"Sent here? By who?" Aren asked.
"That I cannot tell," the minotaur replied.
It took a few steps back, then spoke again. "Now, you will battle me for your right to pass… or die by my blade."
"I guess there's no choice then," Aren said. "I'll give it my all."
He took a stance, lifting his hands as if he were about to box, his right leg slightly forward and resting on its toes, like someone trained in Muay Thai.
Seeing that Aren was ready, the minotaur attacked first.
It lunged forward, hooves slamming into the ground. The stone cracked as it exploded forward, its speed immense. The burst was instant. It arrived in front of Aren before his mind could even fully register the movement.
Aren's eyes widened as the minotaur appeared before him. His body reacted on instinct. He crossed his arms into a block just as the minotaur's sword came crashing down.
Boom!
