When they reengaged, Matt purposely overextended slightly on a downward strike, and the man took the opportunity to sweep Matt’s leg.
Matt accepted the strike and went with the fall. As he hit the ground, he was able to slip his blade behind the man’s quarterstaff and thrust up under his ribs.
His opponent looked shocked, then laughed, rubbing the spot, and said, “Well, s**t. I wasn’t expecting that to be how I’d lose.”
He took it in good spirits and helped Matt up before leaving the arena.
Matt looked to the referee and held up one finger, signaling that he would take one more opponent. The last fight had winded him, but Matt had a bit more left in him.
The next opponent, who came in a minute later, was a member of the Dual Stars. He was physically a stockier man. He was wide with bu
