A Proper Drinking Ritual

The sight of his blade cutting through the air above her face would provoke a surge of adrenaline within her. The imminent threat of danger and potential harm, if not evaded, heightened her survival instinct. The perilous nature of the fight added to its enjoyment.

As Meika extended her leg to kick Akira, attempting to throw him off balance, she observed his foot leaving the ground before it collided with her leg, causing a sharp, searing pain to shoot through her shin. Meika clenched her teeth, drawing blood from her bottom lip, determined not to make a sound in response to the attack. The metallic taste on her tongue was both bitter and sweet.

Akira, naturally, did not cease his assault, which Meika was prepared for. Despite the intense pain pulsating through her leg, Meika's eyes gleamed with determination as she watched him reposition his sword. Aware of her current vulnerable position on the hard floor, with his foot preventing her from moving to avoid the impending strike.

Meika swiftly reacted with a combination of instinct and anticipation, reaching for a senbon concealed on her person with her right hand. Her left arm positioned as a shield to deflect the blow, as a precaution to prevent the impact from reaching her except for her arm. Simultaneously, her right hand moved the senbon forward to strike as he brought down the handle.

Should he proceed with the attack, the senbon would embed itself in his arm, while her left arm shielded the impact.

---

{252/2,505}