[center][h2][color=00aeef][i][b]Saber[/b][/i][/color][/h2]
[h3][i][b]District XII[/b][/i][/h3][/center]
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[color=00aeef]“Seems like I underestimated you a bit huh?”[/color] The voice that came from the treeline carried its fair share of mirth, despite the trouble coming its way.

Well, he was fighting heroes here. Expecting things to be easy was stupid to begin with.

Still, if this was what Archer could do while he used the treeline to mask his advance and cover himself, he was glad he hadn’t chanced a frontal assault. 

He tilted his head to the side as one of the shots slipped past and brushed very close to his cheek.

Very glad indeed.

But even now he continued to take note of the factors at play. First, Archer's shots aimed to also lock down his movement — that much at least confirmed to him that he did not wish to engage in closer range. It might have seemed obvious considering their respective Classes, but after being forced on the backfoot by a weapon he “should” not have needed to care about, Saber did not want to leave anything to chance.

Second, Archer’s marksmanship was impressive, but he had made the right choice in attempting this.

The fact that he was firing in “bursts” might not have been noticeable to a human. It was more likely that they would only see Archer’s weapon continuously spitting fire in his direction. But to Saber, the gap — minimal as it was — existed.

There were two other blessings: the treeline, though worthless in terms of stopping bullets, did its job as a momentary visual cover before being shredded through. 

And, Archer had chosen not to change positions.

He knew where the attacks would come from. Not all of them were a lethal danger. He had grasped Archer’s rhythm. Then, all he needed to do right now was follow through.

Don’t bother with unnecessary movements. Block only the ones you need to in order to stay alive and keep moving forward. Use the momentary lull in between onslaughts to your advantage and press on.

Of course, it was easier said than done. Not every attack could be blocked — some, he guessed as a bullet glanced against the outside of his arm, ripping cloth and skin and drawing blood, you could only hope to minimize and bear with.

That was fine. You can’t get anything of worth without giving up something else. So long as the blow was not fatal, between his constitution, Master and stubbornness, Saber was confident that he would pull through.

He felt the faint beginnings of Tizona’s thrumming in his hand.

However, then came the moment where Archer fired his last burst, and where Saber had expected the momentary quiet he had grown used to, he instead heard a “click”.

[i][color=00aeef]'Oh. So that's how it is?'[/color][/i]

Admittedly, the momentary surprise might have given Archer a small headstart. But that was fine. That was more than fine.

Saber’s gaze sharpened, and his smile gained a fiercer edge. For the time being, the “flow” would be dictated by him, then.

Fully stepping out of cover, he caught his opponent’s back as he made a quick retreat. 

[color=00aeef]“Well, I guess it’s my turn now, isn’t it Archer? Are you as good a marksman without your toy?”[/color]

In the next breath, Saber had already launched himself after the other man at full speed, intent on not letting this chance go to waste and reduce the distance between them for all it was worth.

Certainly, a stark contrast considering his previous approach. Perhaps he simply wanted to capitalize on what he saw as an obvious opportunity?
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[hider] [@Cu Chulainn] [@DostHou] [@DarckLeon][/hider]