Chapter 7
Such things forge us...those who do not break under the fires of extreme diversity emerge stronger and sharper than before. We are red irons straight from the forge, just waiting to be quenched upon the sea of battle!”
“You have not given me your name.” Val asked. “What is your story?”
“Does it really matter?” The woman asked. “You are not stalling, are you?”
“Not at all,” Val replied. “The evaluation of your opponent is every much a part of the battle as the first strike. If we are to fight then it is my responsibility to learn as much about you as possible. Not just for tactics but for the overall experience. What fun is defeating an opponent you know nothing of? What glory is there to be gained from that?”
“Fair enough,” The woman said with a smile. “I take you as o
