The storm of snow and ice never seemed to stop once the great General Esdeath strode into the village. She stood tall, her army at her beck and call behind her. They all feared this blue devil in the guise of a woman.

"Show them no quarter."

It was all she had to say for this army of bloodthirsty killers dressed as soldiers to rampage forward. Esdeath watched with glee as her men began to tear appart the small village before them. This is what awaited those who dared to stand before the mighty empire.

Her eyes swept through the forest for any sign of movement. She smirked as she saw someone trying to hide behind a tree. Such pathetic attempts at evasion only served to make her more determined in her hunt. With a quick gesture, one of her soldiers dashed forward and tore the branch from which the frightened individual clung free. Before they could react, the soldier brought his sword down upon them with fatal force. Esdeath merely watched without a shred of pity as blood splattered onto the snow around them. She would find whoever had escaped her before. There was still much slaughter to be had and many more lessons to teach these pathetic mortals about the might of the Empire.

*The soldier froze solid in mid-air as the ice magic enveloped his body. The smile on Esdeath's face did not waver even a fraction of an inch. She inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the threat that this individual posed. It seemed they would have to fight after all, just as she had hoped for. Slowly, with a grace unbefitting someone wearing such heavy armor, she drew her sword from its scabbard. Its weight and balance were perfect; it hummed in anticipation of the bloodletting about to take place.

"You are an interesting one," she growled, eyeing Marukira carefully. "Come out and face me."* Her arm swept through the air, causing a gust of wind to howl through the trees. The fallen soldier was sent spinning away as leaves and branches swirled around her. She did not bother looking

Her eyes widened in surprise as the figure created an ice shield with which to defend themselves and then went on to create an ice hammer. She barely had time to react before the hammer struck, but she managed to raise her own arm and deflect it with a loud clash of steel. The shockwave from the impact sent her flying back several yards through the air, landing heavily in the snow. "So you are strong," she growled, voice ringing with challenge as she pushed herself up onto all fours. With that, she charged once more, swinging her sword in a wide arc intended to cleave Marukira in twain.

The force of the blow knocked Marukira's weapon aside as she charged forward with her own ice sword raised high. The corner of Esdeath's mouth twitched upwards in a mocking smirk. "Very well," she growled, readying herself to meet this new threat head-on. She danced nimbly out of the way of Marukira's follow-up strike, her sword flashing through the air as she sought an opening. "You fight like a true warrior!" she exclaimed with relish.

With that, she spun on her heel and struck back at Marukira, aiming to disarm their attacker before dealing them a fatal blow.

The battle between them raged on as they exchanged blow after punishing blow, each growing stronger and more skilled with every passing moment. The ground around them shattered under the impact of their icy weapons, sending shards flying in all directions. Their breath misted in the air as their bodies pushed themselves to the limits, driven by a desire for victory that bordered on madness.

The sickle struck true, but Esdeath was able to twist her body aside at the last instant, avoiding its full force. Her sword slashed out in reply, aiming for Marukira's unguarded side as they circled each other warily. A spray of snow and ice erupted into the air where their weapons connected, only for Esdeath to step forward, her weapon pressing deeper. "You are truly a worthy adversary!" she growled through clenched teeth.

Her gaze flickered with surprise as the figure created an ice axe out of nowhere, deflecting her attack and sending her spinning away once more. Esdeath landed in a crouch, quickly regaining her footing as she surveyed Marukira with newfound respect. The young warrior before her had proven themselves to be indeed strong, worthy of being called an enemy. She raised her sword, a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth as she prepared for their next clash.

"Come," she growled, "Let us see who truly deserves to live." With that, she charged forward once more, aiming to put an end to this battle once and for all.

The battle between them raged on, each growing stronger and more skilled as they dueled with the ice weapons they created at will. It was a fight unlike anything Esdeath had ever encountered before; never in her life had she faced an opponent who could match her blow for blow so effortlessly. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps as sweat dripped down her face, stinging her eyes. She could feel herself tiring, but still she fought on. There could be only one victor here today; there was no room for compromise or mercy.

With a savage growl, she raised her sword high above her head and brought it crashing down upon Marukira's ice axe with enough force to shatter it into pieces. Her eyes narrowed as she readied herself for the counterattack, ready to defend against whatever weapon they might choose to create next. The wind howled through the forest

Her breath came in ragged gasps as she deflected the ice spear with her sword, feeling its weight begin to drag at her arm. Her enemy was relentless, refusing to give an inch despite their own growing exhaustion. Esdeath gritted her teeth and forced herself onward, striking out once more with all of her might. She knew that if she let up now, even for a moment, it would be the end of everything she had worked so hard to achieve.

Their weapons clashed yet again, sending shards of ice flying in every direction as their bodies twisted and turned within the confines of their makeshift arena. Sweat poured down Esdeath's face, stinging her eyes as she struggled to maintain focus. It was then that she saw it: an opening. Her enemy had momentarily lowered their guard, leaving themselves vulnerable. With a shout of