The remaining duo, the chain wielder of House Vincent and the scarred veteran of House Pyrestone had regrouped at the far end of the arena. Both turned toward the black-armored intruder, faces grim, eyes blazing with determination.
They exchanged a glance. Another silent pact, to defeat the ghost they underestimated.
Then they charged.
The chain wielder struck first, whipping his chains forward with practiced precision. Iron links whistled through the air like serpents. One chain snapped toward the Stranger's legs, the other toward his throat, a pincer meant to bind and crush.
The veteran came from the opposite side, massive greatsword arcing wide in a devastating horizontal slash.
Trapped between them.
The Stranger didn't retreat.
He jumped, actually leapt straight up, twisted in mid-air, and both attacks passed beneath him, missing by inches.
He landed between them, and before either could react, his blade was already moving.
