He doesn't know what happened, he didn't see it. Things were going well and the next thing he knew a punch landed on his face and he was sent flying.
He was lying below a rubble of stone and cement over 50 metres away from his initial position. He looked at Tiger through the hole he had created on the wall.
Tiger was approaching slowly, did you really think that would work? That I was so foolish as to be consumed by anger? You are way to young to play mind games with me boy.
Hahaha, i thought you were angry for real for a second there. Don't be mistaken, I am angry but only a fool would let their anger control them.
My bad my bad, I underestimated you old man, Ashborn said as he touched his nose, it felt broken, with a twist it was back to normal. He stood up and stood opposite of Tiger in the street.
They approached each other slowly. You haven't told me who you are. Oh yes I'm sorry, I didn't think my name mattered considering you will be dead in a while.
You quite arrogant for a child. What can I say, confidence comes naturally when you're as impressive as I am. There's no reason for us to fight you know.
Together, we can rule not only this town but the surrounding ones as well. Sounds nice. So what do you say, will you join me?, Tiger asked as he stretched his hand.
Naaa I'll pass. May I ask why? Does ruling not sound appealing to you? It does and I do intend to rule this place, the thing is, I'm greedy and quite frankly I don't like you.
I see, so there's no chance to coexist? Not one I can think of. Then so be it, but before I rip your heart out, tell me your name. You really don't give up do you.
Tell you what, if you beat me I'll tell you my name, how's that? You will be dead by then, I'm not very famous for holding back you know.
Well, it does not matter, you will die nameless and forever be forgotten then. They were standing only 20 metres away from each other now.
Both moved at the same time. Ashborn was faster, he swung his fist at Tiger who dodged it with minimal movement. A claw came flying to his chest.
It was not fast, atleast not so fast that he couldn't dodge but it followed him like metal drawn to a magnet. Realising dodging was impossible he moved his essence to his chest and dark bark covered his skin.
The claw hit the bark sending splinters of dried wood flying but if was not powerful enough to go through the bark defence. Ashborn was still sent reeling backwards for 5 metres.
In an instant they rushed to each other once more. In less than a second they had exchange dozens of attacks yet not a single one of Ashborn had landed.
It was frustrating, he was much faster and stronger than his opponent but they were so much more skilled it rendered his higher stat useless.
He sent a kick and the next thing he knew he was lying on his back on the ground. A claw came flying at his face. He was able to roll out of the way and dodged it.
He stood up and without giving him room to breath Tiger sent a flurry of attacks. Deciding it was enough Ashborn sent a wave of Ash flying at Tiger.
However unlike what he expected , the man jumped tens of metres backwards. His legs all the way up to knees were covered in white fur with black stripes like a tiger.
A low growl escaped his lips, the white fur covered his hands all the way to his elbows as well, his claws grew even longer and sharper . Shade, Ashborn whispered, he realised defeating him will not be easy so it was best they jump him.
Shade jumped from the shadows. Tiger seemed surprised but was still able to react. He jumped and landed on the building wall. Instead of falling though he started running sideways on the wall on all fours.
Ashborn having received inspiration from Tiger decided to try something. He moved his essence to his feet and hands and moved the shadow walker bloodline, like Tiger fur covered him.
However his was glossy black like polished obsidian stone and so we're his claws. He moved and jumped to Tiger who was running on the wall.
With a blur his body hit the wall like a hammer sending stone and dust flying in the air but he missed Tiger who was already running on another building.
Shade followed them and they started chasing each other like a game of tag sending stone flying and causing the already dilapidated buildings to shake like they were about to crumble. Both were faster than he was but still failed to catch him.
They lacked the battle experience he had. Eventually he couldn't keep running on buildings like this, he was my used to it so he landed back down.
He pulled a second dagger and held both dagger in X position. Tiger jumped from the building flying straight at him. Shade was following behind.
His claws hit the daggers and sent sparks flying, he swung his dagger at him while Shade opened his mouth to bite him from behind yet he was able to not only dodge both of them but make them almost hit each other instead.
He jumped back and stood over 20 metres away from them. Ashborn turned his head and looked at his big cat. This isn't going to be as easy as I thought buddy.
Shade growled. Alright, here's the plan, you take the left, I take the right, we both have higher grade bloodline than him, we obviously can't beat him but we can outlast him.
The goal is attrition, he deactivated his panther transformation as it was a waste of essence. The increase in speed and strength it gives doesn't change much, he's already faster and stronger than he is.
The only bloodlines he can focus on here are the Knight Fang of Ash for attack as it covers a wide area and Tree hide Boar for defence. Okay let go, they both made their moves.
Ashborn moved like the wind while Shade sank into his shadow. Their opponent took a stance, ready for their imminent attack.