“Come on, you stupid skeleton.” Sirf announced and pointed his blade at Cade.

Cade was still in shock over the fact that Alm had attacked him in such a foolish manner. Who in their right mind jumps into the air with a sword? It leaves them open to so many potential attacks that they wouldn’t be able to avoid. The man should be grateful that Cade didn’t follow his initial plan of plunging one of the arrows into the guard’s neck, but instead gave him a few kicks instead.

Cade scanned the surroundings and couldn’t see any way that he could leave this room unscathed, as Sirf blocked the only way forward. If he doesn’t fight back when Sirf attacks, Cade would surely be dead. While keeping his focus on the guard, Cade bent down and picked up the dropped sword.

[Steel Sword (Unique): A sturdy sword forged from high-quality steel. A common weapon issued to the castle guards.]

[+4 Strength while equipped]

The sword felt awkward in his hand, as he had no skin to create a proper grip. A wrong swing and the sword would undoubtedly slip from his grasp. Cade gripped the sword as best he could with his bony hand, trying to find a comfortable hold.

Between Cade looking at the system and figuring out how to hold the sword properly, Sirf had started to move, breaking into a sprint towards him. It seemed this guard had more training and experience to compensate for the lack of a teammate. Sirf had his sword below his waist, the blade barely touching the ground as he advanced on Cade.

Cade dropped into a defensive stance, lowering his hips into a squat, and raising his weapon, ready to anticipate the guard’s attacks. Cade had no experience in sword fighting, as he had never needed to use one with guns being so prevalent. If he had a knife, he could stand his ground without issue, as knife training was an essential part of his combat profile. He could only hope that the small amount of weapons-of-opportunity training he had would suffice in this fight.

When Sirf was within a few feet, he swung the sword in an upward arc, aiming for Cade’s neck. Cade twisted the blade and placed his forearm on the flat side, using the other flat side as a shield to protect his neck. As the two blades connected, Cade’s forearm bones shook violently from the clanging metals, causing him to take a step back, the shock forcing him to lower his blade.

Sirf’s weapon bounced off Cade’s blade, forcefully raising it above the guard’s head. However, he did not lose his grip and prepared for another strike. He swung the blade downwards, targeting Cade’s skull with precision.

Cade hadn’t regained his balance, realizing he wouldn’t be able to raise the sword in time to block the strike. He had to rely on his skill.

[Skill: Flashstep activated]

Before the blade reached Cade, he vanished from his spot and reappeared further down the corridor. Though he was facing away from the guard, he heard the blade hit the ground. Sirf let out a forced grunt as his hand vibrated from the impact of metal hitting the stone forcefully. Cade didn’t turn to face him; instead, he ran to the unconscious Alm, raised his sword inches from the man’s head, and waited for Sirf to face him.

When Sirf regained his balance and stood up, he turned around and took a step forward, his body leaning forward to begin his sprint. As soon as he saw Cade’s blade above Alm’s head, he stopped where he was but did not drop his weapon. He scowled as he contemplated Cade’s intentions. Sirf decided to begin with a simple question. “Can you understand me?”

Cade nodded, relieved that Sirf was not as impulsive as Alm had been and was rational enough to try to hold a conversation. Before Sirf could respond, Cade swung his blade behind him and tapped the point against the door, keeping his gaze fixed on Sirf.

Sirf seemed to grasp the gesture as his grip tightened around his sword. “I can’t let you go through that door. It’s either your head or mine, and I’m rather fond of my hair.”

Cade retracted his sword and let it hover over Alm’s head once again, this time a few inches closer. He was determined to make his point clear, one way or another.

Silence hung in the air as Sirf took the time to think of a solution that would avoid any unnecessary bloodshed. Despite finding Alm annoying, the two had developed a bond over the past two weeks, and Sirf couldn’t bear the thought of carrying the guilt if Alm were to die needlessly. Reluctantly, he sheathed his sword and raised his hands.

Cade hesitated upon witnessing Sirf disarm himself, but he slowly stepped back towards the door. Opening it, he swiftly stabbed his sword into Alm’s right calf before slamming the door behind him, muffling Sirf’s furious shouts. That should buy Cade enough time to navigate his way out of the building, provided it wasn’t as expensive as his mind made it seem.

When Cade closed the door and turned around, he found himself standing in an unexpected sight: a sight very different from all the dead bodies and dark caves he’d encountered so far.

He was in an indoor garden, and to his surprise, he recognized the layout. An atrium stretched before him, bathed in soft light that filtered through large, ornate stained-glass windows. The air was filled with delicate fragments from blooming flowers, giving the space a touch of tranquility.

The atrium was a grand space, with marble pillars reaching up towards a high, vaulted ceiling. Intricate patterns adorned the walls, depicting scenes of nature and mysterious figures enjoying themselves with wine and food. The floor beneath Cade’s feet was made of polished stone, reflecting the glow from the windows above.

In the center of the atrium, a pristine fountain stood, its waters shimmering in the ambient light. The soothing sound of trickling water filled the air, adding to the serene atmosphere. Lush greenery surrounded the fountain, with vibrant flowers and carefully manicured plants, creating a small oasis within the enclosed space.

Across the room, nestled between the intricate patterns adorning the walls, stood an imposing archway, commanding attention with its grandeur. Crafted from rich red mahogany, the archway reached towards the ceiling, its height accentuated by delicately carved details that danced along its edges.

Cade moved forward, his footsteps echoing against the polished stone floor. Leaving the enchanting fountain behind him, he approached the archway. Stepping into the open courtyard beyond the archway, the enclosed space of the atrium gave way to a vast expanse of more greenery and open sky.

Bathed in warm sunlight, the courtyard showcased a symphony of colors and textures. Tall trees stood proudly, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, casting speckled shadows on the ground. Lush, neatly cut lawns stretched before Cade and flower beds adorned the edges of the courtyard, bursting with a kaleidoscope of blooms. Their vibrant hues and fragrances attracted bees and butterflies, as they danced from one blossom to another.

In the distance, he spotted a stone pathway meandering through the courtyard, disappearing into a grove of trees. As Cade ventured deeper into the open courtyard, his skeletal form contrasting against the vibrant surroundings, his eyes were drawn to a majestic tree standing tall in the center. Its branches reached out like welcoming arms, providing shelter from the sun. And beneath its protective canopy, he spotted a young woman, her presence hidden in the shadows. Before Cade could distance himself, the woman stirred and opened her eyes, which widened in horror as she took in his skeletal frame. A piercing scream escaped her lips, echoing through the courtyard.

Startled by the woman’s screams, the peaceful ambiance shattered, and in an instant, the atmosphere transformed. The serene courtyard became a stage for imminent action. The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder as guards, alerted by the woman’s screams, swiftly closed in on the scene. Within moments, the guards emerged from the surrounding foliage. Their expressions shifted from curiosity to concern as they assessed the situation, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons. It was clear that they were ready to protect and maintain the sanctity of the courtyard, unsure of the intentions behind the unexpected encounter.