The black Sheller was in his late teens, clad from head to toe in black. His eyes glittered like a predator.

“Remember all the rules. Don’t let them get a chance to inflict a scratch on you,” I instructed.

“Yes sir,” Ravan responded as they clashed with us, their knives striking almost simultaneously. We blocked and countered with matching kicks, forcing them to retreat back.

One thing I have learned in battle is to let your enemy reveal their strength. Rather than going all out offensively at the start, stay defensive with measured strikes while gathering information.

He charged at me with a wild movement that kept me on my...