Blood dripped from your chin, your breathing labored as you forced yourself to stand, gripping your weapon tightly. Karaku watched you, leaning lazily against a tree, his expression one of bemusement.

"Still standing?" he mused, pushing off the tree and walking toward you. It was as if the battle was nothing more than a game to him. "I have to say, I’m impressed. Most people would have fallen by now."

Karaku’s smirk widened, his hand reaching out to tilt your chin upward, forcing you to meet his gaze. "Tell me, how long do you think you’ll last?" He let the question hang in the air, his touch cold. "I’m curious to see just how much more you can take... This is the most fun I’ve had in a while. Don’t disappoint me now."