, just silence.

I looked across the room, the man with the Katana was still sitting there with the Katana laid across his lap. I swear if it wasn't for the fact that I knew he was a contender I would think he was a statue. I couldn't even hear his breathing.

I began to practice my Quicksilver Blade techniques and think through some of the strategies I could employ to close the distance with the Katana man. His Katana gives him more reach than my daggers. If I can't close the distance he will defeat me. I purposefully didn't practice my shifting sands technique because I didn't want him to see it ahead of time.

It wasn't long before I heard, "Our next contenders will be the rising star Young Lion versus Silent Killer a fan favorite. Contenders enter the arena."

Silent Killer rose, a sharp aura exuding from him, and slowly made his way towards the corridor while barely making a sound. He didn't even spare a glance at me and went down the side tunnel. Such a strange character.

I made my way through the corridor and side tunnels to the fighting arena entrance. When Silent Killer entered the arena the cheering erupted I could even hear many women shouting things like, "Silent Killer take me as your wife. I'll have all your babies. I'll pay you for just one night."

It seems like he is more popular with the ladies. I guess his silent cold demeanor has a certain effect on women. It probably helped that he had long flowing black hair and well-defined features.

When I entered the arena there was also an eruption of cheers, although not quite as loud as Silent Killers. There were still some people shouting for me, "Yeah you've made me a killing so far, make me more. Kill him quick. Ruthless Young Lion kill him."

Why are they all old men shouting for me? So annoying.

I prepared myself staring towards Silent Killer while he stared back.

Then the officiator announced, "Who will win, the Young Lion with his daggers or Silent Killer with his katana? Let's find out! Fight."

I dashed towards Silent Killer and he began walking towards me. Something about that bravado of his almost like he wasn't taking me seriously really started to get on my nerves. I passed the four columns in the center of the arena and was rapidly approaching Silent Killer.

As I came close I brandished both daggers and placed them both in a reverse grip. Using the Shifting Sands technique I made a forward dashing movement. Then almost as if out of thin air a katana appeared near my neck. I had to twist my torso back while bringing my dagger up to defend the blow. The force sent me tumbling backward. How could it have gotten so close without me sensing it?

It's nearly impossible his dexterity is that much greater than mine, it's more like I couldn't sense the strike. It felt like I was overlooking a snake in the bush. It was an uncomfortable feeling. I have to figure out how he does that. I went in for another strike but before I could get close once again a katana nearly sliced through my waist before my dagger deflected it.

This isn't the same as Old Man Shui, he isn't using momentum to gain force its something else. Shui reminded me of ripples on a pond this man makes me think more of a sharp knife slicing through the air. Air. That's it! When a blade slices through the air it normally makes a sound. The sound is coming from the vibrations of the blade caused by unnecessary movements we make when swinging them. Somehow this man has eliminated all unnecessary movements making his blade silent as it strikes.

Unfortunately, even if I know how he is doing it I'm not sure how to defend against it. I could only once again cross blades with him. This time I tried to come in from his side, both my arms raised my daggers poised to defend. Just as I reached out to strike the katana appeared this time aiming at my arm. I was barely able to bring the blade back in time to block his strike. I was about to retreat when he used the force of my deflection to slice towards my shoulder. I knew I couldn't block in time so I leaned back and kicked off with my feet. He still managed to graze my shoulder opening a light cut.

I grimaced as I gained a little distance from him. I could feel the sting in my shoulder. This will make it so much harder to swing my right dagger every time I make a move I'll feel the pain.

Wait a sec. That's the key.

He just accidentally gave me the key to defeating him. Even if he can make his blade strike silent, he has to move his shoulder to make the move. If I closely analyze his body movement I can see where he will strike before it arrives.

Armed with my newfound knowledge I dashed directly towards him. I stared at his shoulder as I drew close. It moved in and forward. It's a thrust! I twisted my torso to the right and lowered my body while sweeping out with my left leg. His Katana passed just beside my chest as my left leg struck the back of his calves sending him flying in the air. As he landed on his back I drove both my daggers into his chest. He is too dangerous to give a chance to live.

As I stood up I could see the hatred in his eyes as his life slowly slipped away from him. For a moment it looked like he wanted to say something and then his eyes lost all color.

Essence Gained +1789