Dorin, not one to let up after gaining the upper hand, pressed forward relentlessly. Her wooden sword struck out in swift arcs until, finally, Valles failed to dodge in time and took a hit to the shoulder, letting out a pained "Ouch!"
Dorin immediately stopped in her tracks and asked with concern, "Are you okay?"
Valles rubbed his shoulder. Dorin had held back her strength, leaving no serious injury. As the pain subsided slightly, he responded, "I'm fine."
"Shall we keep going?" Dorin blinked at him, a trace of disdain playing across her face.
Unwilling to be looked down upon by a girl, Valles gritted his teeth. "Of course, we'll keep going!"
"Alright then, let's go again." Dorin readied her stance instantly.
"Hold up!" Instructor Lufus appeared at some point and was now standing to the side. He stepped forward and asked Valles, "Have you never practiced sword fighting before?"
"No… no, I haven't," Valles admitted truthfully, feeling a bit embarrassed.
