>>5714204>>5714223>>5714253>>5714278Flaring a bright light with your halberd, your attempt to blind and confuse Guts into making the first move, yet all he does is turn his head to the left and let his helm obscure most of the light.
...Sometimes you forget he's blind of one eye...
Guts' movements are very clunky, likely due to him not wanting to extend that much force when he doesn't feel pain or the natural limitations of his body, but even in this state, you're pretty sure he's swinging his sword with enough force to split you in two.
Try as you might, be it by manifesting fake soul doubles that exit out of your body or just trying to get in his head, his concentration is steady, showing the fruits of his training and of his peace of mind, have been developed with time.
Guts has only gotten faster, not limping anymore and seeing how you are accustomed to his rhythm, your precognition warns that he'll only up his pace, and though you can effortlessly dance around his sword and cut the distance, he's learned not to let you get too comfortable close to him as he quickly shows you the mouth of his arm cannon.
"Boom." He says, before pretending to fire it right on your head as you approached for a slash. "Over before it could start."
"Heh, guess I did not consider you having a cannon for an arm all those years ago."
"I feel like our duel wouldn't have been as exciting if I just pulled a win card on you like that, it would be like a retired soldier beating up a child." Guts chuckles, feeling like he got the upper hand on your 1v1. He still has an edge over you and he's no slouch on his instincts. The most you can do when fighting him is keep up with his speed and pray for an opening, which comes very few and far between thanks to the armor.
"So what's the score now, 1 to 1?"
"Well, 2 to 1 for me if I were to be an ass and count the time at Cromwell."
"I'm not sure I would count that, I wasn't thinking straight when I attacked you back there."
"Thankfully, the both of you have not fought with killing intent at the same time." A familiar ethereal voice is heard approaching you two, as the undead Skull Knight gallops with his horse from his portal to who know where. "If you do value your friendship and each other's lives, I would advise you to stay that way."
"Greetings. Or should I say 'Welcome home, O your majesty?" Guts greets The Skull Knight with very high spirits.
"Such attitude is unexpected of those led by causality. I would wish for you not to refer me in that manner."
"Skull Knight it is then. What brings you here?"
"As the original wearer of the armor, I considered myself being the most suitable of instructing you, yet seeing the state of which I find myself now, perhaps it is best for you to forge your own path." The mysterious knight declares, seemingly satisfied that he won't have to busy himself with more than what he already has to deal with.