The Valmorian knights attacked.
They came at Ulrich from every side of the deck.
Black armor moved through the rain. Their boots struck wet wood. Anti-magic swords came free of their guards, their dark edges aimed toward Ulrich's throat, chest, back, and legs.
Ulrich did not retreat.
Crimson Formula Rings turned around him.
Some circled his feet. Others moved around his waist, shoulders, and arms. Larger rings passed behind his back and over his head, their runes changing position with every rotation. The crimson light reflected across the rain-soaked deck and turned the black armor surrounding him into dark silhouettes.
The first knight reached him.
His sword came from Ulrich's right.
Ulrich shifted his body.
The movement was small.
A ring near his shoulder moved with him. It slid across his right side just before the black blade arrived. The knight's anti-magic sword struck the crimson formation.
The soldier expected the spell to shatter upon contact.
But it did not...
