Jackal's attack is perfect, and the sword slahses through the air straight and true to the villain's heart, despite his attempts at dodging. Then... something happens.
The sky goes dark for a moment, as if a quick cloud had passed before the sun - except that today the weather is wonderful and the air is clear. A reddish fog, a mist, appears to the side of Kerall and takes a humanoid appearance. A hand made of red vapour is lifted and, as if it was made of solid adamantium, blocks Jackal's sword without even trembling.
The audience is too distant to see what exactly is happening, but the two fighters are at less than a meter from what they can recognize as the face of Evil - the grinning face of a demon. As quick as it was formed, the mist vanishes.
Dirty Trick!
What the hell was that?, Jackal can't help wondering as he resumes his fighting stance. But Kerall is no less surprised - in fact, he seems worried, very worried about something.
A hissing, echoing voice booms in Kerall's head. "I have come to your aid for this time, my servant. Do not expect me to do it again for a while. I have many slaves, and you are not among the first".
Despite the horrible thoughts racing through his mind, Kerall falls back on his trusted Vine style, made of twisted attacks coming from unexpected directions, which he has used many times in the past, and launches a very fast and brutal attack aimed at Jackal's face. His words, however, are for someone (something?) else.
"I"
A punch.
"am"
A kick.
"not"
A punch.
"your"
A punch.
"SERVANT!!"
An exceptional kick flies straight to Jackal's mouth.
The vine ravages the groto; reduces the touch of the ember!