The clash between saber and daggers echoed through the tight alley like thunder in a canyon.
John's blade swung with fury, tracing sharp arcs through the air, but the hooded man danced back, his daggers like streaks of shadow.
The man's movements were unorthodox, his footwork slippery, every step angled to exploit blind spots.
John lunged forward, his saber singing as it carved a crescent arc toward the man's chest.
Clang! The man twisted, deflecting with one dagger while slashing with the other.
John barely avoided the counter, feeling the blade nick his shoulder.
Blood bloomed across his robe.
Without hesitation, John stepped back and breathed deeply.
"Twelve Circle Slashes!"
The air around him began to hum as spiritual energy coiled into twelve glowing rings around his body.
With a burst of momentum, he shot forward, each slash like a lightning wheel, tearing through the alley walls and gouging the earth.
