Jake saw the challenge, but decided not to slow down. Making a quick note of his surroundings without breaking stride, he swung his axes, slashing in strong, speedy arcs that left afterimages of his key-axes. He mixed it up, combining a series of quick, probing attacks with one-handed power strikes, keeping his other hand ready to follow up in case of a weak point in his opponent's defenses or a slip in his own. Sparks flew as weapons clashed, creating sounds akin to a vicious thunderstorm.

Finding the enemy wasn't going to yield so quickly, Jake then switched tactics. Switching gears to a more serpentine combat style, he began dodging and bending around his foe's counterattacks, his agility belying his size. He might have been a big bruiser, but there was at least a decade or two of experience within his muscular frame. Every time the enemy would go for a coup-de-grace, he responded with rolling defenses, counters, and sliding parries intended to force the foe off-balance.

And yet through the dust, sparks, sweat, and steel, Jake could not help grinning. It had been a while since he had a fight this intense. He was enjoying this.

"I really need to complement you, that's an interesting style you have," Jake said, hoping to spice up combat with a little conversation. "Not bad on the speed techniques, either. Self taught, or can I inquire about your teacher?"