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[img]https://image.ibb.co/dqueFJ/Theoderic_Border.png[/img]
[h2][color=gold]Black Rider[/color][/h2]
[h3]Einzbern Forest Outskirts, Miyama[/h3]
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[@Breo][@Phonic][@Crusader Lord]
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As the spear faded from Rider's hands as soon as he lunged it, his eyes widened, grunting in annoyance at how he had made such an error. He wasn't going to let his opponent capitalize on this, however. As soon as Lancer's legs met the ground, Rider exploded into action, pushing away to avoid getting locked by his opponents legs before propelling himself upward, lunging his fist up into an uppercut. The intent wasn't to strike his opponent's face, although that outcome would still be ideal, but to get himself off the ground and away from Lancer's grasp. Once that has been accomplished, Rider sprung back, pushing himself away from Lancer with yet another burst of prana as he lept backwards across the small ravine he had made just moments earlier. Landing on his feet and facing his opponent with his shield once again raised, Rider looked Lancer once again in the eyes, giving him the same fierce look he had at the beginning of their encounter.

As Rider stared down his opponent, he began to think more to himself of his current strategy. He had only intended to gauge Lancer's skill and perhaps even scare him off, but given the nature of just [i]who[/i] his opponent was along with the fact that he was easily disarmed in their first trade makes a few things very clear to Rider. While he could still keep going with the strategy he had planned on using, he'll have to focus on fighting defensively until he could get a better opportunity to strike at his heel with his sword. Of course, that also involves picking up his sword first, having chosen to use a replica with just enough mystery to be used as a weapon rather than a sword from his own collection and therefore denying him the luxury of just manifesting it back in his hand.

Then again, he could always use [i]that[/i]...

No, not tonight. While it definitely would be enough to cut through the armor, it may also ruin the mystery that Rider had already established to his current opponents regarding his identity. While [i]that[/i] doesn't necessarily belong to Rider, it is still famously associated with him enough for his enemies to narrow down his identity. And while there aren't any inherent weaknesses that would be revealed despite his own level of fame, it will give away much of his trump cards. Still, however, Rider can't keep going just with what he's been using so far...

[color=gold]"I may have underestimated your skills at Pankration, but once I strike your heel, it will be over for you, Lancer!"[/color] Rider exclaimed as he stretched the fingers of his sword hand. A small part of him considered drawing [i]that[/i] after all, but he soon clenched his hand into a fist, trying not to let his impulses get the best of his already sound strategy. [color=gold]"My instincts have already gotten used to your speed. This fight will keep going all night at this pace, Lancer, you and I both know that. My Master requests that I hold back for now, so unless you start giving it your all, how about we... talk about those arrows?"[/color]

Of course, Rider didn't intend to negotiate just so early into a fight he was having fun with. If anything, he was just stalling...

[color=gold][i]Master... I may have to borrow my steed just for a moment.[/i][/color]