Kyoji's eyes locked on Frederick.
He didn't look away for a second, staying focused on Frederick's every move.
Even though his attacks were basic, he kept adjusting—lowering his stance, tightening his grip, and changing the angle of his sword slightly with each exchange.
He was learning. The improvement wasn't fast, but it was progress.
Suddenly, Frederick swept his leg out, trying to knock Kyoji off balance, but Kyoji stepped back just in time to avoid it.
Then, he lunged forward with a sudden thrust—the first real offensive move he had made. It was quick and sharp enough to make Frederick's expression change for a brief moment.
"Ah, there you go," Frederick said with a grin, easily parrying the strike. "Now you're getting it."
"Still far from winning, though," he added smugly before launching a flurry of attacks at Kyoji. Kyoji dodged or blocked most of them, but it was clear he wouldn't last much longer.
In the end, he lost—with Frederick's sword pointed at his neck.
