Ren descended like a comet, Freedom raised high, the blade gleaming as it whistled through the air. He aimed straight for Vesper, a killing stroke that was meant to end this fight before it even started.
But Vesper wasn't there.
He moved faster than Ren expected, becoming a blur of red and bark as he sidestepped the attack casually. Freedom struck the ground instead, splitting stone and earth, a shockwave rippling outward from the impact, fissures spidering beneath them.
Vesper cackled, his grin stretched too wide. "Still think everyone would be static in their strength like you? Or are you making a habit of relying on that blade like a crutch like your father?"
Thick, sharpened claws burst from his fingers, bark-black and jagged, like extensions of some forest beast.
"Let me show you the difference in our strengths." He lunged, swiping with a feral growl. Ren ducked under the first arm, sidestepped the second, and brought Freedom up in a clean arc to counter.
