Enigmas

The 'undead' man took a step forward, not saying a word and Yoan moved Hilia's arm away from his neck, standing in front of her protectively. He knew with the amount of energy Hilia used, she was close to exhaustion.

With each step the bandit took, Hilia's eyes gradually grew wider and wider. She observed the countless number of scars all over his body, she didn't see it the first time she encountered him, since her focus was only on saving the villagers of her town.

"That looks…"

"…painful…" Yoan finished Hilia's words, wincing at the scars on his body. Without any warning, the bandit picked up his pace, charging towards them with a dangerous glint in his eyes, the same axe in his hand. Yoan went into a defensive stance, preparing to block his sudden assault, whereas, Hilia leaped out of the way.

The fatigue was catching up to her, knowing she spent more energy than she needed to. Nevertheless, she was desperate to save every single soul here, she didn't want anyone to die in front of her anymore. Thinking of her grandmother left a hollow feeling in her heart, and she didn't want anyone to feel this way, it was utterly heart-wrenching.

Yoan parried the bandit's attack with ease, proceeding to slash at his leg with in a swift manner.

That should slow him down greatly.

Yoan's eyes grew wide in horror, noticing that his slash only landed at the bandit's pants, his skin didn't have any evidence of a gash. Yoan knew it was an impossible feat to dodge his sword at this distance, even if the man was extremely swift, to which Yoan arrived at a conclusion; his sword didn't affect the man. However, a second later, he realised a scar forming at the bandit's leg, it was the same exact spot where Yoan slashed him.

Impossible.

He is…

"Hmph, impressive. I didn't expect to meet a skilled swordsman so soon, especially one that isn't an Enigma." The bandit commented, smirking at a flabbergasted Yoan.

"You are one of them, aren't you?" Yoan questioned, but he knew there was no need for any confirmation.

On the other hand, Hilia watched the entire exchange clearly, gasping as an incredulous look covered her face. The word registered in her mind immediately, and she had absolutely no doubt that it was them; an Enigma.

The bandit just stared at Yoan with a sinister smile, taking advantage of Yoan's stunned state as he swung his axe at him. He barely managed to avoid his axe, the axe an inch away from his shirt that Hilia fixed a few hours ago.

Come on, not the shirt again!

Yoan mustered a considerable amount of strength, his muscles tensing up as he let out a shout as he flung the bandit's axe away. The bandit stumbled back, and Yoan took a few steps back, breathing out heavily. Once they recovered, the both of them dashed towards one another, their weapons clashing deafeningly. Once again, Yoan had the upper hand with his agility and self-taught techniques, slashing at the man once again.

Alas, just like the first time, it didn't have any effect either. The only evidence left on the bandit's leg was the scar that resembled his slash.

Slash! Slash! Slash!

Slash! Slash! Slash!

Yoan panted for air and Hilia observed on in horror, Yoan was obviously winning over the bandit. However, his attacks were always instantly nullified, these constant attacks were taxing on his body, especially since he needed to fend himself against the huge axe.

"Pity, if I was still a normal being, you would have won without a sweat. Unfortunately, heaven doesn't seem to be smiling down on you today, young man."