A swift battle.

"In the land of Ayamia, there exist kingdoms that control multiple trades and multiple roads. These kingdoms are known as a superkingdom. Such superkingdoms are the Kingdom of Hanaudin which controls the Sea Road, the Kingdom of Syam which controls the Land Road and last but not least, the Kingdom of Uzipian which controls most of the spice trades. These superkingdoms have multiple, smaller kingdoms which are under their rule and protection. However, the superkingdoms do tend to wage wars against each other."

-- Guide to Ayamia for Traders

Hah... Hah...

I tried to gasp for air while putting pressure on my body at the same time.

He managed to find an opening somehow and slashed a deep, clean cut to my abdomen. It didn't hurt, possibly because I am still high on adrenaline but I do understand the dangers blood loss will cause. So, I'm trying to minimize it by using my left hand to pressure it.

However, as a result, my swiftness has decreased and my stance is completely broken now.

"Hmm, it seems your bladework don't offer you too much protection after all."

Yeah, I noticed that already.

"Who are you? Why are you attacking me?" I tried to pry some answers even though the chances of getting them are nearly zero.

"It's obvious, isn't it? we're going to stop you from delivering those letters," he replied. Ah, so these are the assassins that are trying to kill the messengers and stop them from forging diplomatic relationships.

"But why? Why do you want to avoid peace?" I asked.

"War is profitable. Our family have a business in making weapons and armour."

"Make equipment for defences then!"

"It would seem that simple, but no. Our resources came from pillaging others. Without war, there will be no resources. Hence, no business for us. Then, we'll starve to death," he paused for a while and took a deep breath.

"And it is all because of messengers like you!"

He charged forward and launched a downward, vertical attack towards me. I narrowly managed to deflect it with my blade and kicked his body.

I felt blood gushing out from my abdomen.

He stumbled and manage to retain a secure footing again. I was sure he did not saw that coming.

"Heh.. impressive," he said.

He launched another attack, this time, it was a horizontal slash. It was heading towards my left.

So, I positioned my blade towards the left side of my body and used my left arm to hold my hand in place to take the impact.

KTANG!

Both of our steel blades met against one another. However, this time, both of the blades are momentarily held in place probably because of the exhaustion of both parties.

This was my chance.

I angled my blade and swiftly slid it all across the length of my opponent's blade. His handguard broke and I managed to cut through the flesh and bone of his hand all the way through his left arm.

"ARGH!!" he screamed.

Then, in an instant, I positioned my blade to make a swift leftward, horizontal cut.

SLASH!!

I managed to cut through half of the length of his chest. Blood gushed out from the wound.

"ARGHH CURSES!"

I pulled out my sword and proceeded to make a final cut, this time, towards his neck.

SLASH!!

The force of my blade managed to cut through his neck, separating his head and his body. The head made a thumping sound as it landed on the ground.

I swung my sword as swift as possible to get rid of the blood from tainting my blade before putting it in my scabbard.

Remembering my wound, I took his shirt and used it to apply pressure onto my wound.

I need to find a place to rest and heal.