"Aiiiissshhhh…!"
The impact of the blow was heavy enough to shake the room, and Cedric's boots skidded across the stone floor before finally coming to a halt several meters away.
The dust that had billowed out from the strike then settled to reveal Cedric standing firm with one hand raised. Apparently, just before the Oni struck, he had raised his left hand to block the blunt force of the weapon.
At that moment, the Oni's voice sounded like a rumbling engine as he counted his words:
"I. Dislike. This…"
He kept his eyes fixed on the ring on Cedric's finger, and he seemed really wary of it. "If you think that—"
"Oi." He was still speaking when Cedric cut him off in a really angry voice.
"You stubborn child…"
His blue eyes began to bleed into a deep, solid black as he lifted his head to see the Oni standing in a relaxed, cocky position with his club resting back on his shoulder and a mocking grin on his face.
"This is my sacred space, you ungrateful brat."
