Part 5:

We both rush, aiming for the offensive, clashing our blades at the mere inch from each other. I assess the V-Unit, whilst in position. The weaponised killer robot is just like it’s depicted from all the sources I looked at beforehand; slim build, a cloak, the horned helmet, as with a few new features that weren’t shown earlier such as the hidden blade now unsheathed from the dorsal of its hand, sizzling with murderous intent, clashing its with mine. Why is its blade sizzling? Beats me. There could be some discrete heat radiator or an engine inside its arm that is managing to supply this heat and fire up that blade. I don’t know how hot that blade is sizzling at, but for sure if it manages to come into contact with me or worse, I won’t be home by morning. I gotta keep it away from me if I wanna be at an advantage here.

We push away from the clash but with an attempt to catch me before I can think, it dashes immediately trying to seal the deal with me as quickly as possible. With the attempt of an overhead swing, I react by striking its wrist and redirecting it into the wall for an opening. But the V-Unit proves to me that it is an opponent that I am severely underestimating. Defying my plans, it grabs the blade of my sword and yanks it violently to pull me in closer. I see it’s trying to pin me down for the kill, I have to think fast for this one. As our distances close, I weaken the grip of the Unit’s hand and send my sword airborne with an underhand backhand, it spins high overhead leaving me unarmed. 

Just like a human would, the Unit takes advantage of my lack of a weapon and proceeds to go ham on the offense. I make use of my evasive maneuvers and evade the Unit’s attempts, all the while admiring its human-like movements that Vorutuno bestowed upon it. However, after the first few swings from it, I realise how tired I have become over the course of not only the fight but the walk and trek to get here also. Then again, how was I supposed to know that I’d be fighting a damn war robot?! 

My movements begin to slowly deteriorate as I am caught almost tripping over my feet. The Unit sees its chance and grabs me by my jacket collar, raising its hot dorsal blade against my throat. By now though, I can practically sense my sword descending as I speak. I gotta catch this! With the few energy I have left in me, I raise my leg high enough to push-kick the Unit away from me, furthering our distances. The V-Unit and I slide against the melting snow, now opposing each other from the other ends. Now it’s a joust with my blade descending in between us. Without further waste, we both charge at each other. Just as we do, I can see the blade enter my sight from above. Just as I planned, nice! 

Now with our distances closed, the Unit responds swiftly, using its speed and slim build to get the strike on me before I can do anything to it. Just as it raises its arm for the kill, I manage to catch the descending blade and slide under its attempted swing, executing a clean reverse-grip slash to its midsection. 

The unit freezes in place after the slash. I look over my shoulder to confirm its defeat but its frozen stature leaves me in confusion. Have- I defeated it? Why is it not moving? 

Just as I think it has yielded or malfunctioned, the Unit in an erratic manner twists its neck 180 degrees to face me, inflicting fear and uneasiness into my heart. It may just be me but I also feel as if those glowing red bulb-eyes of theirs are glowing brighter than before. What used to be the eyes of murderous intent transitioned into something more gruesome and indescribable for those who’re weak-hearted. What have I gotten myself into?! 

The Unit rushes once again, much faster than it was before! A mere blink was all that was needed to ensure my point as it pounces on me with no indication of prior movement at all. What the hell is fueling this thing?! 

I swiftly reposition myself and raise my guard as the Unit unleashes a flurry of fiery and hellish swings upon my blade. The Unit’s dorsal blade suddenly sparks a flame as the steel glows redder and redder. At this rate it's going to cut my sword like butter! Its flurries are leaving me in a state where I can’t make another move. I’m being pinned while I’m still standing! How am I supposed to get out of this?!

My arms grow heavier and weaker as the flurry continues. Damnit! Not here! Not now! What am I going to do!

I am sent into a panic. My composed breathing from before has turned into me hyperventilating for my life. I can feel a sweat drip from my head. I’m losing hope… I can’t make it out of this one… 

I look up to the sky to take another glance at the stars while I’m still at it. But a cloaked figure on top of the walls obscures the view a bit… I must be seeing things… 

I feel like letting go of the guard now. I am getting way too tired for this…