The countdown reached thirteen days while Max was trying to hit Quin.
[Champion Establishment Period Remaining: 13 Days.]
The colorless notice appeared at the edge of his vision without interrupting the training chamber. It provided no explanation, no list of rules, and no indication of where the First Challenge would occur.
Max ignored it for half a second too long.
Quin's sheathed sword struck him across the ribs.
The force sent Max sliding over the stone floor. He caught himself with one hand, shaped the ground beneath his feet, and changed direction before Quin's next step.
Max vanished.
Phantom Strike carried him behind his opponent. The blunt training dagger in his hand moved toward Quin's shoulder.
The swordsman turned without drawing his weapon.
The sheath stopped Max's wrist.
"You looked at it." Quin said.
Max pulled away before the counterattack. "It appeared in front of me."
"An enemy will appreciate your willingness to read during a fight."
