But Satou wasn't there.
Shadow Step. The ability activated in the split-second before Richard's blade would have connected, and Satou simply ceased to exist in that location and appeared five feet to the left. The space he'd occupied a moment ago was empty, and Richard's sword—moving with enough force to decapitate—cut through nothing but air.
The sheer power of the swing created a shockwave despite hitting no resistance. The displaced air buffeted nearby bookshelves, loose papers scattered, and the candles on Richard's reading table guttered from the wind pressure.
BOOM.
The sound reverberated through the library like a thunderclap, and several things happened simultaneously:
Satou counter-attacked, his Shadow Blade thrusting toward the opening Richard had created with his overextended strike.
