The lair shook with each strike from the Warden, and each block from the warrior.
The Warden spun with a vicious backswing, his greatsword dragging a crescent of shadow through the air before slamming down with crushing force.
The warrior's magical shield shattered upon the impact, but before the monster's follow-up cleave could split his skull, Darien immediately manifested another just in time to resist.
But he knew he couldn't keep going on and on; if not, he might exhaust Energy, or wouldn't be quick enough next time.
'He gives no breathing space,' Darien thought breathlessly as he received more merciless swings from the Nightmare Warden.
He attempted to fall in sync with the monster's strikes, but he was continuously overpowered after one or two rounds.
Without his swordsmanship skill, Darien would have fallen countless times all over.
But he didn't falter; he responded in kind with the same aggression.
